Are you traveling to Switzerland this year? Well, prepare for the trip of a lifetime, but make sure you’ve thought about connecting to the internet on your travels. In this article, we’ll explain why an eSIM for Switzerland is the best way to connect to the internet and how you can buy one.
The eSIM (short for “embedded SIM“) is a virtual SIM card taking the tech world by storm. With an eSIM for your trip to Switzerland, you can enjoy cheap and fast internet on multiple devices.
So if you want to stay connected when you’re in Switzerland, we recommend buying an eSIM designed especially for travelers – this will save you from paying expensive data roaming charges.
We’ll compare the best companies that offer an eSIM for Switzerland, so you can be sure you’ll get the best deal.
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eSIM Switzerland card need-to-know information:
eSIM technology is still relatively new, so not all phones are compatible. Here’s everything you need to check before you buy:
- Your cell phone must be compatible with an eSIM card. Also, check that the carrier or eSIM card provider supports your cell phone. The iPhone XR and later models are compatible with most providers.
- You need an email address to receive your eSIM.
- You need an internet connection to activate your eSIM. Your eSIM profile will be downloaded from the provider after scanning the QR code or installation code.
- Some providers will ask you to install their app to download the eSIM.
If you can’t buy an eSIM, you can purchase a physical SIM card for travelers instead.
Mobile eSIM card providers for travel to Switzerland
Considering that virtual SIM cards can be sold from anywhere in the world and with immediate delivery, it is natural to think that many stores offer them. Moreover, this option is increasingly used over inconvenient pocket wifi and expensive international roaming services. Digital SIM cards have brought travelers from all over the world a more efficient and easily accessible way for everyone, so if you have a compatible phone, don’t hesitate to buy one for your visit to Switzerland. In case you do not have a compatible phone, you can always opt for a physical SIM card to Switzerland.
With all this information clearer, we give you the good news that you have many options where you can buy an embedded SIM card for Switzerland; among them are
Rates and data plans from eSIM providers for travel to Switzerland
Now that we know some of the remote providers that offer eSIM for Switzerland, we will tell you a bit about their advantages and disadvantages. It is important to know that even if these are international online stores, they will always use local networks to operate. That’s why you should confirm what speed, coverage, and service they can offer you on your visit to Switzerland. Below you will find information about the plans and services offered by each one.
Holalfy
If you are looking for an online store with excellent service in Switzerland and unlimited data packages, then you should go with Holafly. Their data plans for the country range from 5 days to 90 days of usage. All versions have unlimited data. Prices range from $19 for a few days versions to $99 for long-stay packages, very competitive costs in the local market. You can purchase from anywhere with an internet connection, and it will take you only minutes to activate the eSIM.
Holafly has 24/7 customer service available through different channels and in more than five languages to answer any questions you may have. Their online store and website are intuitive, with different payment methods such as credit and debit cards, Paypal, and others. Besides selling virtual SIM card, their website has interesting information about the destinations and how you can keep in touch with them.
Pros Holafly eSIM
- The quick and easy purchase and activation process takes only a few minutes.
- You can top up the plans if you need to extend them for more days.
- You will be able to use your local number and eSIm for Switzerland at the same time; they will not change your WhatsApp number or contacts.
- Immediate delivery of the digital SIM card for Switzerland and 150 other destinations around the world.
Cons Holafly eSIM
- Does not include a local number in Switzerland, only data to use as you prefer
- You cannot share data with other devices
- You must have a phone compatible with the technology.
Simtex
This is a technology platform for travelers focused on eSIM and the sale of these services. In the case of Switzerland, they offer four package options ranging from 1GB to be used in 3 days to 10GB to be used in 30 days. Costs range from $7 to $36 for the 10GB version, and you can easily fall short on your trip. The purchase can be made through their website, and they accept only credit cards as a payment method. You have to register a username and password to proceed with the purchase.
These SImtex plans cannot be extended. I.e. in case they run out, you will have to set up a new virtual SIM card. The store indicates on its website that the service will end when the data runs out or when the number of days runs out, whichever occurs first of the two scenarios.
Pros Simtex eSIM
- There is no limit to the number of eSIMs you can compare on the website.
- You can confirm how much data you have left in your profile on the website.
Cons Simtex eSIM
- Plans are non-renewable so you will have to set up multiple eSIMs.
- They have few data plans available as well as few payment methods.
- You can only use the activation QR code once, so you should not lose it.
- You cannot move the digital SIM card from one phone to another.
GigSky
Another virtual store used by tourists is GigSky, which also has a mobile App in Google Play and App Store. It has three plans available for Switzerland of 7, 15, and 30 days of use. These packages include 1GB, 3GB, and 5GB of browsing, respectively. You can pay 9$, 25$, or 39$ for each of the options, which leaves them somewhat above other stores. To help you check before you buy GigSky has a list of compatible phones with their digital SIM cards.
It is important to mention that to make the purchase, you must register a user with them; also, remember that eSIMs are for one-time use only, so you should not delete or lose them. Finally, the packages can be renewed through their App.
Pros GigSky eSIM
- Availability in Switzerland and 40 other destinations in Europe
- You can use the App or website to make your purchase.
- Option to purchase Datan inflight and Data at Sea
Cons GigSky eSIM
- The virtual SIM card for Switzerland does not include a local number in the country; you will not be able to make calls or send SMS.
- You cannot use the eSIM on more than one phone; if you delete the profile, you will not be able to restore it.
- You need to have an account with GigSky to make purchases or manage your eSIM.
Comparison of eSIM providers for Switzerland
| Provider | Data | Days | Price (USD) | Sales channels |
| Holafly | Unlimited Data | 5 | $19 | Web |
| Holafly | Unlimited Data | 15 | $47 | Web |
| Holafly | Unlimited Data | 30 | $64 | Web |
| Gigsky | 1GB | 15 | $10.99 | App Store, Google Play |
| Gigsky | 5GB | 30 | $39.99 | App Store, Google Play |
| Simtex | 1GB | 3 | $7 | Web |
| Simtex | 2GB | 3 | $15.50 | Web |
| Simtex | 4GB | 7 | $36 | Web |
Features of eSIMs for travel to Switzerland
To get the most out of your eSIM card, we’ve prepared some important information to bear in mind so that your trip to Switzerland is worry-free.
- Most eSIM cards do not offer mobile calls, only data. You can use apps like WhatsApp or Skype instead.
- eSIMs can only be installed once, so if you’re experiencing problems with your eSIM card do not remove it from your mobile and contact your eSIM provider instead.
- Some eSIMs set up automatic APNs.
- You can add several data plans on your iPhone, although using one at a time is possible.
- Some eSIMs allow you to share data between devices.
- With your dual SIM iPhone, you can keep your local SIM when you travel to Europe.
Mobile Internet coverage map for travel to Switzerland
It is very important that you take into account the coverage of your eSIM, as cheap eSIMs often have poor coverage. Therefore, the eSIM cards that will offer you the best network coverage on your trip to Switzerland are those that have the most roaming agreements with the main operators such as Salt, Sunrise or Swisscom. We show you the following coverage maps of the main operators.
3G Salt coverage map in Switzerland
Sunrise 3G network coverage in Switzerland
Swisscom 3G coverage map in Switzerland
Local phone carriers offering eSIM in Switzerland
If you are considering this option instead of an online store, the main difference is in the plans and the ease of purchasing an eSIM. Local operators focus their services on resident customers, and this leads them to be designed for long stays. In addition, if there is no availability of prepaid eSIM, you must make a contract with the operator, and being a visitor, it is usually tedious. With this in mind, we will tell you about the local operators working in Switzerland and the eSIM options available.
eSIM Sunrise Switzerland
This operator offers prepaid options for those visiting customers or those who want to have a better control of their data consumption. When you buy this service, you can request to be associated with an eSIM, you can do it through the web or in a physical store, but you will be asked for personal information. Among the prepaid data plans that you can sign up for is their Take away prepaid. With this, you will be paying only for what you consume with fixed consumption rates. The eSIM has a cost of 23$ that you will have to pay during the registration process. After that, you will have that amount as credit in your prepaid account.
Benefits of the Sunrise eSIM in Switzerland
This phone company allows you to buy an eSIM as a prepaid or postpaid customer and also gives you the possibility to pre-register on their website. In case you are already a customer, you can switch from a physical SIM to a virtual SIM card at no additional cost. In case you are interested in personalizing your number for an additional cost, you can choose one to your liking. Finally, Sunrise will not charge additional costs in case you delete your digital SIM card profile. You will be able to download it again for the same device for free.
- You can top up and manage your embedded SIM card from their mobile app or web page.
- If you contract roaming services, you can use your eSIM in other European countries.
- In case you delete your profile, you can download your virtual SIM card again and keep your phone number.
How to Activate a Sunrise eSIM for Switzerland
In most cases, the first thing to do is to apply for an eSIM through one of the prepaid services. This first step can be done through their website or in a physical store. After this, you must go through the virtual SIM card registration process and make the payment. Finally, you will receive a message on the mobile phone you registered, where you will find a profile that auto-installs itself so you can use the eSIM card. In any case, you will receive a physical QR code if you purchased in a store or a QR code on your My Sunrise profile if it was on the website to download again if you delete your profile.
eSIM Salt Mobile Switzerland
Salt Mobile offers eSIM to prepaid customers in the same way as physical SIM cards and with the same number of plans available. Within the data packages available, there are options from 100MB to 1GB, with costs between 4$ and 15$, to which you must add a 65$ fee for the virtual SIM card activation. You can also opt for an unlimited version with a daily fee. You can buy them in physical stores and from authorized distributors. In case you are in Switzerland, you can buy it in their online store.
Benefits of the Salt Mobile eSIM in Switzerland
As highlighted by Salt Mobile, this digital SIM card service is a green solution in which no plastic will be used for eSIMs. In addition, the activation process has been simplified, and beyond going through a registration process at purchase, you will have no complications. Finally, the use of Salt embedded SIM cards allows you to use multiple numbers on the same device, quickly switching from your personal lines to your work lines.
- Availability of data packages and daily payment plans
- Online guides to help you with installation on different devices
- Your WhatsApp number and contacts work the same way as with a physical SIM card
How to Activate a Salt Mobile eSIM for Switzerland
Before making the purchase and requesting your virtual SIM card, Salt mentions that you must confirm if your phone is compatible with the list they have on their website. After that, you can go to any of their branches and purchase a virtual SIM card. You will receive a physical voucher with the QR code to scan whenever necessary. You have to keep in mind that during the whole installation process, you will need internet. After you have the QR code, you scan it, and the agent will guide you next to this.
Frequently asked questions about eSIM in Switzerland
We answer the most common questions you may have before purchasing your eSIM to travel to Switzerland.
No, but some providers may require your address. In addition to going through a virtual SIM card registration process.
Some digital SIM cards allow you to share data, however this usually comes with some usage policies that you should confirm with your provider.
Install the eSIM with a QR code from your email, chose it as the default mobile data medium, turn on mobile data and data roaming, and your virtual SIM will work. Contact the company if you have any problems.
Yes, just like physical cards, virtual SIM cards also have an expiration date.
