Switzerland: 14 Best eSIMs Compared + Discounts (2023)

Switzerland is a country on a lot of our bucket lists.

If the gorgeous farmlands, and high alpine peaks don’t get you, the Swiss chocolate definitely will.

When you’re visiting the Alps, you can see historic castles, ski down sublime slopes, and live your ‘The Sound of Music’ fantasies.

Alternatively, the Plateau offers you the chance to tour important cities like Bern and Geneva, or let your love flow in a romantic lakeside retreat.

Finally, the Jura. This region of Switzerland offers you a chance to brush up on your Français, while chilling out in a cosy log cabin.

With fabulous roads and rail connections, Switzerland is the perfect country for a scenic road-trip with your friends.

From the highest of mountains, waterfalls, natural lakes, quaint towns, and delicious food, everyone from the day-tripper, to the adrenaline junkie, is satisfied in Switzerland.

But, while Switzerland is well known for many things, it isn’t exactly known for its low, low prices for travellers and tourists.

This can be a little bit of a problem, because you need to stay connected to the rest of the worldwhile you’re travelling in Switzerland.

But, running up your roaming bill in Switzerland is only going to leave a sour taste in your mouth, and your wallet.

An eSIM works by virtually offering you a sim card, through phone networks in the country.

You won’t actually need to buy and insert a physical sim card into your phone. This is great as it can save you a lot of hassle (and a lot of money when it comes to the physical sim card prices in Switzerland).

So, for the best results while you’re abroad, you should opt for an eSIM to save you time and money in Switzerland.

If you don’t know where to even start with that, don’t panic. Below we’ve listed everything you need to know, to get the best eSIM in Switzerland.

You can get an eSIM for Switzerland for as low as 4.50 USD up to 99 USD from Airalo, Holafly, Nomad & Ubigi offering between 500 MB and unlimited data to be used locally, in Europe, or globally.

There are some mobile operators who will charge you 100 USD for only 100 MB of roaming data, so these travel eSIM offers are much better than most international roaming deals.

In this guide, I will go over the eSIM options offered by the Swiss mobile operators (if available), Airalo, Holafly, Nomad & Ubigi. Let's get started.

Original publication: 19th of August 2022. Last updated: 3rd of June 2023.

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Table of Contents

In a Hurry? A Quick Introduction

I will write about 14 eSIM options in Switzerland (and explain why they are included).

But if you want to want to quickly check out what the best eSIMs are for Switzerland without my analysis and explanations, here is an overview of the eSIMs covered in this guide:

• Swiss mobile operators (two offer eSIMs to prepaid customers – read more in my Switzerland SIM card buying guide)
• Airalo Pilatus Mobile eSIM with 5G NR access with six choices between 1 GB and 20 GB (best value for money)
• Holafly Switzerland eSIM with unlimited data for 5 to 90 days (unlimited data eSIMs)
• Nomad Switzerland eSIM with 11 choices between 1 GB and 20 GB (best value for money… too)
• Airalo Eurolink eSIM with 5G NR access in Switzerland with six choices between 1 GB and 100 GB (best value for money for 39 European countries) – read my ongoing Airalo Eurolink eSIM review too!
• Holafly Europe eSIM with unlimited data for 5 to 60 days (unlimited data eSIMs for 33 European countries)
• Nomad Europe eSIM with 13 choices between 1 GB and 40 GB (the best of both worlds in terms of pricing and performance for 35 European countries)
• SimOptions Europe eSIMs with seven choices between 8 GB and 24 GB (choice from multiple providers + calling & texting options (the only one in this list))
• Ubigi Europe Plans with 5G NR access in Switzerland (most extensive Europe coverage (52 countries), with a liberal definition of Europe in your favor)
• Airalo Discover Global eSIM with five choices between 1 GB and 20 GB (reasonable global coverage (85+ countries) at attractive prices) – read my ongoing Airalo Discover Global eSIM review too!
• AIS eSIM2FLY Global eSIM through SimOptions with 5G NR access in Switzerland with one 6 GB option (eSIM with the most 5G NR supported countries (50/123) at a reasonable price but with a short validity)
• Nomad Global eSIM with three choices between 1 GB and 5 GB (extensive global coverage (110 countries) at high(er) prices)
• Ubigi World Plan with 5G NR access in Switzerland (most extensive global coverage (175+ countries) at the highest prices)

The eSIM providers are in alphabetical order per grouping (Switzerland-only, regional & global) – not in order of preference (you would have to read the complete guide to find out which eSIMs I love the most for Switzerland 😜).

Let's truly get started, shall we?

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eSIMs offered by Swiss Mobile Operators

In order to get the best performance out there, it is often recommended to go directly with the local mobile operators because you will get a higher priority on the network compared to roaming.

Currently, Lebara Switzerland and Yallo offering eSIMs to prepaid customers.

Note that the Swiss mobile operators require your identification (ID for EU/EEA travelers and passport for anyone else) for eSIMs and physical SIM cards as part of Switzerland's SIM card registration requirements.

And some travelers do not want to deal with any of that for privacy reasons.

Luckily, there is a way to avoid this registration scheme: by roaming (super expensive) or using a travel eSIM (affordable AND can be cheaper than local SIM cards in many countries).

Travel eSIM providers Airalo, Holafly, Nomad, SimOptions & Ubigi offer attractive eSIMs for Switzerland, allowing them to be set up before arriving in Switzerland and activating them as soon as you land.

Very convenient, right? And I have used eSIMs from Airalo, Holafly, Nomad, SimOptions & Ubigi before, and I can assure you they work well!

So let's check out all the options, shall we?

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Airalo eSIMs for Switzerland (Pilatus Mobile)

Airalo eSIMs are my favorite travel eSIMs out there because they are always good value for money compared to other travel eSIM providers (especially travel eSIMs not mentioned in this guide).

And the same can be said for the Pilatus Mobile eSIM – 10 GB of data is available for only 24 USD.

Wait… you have no idea who or what Airalo is? I have an in-depth review explaining how Airalo works and all its options, based on four years of using Airalo eSIMs – you can read it now or later (I will briefly introduce Airalo anyway in this guide).

Anyway, the Pilatus Mobile eSIM uses the Sunrise network, which is the best overall Swiss mobile operator (speed-wise).

You have six Airalo Pilatus Mobile eSIM options:

1. Switzerland/Pilatus Mobile 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 4.50 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
2. Switzerland/Pilatus Mobile 2 GB eSIM for 15 days (new), costing 8 USD
3. Switzerland/Pilatus Mobile 3 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 10 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
4. Switzerland/Pilatus Mobile 5 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 14.50 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
5. Switzerland/Pilatus Mobile 10 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 24 USD
6. Switzerland/Pilatus Mobile 20 GB eSIM for 30 days (new), costing 38 USD

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in May based on data up to the 17^th of May (2023 data only).

Honestly, the Airalo Pilatus Mobile eSIM is not bad at all, especially considering its options and prices.

Let me review some of its pros and cons before you get a Pilatus Mobile eSIM (or continue exploring your other options mentioned in this guide).

Airalo Pilatus Mobile eSIM Pros

What are the main perks of Airalo's Pilatus Mobile eSIMs?

• You can avoid expensive international roaming fees
• You can purchase and set up your Pilatus Mobile eSIM before arriving in Switzerland (and activate it upon landing)
  • The eSIM will start once you have it enabled and are in Switzerland – not earlier (so you can pre-purchase your eSIM months in advance in peace – I do this often)
• You can skip Switzerland's SIM card registration requirements and any queues at the airport or in town
• You get full (up to 4G/LTE) access to the Sunrise network
• The eSIMs are affordable and have generous data allowances
• You can manage your eSIM easily on the Airalo website or its apps (Android and iOS)
  • If you need more data, top-ups are available (at the same prices as listed earlier – not at a markup)

Airalo Pilatus Mobile eSIM Cons

What are the main cons of Airalo's Pilatus Mobile eSIMs?

• You cannot call or text with the Pilatus Mobile eSIM – it is a data-only eSIM (so you do not get a (Swiss) phone number either)
• While you get access to Sunrise's network, your speeds will not be as fast as going with Sunrise itself because you will be roaming on their networks (and not be a native customer)
• The Swiss mobile operators have much more generous data allowances (while Pilatus Mobile's is capped at 20 GB, but top-ups are available)
• There are no unlimited data plans (unlike some other options mentioned in this guide)
• There is no 5G NR access with the Pilatus Mobile eSIM (but you will have 5G NR access with the Airalo Eurolink eSIM instead – more about it later)

Airalo Pilatus Mobile eSIM Overall Thoughts

I am a big fan of Airalo and its eSIMs in general, as mentioned in my Airalo review, including the Pilatus Mobile eSIM.

It offers reasonable data plans for low prices – even for Swiss standards.

You get fast (up to 4G/LTE) speeds and access in Switzerland without standing in queues or dealing with SIM card registration bureaucracy.

But if making actual phone calls and sending real text messages are important to you (so not through an app like WhatsApp), you may want to buy a Swiss SIM card instead (an in-depth guide).

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Holafly eSIMs for Switzerland

The second eSIM provider I recommend is Holafly.

It started something revolutionary in June 2022.

Holafly offers unlimited data plans for Switzerland, many other European Union member states, and a few other countries.

No idea who or what Holafly is? I have an in-depth review explaining how Airalo works and all its options, based on two years of using Holafly eSIMs – you can read it now or later (I will briefly introduce Holafly anyway in this guide).

From what I know, Holafly is the first to offer unlimited data plans for so many countries WITHOUT a Fair-Use Policy.

That was what I was told initially.

A few weeks later, though, this paragraph was added to its “Can my connection speed be reduced?” FAQ:

[…] if the mobile operator estimates the usage of more than 90 GB of data in a month, it may temporarily reduce the speed to 256 Kbps – 1 Mbps to avoid affecting other users. This limitation is intended to prevent network saturation and will be removed within 24 hours.

One of Holafly's competitors (an eSIM reseller – not me, lol) tried to hit a daily fair-use limit, realizing that speeds get throttled after using more than 2.5 GB to 3 GB daily.

Do with this information as you wish 😏.

Now, I have to say that Holafly's Switzerland unlimited data plans are more expensive than any eSIM mentioned in this guide.

But if you do not want to worry about data allowances, Holafly is the one to go for.

The Holafly eSIMs use the Swisscom, Sunrise Switzerland & Salt Mobile networks.

You have the following eight options with Holafly:

1. Switzerland Holafly unlimited data eSIM for 5 days, costing 19 USD/19 EUR/19 GBP/27 AUD/24 CAD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
2. Switzerland Holafly unlimited data eSIM for 7 days, costing 27 USD/27 EUR/24 GBP/44 AUD/34 CAD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
3. Switzerland Holafly unlimited data eSIM for 10 days, costing 34 USD/34 EUR/29 GBP/49 AUD/44 CAD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
4. Switzerland Holafly unlimited data eSIM for 15 days, costing 47 USD/47 EUR/44 GBP/67 AUD/55 CAD
5. Switzerland Holafly unlimited data eSIM for 20 days, costing 54 USD/57 EUR/49 GBP/84 AUD/74 CAD
6. Switzerland Holafly unlimited data eSIM for 30 days, costing 64 USD/69 EUR/59 GBP/99 AUD/89 CAD
7. Switzerland Holafly unlimited data eSIM for 60 days, costing 84 USD/87 EUR/77 GBP/127 AUD/114 CAD
8. Switzerland Holafly unlimited data eSIM for 90 days, costing 99 USD/99 EUR/87 GBP/144 AUD/129 CAD

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in May based on data up to the 17^th of May (2023 data only).

The best part is that you can get 5% off using code PHONETRAVELWIZ on each Holafly eSIM purchase!

Once again, let's see some pros and cons of the Holafly Switzerland eSIMs.

Holafly Switzerland eSIM Pros

What are the main perks of Holafly's Switzerland eSIMs?

• You can avoid expensive international roaming fees
• You can skip Switzerland's SIM card registration requirements
• You get full (up to 4G/LTE) access to Swisscom, Sunrise Switzerland & Salt Mobile networks
• You do not have to deal with hard data caps because you get unlimited data (32 GB – here I come!)
• If you, somehow, experience any problems, Holafly's support team responds surprisingly quickly (even on weekends)

Holafly Switzerland eSIM eSIM Cons

What are the main cons of Holafly's Switzerland eSIMs?

• You cannot call or text with the Holafly Switzerland eSIM – it is a data-only eSIM (so you do not get a (Swiss) phone number either)
• While you get access to the Swisscom, Sunrise Switzerland & Salt Mobile networks, your speeds will not be as fast as going with them themselves because you will be roaming on their networks (and not be a native customer)
• The eSIM's validity, supposedly, starts as soon as you scan the QR code, not upon using it in Switzerland
  • I say supposedly because I have installed eSIMs literally months in advance and had no issues using them later, but I do not want you to experience this issue with your hard-earned money
• While you get “unlimited” data, the soft cap seems to be 2.5-3 GB/day and 90 GB per month (if you get the 30-, 60-, or 90-day eSIM)
  • I have not experienced this soft cap myself
• You cannot use your phone as a hotspot (tether) with any Holafly unlimited data eSIM
• There is no 5G NR access with the Holafly eSIM
• You cannot top-up your eSIM – you have to buy a new one (in case you stay in Switzerland for a bit longer than initially planned)
• Holafly is the most expensive eSIM provider in this guide for Switzerland-only eSIMs

Holafly Switzerland eSIM Overall Thoughts

I love that Holafly decided to innovate and offer unlimited data plans (although unlimited should be written as “unlimited” instead).

I was not a fan of Holafly when it had travel SIM cards (discontinued) because they were crazy expensive (I am talking about 20 USD for 1 GB of data in some Caribbean nation expensive).

Luckily that is not the case with its eSIMs, so I have used Holafly eSIMs in many countries and counting.

Be sure to use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for 5% off each Holafly purchase (yes, you can use it multiple times)!

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Nomad eSIMs for Switzerland

Another eSIM provider I recommend is Nomad.

And no, I am not talking about the (digital) Nomad lifestyle, but Nomad eSIMs! (Check out my Nomad review to learn more about all its options).

Previously, I implied that Nomad eSIMs, including the Switzerland ones, were mediocre.

And they used to be.

But since then, Nomad dropped its prices, switched to a better roaming partner & improved its overall service.

It may have been because I complained… but still 🤫.

For many European countries, Nomad partnered with Truphone – a global connectivity carrier.

For some reason, Truphone is secretive about the local network(s) it uses (and its partners are not allowed to disclose it either).

Unfortunately, I did not note it down when I was I was in Switzerland 🥲.

Anyway, I also wrote that Nomad used to be more expensive than Airalo.

It still is… slightly, but it has dropped its prices since, making it more competitive (compared to many of its competitors, not just Airalo or others mentioned in this guide).

So I am happy to not call Nomad mediocre anymore 🤣.

You have the following 11 options with Nomad:

1. Switzerland Nomad 1 GB eSIM for 7 days (Truphone), costing 7 USD/7 EUR/6 GBP/10 CAD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
2. Switzerland Nomad 1 GB eSIM for 7 days (Salt Mobile (Multiple providers – new), costing 6 USD/6 EUR/5 GBP/8.50 CAD
3. Switzerland Nomad 3 GB eSIM for 30 days (Truphone), costing 12 USD/11.50 EUR/10 GBP/16.50 CAD
4. Switzerland Nomad 3 GB eSIM for 15 days (Multiple providers) Switzerland – new), costing 12 USD/11.50 EUR/10 GBP/16.50 CAD
5. Switzerland Nomad 5 GB eSIM for 30 days (Truphone), costing 14 USD/13.50 EUR/11.50 GBP/19.50 CAD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
6. Switzerland Nomad 5 GB eSIM for 15 days (Multiple providers – new), costing 14 USD/13.50 EUR/11.50 GBP/19.50 CAD
7. Switzerland Nomad 10 GB eSIM for 30 days (Truphone), costing 20 USD/19 EUR/16.50 GBP/27.50 CAD
8. Switzerland Nomad 10 GB eSIM for 30 days (Multiple providers – new), costing 19 USD/18 EUR/15.50 GBP/26 CAD
9. Switzerland Nomad 15 GB eSIM for 30 days (Multiple providers – new), costing 27 USD/25.50 EUR/22 GBP/37 CAD
10. Switzerland Nomad 20 GB eSIM for 30 days (Multiple providers – new), costing 33 USD/31 EUR/27 GBP/45 CAD
11. Switzerland Nomad 20 GB eSIM for 30 days (Truphone), costing 32 USD/30 EUR/26 GBP/44 CAD

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in February based on data up to the 7^th of February

And you know that I have a good deal waiting for you: use code ADU123 and get 3 USD/2.70 EUR/2.40 GBP/4.05 CAD off your first Nomad purchase!

Nomad Switzerland eSIM Pros

What are the main perks of Nomad's Switzerland eSIMs?

• You can avoid expensive international roaming fees
• You can skip Switzerland's SIM card registration requirements and any queues at the airport or in town
• You get full (up to 4G/LTE) access to (an) undisclosed Swiss network(s)
• The eSIMs are affordable and have generous data allowances
• You can manage your eSIM easily on the Nomad website or its apps (Android and iOS)
  • If you need more data, top-ups are available (at the same prices as listed earlier – not at a markup)
• If you, somehow, experience any problems, Nomad's support team responds surprisingly quickly (even on weekends)

But it is not all good news with Nomad though – there are some disadvantages.

Nomad Switzerland eSIM Cons

What are the main cons of Nomad's Switzerland eSIMs?

• You cannot call or text with the Nomad Switzerland eSIM – it is a data-only eSIM (so you do not get a (Swiss) phone number either)
• While you get access to (an) undisclosed Swiss network(s), your speeds will not be as fast as going with the mobile operator(s) it-/themselves because you will be roaming on its/their network(s) (and not be a native customer)
• The eSIM's validity starts after 30 days of purchase, not upon using it in Switzerland
  • During select promotions, this gets extended (up to six months I have seen), but do not buy your eSIM too early, else it will self-activate after 30 days and simply expire
• The Swiss mobile operators have much more generous data allowances (while Nomad's is capped at 20 GB, but top-ups are available)
• There are no unlimited data plans (although this may or may be coming soon… I know of nothing 🤫)
• There is no 5G NR access with the Nomad Switzerland eSIM

Nomad Switzerland eSIM Overall Thoughts

Generally, I am happy to have seen Nomad grow and become much better over the years.

This resulted in me using its eSIMs in more than 25 countries so far (and I share my experience in my Nomad review).

From becoming a mediocre option to one of the leading eSIM providers (especially for European eSIMs) within a year is quite an achievement.

Currently, Nomad has way more data options in Asia, Oceania, the United Kingdom & the United States.

I hope they can be added for Switzerland too because there is demand for it.

But besides that, the Nomad Switzerland eSIM is fine.

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Best eSIMs for in Europe & the World (including Switzerland)

So what if you plan to visit a neighboring European country?

Unfortunately, you cannot use your Airalo, Holafly, Nomad, or Ubigi eSIMs in any country than Switzerland.

Luckily, some of the eSIM providers mentioned so far do have eSIMs that can be used throughout most or all of Europe (+extras).

And there are also some global eSIMs with attractive prices that can be useful if you visit Europe and another continent or region.

I highly recommend these Europe or global eSIMs if you plan to visit multiple European countries to save money!

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Airalo Eurolink Europe eSIM (5G NR Access in Switzerland)

You have not undoubtedly read of Airalo's Eurolink eSIM, as it is the most popular Europe travel eSIM out there (yes, even its competitors cannot match… yet – and Phone Travel Wiz readers love this eSIM too).

Not only because Airalo may have been the first with such a regional European eSIM but also because of how easy it is to travel across Europe and how convenient it is.

And since it had this eSIM, Airalo keeps improving on it.

For example, more countries are covered today, with Andorra and Switzerland being the newest additions (for now).

And you get FREE 5G NR access in more than half of the supported countries.

So, in how many countries can this Airalo Eurolink eSIM be used? 39 European countries, including Switzerland.

And that includes all member states of the European Union.

Below is a complete overview of countries the Airalo Eurolink eSIM works in:

The Airalo Eurolink eSIM can be used in the following 39 countries:

I aim to use and try the Airalo Eurolink eSIM in all supported countries.

So far, I have used the eSIM in 12 countries, so I still have a long way to go!

• Check out my Airalo Eurolink eSIM review

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Holafly Europe eSIM

Holafly also has an eSIM for Europe.

And this eSIM is probably Holafly's best regional eSIM because it allows for unlimited data in 32 European countries.

Although Holafly's definition of Europe is basically the European Economic Area (except for Liechtenstein) + Switzerland, Ukraine & the United Kingdom.

Even then… unlimited data! 🤩

The Holafly Europe eSIM can be used in the following 33 countries:

And yes, you can still use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for 5% off!

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Nomad Europe eSIM

Another affordable eSIM for Europe is Nomad's Europe eSIM.

It can be used in 30 or 35 countries, depending on the plan you choose.

In Q3 or Q4 of 2022, Nomad added several new countries to its Europe eSIM, making it more useful than before.

As expected, the eSIM covering 30 countries, which includes all of the European Union (EU – except for Sweden).

As to be expected, it is (significantly) cheaper than the 35 countries eSIM (from 10 GB onwards), which covers all of the EU + others like Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

The 30 countries eSIM is powered by Tele2 Sweden, while the 35 countries eSIM is powered by Truphone.

The Nomad Europe eSIM can be used in the following 30 or 35 countries:

¹ for the 35 countires variant only

Below is an overview of how much each Nomad Europe eSIM costs:

1. Europe 1 GB eSIM for 7 days (30 countries by Tele2 Sweden – new), costing 7 USD/7 EUR/6 GBP/10 CAD
2. Europe 1 GB eSIM for 7 days (35 countries by Truphone), costing 8 USD/7.50 EUR/6.50 GBP/11 CAD
3. Europe 3 GB eSIM for 15 days (30 countries by Tele2 Sweden – new), costing 12 USD/11.50 EUR/10 GBP/16.50 CAD
4. Europe 3 GB eSIM for 30 days (35 countries by Truphone), costing 13 USD/12.50 EUR/11 GBP/18 CAD
5. Europe 5 GB eSIM for 30 days (30 countries by Tele2 Sweden – new), costing 14 USD/13.50 EUR/11.50 GBP/19.50 CAD
6. Europe 5 GB eSIM for 30 days (35 countries by Truphone), costing 15 USD/14.50 EUR/12.50 GBP/20.50 CAD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
7. Europe 10 GB eSIM for 30 days (30 countries by Tele2 Sweden), costing 18 USD/17 EUR/15 GBP/24.50 CAD
8. Europe 10 GB eSIM for 30 days (35 countries by Truphone), costing 25 USD/23.50 EUR/20.50 GBP/34 CAD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
9. Europe 15 GB eSIM for 30 days (30 countries by Tele2 Sweden – new), costing 29 USD/27.50 EUR/23.50 GBP/39.50 CAD
10. Europe 20 GB eSIM for 30 days (30 countries by Tele2 Sweden – new), costing 35 USD/33 EUR/28.50 GBP/48 CAD
11. Europe 20 GB eSIM for 30 days (35 countries by Truphone), costing 45 USD/42.50 EUR/36.50 GBP/61.50 CAD
12. Europe 30 GB eSIM for 30 days (35 countries by Truphone), costing 70 USD/65.50 EUR/57 GBP/95.50 CAD
13. Europe 40 GB eSIM for 30 days (35 countries by Truphone), costing 90 USD/84.50 EUR/73 GBP/122.50 CAD

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in February based on data up to the 7^th of February.

You can still use code use code ADU123 and for 3 USD/2.70 EUR/2.40 GBP/4.05 CAD off your first Nomad purchase!

But during certain promotions where you are required to enter a code for a discount (let's say Tuesdays (web sales only) or public holidays), the discount you get for these special promotions will be more than the 3 USD off with codes ADU123. I suggest using those code instead for extra savings – I will not blame you for it 😏.

I aim to use and try the Nomad Europe eSIM in all supported countries.

So far, I have used the eSIM in eight countries, so I still have a long way to go!

• Check out my Nomad Euro eSIM review

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SimOptions Europe eSIMs (O2 Go Card, Orange Holiday Europe/Zen & Smart Comfort X)

SimOptions is probably the first travel SIM card company I started working with in 2019.

Mostly because it resold, and still resells, popular travel SIM cards that can be used worldwide at attractive prices.

The main issue I used to have with SimOptions SIM cards was the relatively high shipping costs.

The average delivery fee is more than 20 USD – that could be the cost of a second SIM card (or eSIM nowadays)!

But fear not – with the introduction of eSIMs, shipping costs are no more, while SimOptions can still sell its eSIMs at fair prices.

You need to know that SimOptions does not sell eSIMs for particular countries (Switzerland in this case).

Instead, it sells eSIMs for a particular region, like Europe, or for global use.

In this section, I will talk about SimOptions Europe offering because you have three eSIM providers with four options covering Switzerland:

• O2 (CZ) Go Card eSIM
• Orange (FR) Holiday Europe eSIM
• Orange (FR) Holiday Zen eSIM
• SimOptions Smart Comfort X eSIM

Unlike any other eSIM provider mentioned in this guide (so far and upcoming ones), SimOptions sells eSIMs with call and texting capabilities (the O2 and Orange eSIMs) 🥳.

The O2 Go Card eSIM, from the Czech Republic, comes with a Czech phone number (+420), while the Orange eSIMs come with a French phone number (+33).

Anyway, SimOptions' eSIMs can be used in 27- (Smart Comfort), 41- (O2 Card), or 43 countries (Orange Holiday):

¹ for SimOptions Smart Comfort
² for O2 Go Card
³ for Orange Holiday Europe & Zen

You have these four SimOptions Europe eSIMs:

1. SimOptions Smart Comfort X (27 countries) 5 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 17.90 USD
2. O2 (CZ) Go Card (41 countries) 10 GB eSIM for 30 days (with Europe-wide calling and texting), costing 24.90 USD
3. Orange (FR) Holiday Zen (43 countries) 8 GB eSIM for 30 days (with worldwide calling and texting), costing 29.90 USD
4. Orange (FR) Holiday Europe Zen (43 countries) 20 GB eSIM for 30 days (with worldwide calling and texting), costing 49.90 USD

• Check out my SimOptions eSIM reviews

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Ubigi Europe Plans (5G NR Access in Switzerland)

Ubigi is a relatively new player for me, but it has been selling eSIM plans for years.

And what I say new player, it means I did not start using its plans since I started Phone Travel Wiz – just later.

Unlike any eSIM provider mentioned in this guide, you only have to download a free Ubigi eSIM profile once, and can add plans to it (on its app – its webshop is coming soon).

Most eSIM providers require you to buy a new eSIM per country or region, which is somewhat unique to Ubigi.

The provider is backed by NTT DoCoMo from Japan, the largest mobile operator in the country.

As a result, Ubigi can leverage NTT DoComo's extensive roaming agreement library without going through a middleman (like most eSIM providers in this guide).

In return, you get free 5G NR access in many European countries.

For Europe, Ubigi has three plans:

• USA + Europe (29 countries – middle)
• EU27 + UK + Swiss (32 countries – cheapest)
• Europe Extended (52 countries – most expensive)

All plans listed above can be used in Switzerland.

And all use the same roaming partner (Salt Mobile) and up to 5G NR access.

So it really depends on your travel plans to determine which Ubigi Europe eSIM will be useful for you.

The Ubigi Europe plans can be used in the following 29, 32, or 52 countries:

¹ for USA + Europe plans
² for EU27 + UK + Swiss plans
³ for Europe Extended plans – note: residents from Germany cannot use these plans in Germany (but can use them in other destinations without restrictions)
⁴ with 5G NR access
⁵ with 3G access only

Below is an overview of how much each Ubigi Europe plan costs:

1. EU27 + UK + Swiss (32 countries) 500 MB plan for 1 day, costing 2 USD/2 EUR/2 GBP
2. Europe Extended (59 countries) 1 GB plan for 30 days, costing 8 USD/8 EUR/7 GBP
3. EU27 + UK + Swiss (32 countries) 3 GB plan for 30 days, costing 12 USD/12 EUR/10 GBP
4. USA + Europe (29 countries) 5 GB plan for 30 days (auto-renews) ¹, costing 12 USD/12 EUR/10 GBP/month
5. EU27 + UK + Swiss (32 countries) 5 GB plan for 30 days (auto-renews) ¹, costing 15 USD/15 EUR/12 GBP/month
6. EU27 + UK + Swiss (32 countries) 10 GB plan for 30 days, costing 24 USD/24 EUR/20 GBP
7. USA + Europe (29 countries) 10 GB plan for 30 days, costing 25 USD/25 EUR/22 GBP
8. EU27 + UK + Swiss (32 countries) 20 GB plan for 30 days (auto-renews) ¹, costing 29 USD/29 EUR/25 GBP/month
9. EU27 + UK + Swiss (32 countries) 2 GB/month (24 GB) plan for 12 months, costing 58 USD/58 EUR/51 GBP
10. Europe Extended (59 countries) 10 GB plan for 30 days, costing 59 USD/59 EUR52 GBP
11. EU27 + UK + Swiss (32 countries) 50 GB plan for 30 days, costing 88 USD/88 EUR/78 GBP

¹ these plans require a commitment of at least three months. After the first three months, the plan can be stopped at any time

Because Ubigi plans cannot be purchase on its website (yet) and only on its apps (Android and iOS), download your Ubigi profile here, create an account (preferably on mobile from the start) & use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for 10% off.

You are welcome 😜.

• Check out my Ubigi eSIM reviews

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Airalo Discover Global eSIM

Airalo was probably the first eSIM provider to introduce a global eSIM, called Discover Global.

This eSIM can be used in 85+ countries, including Switzerland, often offering up to 4G/LTE reception and speeds (also in Switzerland).

The Airalo Discover Global eSIM can be used in the following 85+ countries:

You have these five Airalo Discover Global eSIMs:

1. Discover Global 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 9 USD
2. Discover Global 3 GB eSIM for 15 days, costing 24 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
3. Discover Global 5 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 35 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
4. Discover Global 10 GB eSIM for 60 days, costing 59 USD
5. Discover Global 20 GB eSIM for 180 days, costing 89 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz reader

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in May based on data up to the 17^th of May (2023 data only).

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AIS eSIM2FLY Global eSIM (5G NR Access in Switzerland)

SimOptions also sells a global eSIM: AIS eSIM2FLY Global.

And it can be used in a total of 123 countries for 15 days – 50 of them with 5G NR access, including Switzerland.

The AIS eSIM2FLY Global eSIM can be used in the following countries:

¹ with 5G NR access

If you get this eSIM from SimOptions, which I recommend, you will pay 39.90 USD for it.

The main issue I have with the AIS eSIM2FLY Global eSIM is that it has a short validity.

Making it hard to call it an actual global eSIM… unless you can somehow visit 123 countries within 15 days 🧐.

Still, it is a relatively affordable global eSIM covering 120+ countries… with 5G NR access!

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Nomad Global eSIM

Besides Nomad's eSIM for Switzerland, it also has a global eSIM that can be used in Switzerland and a total of 110 countries (including most European ones).

Nomad's Global eSIM covers more countries than Airalo's Discover Global eSIM (110 vs. 85).

But it is also significantly more expensive than Airalo (but not the most costly global eSIM in this guide).

Even so, Phone Travel Wiz readers have shown interest in this eSIM and have had positive experiences with it.

Anyway, you have these three Nomad Global eSIMs:

1. Global 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 25 USD/23.50 EUR/20.50 GBP/34 CAD
2. Global 3 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 40 USD/37.5 EUR/32.50 GBP/54.50 CAD
3. Global 5 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 45 USD/42.50 EUR/36.50 GBP/61.50 CAD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in April based on data up to the 20^th of April .

The Nomad Global eSIM can be used in the following 110 countries:

Remember to use code ADU123 and for 3 USD/2.75 EUR/2.40 GBP/4.05 CAD off your first Nomad purchase!

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Ubigi World Plan (5G NR Access in Switzerland)

Just as Ubigi has its Europe plans, it has a plan for the world too, covering 175+ countries – including Switzerland.

Yes, Ubigi has the most extensive global plan out there.

However, it also has the most expensive global plans 🗿.

You have these three Ubigi World plans:

1. World 500 MB plan for 1 days, costing 12 USD/12 EUR/10 GBP
2. World 500 MB plan for 30 days, costing 29 USD/29 EUR/25 GBP
3. World 5 GB plan for 30 days (auto-renews) ¹, costing 68 USD/68 EUR/59 GBP/month

¹ this plan requires a commitment of at least three months. After the first three months, the plan can be stopped at any time

The Ubigi World Plan can be used in the following 175+ countries:

¹ on 3G only
² with 5G NR access

Remember, because Ubigi plans cannot be purchase on its website (yet) and only on its apps (Android and iOS), download your Ubigi profile here, create an account (preferably on mobile from the start) & use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for 10% off.

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Overview of the Best eSIMs for Switzerland

So, we reviewed some eSIMs that can be used in Switzerland.

I will give you a quick recap of each and link to their product pages in case you need more info or want to purchase an eSIM already (just remember the activation policies of Holafly, Nomad & SimOptions – do not buy their eSIMs too early):

• Airalo Pilatus Mobile eSIM with 5G NR access (best value for money)
• Holafly Switzerland eSIM (unlimited data eSIMs)
• Nomad Switzerland eSIM (best value for money… too)
• Airalo Eurolink eSIM with 5G NR access in Switzerland (best value for money for 39 European countries)
• Holafly Europe eSIM (unlimited data eSIMs for 33 European countries)
• Nomad Europe eSIM (the best of both worlds in terms of pricing and performance for 35 European countries)
• SimOptions Europe eSIMs (choice from multiple providers + calling & texting options (the only one in this list))
• Ubigi Europe Plans with 5G NR access in Switzerland (most extensive Europe coverage (52 countries), with a liberal definition of Europe in your favor)
• Airalo Discover Global eSIM (reasonable global coverage (85+ countries) at attractive prices)
• AIS eSIM2FLY Global eSIM through SimOptions with 5G NR access in Switzerland (eSIM with the most 5G NR supported countries (50/123) at a reasonable price but with a short validity)
• Nomad Global eSIM (extensive global coverage (110 countries) at high(er) prices)
• Ubigi World Plan with 5G NR access in Switzerland (most extensive global coverage (175+ countries) at the highest prices)

Remember to use code the relevant discount codes for (ADU123 (Nomad) or PHONETRAVELWIZ (others).

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Buying a SIM Card in Switzerland

Want to just use a SIM card but not your current one because roaming will be criminally expensive?

Consider getting a Swiss SIM card instead – local SIM cards are the cheapest way to stay connected abroad.