How to have Internet in Switzerland: eSIM and other options
If you are going to travel to Switzerland one of the preparations I recommend you do in advance is to decide how to have Internet in Switzerland. At first, you might not think about getting a Switzerland eSIM card because when we organize a trip around Europe, we usually take for granted that roaming is included in our usual mobile data rate. This is not always the case, and Switzerland is precisely the best example. Therefore, if you want to avoid a major disappointment on your phone bill when you return, read on and I’ll tell you what options you have to have an Internet connection in Switzerland without limitations.
Roaming
The first option that will come to mind to solve the problem of how to connect to the Internet in Switzerland will be to take advantage of the free roaming already included in your mobile rate, which allows you to consume data and make calls at no extra cost (unless you have excessively high consumption) just like when you travel to France or Italy.
Be careful, in the case of Heidi’s country, it is not that simple because, although it is in Europe, Switzerland is not part of the European Union and, therefore, is outside the European Economic Area (EEA), which includes the zone 1 countries where roaming has had no extra cost since 2017: Germany, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Italy and Vatican City, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Czech Republic, Romania, and Sweden.
That is to say, there is no ‘free’ roaming in Switzerland and this causes your bill to skyrocket and gives you an unpleasant surprise if you do not deactivate data roaming upon arrival.
However, there is one exception that confirms this rule, or what is the same, that allows you to have Internet in Switzerland without extra charges and even make calls. The only operator that does offer free roaming in Switzerland to its customers without a rate increase is Vodafone. If you are a Vodafone customer, then forget about everything and go on your trip with the peace of mind that your bill will be the same as always. In any case, make sure beforehand that your contract or prepaid Vodafone rate is the World Travel rate.
Switzerland eSIM card
If you are not a Vodafone customer, the solution I propose to connect to the internet in Switzerland is to get a eSIM card for Switzerland that will save you headaches. On our last trip to this destination, I was able to see specifically how the Switzerland eSIM from Holafly worked and it was a success. Why? I’ll tell you the reasons
Benefits of using eSIM
-It is a virtual card
First of all, in case you didn’t know, an eSIM card is virtual, meaning it is not the typical physical card that you buy and have to install in your mobile by opening it with the risk of losing your tiny original SIM card. For people who are a bit of a disaster like me who live losing things and even more so when they are so tiny, this is a great point in its favor.
With this Switzerland eSIM option, you don’t have to handle your phone, or look for a clip, pin or similar to open your mobile. You simply buy the day package that suits you best on the Hola Fly website and instantly you will receive a QR code to be able to activate the data in settings following the instructions and in a couple of minutes, you’re all set!
-Instant Internet
With this Switzerland eSIM, as soon as you set foot in the airport or cross the border, you will instantly have an Internet connection in Switzerland to notify via WhatsApp that you have arrived, check train schedules or look on Google Maps for how to get to your final destination. Forget about looking (without Internet) for an open store to buy a traditional SIM card, comparing operators and making the conversion to Euros to see how much it would cost you.
You can easily buy the Hola Fly plan days in advance and activate it just before boarding or even purchase it the same day of your trip if you are one of those forgetful people because the email with the eSIM will reach you instantly.
-Unlimited data
Another advantage is not having to monitor how much data you consume because this eSIM for Switzerland includes unlimited data regardless of the day package you choose. Forget about running out of Internet connection in Switzerland at the most inopportune moment, or stressing about watching your bill increase.
–Technical support in Spanish
Did you know that 4 different languages are spoken in Switzerland? That is why 24-hour technical support in Spanish is another great advantage of the Switzerland eSIM from Hola Fly. There will always be someone from the team on the other side to help you or solve any doubt or problem that might arise. You just have to send them an email or chat from their website. The peace of mind of being understood and understanding when you are in a foreign country is a great advantage that other options for having Internet in Switzerland do not give you.
-You keep your number and your WhatsApp
By activating the Hola Fly Switzerland eSIM, you will have dual SIM on your mobile phone keeping your local one. This means that you continue to keep your usual number where people can still call you, as well as all your WhatsApp conversations so as not to lose contact at any time.
-Sustainable
In addition to the conveniences I just told you about, another thing I like is that you do your bit for the environment since, being virtual, it does not generate the waste that a physical SIM card entails both in the use of plastics and in having to be transported.
What should you keep in mind?
It is very important that you know that NOT all mobile devices are compatible to use this type of card. Before buying your Switzerland eSIM, I recommend checking on the HolaFly website if your smartphone has the necessary technology and is compatible with an eSIM.
If you are traveling as a couple, with family, or with friends, keep in mind that with this Switzerland eSIM you won’t be able to share data, so each person should buy their own card or get a pocket wifi, which I’ll mention below.
To install the eSIM on your mobile phone, you will need another phone to scan the QR code, so if you are traveling alone, keep this in mind and set it up before you leave.
My personal experience using the HolaFly eSIM in Switzerland has honestly been very positive. The speed was very good, and I never stopped having a great connection, even 5G. It was great in the mountains for following route tracks, checking train schedules, and uploading content to social media.
I really valued the convenience of immediacy for receiving the QR code and the ease of activating it to be connected instantly. Additionally, having unlimited data included gives a lot of peace of mind. There are other eSIM cards for Switzerland like this one but they don’t have unlimited data, so in the end, it turns out to be more expensive.
Discount for your Switzerland eSIM
If you decide to get unlimited data on your mobile, take advantage of the 5% discount at HolaFly for being a reader of this blog with the code: DEILUSIONARECUERDO.
SIM Card
If your phone does not support eSIM, the other option for having data in Switzerland is to buy a traditional physical SIM card—that is, a prepaid card which, depending on the type, can be somewhat cheaper. But obviously, this takes time to find where to buy it and the hassle of having to open your phone to change the cards. Also, keep in mind that your phone must be unlocked.
However, if you choose to do it this way, you should know that the three main operators in Switzerland are Swisscom, Sunrise, and Salt. The first two have the best coverage. In both airports and larger train stations, you will find shops from one of them to buy a SIM card. You can also buy them at post offices and some kiosks.
Are you prepared for what might happen?
Don’t forget to take out a good travel insurance policy to be covered against any unforeseen event. I always go with Mondo, and they have always responded great. Take advantage of the 15% discount at Mondo for being a reader. Only until November 27th!
Pocket wifi
Another option for Internet access in Switzerland is to rent a pocket wifi, a small pocket device that you can connect to from your mobile.
The biggest advantage of this option is that if you travel with family or several friends, it is possible to connect several mobiles to the same device; in this model even up to 10. Additionally, they usually work very well in terms of speed, and you also get unlimited data.
However, it is one more gadget to carry around, and you have to keep recharging the battery continuously. And if you are a bit scatterbrained like me, the risk of losing it and being left without a connection is real.
But for me, the biggest drawback is that it is still a rental, meaning you have to pick it up at a specific point (this one for example at Zurich airport) and return it later, with all that this entails logistically. Additionally, this means you have to plan the purchase far enough in advance to ensure it arrives on time and that a pocket wifi will be available.
*This article includes affiliate links. If you book something through them, it will cost you the same price, but you will help me maintain this blog with the small commission you generate.
All Switzerland articles together
I’ve put together all the info you need about Switzerland on a single page so you don’t miss anything.
