Doesn't EU roaming apply automatically in Switzerland?

No. Switzerland is not an EU member and does not belong to the EEA either. EU roaming rules do not apply here. If you use your German plan in Switzerland, you pay high roaming charges, depending on your provider. An eSIM with a local Swiss data plan is therefore a much cheaper choice.

Does the eSIM also work in the Swiss Alps and ski resorts?

Yes, in most cases. Swisscom is known for excellent coverage even in mountain regions and serves almost all the big ski resorts such as Zermatt, Verbier, Davos and Engelberg with 4G. In very remote high valleys or on summits, reception can occasionally be limited.

How much data do I need for a holiday in Switzerland?

For a week with navigation, hiking maps, social media and the occasional bit of streaming, we recommend 3–5 GB. If you download a lot of offline maps or upload photos, a 10 GB plan is a good idea. For longer stays or business trips, an unlimited plan is worth it.

Does the eSIM also work in Liechtenstein and at the German border?

Swisscom offers excellent reception throughout Switzerland. At the border with Germany or Austria your phone may switch networks automatically. In Liechtenstein the Swisscom network is also commonly used, as the country does not require its own roaming plans.

Do I need a plug adapter in Switzerland?

You do not need an adapter to charge your phone. Switzerland does use its own Type J plug, but most sockets also accept the European Type C plug that is standard in Germany. An adapter is usually not necessary.

How much does an eSIM for Switzerland cost?

eSIM data plans for Switzerland start at €1.39. You pay once for the data you choose — no contract, no monthly fee and no surprise roaming bill. Bigger data packs and longer validity cost more.

Which mobile networks does the eSIM use in Switzerland?

In Switzerland the eSIM connects automatically to local networks such as Swisscom, Sunrise, Salt, on 4G/LTE and on 5G where it is available. Coverage in populated areas is around 99% of the population. Your phone always picks the strongest network nearby.

Will I keep my German phone number with an eSIM in Switzerland?

Yes. Your German SIM and number stay active, and the travel eSIM runs alongside it as a data-only plan. You stay reachable on WhatsApp, iMessage or over Wi-Fi while browsing on the local network. Normal calls and texts still go through your German number, where roaming charges may apply.

Can I top up or extend my Switzerland data plan?

Yes. When your data runs out or the plan expires, just buy another pack. The eSIM profile already on your phone stays in place, so there is nothing to reinstall and you stay online without a break.

Can I use the eSIM as a Wi-Fi hotspot in Switzerland?

Yes. You can share the connection with a laptop, tablet or a travel companion through your phone's personal hotspot. Hotspot use comes out of the same data allowance, so choose a slightly larger pack if you plan to tether.

Should I install the eSIM before I leave or after I arrive?

Install it at home over Wi-Fi before you travel. The data plan switches on automatically when your phone joins a network in Switzerland, so you are online the moment you land instead of hunting for airport Wi-Fi.

Will the eSIM work on my phone?

It works on any eSIM-capable phone, including iPhone XS and later, Samsung Galaxy S20 and later and Google Pixel 3 and later. The phone must also be unlocked (not tied to one network). To check yours, look for "Add eSIM" under Mobile Data or Connections in your settings.

eSIM plans for Switzerland

Instant delivery

Switzerland: your travel eSIM from €1.39 works as soon as you land and connects to Swisscom, Sunrise, Salt (4G/LTE where available), network coverage 99% of the population. Install it by QR code before you leave Germany — no roaming charges, no SIM swap.

Your selection

Select a plan

Payment methods

Instant email delivery
30-day refund on unused eSIMs
Support in English
Visa · Mastercard · Maestro · Apple Pay · PayPal

eSIM for Switzerland at a glance

Price from: €1.39
Local networks: Swisscom, Sunrise, Salt
Technology: 4G/LTE & 5G
Network coverage: 99% of the population
Activation: QR code — install before you leave
Suggested data: 1–3 GB light use · 5 GB with social media · 10 GB+ streaming

All eSIM plans for Switzerland

Data	Validity	Price
Unlimited	1 day	€1.39
Unlimited	3 days	€3.99
Unlimited	5 days	€6.49
Unlimited	7 days	€8.49
Unlimited	10 days	€11.99
Unlimited	15 days	€17.49
Unlimited	30 days	€34.99
1 GB	7 days	€1.99
2 GB	15 days	€2.99
3 GB	30 days	€3.99
5 GB	30 days	€5.99
10 GB	30 days	€10.49
20 GB	30 days	€15.99
50 GB	30 days	€26.99

Switzerland delights with mountain panoramas you simply have to share, and for that you need a stable internet connection. The catch: Switzerland is outside the EU, so your German mobile contract does not give you free roaming here. Whether you are standing on the Jungfraujoch, wandering through Bern's old town or driving along Lake Geneva, with a Reisechip eSIM you travel on the Swisscom network, the strongest mobile network in Switzerland. Set it up before you leave, activate it after landing and go.

Flight time from Germany

about 1–1.5 hours

Time zone

UTC+1 (same as CET)

Best time to travel

June–September

Plug type

Type C/J (no adapter needed)

Why get an eSIM for Switzerland?

Unlike travel within the EU, EU roaming does not apply in Switzerland. If you simply keep using your German plan, you risk high roaming costs, and double-digit amounts per day can add up quickly. A Reisechip eSIM solves this neatly: before you leave you buy a local data plan on the Swisscom network and browse at transparent fixed prices. Swisscom covers 99% of the Swiss population, including most mountain regions, ski areas and remote Alpine valleys. That is especially valuable when you look up hiking routes in real time, book mountain railways or navigate Zurich's public transport network. Your German number stays fully active, so you do not miss a call or a message.

What is network coverage like in Switzerland?

Network operator

Swisscom

+ Sunrise

Technology

4G/LTE & 5G

Coverage

99% of the population

How do I install an eSIM for Switzerland?

1
Buy a plan
Pick the data plan for Switzerland that fits your trip and check out.
2
Scan the QR code
Open the email with your QR code and scan it with your phone's camera while you are still in Germany.
3
Add the eSIM
Follow the steps on your phone to add the eSIM as a data plan. Your German SIM stays in place.
4
Go online
Switch on the eSIM when you land in Switzerland and you are online straight away.

1
Buy a plan
Pick the data plan for Switzerland that fits your trip and check out.
2
Scan the QR code
Open the email with your QR code and scan it with your phone's camera while you are still in Germany.
3
Add the eSIM
Follow the steps on your phone to add the eSIM as a data plan. Your German SIM stays in place.
4
Go online
Switch on the eSIM when you land in Switzerland and you are online straight away.

Which eSIM plan suits me?

Holiday

Away for 1–2 weeks? A 3–5 GB plan covers maps, photos and messages.

Business trip

For video calls and email on the go, choose at least 5 GB or an unlimited plan.

Backpacking

On longer trips, a 10 GB+ plan or a regional plan for several countries pays off.

Family

With several devices, pick a plan with hotspot support and enough data for everyone.

eSIM vs. local SIM vs. Wi-Fi hotspot — what works best for Switzerland?

	eSIM	Local SIM card	Wi-Fi hotspot
Activation	Instant (QR code)	Buy on arrival	Pick-up or delivery
Setup	2 minutes	SIM swap needed	Extra device
Price	From €1.39	€5–30	€5–15 per day
Network	Local 4G/LTE	Local 4G/LTE	Local 4G/LTE
Devices	1 smartphone	1 smartphone	Up to 5 devices
Flexibility	Top up any time	Fixed allowance	Daily rental
Best for	Most travellers	Long stays	Groups and families

More destinations nearby

France

Italy

Spain

United Kingdom

Åland Islands

Andorra

Austria

Belgium

Bulgaria

Croatia

Czechia

Denmark

eSIM Austria eSIM France eSIM Italy Help & setup eSIM or roaming: which is cheaper?eSIM providers compared How much data do I need?

eSIM for Switzerland: frequently asked questions

Explore all destinations

See all destinations