Choosing the right mobile phone plan in Switzerland can save you a significant amount of money—and stress. With various providers, different pricing models, and a combination of languages depending on your region, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, especially as a newcomer or expat.
But don’t worry. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how mobile plans work in Switzerland, the major providers, differences between prepaid and postpaid plans, tips for saving money, and how to pick the best option for your lifestyle.
How Mobile Phone Plans Work in Switzerland
Switzerland has one of the most developed telecom networks in Europe, with excellent coverage even in the Alps. Mobile phone plans are typically offered in two formats:
- Postpaid (Subscription or “Abonnement”): Monthly contracts with data, calling, and texting packages
- Prepaid (Pay-as-you-go): Load credit and use as needed, ideal for short stays or those who want more control
Plans can include:
- Domestic calls and texts
- Mobile data (with or without speed limits)
- International roaming (often limited or excluded)
- Unlimited packages or flexible data/call bundles
Most providers offer monthly billing and allow you to cancel with one to three months’ notice, depending on the contract.
Major Mobile Providers in Switzerland
1.
Swisscom
Swisscom is the largest telecom provider in Switzerland, offering excellent coverage nationwide. Their plans are reliable but also the most expensive.
Pros:
- Strongest nationwide network
- Premium customer support
- Multilingual options (English support available)
- Flexible data packages
Cons:
- Pricey, especially for unlimited plans
Example: “inOne mobile go” plan offers unlimited calls and data in Switzerland, starting around CHF 80/month.
2.
Sunrise
Sunrise is the second-largest provider and offers competitive pricing, especially for families and students.
Pros:
- Great coverage and fast 5G speeds
- Cheaper than Swisscom for similar packages
- Multilingual support and English app
- Bundled discounts with home internet or TV
Cons:
- International roaming can be limited in cheaper plans
Popular among expats due to flexible contract options and attractive newcomer deals.
3.
Salt
Salt is a budget-friendly provider that still offers strong performance in urban areas.
Pros:
- Very affordable unlimited data plans
- Good 4G/LTE network in cities
- Monthly flexibility with some plans
Cons:
- Slightly weaker coverage in rural or mountainous areas
- Customer support mainly in German/French/Italian
Salt’s “Swiss Flat” plan includes unlimited calls, texts, and data in Switzerland from CHF 29.95/month.
4.
Digitec Connect
An online-based provider from Digitec (popular Swiss electronics store), Digitec Connect uses Sunrise’s network and is ideal for digital-savvy users.
Pros:
- Low-cost flexible plans starting from CHF 25/month
- Manage everything through an app
- Add family members and save
Cons:
- No physical stores or face-to-face support
- Prepaid options are limited
Ideal if you’re comfortable managing your mobile plan entirely online.
5.
M-Budget Mobile & Coop Mobile
These are supermarket-branded mobile services (Migros and Coop) that operate on Swisscom’s network but offer significantly lower prices.
Pros:
- Reliable network (Swisscom)
- Budget-friendly
- Perfect for prepaid or basic data needs
Cons:
- Limited advanced features or international support
- Customer service may be slower
Great for students or low-usage customers.
Prepaid vs. Postpaid: Which Should You Choose?
Choose
prepaid
if:
- You’re staying short-term (e.g., language course or internship)
- You want to avoid long-term contracts
- You use your phone lightly and prefer flexibility
- You don’t have a Swiss bank account yet
Recommended prepaid options:
- M-Budget Mobile Prepaid (CHF 15/month for 2GB)
- Sunrise Prepaid Unlimited (CHF 2/day for unlimited usage)
- Salt Prepaid Basic (CHF 0.10/minute, flexible data options)
Choose
postpaid
if:
- You use a lot of mobile data
- You want unlimited calls/texts
- You live in Switzerland long-term and want bundled services (TV, internet, mobile)
- You qualify for discounts (e.g., family, student, or bundle plans)
Postpaid users get better data speeds and international options, but usually sign a contract for 12–24 months unless otherwise specified.
How to Get a Mobile Plan in Switzerland
- Choose a provider based on your needs and location.
- Visit a store or apply online (most sites offer English options).
- Bring valid ID (passport or Swiss ID) and a Swiss address.
- Provide proof of residency if required (e.g., rental agreement).
- Set up billing—you’ll need a Swiss bank account or credit card for postpaid plans.
SIM cards are available in shops, airports, and supermarkets. Activation usually takes just a few minutes.
What to Watch Out For
- Data speed limits: Some “unlimited” plans reduce speeds after a certain threshold (e.g., 40 GB).
- Roaming fees: Be cautious when using data or calling outside Switzerland; roaming is not always included.
- Hidden fees: Some providers charge for activation, SIM replacement, or early termination.
- Automatic contract renewal: Many postpaid contracts renew unless canceled in advance. Set reminders to avoid surprises.
Always read the fine print and ask about promotions or seasonal discounts. Some providers offer special deals for expats, students, or new arrivals.
Tips to Save Money on Your Swiss Mobile Plan
- Compare deals online using Swiss comparison tools like dschungelkompass.ch or moneyland.ch.
- Avoid buying a phone from the provider unless there’s a real discount—bringing your own device can reduce costs.
- Consider combo deals with home internet or TV (especially from Sunrise or Swisscom).
- For families, look for shared plans with discounts for each additional member.
- Monitor your data usage to avoid overages—many apps offer insights.
What About International Calling?
If you regularly call home or travel, make sure your plan includes or supports:
- Affordable international rates
- Roaming packages
- Apps like WhatsApp, Skype, or Google Voice for free internet calls
Revolut, Google Voice, and Wise also offer digital solutions for cheaper global communication if your provider charges high fees.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a mobile phone plan in Switzerland doesn’t have to be difficult. Once you understand your usage habits—how much data you need, whether you prefer prepaid flexibility or postpaid convenience—you can pick a provider that matches your lifestyle and budget.
From premium coverage with Swisscom to affordable options like Salt or M-Budget, there’s something for every expat or newcomer. Take the time to compare plans, avoid long-term commitments if unsure, and enjoy fast, reliable mobile service across one of the most connected countries in the world.