Best eSIM cards for mobile data and roaming in Switzerland

Introduction

Switzerland is one of the most beautiful European countries, attracting millions of tourists, business travelers, and winter sports enthusiasts every year. Visitors are drawn to its majestic Alps, crystal-clear lakes, historic cities, and the precision of Swiss quality services.

When traveling to Switzerland, many visitors face the question of mobile connectivity. Standard roaming can be very expensive, especially for visitors from countries outside the EU. Looking for a physical SIM card after arrival takes valuable time away from your vacation. That's why more and more travelers are choosing eSIM – a digital SIM card that you can activate before your trip.

In this guide, we'll introduce the most reliable eSIM providers for Switzerland, such as Airalo, Holafly, Yesim, eSIM4Travel, Jetpac, Global YO and GigSky. We'll explore their common data packages (2 GB, 5 GB, 10 GB, 20 GB or unlimited) and help you choose the optimal solution for your trip.

With eSIM, you'll save not only money on roaming but also time spent looking for local SIM cards. In the following chapters, you'll find a complete installation guide, practical tips for usage, and detailed comparisons of all available plans, so you can enjoy a worry-free stay in Switzerland with continuous internet connectivity.

Best eSIM Providers for Switzerland

eSIM4Travel in Switzerland

4.4/5 ★★★★☆

eSIM provider eSIM4Travel from the USA offers very competitive prices for data plans and coverage in 170 countries. It doesn't offer an app, but allows easy setup via QR code and has excellent customer support through online chat.

Basic Information

170 countries, regional plans (Asia, Middle East, Latin America, Europe).

Supports data top-ups.

Hotspot allowed.

No speed limitations.

Pros and Cons

Simple installation and activation.

Very competitive prices.

Excellent customer support.

No mobile app.

Absence of unlimited data plans.

Testing

Go to eSIM4Travel website View full review

eSIM4Travel in Switzerland uses the Salt and Sunrise networks. These networks are among the highest quality in Switzerland and provide excellent coverage both in cities and mountain areas. For travelers seeking an economical and reliable solution, eSIM4Travel is an ideal choice. Their service is particularly praised for its easy activation, which works almost immediately after installation. Customer support responds promptly, and you can easily reach a real operator who will help you with any issues. eSIM4Travel offers some of the most competitive prices on the market, while not limiting internet speed and not requiring installation of additional applications. If you run out of data during your stay, you can easily top up directly on your already installed eSIM.

Airalo eSIM in Switzerland

3.4/5 ★★★☆☆

Airalo is a popular eSIM marketplace with coverage in 211 countries, fast activation and affordable prices. However, it's not always the best choice for unlimited data.

Basic Information

211 countries, local, regional and global eSIM.

Excellent iPhone app. 4.6 from 61,000 reviews.

Excellent Android app. 4.5 from 72,000 reviews.

Supports data top-ups.

Hotspot allowed.

No speed limitations.

Pros and Cons

Wide coverage (211 countries) and easy activation.

User-friendly app and website.

Immediate functionality after installation without needing to restart.

Significantly higher prices compared to competitors.

Inability to purchase additional data without Wi-Fi after depleting the package.

Low rating on Trustpilot (2.6/5).

Testing

Go to Airalo website View full review

Airalo in Switzerland partners with the Salt network, which is known for its quality coverage across the entire country. Users appreciate Airalo's reliability not only in Switzerland but also in other European destinations such as France, Germany, Italy, or Austria. The eSIM activation process is simple and usually takes only a few minutes. A major advantage is the well-designed mobile app, which allows easy monitoring of data usage and possible top-ups during your trip. Airalo is popular among travelers who visit multiple European countries because it also offers regional packages covering all of Europe at advantageous prices.

Holafly eSIM in Switzerland

3.5/5 ★★★☆☆

Holafly is a leading Irish eSIM provider with truly unlimited data in more than 160 countries. However, if you only need a small amount of data, it might be more expensive.

Basic Information

160 countries, local and regional unlimited eSIM.

Average iPhone app. 3.5 from 150 reviews.

Excellent Android app. 4.6 from 1,000 reviews.

Supports additional data purchases.

Hotspot mostly limited to 500 MB.

Speed limited according to Fair Use Policy (approx. 4.5 GB/day).

Pros and Cons

Truly unlimited data in 160+ countries.

Fast and helpful customer support.

Low transparency regarding FUP limits.

Hotspot not available in all countries.

Testing

Go to Holafly website View full review

Holafly in Switzerland uses the Salt and Sunrise networks. These networks provide exceptional coverage and high-speed internet in major cities. When traveling to more remote areas, however, keep in mind that coverage may be less stable in these regions. Holafly differentiates itself from competitors by offering exclusively unlimited data packages, which means you don't have to stress about monitoring data consumption during your stay. For trips to Switzerland, the prices of unlimited packages range from $19 to $99, depending on the validity period, which can be from 5 to 90 days.

It's important to mention that although Holafly advertises unlimited data, with excessive use (such as continuous high-definition streaming or downloading large files), temporary speed restrictions may occur. According to user experiences, this limitation typically happens after consuming approximately 5 GB of data in a short time period.

Yesim eSIM in Switzerland

4.4/5 ★★★★☆

Yesim is a Swiss eSIM provider with coverage in 135 countries. It offers both fixed and unlimited data packages at very competitive prices.

Basic information

135 countries, local, regional and global eSIM (including unlimited).

Good iPhone app. 4.4 from 600 reviews.

Average Android app. 3.6 from 2,000 reviews.

Supports data top-ups.

Hotspot allowed.

May limit speed during excessive use.

Pros and cons

Top prices per GB.

Offers both fixed and unlimited packages.

More complicated installation than competitors.

Frequent spam notifications via email and app.

Go to Yesim website View full review

Yesim in Switzerland collaborates with the Salt and Sunrise networks. These networks ensure smooth mobile connectivity in Basel, Bern, Biel/Bienne, Geneva, Lausanne, Lucerne, St. Gallen, Thun, Winterthur, and other Swiss cities. Yesim is particularly popular for its user-friendly application, which simplifies the entire process from purchase to eSIM management. More information about this service can be found in our detailed overview.

Jetpac eSIM in Switzerland

3.8/5 ★★★☆☆

Jetpac offers eSIM plans with coverage in more than 150 countries. Data packages from 1 GB to 40 GB, attractive pricing and benefits such as access to airport lounges during flight delays.

Basic Information

150 countries, eSIM for individual and multiple countries.

Average iPhone app. 3.8 from 46 reviews.

Average Android app. 3.6 from 224 reviews.

Supports additional data purchase.

Hotspot allowed.

Speed limited according to Fair Use.

Pros and Cons

Low price per GB and stable speeds.

Free airport lounges and ExpressVPN.

No unlimited data plans available.

No SMS and call support.

Go to Jetpac website View full review

Jetpac in Switzerland uses the Salt and Sunrise networks. These networks provide quality coverage in most areas, including popular Alpine resorts. Jetpac focuses primarily on simplicity and transparency in its services. It offers clear data packages with well-defined validity periods and no hidden fees. For more detailed information about this service, we recommend our comprehensive guide about Jetpac.

Best eSIM Plans for Switzerland

Overview of selected most popular eSIM data packages for Switzerland. For a complete comparison of all available options, use our Switzerland eSIM comparison tool, where you can filter offers by data volume, validity period, and other specific requirements.

Free Data in Switzerland

If you only need basic internet connectivity for checking emails or quick searches, Roamless offers 150 MB of free data for Switzerland.

Alternatively, you can try GigSky, which provides a free trial eSIM with 100 MB of data without requiring credit card registration. This trial version is ideal for testing eSIM functionality on your device before deciding on a paid option.

For more options to get free data, check out our specialized article Free eSIM | How to get free data for the USA and abroad. A complete overview of all available offers, including free ones, can be found in our eSIM comparison tool.

Roamless

How to Set Up eSIM for Switzerland

Setting up an eSIM for Switzerland is a quick and hassle-free process that will save you many concerns during your trip. The main advantage is the ability to complete all preparations before departure, so that upon arrival in Switzerland, you'll be immediately connected without having to search for SIM card stores or deal with language barriers.

• Complete guide for setting up eSIM on iPhone
• Installation procedure for eSIM on Samsung phones
• Overview of devices supporting eSIM technology

1. Check device compatibility: Before purchasing an eSIM, it's essential to verify whether your phone supports this technology. Most modern smartphones from brands like Apple, Samsung, Google, and other manufacturers are compatible with eSIM. To be sure, you can use our updated list of phones with eSIM support or complete overview of compatible devices for 2024.

2. Choose a suitable provider: For Switzerland, you have several quality providers available such as Airalo, Holafly, Yesim, eSIM4Travel, JetPac, Global YO or GigSky. When deciding on a data package, consider the length of your stay and planned activities – for regular internet browsing and navigation, 2 GB will be sufficient, for more intensive use we recommend 5 GB or 10 GB packages. For detailed comparison of all offers, use our Switzerland eSIM comparison tool, which allows you to filter according to your specific requirements.

3. Installation via QR code: After purchase, you'll receive an email containing a QR code or activation code. In your phone settings, find the "Mobile Data" or "Mobile Network" section and select "Add Data Plan" or "Add eSIM". Scan the QR code and follow the on-screen instructions. If you've received only an activation code, you can easily convert it to a QR code using online tools.

4. Connection configuration: After completing the installation, the connection will in most cases set up automatically. If this doesn't happen, you may need to manually enter the APN (access point) according to the provider's instructions. Also, don't forget to activate data roaming for your eSIM profile – don't worry, in Switzerland you won't be charged any additional fees for this.

We recommend performing the installation and setup of your eSIM well in advance of your departure, preferably in an environment with stable Wi-Fi connection. This ensures that upon arrival in Switzerland, you'll have immediately functional internet connectivity without any complications. Additional useful information about first-time setup can be found in our guide First eSIM | Everything from A to Z.

Tips for eSIM in Switzerland

Switzerland offers visitors unique experiences from historic cities to crystal-clear lakes and majestic Alpine peaks. Whether you're coming for a ski vacation, business meeting, or sightseeing trip, reliable internet connectivity is key. Here are practical tips for maximizing your eSIM usage during your stay:

Security and Data Protection

Switzerland is known for its emphasis on privacy and security, yet it's always sensible to protect your personal data when traveling. When connecting to public Wi-Fi networks in hotels, restaurants, or train stations, we recommend using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) that encrypts your connection and protects your personal information from potential attacks. Switzerland doesn't have internet censorship like some other countries, but a VPN will provide an additional layer of protection, especially when accessing banking services or working with sensitive data.

Data Limit Management

Monitoring data consumption is important especially in Switzerland, where using navigation in mountainous areas or sharing photos of breathtaking scenery can be more data-intensive. Most eSIM providers offer mobile apps where you can track your usage in real-time. You can also set alerts for reaching certain percentages of consumed data directly on your phone. For efficient data usage, we recommend reading our article Saving Data on Vacation | Proven Tips and Tricks, where you'll find useful tips such as:

• Pre-downloading maps for offline use, which is particularly useful in mountain areas
• Optimizing media streaming quality to reduce data intensity
• Deactivating automatic updates and synchronizations
• Using Wi-Fi in hotels and restaurants for data-intensive activities

If you're unsure how much data you'll need during your stay, check out our guide How Much Data You Need for Various Activities, which will help you choose the optimal package. For the most accurate selection, use our eSIM comparison tool, where you can filter offers by data amount and validity period exactly according to your needs.

Communication with Home

Most eSIMs for Switzerland provide only data services without standard calls and SMS. However, this isn't a problem because with a data connection, you can use applications like WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram, or FaceTime for free communication with family and friends. If you need to call regular phone numbers, we recommend reading our article Calling from a Data eSIM | How to Make and Receive Calls Cheaply from Abroad, where you'll find detailed information about VoIP services and other options.

Financial Services and Payments

Switzerland is among the most expensive European countries, so it's good to keep track of your expenses. Digital banking and payment applications like Revolut, Wise, or Curve can save you significant amounts thanks to favorable exchange rates for the Swiss franc (CHF). With an active eSIM, you'll have constant access to your financial services, which is invaluable especially in a country with high service prices.

Traveling Around the Region

Planning to visit neighboring countries as well? Switzerland borders France, Italy, Germany, Austria, and Liechtenstein, making it an ideal starting point for traveling around Central Europe. Many providers offer regional eSIM packages for Europe, which can be more cost-effective than purchasing separate eSIMs for each country. To find the most advantageous regional eSIM, use our eSIM comparison tool, where you can specify all the countries you plan to visit. Also check out our guides for Norway or Iceland if you're planning to extend your European travels.

✈️ Expert advice: Switzerland is known for its beautiful but challenging mountain trails. If you're planning hiking or skiing in remote areas, save maps for offline use and have a backup power source for your phone. Even with the best coverage, you can find yourself in areas without signal in the mountains, and in such situations, offline navigation is invaluable.

Alternative Internet Connections in Switzerland

eSIM represents a modern and convenient solution for securing mobile data in Switzerland, but it's not the only option. If for any reason you cannot or don't want to use eSIM, there are several alternatives:

Traditional Physical SIM Card

Local Swiss SIM cards are available at airports, shopping centers, and specialized stores. The main providers are Swisscom, Sunrise, and Salt, who offer various prepaid packages for tourists and short-term visitors.

The advantages of a physical SIM card include the possibility to get a local phone number and often higher data limits than some eSIM packages. Disadvantages include the necessity of physically visiting a store, potentially more complicated activation process due to strict Swiss regulations requiring personal identification, and the fact that you'll have to temporarily deactivate your home SIM card if you don't have a dual SIM phone.

Prices of local SIM cards in Switzerland are relatively high compared to other European countries. Basic prepaid packages start at approximately 20-30 CHF ($22-33), while containing limited amounts of data. For tourists, it's often more advantageous to get an eSIM before traveling.

Portable Wi-Fi Hotspots

Mobile Wi-Fi devices represent a practical alternative for families or groups of travelers. These compact devices create their own Wi-Fi network to which you can connect several devices simultaneously, which is ideal for sharing one connection among multiple family members or colleagues on a business trip.

In Switzerland, you can rent a Wi-Fi hotspot in advance online or directly on-site at major airports. Rental usually costs between 8-15 CHF ($9-17) per day, depending on the amount of data and rental duration. Some hotels and tourist information centers also offer this service. More detailed information about these devices can be found in our guide Best Portable WiFi Hotspots for Travel.

The main disadvantage of these devices is the need to carry and regularly charge another device. Also, the rental price for a longer stay can be higher than purchasing an eSIM or local SIM card.

European Roaming

For EU citizens, it may be surprising that Switzerland is not part of the European roaming area, despite being surrounded by EU countries. This means that regular "Roam Like at Home" roaming tariffs do not apply to Switzerland, and operators can charge significantly higher fees.

American carriers offer special roaming packages for Switzerland, but these are usually more expensive than local solutions. For example, T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon have packages for traveling outside the US that include Switzerland, but prices for 1 GB of data often range around $30-50, which is significantly more than the price of a local eSIM.

Before traveling, verify the current roaming rates with your operator and consider whether one of the alternatives might be more advantageous for you. Some virtual operators may offer more favorable conditions for roaming in Switzerland.

Public Wi-Fi Networks

Switzerland has an excellent infrastructure of public Wi-Fi networks, especially in cities and tourist areas. Free Wi-Fi can be found at airports, train stations, public libraries, museums, some restaurants, and cafes. Many mountain resorts and cable cars also offer free Wi-Fi at base stations and restaurants.

The quality of these connections is generally high, but it's necessary to consider security risks associated with using public networks. Always use a VPN to protect your personal data, especially when logging into banking or email accounts.

Relying exclusively on public Wi-Fi can be limiting, especially when traveling outside cities or when needing real-time navigation. Therefore, we recommend always having a backup solution for internet connection, especially if you're planning trips to nature or less touristy areas.

Mobile Networks and Operators in Switzerland

Switzerland has one of the most modern telecommunications infrastructures in Europe, with excellent coverage even in mountainous and remote areas. Understanding the local telecommunications market will help you choose the best eSIM or other connection option.

Main Swiss Mobile Operators

Swisscom is the largest and oldest operator in Switzerland, partially owned by the state. It offers the most extensive coverage in the country, including remote mountain areas and tunnels. Approximately 99% of the population has access to their 4G/LTE network, and 5G coverage is rapidly expanding. Swisscom is known for its excellent service quality, but also for the highest prices on the market.

Sunrise is the second largest operator and Swisscom's main competitor. Their network covers approximately 98% of the population with 4G/LTE and offers good coverage even in mountain areas. Sunrise is often rated as the operator with the best price/performance ratio and regularly wins awards for its network speed. In 2021, it completed a merger with UPC, strengthening its market position.

Salt (formerly Orange Switzerland) is the third main operator focusing primarily on more affordable services. Their network covers approximately 95% of the population with 4G/LTE and offers competitive prices especially for younger users and tourists. Salt often offers attractive packages for short-term visitors.

Besides these three main operators, there are several mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) such as Lebara, Lycamobile, or Yallo, who use the infrastructure of the main networks and often offer specialized services or lower prices for specific market segments.

Coverage and Signal Quality

The quality of mobile signal in Switzerland is generally excellent, even compared to other advanced European countries. In cities and tourist centers, you can expect stable 4G/LTE connection with high speeds, and in many areas, 5G network is already operational.

Switzerland has invested considerable resources into coverage even in mountain areas, so most popular ski resorts and tourist trails have surprisingly good coverage. However, in some very remote valleys or on mountain peaks, the signal may be weaker or unavailable. In such cases, Swisscom is usually the operator with the best coverage.

Railway tunnels and metro in Switzerland are mostly covered by mobile signal, which is a significant difference compared to many other countries. Even the famous Gotthard Base Tunnel, the longest railway tunnel in the world, has mobile signal coverage throughout its entire length.

Which Networks Do eSIM Providers Use?

International eSIM providers collaborate with local operators to offer their services. Here's an overview of which Swiss networks the most popular eSIM services use:

• Airalo: Primarily uses the Salt network
• Holafly: Collaborates with Salt and Sunrise networks, offering exceptional coverage and high-speed internet in major cities, but in remote areas, coverage may be less stable
• Yesim: Uses Salt and Sunrise networks, ensuring smooth mobile connectivity in Basel, Bern, Biel/Bienne, Geneva, Lausanne, Lucerne, St. Gallen, Thun, Winterthur, and other Swiss cities
• eSIM4Travel: Offers access to Salt and Sunrise networks
• Jetpac: Collaborates with Salt and Sunrise networks
• GigSky: Uses a combination of Salt and Sunrise networks

When selecting an eSIM provider, consider your planned activities and areas you want to visit. For common tourist destinations and cities, any of the listed providers will likely offer sufficient coverage. If you're planning to visit more remote mountain areas, it might be appropriate to choose a provider with access to multiple networks for maximum coverage. For easy comparison of all available options, use our Switzerland eSIM comparison tool, which will help you find the most suitable solution according to your specific needs.

How to Call from Switzerland

Maintaining contact with family, friends, or business partners is an important part of every trip. With an eSIM in Switzerland, you have several options for staying connected without having to pay high fees for international calls.

Internet Calling via Data eSIM

Most eSIM packages for Switzerland contain only mobile data without traditional voice services. However, this isn't an obstacle because with quality data connection, you can use various applications for internet calling (VoIP - Voice over Internet Protocol).

Signal is one of the most secure applications for encrypted communication, which is very popular in Switzerland, a country known for its emphasis on privacy. It offers high-quality voice and video calls with end-to-end encryption. Other popular options include WhatsApp, which is widely used across Europe, and Telegram, which combines chat features with the possibility of voice and video calls.

For communication with business partners, Microsoft Teams or Zoom may be more suitable as they are optimized for professional use and offer additional features such as screen sharing or meeting scheduling.

More detailed information about internet calling options can be found in our specialized article Calling from a Data eSIM | How to Make and Receive Calls Cheaply from Abroad

Specialized Services for International Calling

If you need to call standard phone numbers in the United States or elsewhere in the world, there are specialized services offering much more advantageous rates than classic international calling.

Skype is a long-established service for international calling with competitive rates. Thanks to the Skype Credit feature, you can call landlines and mobile phones worldwide for a fraction of the cost of regular international calls. Calling to the USA from Switzerland costs approximately $0.10-0.25 per minute depending on the type of number called.

Viber Out is another popular alternative that allows calling regular phone numbers at low rates. Viber is widely used in Europe and offers quality connection even with weaker internet connectivity. The application also allows sending SMS messages to phone numbers.

eSIM with Voice Services

Some eSIM providers are starting to offer packages that include traditional calls and SMS in addition to data. These services work through local networks and allow you to call as with a regular SIM card.

Airalo Global Calls is an add-on service that Airalo offers in some countries including Switzerland. You can activate this service as a supplement to your data package and gain the ability to call international numbers at advantageous rates.

eSIM4Travel Voice Add-on is a similar service from eSIM4Travel that allows adding voice services to your data package. This option is useful especially for business travelers or those who need to be available on a phone number during their trip.

Frequently Asked Questions about eSIM in Switzerland

Summary

Traveling in Switzerland is significantly more comfortable and economical thanks to eSIM technology. There's no need to search for local SIM cards or pay exorbitant amounts for roaming. You can secure internet connection from the comfort of your home and be fully online immediately upon arrival in Switzerland.

In this guide, we've presented the most popular eSIM providers such as Airalo, Holafly, Yesim, eSIM4Travel, Jetpac, Global YO and GigSky. Each offers specific advantages, and the optimal choice depends on the length of your stay, planned activities, and personal preferences.

Among the most frequently selected data packages are 5 GB for standard use, 2 GB for short visits, 10 GB or 20 GB for longer stays, or possibly an unlimited plan for demanding users working remotely or regularly streaming content.

For an economical and reliable solution, we recommend considering eSIM4Travel. Their service works immediately after installation, customer support is available and responds quickly, and their prices are among the most competitive on the market. They don't limit connection speed, don't require installation of additional applications, and offer the possibility of flexibly adding data to an already activated eSIM.

For users preferring unlimited data, the best choice is Holafly, which is the only one providing truly unlimited data packages for Switzerland.

We recommend installing and activating your eSIM before departure. This gives you the assurance that you'll have functional connectivity immediately upon arrival in Switzerland, without the need to search for Wi-Fi or solve technical problems in a foreign environment.

For the most up-to-date and accurate comparison of all available eSIMs for Switzerland, use our eSIM comparison tool, which allows you to filter offers by data amount, validity period, and other parameters exactly according to your individual requirements.