How to Get Internet in Switzerland: Airport SIMs, Local Options, and the Best eSIM Choice

In this guide, we break down all realistic ways to get mobile internet in Switzerland—from airport SIM cards and local operators to modern eSIM solutions—so you can decide what works best for your trip. Switzerland may be small in size, but its mobile connectivity landscape is quite unique, especially for visitors coming from the EU. Since Switzerland is not part of EU roaming agreements, many travelers face unexpectedly high roaming charges if they rely on their home SIM.

Understanding Mobile Internet in Switzerland

Switzerland has excellent nationwide coverage, including 4G and 5G networks that reach cities, highways, and even mountainous regions. However, mobile data here is generally more expensive than in EU countries, and roaming rules differ.

Main Mobile Networks

There are three primary mobile network operators in Switzerland, each with different strengths in terms of coverage, pricing, and travel suitability.

• Swisscom – Best overall coverage, especially in rural and alpine regions. Swisscom is known for its highly reliable network and strong performance in remote areas, making it a popular choice for travelers who plan to visit smaller towns or mountainous destinations. Its prepaid plans are typically the most expensive, but the network quality is consistently high.

• Sunrise – Strong urban and suburban coverage with flexible prepaid options. Sunrise offers good speeds in cities and along major transport routes, and its daily or short-term data passes are convenient for tourists who need temporary internet access without long commitments. It is often seen as a balance between coverage quality and price.

• Salt – Most affordable option with generally lower prepaid prices and free SIM cards. Salt works well in cities and populated areas, but coverage can be less consistent in remote or alpine regions. It is best suited for budget-conscious travelers staying mainly in urban locations.

All prices are in Swiss Francs (CHF), and most prepaid SIM cards require passport registration during purchase or activation. As of late December 2025, 1 CHF is roughly equal to about $1.25 USD, so a 20 CHF starter SIM would cost around $25 USD and a 35 CHF data plan would be about $44 USD when converted at typical market rates.

Getting Internet at Swiss Airports

Buying a SIM card at the airport is convenient, but pricing and availability vary depending on where you land.

Zurich Airport

Zurich Airport is the most traveler-friendly option. After customs, you’ll find official Swisscom, Sunrise, and Salt stores, which means:

• No airport markup

• Same prices as city stores

• Immediate activation support

Typical prices:

• SIM starter packs: around 19.90 CHF

• Daily unlimited data: 1.99–2.50 CHF

If you arrive during store hours (usually until 9 PM), this is a safe option.

Geneva Airport

Geneva Airport is different. There are no official operator stores inside the terminal. Instead, you’ll encounter resellers such as Yallo or Lebara.

What this means:

• Starter packs often cost 30–40 CHF

• Prices can be 20–50% higher than in city stores

• Fewer plan options

If possible, it’s better to wait and buy your SIM in the city.

Buying a Local SIM Card in Switzerland (City Stores)

Purchasing a SIM card in cities like Zurich, Geneva, Basel, or Bern usually gives you the best value and flexibility.

Swisscom Prepaid SIM

Swisscom is the premium option, known for reliability.

Key features:

• SIM price: 19.90 CHF (includes credit)

• Daily unlimited data: 2 CHF

• Data bundles:

  • 500 MB for 6.90 CHF

  • 2 GB for 19.90 CHF

  • 5 GB for 29.90 CHF

• Excellent coverage in rural and mountainous areas

Best for travelers prioritizing signal quality over price.

Sunrise Prepaid SIM

Sunrise offers a balanced middle ground.

Highlights:

• SIM price: 19.90 CHF

• Daily unlimited data: 2.50 CHF

• Flexible prepaid structure

• Strong urban and intercity coverage

Good for short stays and city-focused trips.

Salt Prepaid SIM

Salt is the budget-friendly choice.

Details:

• SIM card: Free (requires top-up)

• Daily unlimited data: 1.99 CHF

• Monthly unlimited data: 35 CHF

• Some plans include Europe roaming

Ideal for budget travelers staying mostly in cities.

Airport vs City SIM Cards: Key Differences

For travelers who want fast setup, consistent speeds, and predictable costs, Roafly eSIMs are often the most stress-free alternative to local SIM cards—especially when compared to airport pricing or short-term prepaid plans.

Pocket WiFi: Is It Worth It in Switzerland?

Pocket WiFi devices are available but rarely the best option.

Pros

• Can connect multiple devices

• Unlimited data options

Cons

• Daily rental fees (8–12 CHF per day)

• Requires pickup and return

• Battery management

• Often slower than local networks

Unless you’re traveling in a group and need multiple connections, eSIMs or local SIMs are usually better.

Coverage and Performance Expectations

Switzerland consistently ranks among Europe’s best countries for mobile internet quality.

• 4G coverage: Nearly nationwide

• 5G coverage: Major cities and transport corridors

• Mountain regions: Swisscom performs best

Data speeds are more than sufficient for:

• Google Maps navigation

• Video calls

• Streaming

• Remote work

Important Things to Know Before Choosing

Switzerland Is Not EU Roaming

Many EU SIM cards charge extra here. If you’re unsure, read:
Does EU SIM Work in Switzerland? Avoid Roaming Bill Shock

Activation Requirements

• Physical SIMs require passport registration

• eSIMs do not

Currency

All local plans are priced in CHF, while Roafly eSIMs are priced in USD.

Which Option Is Best for You?

• Short trip (1–10 days) → eSIM

• Budget-focused city travel → Salt prepaid SIM

• Rural or alpine travel → Swisscom prepaid SIM

• No store visits, instant setup → eSIM

If you want a deeper comparison focused purely on eSIM coverage and networks, you can also check:
Best eSIM for Switzerland – Compare Coverage, Prices & Swiss Networks

Final Thoughts

Switzerland offers excellent mobile internet, but costs and roaming rules can catch travelers off guard. Choosing the right option—whether a local SIM or an eSIM—depends on your travel style, duration, and need for convenience.

Check the latest Switzerland eSIM packages and stay connected from the moment you land.