Switzerland – known for its neutrality, direct democracy & its mountains.
The country is also famous for its chocolate, fondue & watches.
A friend of mine would have been upset if I did not mention watches, as he is genuinely into them⌚.
Anyway, what can you do in Switzerland? A lot.
There are many castles to adore, such as Chillon Castle.
The Rhine Falls is Europe's largest plains waterfall, so you better head there too.
And if you get the chance, travel through Switzerland by train for some remarkable landscapes.
But you can also do that by car – but trains are cooler 🚆😎.
What is not cool are expensive international roaming rates.
Roaming can be expensive, which is why I always recommend getting local SIM cards, allowing you to enjoy local rates.
SIM cards are far from cheap in Switzerland – but the whole country is known for being expensive.
You can get a Swiss SIM card for 10 CHF (11.10 USD) from Salt Mobile and 19.90 CHF (22.10 USD) from Swisscom or Sunrise Mobile in their stores. SIM cards are also sold at Zurich Airport (ZRH).
Normally, I would recommend getting a SIM card from a neighboring country because of free European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA) roaming.
Unfortunately, Switzerland is not part of the EU/EEA, and many EU/EEA mobile operators will charge you top dollar for Switzerland roaming.
But that is the thing… roaming is also (crazy) expensive in Switzerland, making it better to shill out 22 USD for a Swiss SIM card.
In this guide, I will go over everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in Switzerland. Let's do this.
Original publication: 4th of February 2022. Last updated: 1st of March 2024.
Table of Contents
What is the Best SIM Card in Switzerland?
So, who are all these mobile operators and what options are available for you?
Switzerland has three mobile operators and ten Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) offering prepaid services easily accessible to tourists:
- Swisscom
- Sunrise Switzerland
- Salt Mobile Switzerland
- ALDI Mobile Switzerland (Sunrise Switzerland MVNO)
- Coop Mobile Switzerland (Swisscom MVNO)
- Lebara Switzerland (Sunrise Switzerland MVNO)
- Lidl Connect Switzerland (Salt Mobile MVNO)
- Lycamobile Switzerland (Swisscom MVNO)
- M Budget Mobile Switzerland (Swisscom MVNO)
- MTEL Switzerland (Salt Mobile MVNO)
- Mucho Switzerland (Swisscom MVNO)
- TalkTalk Switzerland (Sunrise Switzerland MVNO)
- Yallo Switzerland (Sunrise Switzerland MVNO)
In this guide, I will stick to the mobile operators and the most popular MVNOs, all in bold above, to limit the length of this guide (but also not to overwhelm you with all the options available).
But if you are interested in getting a SIM card from one of the unbolded MVNOs, you would have to do the research yourself for the time being. I stopped actively testing and reviewing MVNOs to spend time reviewing travel eSIMs instead, like the ones for Switzerland.
Anyone living in or visiting Switzerland can buy a Swiss SIM card with no real restrictions, but you do have to comply with the Swiss SIM card registration regulations.
- Find out which countries have SIM card registration regulations and what is required from you (lookup tool)
Which, in this case, is only showing your passport (or European Union ID if you have one) at the point of sale.
Where Can You Buy a Swiss SIM Card (+Costs)?
You can get a Swiss SIM card in Swisscom, Sunrise & Salt Mobile stores and from resellers. Some Swiss airports sell (tourist) SIM cards (at inflated prices).
You can expect to pay the following for Swiss SIM cards:
- Swisscom: 19.90 CHF
- Sunrise Switzerland: 19.90 CHF
- Salt Mobile Switzerland: 10 CHF
- Lebara Switzerland: 5 CHF – 45 CHF
- Lycamobile Switzerland: 19 CHF
Note that SIM cards can be more expensive than those listed above when purchased at an airport.
Use the Wise Currency Converter tool (free) for up-to-date CHF (Swiss Franc) to your currency (let's say EUR – (Euro) exchange rates.
For your convenience, below are some exchange rates between CHF and USD (US Dollars):
- 1 CHF = 1.10 USD
- 10 CHF = 11.10 USD
- 100 CHF = 111.05 USD
But for any other currency, the Wise Currency Converter tool.
(Travel) eSIMs for Switzerland
In recent years, (travel) eSIMs have become extremely popular.
Especially after Apple made iPhones (14- & 15 series) sold in the United States eSIM-only, forcing its users to use eSIMs – even when abroad.
As a result, the adoption of eSIM technology by mobile operators worldwide rose impressively quickly.
Unfortunately, none of the mobile operators offers eSIMs to prepaid customers.
But if you purchase an eSIM from any of these mobile operators, you must comply with Switzerland's SIM card registration regulations.
Suppose you do not wish to do so for privacy reasons (for example) or want to be connected immediately without paying for an overpriced SIM card (or eSIM) sold at a Swiss airport. In that case, you may consider getting a travel eSIM for Switzerland.
In my Switzerland eSIM buying guide, I analyze various eSIM options of eSIM providers I have tested extensively worldwide.
Surprisingly, travel eSIMs can be cheaper than a Swiss SIM card or eSIM in specific scenarios.
Moreover, Europe-wide and global eSIM options are also available at competitive prices (without having to deal with expensive international roaming rates).
In this Switzerland SIM card buying guide (the one you are reading), I will stick to the local SIM cards and eSIM, but you can read my Switzerland eSIM buying guide for more information about travel eSIMs covering the country.
But here is a quick overview already + applicable discount codes if you are interested in purchasing a travel eSIM for Switzerland:
- Airalo: Pilatus Mobile (Switzerland only), Eurolink (39 countries in Europe) & Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + up to 200 worldwide minutes & 200 worldwide SMS)
- Alosim: Switzerland & Europe (32 countries)
- Holafly: Switzerland & Europe (32 countries) – all variants in both options include unlimited data + up to 120 Europe-wide calls
- Nomad: Switzerland, Europe (30 or 35 countries, depending on the variant) & Global (109 or 139 countries, depending on the variant)
Here are some discount codes to sweeten the deal:
- Airalo: APR15 for 15% off (if you have never bought an Airalo eSIM before). Otherwise, APR10 for 10% off (for existing users) – only the first 3000 users can redeem either discount code)
- Alosim: PTW for 5% off (as many times as you wish for as many eSIMs as you want)
- Holafly: PHONETRAVELWIZ for 5% off (as many times as you wish for as many eSIMs as you want)
- Nomad: ADU123 for 3 USD off (on your first-ever Nomad order only)
Once again, check out my Switzerland eSIM buying guide to learn more about these eSIM options.
The eSIM guide is as comprehensive as this SIM card buying guide, but it solely focuses on travel eSIMs (while the guide you are reading focuses on local SIM cards and eSIMs for prepaid users (where applicable)).
Swiss Prepaid SIM Cards Explored
Below, I will guide you through Swisscom, Sunrise Switzerland, Salt Mobile Switzerland, Lebara Switzerland (MVNO) & Lycamobile Switzerland (MVNO), and go through:
- Background information
- Mobile coverage
- SIM card types, prices & availability
- Recharge/top-up information
- Combo plans, data plans & special packs (such as social media packs)
With that said, let's see what Switzerland offers us.
Swisscom
Swisscom is the largest mobile operator in Switzerland.
It is a mostly state-owned company (51%) with the best overall performance.
And who says state-owned companies always have to be bad 🤪.
Swisscom uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: N/A – shut down for 4G/LTE and 5G NR refarming
- 3G: 900 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 28), 800 MHz (Band 20), 900 MHz (Band 8), 1800 MHz (Band 3), 2100 MHz (Band 1) & 2600 MHz (Band 7)
- 5G NR: 700 MHz (n28), 2100 MHz (n1) & 3500 MHz (n78)
- VoLTE: Yes
- VoWiFi: Yes
This is what you will learn about Swisscom:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Swisscom SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Swisscom
Swisscom has the best coverage in Switzerland.
It also won the Switzerland Fastest Mobile Network Speedtest Award of 2021.
Below is Swisscom's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
However, click here to see Swisscom's official coverage map.
SIM Card Price – Swisscom
You can get a Swisscom SIM card for 19.90 CHF with 20 CHF credit and 100 MB in Swisscom stores. Swisscom SIM cards are also sold at Zurich Airport (ZRH).
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
While Swisscom does have eSIMs, they are (currently) not offered to prepaid customers.
You can consider getting a travel eSIM for Switzerland, which can, in specific scenarios, be cheaper than getting a SIM card from Swisscom.
Especially if you get a Europe-wide eSIM (for when you visit at least two or more supported European countries) or a global eSIM (for frequent travelers visiting multiple continents).
In my Switzerland eSIM buying guide, I analyze various eSIM options of eSIM providers I have tested extensively worldwide.
But I will introduce them here quickly:
- Airalo: Pilatus Mobile (Switzerland only), Eurolink (39 countries in Europe) & Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + up to 200 worldwide minutes & 200 worldwide SMS) – use code APR15 (15% off – first-time users only) or APR10 (10% off)
- Alosim: Switzerland & Europe (32 countries) – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)
- Holafly: Switzerland & Europe (32 countries) – all variants in both options include unlimited data + up to 120 Europe-wide calls – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ (5% off – no limits)
- Nomad: Switzerland, Europe (30 or 35 countries, depending on the variant) & Global (109 or 139 countries, depending on the variant) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)
Once again, check out my Switzerland eSIM buying guide to learn more about these eSIM options.
For now, I will continue with Swisscom.
Note that Swisscom offers VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G)) if your phone supports it and you have enabled it in the settings.
Oh, you can also use VoWiFI (Voice over WiFi).
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Swisscom
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Swisscom
Swisscom has two data-featured prepaid plans: Prepaid Flatrate (combo) & InOne Mobile Prepaid (data).
I will list all the prices in CHF (Swiss Franc).
To convert CHF to your currency (let's say GBP – (British) Pound (Sterling)) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
Prepaid Flatrate – Swisscom
The Prepaid Flatrate is a combo plan with unlimited data (without 5G NR access unless you pay 5 CHF for it), minutes & SMS.
Prepaid Flatrate can be activated on the My Swisscom app.
Price | Data | Local Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
---|---|---|---|---|
20 CHF | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 7 days |
65 CHF | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 30 days |
150 CHF | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 90 days |
InOne Mobile Prepaid – Swisscom
The InOne Mobile Prepaid is a data plan with unlimited data (without 5G NR access unless you pay 5 CHF for it), minutes & SMS.
InOne Mobile Prepaid can be activated on the My Swisscom app.
Price | Plan | Data | On-Net Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
5 CHF | Go | Unlimited 2 | N/A | Unlimited | 30 Days |
9.90 CHF | Young 1 | “Unlimited”, 500 MB 3 | Unlimited 4 | Unlimited | 30 Days |
1 for those between 7 years and 18 years old
2 @128 Kbps (super slow!)
3 +unlimited data @ 128 Kbps after exhausting your high-speed data allowance (super slow!)
4 to 5 phone numbers
APN/Internet Settings – Swisscom
- Name: Swisscom Services
- APN: gprs.swisscom.ch
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Sunrise Switzerland (Schweiz)
Sunrise Switzerland (Schweiz), just Sunrise, is the second-largest mobile operator in Switzerland.
It is also the only mobile operator of the Big Three that is not active in Liechtenstein.
Thus, you cannot roam for free with Sunrise (or any MVNO using its network) in Liechtenstein.
Sunrise uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 900 MHz
- 3G: 900 MHz & 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 800 MHz (Band 20), 900 MHz (Band 8), 1800 MHz (Band 3), 2100 MHz (Band 1) & 2600 MHz (Band 7)
- 5G NR: 3500 MHz (n78)
- VoLTE: Yes
- VoWiFi: Yes
This is what you will learn about Sunrise:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Sunrise SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Sunrise Switzerland
Below is Sunrise's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
However, click here to see Sunrise's official coverage map.
SIM Card Price – Sunrise Switzerland
You can get a Sunrise SIM card for 19.90 CHF with 19.90 CHF credit in Sunrise stores. Sunrise SIM cards are also sold at Zurich Airport (ZRH).
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
While Sunrise does have eSIMs, they are (currently) not offered to prepaid customers.
You may want to get a travel eSIM for Switzerland, which can be cheaper than getting a SIM card from Sunrise (in some cases).
Especially when getting a Europe-wide eSIM if you do not stay in just Switzerland or a global eSIM valid for up to a year if you want one eSIM to work practically worldwide.
My Switzerland eSIM buying guide analyzes various eSIM options of eSIM providers I have tested extensively worldwide.
Here is a quick introduction to them:
- Airalo: Pilatus Mobile (Switzerland only), Eurolink (39 countries in Europe) & Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + call and text feature) – use code APR15 (15% off – first-time users only) or APR10 (10% off)
- Alosim: Switzerland & Europe (32 countries) – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)
- Holafly: Switzerland & Europe (32 countries) – these eSIMs have unlimited data + calling feature – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ (5% off – no limits)
- Nomad: Switzerland, Europe (up to 35 countries) & Global (up to 139 countries) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)
For more information, such as the prices and data allowances, check out my Switzerland eSIM buying guide.
But let's continue with Sunrise for now.
Note that Swisscom offers VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G)) if your phone supports it and you have enabled it in the settings.
Oh, you can also use VoWiFI (Voice over WiFi).
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Sunrise Switzerland
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Sunrise Switzerland
Sunrise has five data-featured prepaid plans:
- Prepaid Budget (combo)
- Young Prepaid Start (combo for the youth)
- Prepaid Unlimited (combo)
- Prepaid Flat (combo)
- Prepaid Surf (data)
I will list all the prices in CHF (Swiss Franc).
To convert CHF to your currency (let's say GBP – (British) Pound (Sterling)) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.
Prepaid Budget Plans – Sunrise Switzerland
The Prepaid Budget Plans are combo bundles with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
Prepaid Budget can be activated by texting the Activation Code to 5522:
Price | Plan | Data | Local Minutes | Local SMS | Validity | Activation Code | Deactivation Code |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
10 CHF | Sunrise Prepaid Budget 10 | 300 MB | 30 calls (max. 2 hours/call) | 30 SMS | 1 month | BUDGET10 | BUDGET10 STOP |
15 CHF | Sunrise Prepaid Budget 15 | 600 MB | 60 calls (max. 2 hours/call) | 60 SMS | 1 month | BUDGET15 | BUDGET15 STOP |
Young Prepaid Start Plan – Sunrise Switzerland
The Young Prepaid Start Plan is a combo bundle with “unlimited” data (500 MB high-speed data without 5G NR access), unlimited on-net minutes & unlimited on-net SMS for 1 month, costing 15 CHF.
Young Prepaid Start can be activated on the My Sunrise UPC app.
Price | Plan | Data | On-Net Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
15 CHF | Sunrise Young Prepaid Start 1 | “Unlimited”, 500 MB 2 | Unlimited | Unlimited | 1 month |
1 for those under 30 years old
2 +unlimited data @ 256 Kbps download and 128 Kbps upload after exhausting your high-speed data allowance (super slow!)
Prepaid Unlimited Plan – Sunrise Switzerland
The Prepaid Unlimited Plan is a combo bundle with unlimited data (with 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
Prepaid Unlimited can be activated on the My Sunrise UPC app.
Price | Plan | Data | Local Minutes | Local SMS | Validity | Activation Code | Deactivation Code |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
19.90 CHF | Sunrise Prepaid Unlimited 7 Days | Unlimited 1 | Unlimited | Unlimited | 7 days | 7DAYS | 7 DAYSSTOP |
50 CHF | Sunrise Prepaid Unlimited 30 Days | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 30 days | UNLIMITED30 | UNLIMITED30STOP |
120 CHF | Sunrise Prepaid Unlimited 90 Days | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 90 days | UNLIMITED90 | UNLIMITED90STOP |
1 with 5G NR access
Prepaid Flat Plan – Sunrise Switzerland
The Prepaid Flat plan is a combo bundle with “unlimited” data (500 MB high-speed data without 5G NR access), unlimited on-net minutes & unlimited on-net SMS for 1 month, costing 20 CHF.
Prepaid Flat can be activated by texting FLATSTART to 5522:
Price | Plan | Data | On-Net Minutes | On-Net SMS | Validity | Activation Code |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
20 CHF | Sunrise Prepaid Flat | “Unlimited”, 500 MB 1 | Unlimited | Unlimited | 1 month | FLATSTART |
1 +unlimited data @ 256 Kbps download and 128 Kbps upload after exhausting your high-speed data allowance (super slow!)
Prepaid Surf Plans – Sunrise Switzerland
Prepaid Surf plans are data bundles (without 5G NR access).
Prepaid Surf can be activated by texting the Activation Code to 5522:
Price | Plan | Data | Validity | Activation Code | Deactivation Code |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
7.50 CHF | Prepaid Surf | 250 MB | 1 month | SURF | SURF STOP |
15 CHF | Prepaid Surf XL | 1 GB | 1 month | SURFXL | SURFXL STOP |
30 CHF | Prepaid Surf 3 XL | 3 GB | 1 month | SURF3XL | SURF3XL STOP |
45 CHF | Prepaid Surf 5 XL | 5 GB | 1 month | SURF5XL | SURF5XL STOP |
APN/Internet Settings – Sunrise Switzerland
- Name: Sunrise internet
- APN: internet
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Salt Mobile Switzerland (Schweiz – formerly Orange)
Salt Mobile Switzerland (Schweiz), just Salt Mobile, is the smallest mobile operator in Switzerland.
It used to be called Orange Switzerland until 2015.
Salt Mobile uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 900 MHz & 1800 MHz
- 3G: 900 MHz & 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 800 MHz (Band 20), 1800 MHz (Band 3), 2100 MHz (Band 1) & 2600 MHz (Band 7)
- 5G NR: 700 MHz (n28) & 3500 MHz (n78)
- VoLTE: Yes
- VoWiFi: Yes
This is what you will learn about Salt Mobile:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Salt Mobile SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Salt Mobile Switzerland (formerly Orange)
Salt Mobile has the worst coverage in Switzerland.
However, you will have 4G/LTE reception almost anywhere.
Below is Salt Mobile's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
However, click here to see Salt Mobile's official coverage map.
SIM Card Price – Salt Mobile Switzerland (formerly Orange)
You can get a Salt Mobile SIM card for 10 CHF with 10 CHF credit in Salt Mobile stores. Salt Mobile SIM cards are also sold at Zurich Airport (ZRH).
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
While Salt Mobile does have eSIMs, they are (currently) not offered to prepaid customers.
You should consider getting a travel eSIM for Switzerland because they can sometimes be cheaper than getting a SIM card from Salt Mobile.
Especially if you get a Europe-wide eSIM or a global eSIM.
I discuss various eSIM options of eSIM providers for Switzerland in my Switzerland eSIM buying guide, which are:
- Airalo: Pilatus Mobile (Italy only), Eurolink (39 countries in Europe) & Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + minutes and SMS) – use code APR15 (15% off – first-time users only) or APR10 (10% off)
- Alosim: Switzerland & Europe (32 countries) – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)
- Holafly: Switzerland & Europe (32 countries) – unlimited data eSIMs which allow for (limited) calls – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ (5% off – no limits)
- Nomad: Switzerland, Europe (up to 35 countries) & Global (up to 139 countries) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)
As I said, check out my Switzerland eSIM buying guide for more information, as I have to continue with Salt Mobile for now.
Note that Salt Mobile offers VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G)) if your phone supports it and you have enabled it in the settings.
Oh, you can also use VoWiFI (Voice over WiFi).
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Salt Mobile Switzerland (formerly Orange)
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Salt Mobile Switzerland (formerly Orange)
Salt Mobile has three data-featured prepaid plans:
- Salt Max (combo)
- Salt Digital Plans (combo)
- Surf (data)
I will list all the prices in CHF (Swiss Franc).
To convert CHF to your currency (let's say GBP – (British) Pound (Sterling)) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
Salt Max Plans – Salt Mobile Switzerland (formerly Orange)
The Salt Max plans are combo bundles with data (with 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
Salt Max can be activated online.
Price | Plan | Data | EU/EEA Data | Local/EU Minutes | Local/EU SMS | Validity |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
40.95 CHF | Start Max | 5 GB | N/A | Unlimited | Unlimited | 1 month |
71.95 CHF | Swiss Max | Unlimited | 1 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 1 month |
82.95 CHF | Europe Max | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 1 month |
102.95 CHF | Travel Max | Unlimited | Unlimited 1 | Unlimited 1 | Unlimited 2 | 1 month |
1 for local use and to Argentina, Australia, Bangladesh, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Croatia, the Dominican Republic, Estonia, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Qatar, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovenia, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkiye, the United Arab Emirates & the United States(including Alaska and Hawaii)
2 for 10 hours in Switzerland and to Argentina, Australia, Bangladesh, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Croatia, the Dominican Republic, Estonia, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Qatar, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovenia, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkiye, the United Arab Emirates & the United States(including Alaska and Hawaii).
Salt Digital Plans – Salt Mobile Switzerland (formerly Orange)
The Salt Digital plans are combo bundles with data (with 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
Salt Digital can be activated online.
Price | Plan | Data | EU/EEA Data | Local/EU Minutes | Local/EU SMS | Validity |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
50.95 CHF | Swiss 10 GB | 10 GB | N/A | Unlimited | Unlimited | 1 month |
61.95 CHF | Smart | Unlimited | N/A | Unlimited | Unlimited | 1 month |
81.95 CHF | Swiss XXL | Unlimited | 4 GB | “Unlimited”, 100 minutes | Unlimited | 1 month |
92.95 CHF | Europe Data | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 1 month |
102.95 CHF | Europe XXL | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 1 month |
Surf Plans – Salt Mobile Switzerland (formerly Orange)
The Surf plans are data bundles (with 5G NR access).
Surf can be activated online.
Price | Plan | Data | Validity |
---|---|---|---|
9.95 CHF | Surf 5GB | 5 GB | 1 month |
24.95 CHF | Surf 50GB | 50 GB | 1 month |
35 CHF | Surf Unlimited | Unlimited | 1 month |
APN/Internet Settings – Salt Mobile Switzerland (formerly Orange)
- Name: Salt World
- APN: internet
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Lebara Switzerland
Lebara Switzerland, just Lebara, is a Sunrise Switzerland MVNO.
It was purchased by Sunrise Switzerland in 2013, which is why Lebara offers eSIMs to its customers, while other MVNOs on the Sunrise Switzerland network do not (yet).
Because Sunrise is not active in Liechtenstein, unlike Swisscom and Salt Mobile Switzerland, you cannot use your Aldi Mobile SIM card for free in Liechtenstein (you will be charged roaming rates instead, which are not low).
To learn about Lebara’s frequencies, jump back to Sunrise Switzerland’s frequencies (but you will not have 5G NR access).
This is what you will learn about Lebara:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Lebara SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Lebara Switzerland
Lebara is a Sunrise Switzerland MVNO, meaning Lebara uses the Sunrise Switzerland network and does not have its own mobile infrastructure.
To find out what to expect in terms of coverage with Lebara, jump to the Sunrise Switzerland Coverage section.
SIM Card Price – Lebara Switzerland
You can get a Lebara SIM card with a plan between 5 CHF to 49 CHF in Lebara stores and from resellers like gas stations, kiosks & post offices.
Registration can be done in Mobilezone stores.
Dial *122# to see your Lebara phone number.
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
It is also possible to get a Lebara eSIM for the same price as a regular SIM card from select resellers only or online.
You should consider getting a travel eSIM for Switzerland because they can sometimes be cheaper than getting a SIM card from Lebara.
Especially if you get a Europe-wide eSIM or a global eSIM.
I discuss various eSIM options of eSIM providers for Switzerland in my Switzerland eSIM buying guide, which are:
- Airalo: Pilatus Mobile (Italy only), Eurolink (39 countries in Europe) & Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + minutes and SMS) – use code APR15 (15% off – first-time users only) or APR10 (10% off)
- Alosim: Switzerland & Europe (32 countries) – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)
- Holafly: Switzerland & Europe (32 countries) – unlimited data eSIMs which allow for (limited) calls – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ (5% off – no limits)
- Nomad: Switzerland, Europe (up to 35 countries) & Global (up to 139 countries) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)
As I said, check out my Switzerland eSIM buying guide for more information, as I have to continue with Lebara for now.
Note that Lebara offers VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G)) if your phone supports it and you have enabled it in the settings.
Oh, you can also use VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi).
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Lebara Switzerland
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Lebara Switzerland
Lebara has two data-featured prepaid plans: Unlimited Options (combo) & Data Options.
I will list all the prices in CHF (Swiss Francs).
To convert CHF to your currency (let's say EUR – Euro) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
Unlimited Options – Lebara Switzerland
The Unlimited Options are combo plans with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
Text the Activation Code to 255 to activate Unlimited Options:
Price | Plan | Data | Local/International Minutes | Local/International SMS 4 | Validity | Activation Code | Deactivation code |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
29 CHF | Swiss Max Prepaid | “Unlimited”, 10 GB | Unlimited 1 | Unlimited 1 | 28 days | CH | CH STOP |
39 CHF | Europe Max Prepaid | “Unlimited”, 20 GB | Unlimited 2 | Unlimited 4 | 28 days | EU | EU STOP |
49 CHF | World Max Prepaid | “Unlimited”, 10 GB | Unlimited 3 | Unlimited 4 | 28 days | WD | WD STOP |
1 for local use only
2 for local use and to Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine & the United Kingdom
3 +1000 minutes to Algeria (fixed), Andorra (fixed), Angola (fixed), Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Eswatini, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guadeloupe, Haiti, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Martinique, Mauritius, Mayotte, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco (fixed), Namibia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Russia, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Syria (fixed), Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey (fixed), the United Kingdom, the United States, Uzbekistan, Venezuela & Vietnam
4 to any country – no destination restrictions
Unlimited Options auto-renew. To disable auto-renewal, text the Deactivation Code to 255.
Data Options – Lebara Switzerland
The Data Options are, as the name implies, data bundles (without 5G NR access).
Text the Activation Code to 255 to activate Data Options:
Price | Plan | Data | Validity | Activation Code | Deactivation Code |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
4.90 CHF | Surf 150 MB | 150 MB | 28 days | SURF | SURF STOP |
14.90 CHF | Surf 1 GB | 1 GB | 28 days | DATA1 | DATA1 STOP |
19.90 CHF | Surf 3 GB | 3 GB | 28 days | SURF3 | SURF3 STOP |
39 CHF | Surf Max | Unlimited | 28 days | SURFMAX | SURFMAX STOP |
44.90 CHF | Surf 5 GB | 5 GB | 28 days | SURF5 | SURF5 STOP |
Data Options auto-renew. To disable auto-renewal, text the Deactivation Code to 255.
EU Roaming – Lebara Switzerland
You cannot use your Lebara allowances in EU/EEA member states for free – only for a (hefty) fee.
APN/Internet Settings – Lebara Switzerland
- Name: Lebara
- APN: internet
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Lycamobile Switzerland
Lycamobile Switzerland, just Lycamobile, is a Swisscom MVNO.
Lycamobile, as a brand, is known for offering low rates for international calls abroad, and it is active in various other European countries, Australia, South Africa, Tunisia, Uganda & the United States.
To learn about Lycamobile’s frequencies, jump back to Swisscom’s frequencies (but you will not have 5G NR access).
This is what you will learn about Lycamobile:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Lycamobile SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Lycamobile Switzerland
Lycamobile is a Swisscom MVNO, meaning Lycamobile uses the Swisscom network and does not have its own mobile infrastructure.
To find out what to expect in terms of coverage with Lycamobile, jump to the Swisscom Coverage section.
SIM Card Price – Lycamobile Switzerland
You can get a Lycamobile SIM card for 19 CHF with 10 GB of data, 1000 local/EU minutes & 1000 local/EU SMS for 30 days from Lycamobile resellers, including grocery stores, gas stations & electronic shops.
Registration can be done in (select) stores or online.
Dial *132# to see your Lycamobile phone number.
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
Lycamobile has no eSIMs.
You may want to get a travel eSIM for Switzerland, which can be cheaper than getting a SIM card from Lycamobile (in some cases).
Especially when getting a Europe-wide eSIM if you do not stay in just Switzerland or a global eSIM valid for up to a year if you want one eSIM to work practically worldwide.
My Switzerland eSIM buying guide analyzes various eSIM options of eSIM providers I have tested extensively worldwide.
Here is a quick introduction to them:
- Airalo: Pilatus Mobile (Switzerland only), Eurolink (39 countries in Europe) & Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + call and text feature) – use code APR15 (15% off – first-time users only) or APR10 (10% off)
- Alosim: Switzerland & Europe (32 countries) – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)
- Holafly: Switzerland & Europe (32 countries) – these eSIMs have unlimited data + calling feature – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ (5% off – no limits)
- Nomad: Switzerland, Europe (up to 35 countries) & Global (up to 139 countries) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)
For more information, such as the prices and data allowances, check out my Switzerland eSIM buying guide.
But let's continue with Lycamobile for now.
Be aware that there is no VoLTE or VoWiFi with Lycamobile.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Lycamobile Switzerland
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Lycamobile Switzerland
Lycamobile has two data-featured prepaid plans: National & International Bundles (combo) & Data Bundles.
I will list all the prices in CHF (Swiss Francs).
To convert CHF to your currency (let's say EUR – Euro) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
National & International Bundles – Lycamobile Switzerland
The National & International Bundles are combo plans with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
Dial the Activation Code to activate National & International Bundles:
Price | Plan | Data | EU/EEA Data | Local/EU Minutes 1 | Local/EU SMS 1 | Validity | Activation Code |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2.50 CHF | Unlimited Daily | “Unlimited”, 10GB | N/A | Unlimited | N/A | 1 day | *139*251# |
9.90 CHF | Swiss Young 2 | 500 MB | N/A | 250 minutes 3 | 250 SMS 3 | 30 days | *139*1006# |
19 CHF | Hello Swiss S | 10 GB | N/A | 500 minutes 3 | Unlimited | 30 days | *139*1001# |
24 CHF | Hello Swiss M | “Unlimited”, 40 GB | 3 GB | Unlimited 4 | Unlimited 4 | 30 days | *139*1002# |
29 CHF | Hello Swiss L | “Unlimited”, 50 GB | 3 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 30 days | *139*1005# |
39 CHF | Hello Swiss Max | “Unlimited”, 300 GB | 10 GB | Unlimited 3 | Unlimited | 30 days | *139*1049# |
1 for calls/SMS within and to other EU/EEA member states and back to Switzerland (NOT from Switzerland to other EU/EEA member states)
2 although the plan name includes the word Young, there is no age restriction for this plan, surprisingly
3 for local use only
4 1000 minutes/SMS in the EU/EEA
Data Bundles – Lycamobile Switzerland
The Data Bundles are, as the name implies, data plans (without 5G NR access).
Dial the Activation Code to activate Data Bundles:
Price | Plan | Data | Validity | Activation Code |
---|---|---|---|---|
1.50 CHF | Surf Daily Swiss | Unlimited | 1 day | *139*151# |
5.90 CHF | Surf M | 1 GB | 30 days | *139*92490# |
9.90 CHF | Surf L | 2 GB | 30 days | *139*91490# |
13.90 CHF | Surf XL | 5 GB | 30 days | *139*94490# |
20 CHF | EU Data M | 3 GB 1 | 30 days | *139*7502# |
39.90 CHF | Surf UL | “Unlimited”, 300 GB | 30 days | *139*96490# |
1 can be used in the EU/EEA as well
EU Roaming – Lycamobile Switzerland
You can use your Lycamobile allowances in the following EU/EEA member states without paying roaming fees:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- United Kingdom
Be aware that, in some cases, the EU/EEA roaming allowance is lower than the domestic allowances.
APN/Internet Settings – Lycamobile Switzerland
- Name: Lycamobile
- APN: data.lycamobile.ch
- Username: lmch
- Password: plus
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
The Preferred Way to Stay Connected When Traveling in Switzerland
Getting a SIM card from Swisscom or Sunrise would do you well when considering a Swiss SIM card.
Going to other places around the world? You should also check out my SIM card buying guides for other destinations worldwide.