Switzerland: 6 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 in Switzerland with Airalo (Pilatus Mobile), Nomad & Holafly, on all three Swiss mobile networks.

The prices range from 8 USD for 1 GB, to 99 USD for unlimited data over 90 days.

There are lots of options when it comes to Swiss eSIMs, to suit everything from budget and luxury travel, and short-term and long-term stays.

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

Original publication: 19th of August 2022. Last updated: 8th of January 2023.

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Table of Contents

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.

Unfortunately, none of the mobile operators offer eSIMs to prepaid customers in Switzerland (yet).

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, as SIM card registration is mandatory in Switzerland.

Travel eSIM providers Airalo (with Pilatus Mobile), Holafly & Nomad, all offer attractive for 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 before, and I can assure you they’re top notch!

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

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Airalo eSIMs for Switzerland (Pilatus Mobile)

Airalo eSIMs are a great choice, and are my favorite eSIM available in Switzerland. This is because they offer travelers great prices, compared to the other eSIM providers in Switzerland.

And the same can be said for the Pilatus Mobile eSIM – 10 GB of data is available for only 39 USD.

The Pilatus Mobile eSIM uses the Sunrise network, which is the second-fastest Swiss mobile operator.

So even if you go to remote a Swiss town, you will still have reception with Pilatus Mobile eSIM.

Alright, you have six Switzerland 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, 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
5. Switzerland/Pilatus Mobile 10 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 24 USD
6. Switzerland/Pilatus Mobile 20 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 38 USD

Normally, I tell you which variant of the eSIM is the most popular.

However, each Pilatus Mobile eSIM variant is equally popular, somehow 🤪.

The Airalo links will automatically get you the available Phone Travel Wiz exclusive offers – a code is unnecessary.

Honestly, the Pilatus Mobile eSIM gives you the best bang for your buck, and it is the eSIM I recommend the most for Switzerland.

Airalo Pilatus Mobile eSIM Pros

So, why should you get the Pilatus Mobile eSIMs? Well, because of the following:

• You can purchase and set up your Pilatus Mobile eSIM before arriving in Switzerland (and activate it upon landing)
• You can skip Switzerland's SIM card registration requirements
• You get full (up to 4G/LTE) access to Switzerland's second-fastest mobile operator – Sunrise Switzerland
• The eSIMs are affordable and have generous data allowances
• You can avoid expensive international roaming fees

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

Airalo Pilatus Mobile eSIM Cons

So, why should you not get the Pilatus Mobile eSIM?

• The Swiss mobile operators have much more generous data allowances
• While you get access to Sunrise Switzerland's network, the second-best in Switzerland, your speeds will not be as fast as going with Sunrise Switzerland itself because you will be roaming on their networks (and not be a native customer)
• There is no 5G NR access with the Pilatus Mobile eSIM
• You cannot call or text with the Pilatus Mobile eSIM (nor can you receive them – you get no (local) phone number)
• You cannot get in-person support (Airalo gets back to you by email fast, but you cannot visit an Airalo store because there are none)

Airalo Pilatus Mobile eSIM Overall Thoughts

Overall, the Airalo Pilatus Mobile eSIM is a great eSIM offering a lot for the money you pay (especially compared to many non-EU countries).

You get fast speeds and access to the second-best Swiss network (Sunrise 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.

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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.

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

And that is super exciting!

Now, I have to say that the unlimited data plans offered by Holafly are more expensive than the Airalo Pilatus Mobile eSIM or the eSIMs sold by Nomad.

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

The Holafly eSIMs use the Swisscom network (the best overall Swiss network) and the Salt Mobile Switzerland network.

You have the following seven options with Holafly:

• Switzerland Holafly unlimited data eSIM for 5 days, costing 19 USD/19 EUR/19 GBP/27 AUD/24 CAD
• Switzerland Holafly unlimited data eSIM for 10 days, costing 34 USD/34 EUR/29 GBP/49 AUD/44 CAD
• Switzerland Holafly unlimited data eSIM for 15 days, costing 47 USD/47 EUR/44 GBP/67 AUD/55 CAD
• Switzerland Holafly unlimited data eSIM for 20 days, costing 54 USD/57 EUR/49 GBP/84 AUD/74 CAD
• Switzerland Holafly unlimited data eSIM for 30 days, costing 64 USD/69 EUR/59 GBP/99 AUD/89 CAD
• Switzerland Holafly unlimited data eSIM for 60 days, costing 84 USD/87 EUR/77 GBP/127 AUD/114 CAD
• Switzerland Holafly unlimited data eSIM for 90 days, costing 99 USD/99 EUR/87 GBP/144 AUD/129 CAD

While I do not know which variant Phone Travel Wiz readers go with, I can tell you that the Holafly eSIMs are popular with those who simply do not want to worry about data caps.

And based on the emails I have received, the 20-, 30- & 60-day plans are popular because those who buy Holafly eSIMs tend to stay in Switzerland for a prolonged period to explore the country.

As I recently started my collaboration with Holafly, it offers 5% off each purchase whenever you use code PHONETRAVELWIZ – how cool is that?

Of course, there are some pros and cons with going with Holafly, so let's go over them.

Holafly Switzerland eSIM Pros

So, why should you get the Holafly eSIMs? Well, because of the following:

• You can purchase and set up your Holafly Switzerland eSIM before arriving in Switzerland (and activate it upon landing)
• You can skip Switzerland's SIM card registration requirements
• You get full (up to 4G/LTE) access on the Swisscom network – the best network in Switzerland
• You do not have to deal with data caps because you get unlimited data (97 GB – here I come!)
• You can avoid expensive international roaming fees

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

Holafly Switzerland eSIM eSIM Cons

So, why should you not get a Holafly Switzerland eSIM?

• While the Swiss mobile operators do not offer unlimited data plans (yet), their plans are much cheaper than Holafly
• While you get access to the Swisscom network – the best network in Switzerland – your speeds will not be as fast as going with Swisscom itself because you will be roaming on their networks (and not be a native customer)
• There is no 5G NR access with the Holafly eSIM
• You cannot call or text with the Holafly eSIM (nor can you receive them – you get no (local) phone number)
• You cannot get in-person support (Holafly gets back to you by email fast, but you cannot visit an Holafly store because there are none)
• Holafly is the most expensive travel eSIM provider in this guide

Holafly Switzerland eSIM Overall Thoughts

Overall, the Holafly Switzerland eSIM is an excellent eSIM for those who hate data caps and just want to use data the way they want.

You get fast speeds and access to the Swisscom network, which has the best 4G/LTE network in Switzerland.

However, Holafly is the most expensive option in this guide and may not be the best for budget travelers.

Luckily, we still have one more Switzerland-specific travel eSIM to go through, which is cheaper than Holafly and has an option offering double the data allowance of Airalo, which is…

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Nomad eSIMs for Switzerland

The last eSIM provider I recommend is Nomad.

Nomad is just in the middle.

But that does not mean Nomad is bad – not at all.

The Nomad Switzerland eSIM uses the Truphone network, which is active in any country you can think of.

In Switzerland, it uses a combination of networks, allowing your eSIM to switch to the network with the best reception automatically.

This way, you will always be connected!

Nomad is a bit more expensive than Airalo's Pilatus Mobile eSIM but cheaper than Holafly.

That is because, unlike the other two eSIM providers, the Nomad Switzerland eSIM uses a combination of several Swiss networks (Sunrise network, Swisscom & Salt Mobile), allowing you access to the best network at your location.

And for this feature, you pay a little more than Airalo, which only uses the Sunrise network.

You have the following five options with Nomad:

1. Switzerland Nomad 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 8 USD/8 EUR/7 GBP/10.50 CAD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
2. Switzerland Nomad 3 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 15 USD/15 EUR/12.50 GBP/19.50 CAD
3. Switzerland Nomad 5 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 17 USD/17 EUR/14.50 GBP/22 CAD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
4. Switzerland Nomad 10 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 24 USD/23.50 EUR/20 GBP/31 CAD
5. Switzerland Nomad 20 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 34 USD/33.50 EUR/28.50 GBP/44 CAD

Use code ADU123 for the best deals available when getting Nomad eSIMs (on the site or their apps) and get 3 USD/2.85 EUR/2.45 GBP/4.10 CAD off (even on top of current promotions)!

• Check out my Nomad reviews

Of course, going with Nomad has some pros and cons, so let's go over them.

Nomad Switzerland eSIM Pros

So, why should you get the Nomad eSIMs? Well, because of the following:

• You can purchase and set up your Nomad Switzerland eSIM before arriving in Switzerland (and activate it upon landing)
• You can skip Switzerland's SIM card registration requirements
• You get full (up to 4G/LTE) access on all Swiss networks, allowing you to have the best reception at all times
• The eSIMs are affordable and have generous data allowances
• You can avoid expensive international roaming fees

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

Nomad Switzerland eSIM Cons

So, why should you not get a Nomad Switzerland eSIM?

• While you get access to four networks, your speeds will not be as fast as going with the Swiss mobile operators themselves because you will be roaming on their networks (and not be a native customer)
• There is no 5G NR access with the Nomad Switzerland eSIM
• You cannot call or text with the Nomad Switzerland eSIM (nor can you receive them – you get no (local) phone number)
• You cannot get in-person support (Nomad gets back to you by email fast, but you cannot visit a Nomad store because there are none)
• Airalo is cheaper than Nomad with all variants

Nomad Switzerland eSIM Overall Thoughts

Overall, the Nomad eSIM is a great premium eSIM offering.

You will always have the best reception because the Nomad because it automatically switches to the best network at your location.

Moreover, the Nomad Switzerland eSIMs will be cheaper than getting the SIM cards of the four Swiss mobile operators.

However, just like the other travel eSIMs mentioned in this guide, you do not get a (local) phone number with the Nomad Switzerland eSIM.

Moreover, Nomad is not the cheapest option out there (that would be Airalo).

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Best eSIMs for in Europe (not just Switzerland)

So what if you plan to visit neighboring Austria? France? Germany? Or any other country in the European Union?

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

However, the three eSIM providers do have eSIMs covering all of the European Union and European Economic area + some other countries.

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

Airalo Eurolink Europe eSIM

The Eurolink eSIM is the most popular Airalo eSIM, per Phone Travel Wiz readers.

Most readers tend to visit multiple European countries, so they would rather have a travel eSIM covering multiple countries than just one (like Switzerland).

The Eurolink eSIM can be used in 39 countries in Europe, including all nations in the European Union (EU).

The eSIM can be used from Iceland to Ukraine and Norway to Spain.

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

Honestly, the Eurolink eSIM is my favorite Europe travel eSIM out there. Affordable, extensive & good value for your money.

I also used it during my 1-month tour throughout Europe in 12 countries.

• Check out my Airalo Eurolink eSIM review (tested in Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Hungary, Greece, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia & Spain)

So yeah, you can say I have some experience with the Eurolink eSIM 😏.

Holafly and Nomad eSIMs for Europe

Holafly and Nomad also have eSIMs covering all of the European Union (and more).

But honestly, the Eurolink eSIM is superior (but you can consider the Holafly Europe eSIM if you want unlimited data in 30+ countries – just do not forget about code PHONETRAVELWIZ if you go with Holafly).

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Overview of the Best eSIMs for Switzerland (Airalo vs. Holafly vs. Nomad)

Unfortunately, none of the Swiss mobile operators offer eSIMs to prepaid customers.

But that is fine – we discussed several other options in this guide!

In terms of the travel eSIMs, this would be my recommendation order:

• Airalo's Pilatus Mobile Switzerland eSIM (best value for money)
• Airalo's Eurolink Europe eSIM (best value for money when also visiting other European countries)
• Holafly Switzerland eSIM (truly unlimited data plans at premium prices)
• Nomad Switzerland eSIM (switches to the best network, allowing for excellent reception at all times)
• Holafly Europe eSIM (truly unlimited data plans when also visiting other European countries at premium prices)
• Nomad Europe eSIM (the best of both worlds in terms of pricing and performance)

Remember to use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for Holafly eSIMs and code ADU123 for Nomad eSIMs – a code is not necessary for Airalo eSIM purchases.

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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.