Staying Connected in Switzerland: A Guide to Using Wi-Fi and Mobile Data

One of the most important things you need while in Switzerland is mobile data.

You need to be able to use Google Maps to navigate on the go and the SBB Mobile App to plan your train trips (and buses, boats, gondolas, etc.). All of that requires data.

But figuring it out is a whole other matter.

So, in this post, I want to break it down for you so you can get the best value possible and the data you need to make your trip a success.

I will cover eSIMs (affordable, simple mobile data for most people) vs using your home provider.

Quick Comparison

The two main options you have are a daily plan from your home provider vs an eSIM (electronic SIM – easy to load on modern iPhones and Android phones).

Most home providers (Verizon, ATT, etc) cost $12 a day, which is not nearly as affordable as an eSIM.

Let’s take a look at a one week stay in Switzerland (7 days)

• Home provider = 7 x $12 a day = $84
• ESIM Providers
  • Unlimited with Holafly 7 days = $28.90
    • Use as much as you want for the whole time you are here
  • 10 GB with Maya Mobile = $12.99
    • This is almost 2G a day and can be topped up
• As you can see, that is $84 with your home provider vs $29 with Holafly (for unlimited) and even less if you don’t use much data (eg. Google maps & sbb mobile app won’t use so much data).

Using an eSIM Instead Of Your Home Provider

An eSIM is a digital SIM that lets you activate a cellular plan without needing a physical SIM card. This option is often more affordable than international roaming. To activate an eSIM, you choose your provider and follow the easy installation steps they send you.

It sits “in parallel” to your normal eSIM and provides data instead of your home plan (but you still keep your number for calls and texts). There are also a few options for a complete eSIM replacement (calls, texts and data from the likes of Orange, but it costs a lot more than a data only plan)

Here are the top eSIM providers for Switzerland:

• Maya Mobile: Offers flexible plans with various data limits, reliable coverage, and competitive prices.
• Holafly: Unlimited data plans, easy setup through an app, and no daily limits. Great for those needing LOTS of data (Instagram, Youtube, Tiktok etc)

👉👉 HERE ARE EVEN MORE OPTIONS

Benefits of Using an eSIM:

• No need to swap physical SIM cards.
• More affordable than most US carrier roaming packages.
• Flexible plans to suit your data needs.

Estimating Your Data Needs

When planning your mobile data usage in Switzerland, consider where you’ll have Wi-Fi access:

• Most hotels and Airbnbs offer free Wi-Fi, making it easy to conserve mobile data when you are not out and about.
• Cafes and restaurants increasingly limit Wi-Fi access or require purchases, so don’t rely on them for connectivity.
• For navigation, social media, and communication while exploring, estimate around 1-2 GB per day depending on your usage.

Using Your Home Mobile Provider in Switzerland

If you’re traveling from the US, many major mobile providers offer international roaming packages. Here’s a breakdown of popular options:

• AT&T: International Day Pass at $12/day, offering access to your domestic plan’s data and calling. But compared to eSIMs it is not great value.
• Verizon: TravelPass at $12/day for data, calls, and texts from your regular plan.
• T-Mobile: Offers an international roaming package, but the data is very limited
• Vodafone (for international users): Charges vary but typically include daily roaming rates for Switzerland.

While using your home provider is convenient, roaming costs can add up quickly if you’re not on an unlimited plan.

Final Thoughts

For most people using an eSIM is the simplest way to get affordable data while in Switzerland.

Of course, if you are a total technophobe then sticking with your home provider might be the simplest option. But if you are willing to put in a little bit of effort (or ask your kids) then adding an eSIM is easy, cheap and it will become addictive when you travel!