Internet in Switzerland for travellers: which eSIM to choose
Switzerland is one of the destinations where it pays most to have your data sorted before you leave home. Two ways to do it: by the GB, with no daily cap, or unlimited GB with 3 GB a day.
Which plan suits you, by number of days
| Trip | By the GB | Unlimited GB |
|---|---|---|
| 3 days | 1 GB · €3.95 | €9.95 |
| 7 days | 10 GB · €10.95 | €19.95 |
| 15 days | 20 GB · €17.95 | €36.95 |
| 30 days | 50 GB · €34.95 | €64.95 |
Prices include VAT and are the same as on the Switzerland page. Validity: the 1 GB plan, 7 days; 3 to 50 GB, 30 days.
If you’re out hiking and relying on maps all day, expect to use more than on a city trip. Work it out in two minutes.
When unlimited is worth it, and when it isn’t
A week of unlimited GB costs €19.95. For less money you get 20 GB (€17.95), almost 3 GB a day with no daily reset.
- Cities, trains and maps: a plan by the GB. 10 GB for a week is plenty with normal use.
- Video, video calls or sharing data: unlimited.
- A month: 50 GB for €34.95 against €64.95 for unlimited.
What unlimited includes, exactly
3 GB a day at full speed and, once you’ve used them, 1 Mbps until the next day.
It’s on the plan card, before you pay. The full story: the truth about “unlimited” data.
Where your traffic goes out
In Switzerland, your traffic goes out through France, the Netherlands or the UK, depending on the connection.
Some websites will see you in another European country: that may change the language they greet you in or a search engine’s local results. For maps, messaging, social media and video, nothing changes. This is also on the destination page, before you buy.
The network is 5G, with whatever coverage each area has. In the mountains, as with any operator, coverage depends on which valley you’re in.
How to activate it
- Install it at home, on wifi. Installing doesn’t use data or start the days.
- When you arrive, turn on data roaming for the eSIM line.
- The days start with your first connection to a Swiss network.
Steps for each phone model are in the installation guide; check compatibility with the compatibility checker.
Frequently asked questions about internet in Switzerland
Do I keep my number and WhatsApp?
Yes. The eSIM is data-only and your usual SIM stays in the phone with your number.
I’m arriving by train from France or Italy. Will a Europe plan work?
It depends on the pack: each one lists its countries on its page. Check the Europe eSIM.
What if I run out of data halfway along a route?
There’s no top-up on the website at the moment: you would need to buy another plan. If you have signal, buying is instant and the eSIM arrives by email straight away.
What happens when I use up the day’s 3 GB on the unlimited plan?
You drop to 1 Mbps until the next day.
Do I need to set anything else up?
Only data roaming for the eSIM line. On some Android phones you have to enter the APN by hand; the right one is on the destination page.
Our pick for a week in Switzerland
The 10 GB plan for €10.95, valid for 30 days. For video or sharing data, the 7-day unlimited plan for €19.95.