Prepaid SIM / eSIM in Switzerland: how to buy a 4G internet chip?
Roaming Fees
Be careful not to get caught out! Although Switzerland is a European country, it is not part of the European Union. So you won’t necessarily get free roaming with your French plan. And it can cost you (especially with SFR ^^)!
Here’s what 1 MB of internet costs with the main French carriers.
| Carrier | Rate |
|---|---|
| SFR | €1.98 / MB |
| Free | Included in the €20 plan |
| Bouygues | €0.06 / MB |
| Orange | Included |
Buy a SIM card before you leave
If you want a SIM card to use in Switzerland without any nasty out-of-plan surprises, one option is to buy a SIM card before you leave. You’ll receive it at home and all you’ll have to do is pop it into your phone when you arrive in Switzerland. You’ll have access to 4G right away.
With Holafly
That’s what Holafly offers; they’re a specialist in 4G chips for travel abroad.
Click here to see Holafly’s offers in Switzerland and get a PROMO CODE.
Holafly offers SIM cards for Switzerland with unlimited internet. Prices vary depending on the length of your stay.
| Duration | Rate |
|---|---|
| 5 days | 29 € |
| 10 days | 39 € |
| 15 days | 49 € |
| 20 days | 59 € |
| 30 days | 87 € |
| 60 days | 169 € |
| 90 days | 239 € |
On Amazon
A more budget-friendly option on Amazon (see the offer), you can get 20 GB of internet valid for 30 days.
With this option, though, you’ll need to activate the SIM card in France before you leave.
Buy an eSIM valid in Switzerland
If you have a phone that supports eSIM, that’s another option Holafly offers (see the offer). Feel free to use the promo code TOURDUMONDE5CONTINENTS
Prices are slightly more attractive than the physical SIM card for short stays. For longer stays, it becomes very interesting.
| Duration | Rate |
|---|---|
| 5 days | 19 € |
| 10 days | 34 € |
| 15 days | 47 € |
| 20 days | 57 € |
| 30 days | 69 € |
| 60 days | 87 € |
| 90 days | 99 € |
Buy a 4G chip at Zurich Airport
At Zurich Airport, you can buy a Lebara SIM card at this counter.
Note that you won’t be able to pay by card. Only cash, in Swiss Francs or Euros.
You have several options at very decent prices. Unlimited internet, for example, costs 1.5 CHF per day.
Buying a SIM card in town
It’s very easy to buy a Swiss SIM card in the city.
The main phone carriers are Swisscom, Sunrise, and Salt.
Keep your eyes open; you’ll easily spot their logos in grocery stores, kiosks, train stations, … all you have to do is ask around and buy the plan that suits you best.
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