Switzerland

Basics
Switzerland has three network operators::
 * Swisscom
 * Salt Mobile (formerly Orange)
 * Sunrise

Coverage
Swisscom (51% state-owned and Swiss Stock-Exchanged) offers the best mobile network coverage and performance, but is the most expensive. There are two competitors: Sunrise Communications and Salt Mobile. Both are catching up quickly with their own mobile network. So Salt and Sunrise are only slightly worse concerning data and coverage, but still on a very high level. On Sunrise you have to notice that most of its 3G antennas are based on the 900 MHz frequency. This is rather unusual in Europe, but supported by many mobile phones, as most providers in Europe use the 2100 MHz band like Swisscom and Salt. Nevertheless, the quality of all the 3 providers is generally high compared to European standards.
 * Swisscom: 99.8% of the area in 2G, 96% in 3G and up to 98% in 4G/LTE
 * Salt: 99% of 2G, >90% of 3G and 94% in 4G/LTE
 * Sunrise: 99% of 2G, 99% of 3G and up to 98% in 4G/LTE

On 4G/LTE Swisscom and Salt offer LTE speeds up to 150 Mbit/s, while Sunrise offers up to 100 Mbit/s. LTE is on 800, 1800 and 2600 MHz frequency band. On Swisscom the 2100 MHz band is used additionaly for LTE. LTE is given out from all operators and most MVNOs on prepaid.
 * Swisscom coverage map
 * Salt coverage map
 * Sunrise Coverage map

Regulations
Before you can use Swiss prepaid services you will need to show some identification. So bring your passport or national photo ID and fill in forms at the point of sale for registration. The activation of the starter pack can take some hours to be processed.

European Union roaming
Be aware that Switzerland is neither a part of the EU, nor the EEA. So roaming rates abroad in Europe are not capped or regulated. European providers treat Switzerland very differently: some charge the same as within the EU zone, but many add a substantial surcharge for consumptions on Swiss roaming. Better check your EU provider first before use.

For the same reason roaming rates on Swiss SIM cards in neighboring EU countries are still very high typically at around CHF 50 per GB. That's why you should buy a seperate SIM card for EU countries instead. Swisscom and Salt offer roaming at domestic Swiss rates in the country of Liechtenstein.

The offers below are sorted according to the networks, each beginning with the network operator first, followed by their resellers/MVNOs.

=== SWISSCOM network === Swisscom is still the best network in coverage and speed in the country, giving out 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE up to 150 Mbit/s on prepaid. As the incumbent provider with the biggest market share, they have the highest prices on the Swiss mobile market.

Swisscom
Their own prepaid SIM cards are called Natel Easy.

Availability
Natel Easy (smart) is a SIM for calls, texts and data. Starter pack costs CHF 19.90 and has CHF 20 credit (plus 100 MB for first use) online or offline at Swisscom sales outlet (shop locator). Mini-SIM, Micro-SIM and Nano-SIM are all available. SIMs can be exchanged in the shop free of charge, for example to Nano-SIM.

Top-ups are available at all major service stations, SBB ticket machines, Coop and Migros supermarkets, kiosks or using a credit card online.where you can buy additional credits from CHF 10. Check your balance by *130#.

Default data rate
They offer "unlimited" (see FUP) data for CHF 2 per day. A day is the 24-hour period from midnight to 23:59 on the same calendar day. On days when you don't use the phone for data (or for voice or SMS), there is no charge.

Network speeds are capped at 2 Mbit/s, unless you buy a data package (limited speed works already great for Skype video calls for example).

Data feature packages
Their data packages are as follows: Activate packages on your account. Check data balance by texting "STATUS" to 444 free of charge.

Fair use policy (FUP)
Their FUP will reduce speed to 128 kbit/s after 2 GB consumed within a month. This official policy is enforced strictly. After this you have to wait for a new month or pay 5 CHF per day for fast internet on a package.

More info

 * Their data-only prepaid tariff Natel Data Easy has been discontinued and is no longer available.
 * Tethering: allowed
 * Useable with no extra roaming costs in Liechtenstein
 * APN: gprs.swisscom.ch
 * Username and Password: internet
 * Website in English: http://www.swisscom.ch/en

Lycamobile
Lycamobile from the UK is the biggest competitor of Lebara on the ethno market. As a MVNO it changed in 2011 from Orange/Salt to the Swisscom network on 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE.

Availability
The starter pack is sold in a lot of stores in the country for free. Make sure your date of birth is written correctly in the application form: you'll need it to register online. Reloads can be made in their stores or using an international credit card online.

Useful codes

 * Check your account balance: *131#
 * Check your package balance: *136#
 * Change language: +4177 900 01 31 (for CHF 0.19 per call)
 * Show your number:*132#

Data feature packages
Data outside these packages or overuse is billed at CHF 0.10 per MB. These monthly packages are offered: Data packs renew automatically after one month and must be cancelled by using *190#. You can only buy each package once in a 30-day period. There is no warning when your package runs out. To check data amounts, dial *136#. For more data, you can add-ons, valid for the rest of the running time of the base package:
 * 500 MB: CHF 3.25, activation: *139*601#
 * 1 GB: CHF 5.90, activation: *139*602#
 * 3 GB: CHF 12.90, activation: *139*603#
 * 5 GB: CHF 19.90, activation: *139*604#

More infos

 * Tethering is prohibited and actively blocked
 * APN: data.lycamobile.ch
 * Username: lmch (that's lowercase L, not capital i)
 * Password: plus
 * Website in English: http://www.lycamobile.ch/en

Mucho mobile
Mucho mobile is another MVNO aimed at visitors and foreign workers offering discounted IDD calls. It operates on the network of Swisscom in 2G and 3G only with speeds up to 7.2 Mbits, but not 4G/LTE yet for prepaid.

Availability
Their SIM card is sold for CHF 10, includes CHF 5 balance. They are available at post offices, k-kiosks, Naville and Relay outlets. Press&Books is still mentioned on website as sales point, but they don't offer SIMs anymore. K-kiosks take 24-48 hours to activate the SIM, while post offices activate immediately. Both post and k-kiosks have only combined micro/standard SIMs, so if you need nano be prepared to cut. Nano SIMs are only available online for 15 CHF.

Refills are available from various kiosks. It's also available from SBB (train) ticket vending machines. You have to press "Further services" -> "Prepaid refill" -> "further options" -> "Mucho" to get a refill code. Also available in online account management. Default password is your PUK (written on SIM card holder).

Data feature packages
Data outside the package or overuse is charged at CHF 0.08 per MB. To activate this default rate send "Start data" to 444. Beware it also gets activated in case of expired or used up packages. The only package option is: To check credit and data amounts, text 'STATUS' to 444. To stop auto-renewal text 'STOP DATAPACK' to 444.
 * 1024 MB for 30 days: CHF 9.90. Activation by SMS 'START DATAPACK' (with auto-renew) or 'START ONE DATAPACK' (without auto-renew) to 444.

More info

 * APN: gprs.swisscom.ch
 * Tethering and VoIP work
 * Website in English: http://muchomobile.ch/index.cfm/en/mucho-mobile

M-Budget
M-Budget is the MVNO of one of the biggest retailers in Switzerland called Migros. It operates on the network of Swisscom on 2G and 3G only, but not 4G/LTE for prepaid. Their offer is quite outdated now.

Availability
The SIM Card is sold at CHF 19.80, including CHF 15 balance and 100 MB of data. It comes in triple format. Available only in Migros supermarkets and M-Electronics stores. Store Locator. Be sure to be on the new tariff line called M-Budget Mobile Plus. To change, send free text containg "MBUDGET PLUS" to 444.

Data feature packages
Data outside the package or overuse is charged at CHF 0.28 per MB. Billing interval per 100 KB. 10 MB per month are included for free. To check data amounts, send STATUS by SMS to 444. You will be warned by SMS when you have used 80 % of the data. Package will not auto-renew.
 * 150 MB for 30 days: CHF 4.80, activation by SMS 'START DATAPACK' to 444.

More info

 * APN: gprs.swisscom.ch
 * Website in German, French and Italian: http://shop.m-budget.migros.ch

SALT network

In 2014 France Telecom sold Orange CH to a French businessman. The brand Orange was dropped and the network rebranded in Salt during summer 2015. It's still the second network in the country giving good coverage and high speeds.

Availability
In a Salt Store (formerly called Orange Center) (store locator) you will get a PrePay SIM Pack. Their new PrePay Suisse voice and data is sold for CHF 10, including CHF 20 of initial credit. Mini SIM, Micro SIM and Nano SIM are available.

Top-ups are widely available at kiosks (Naville, Relay), supermarkets (Coop, Migros), SBB-ticket machines, post offices and most service stations.

Default data rate
They offer a daily rate with unlimited data on up to 4G/LTE for 1.99 CHF by default. This rate is not throttled nor otherwise limited.

Data feature packages
Only one data package is offered: For activation and deactivation text code to 5155. Packages will auto-renew if not stopped.
 * Internet Max:  CHF 15 CHF per month: includes 1 GB, activation: START MAX, deactivation: STOP MAX.

More info

 * tethering is allowed (according to Salt forum)


 * useable with no extra roaming costs in Liechtenstein
 * APN: click (valid only for PrePay)
 * Website in English: http://www.salt.ch/en

CoopMobile
CoopMobile of the retail group Coop is a MVNO on the Salt network. in 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE.

Availability
CoopMobile "Prix Garantie Prepaid" starter sets are sold in all Coop supermarkets with kiosks, at the customer services desks in the Coop City departments stores und Coop Bau&Hobby hardware stores, in Fust and Interdiscount electronic stores (list here). Their starter pack is sold for CHF 19.80 with CHF 15 credit pre-loaded. Mini and micro size is available in stores, nano cards are only avalable online. When buying in a Coop store, your activation may take up to 24 hours.

Top-ups of CHF 10, 30, 50 and 100 are available at the stores mentioned above or at Swiss Rail (SBB) ticket machines. To add by voucher, type *121* #. Balance check: #121# or *121#.

Default rate
The first 10 MB per month are free of charge. Then you will be shown their data options

Data feature packages
These three monthly packs are offered : These options are only displayed when you are using your Coop mobile SIM for data. If you don't choose a package or have depleted one, data will be shut off.
 * 500 MB: CHF 4.90
 * 3 GB: CHF 19.90
 * 5 GB: CHF 29.90

More info

 * APN: Click
 * Website in English: http://www.coopmobile.ch/en/

SUNRISE network
Sunrise is the 3rd network in Switzerland with the least market share. Still, it gives a very good standard with high speeds and wide coverage at the lowest prices currently on the market. For 3G your device should be capable of the 900 Mhz frequency, as Sunrise uses it a lot. Be aware that unlike the other operators the country of Liechtenstein is treated as a foreign country by Sunrise as it doesn't have own coverage there.

Availability
Their prepaid SIM card called Sunrise prepaid airbag is sold for 19.90 CHF. Available at www.sunrise.ch to be sent to a Swiss address or offline at their shops (store locator). All rates are on 2G, 3G and 4G too where available (see above). Mini-SIM (2FF), micro-SIM (3FF) and nano-SIM (4FF) available.

You can top-up by credit card [https://www1.sunrise.ch/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/WFS/Sunrise-Residential-Site/en_CH/-/CHF/ViewPublicRefill-Start? online], in any Swiss post office, at ticket machines of Swiss Railways, in Sunrise stores and many supermarkets, service stations and kiosks. To check your balance, dial *121#.

Default rate
Default rate is their unlimited surf option at CHF 1 per day for 20 MB then speed is throttled to 256 Kbit/s. On days you don't use your phone for data, there's no charge.

Data feature packages
These data packages valid for 30 days are offered: To subscribe and unsubscribe text code to 5522. Bundle is renewed automatically when data volume is used up or after one month (whatever occurs first). To find out how much data of the surf option remains, dial *136# on your phone. All packages are on 4G/LTE too and unlike the default rate up to 100 Mbit/s.

More info

 * to change language, dial *141# on your phone
 * Tethering: allowed
 * APN: internet
 * Website in English: http://www.sunrise.ch/en

ok.-mobile
ok.- is spoken "OK, Punkt, Strich" (= OK, dot, dash). It's a MVNO and changed 2014 from Orange to the Sunrise network on 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE.

Availability
SIM cards are sold for CHF 10, with same balance in avec convenience shops, k kiosks and Presse&Books shops, often located in train stations (list). A hybrid SIM card in mini, micro and nano size is given out. Activation is done within 24 hours.

Reload cards of CHF 10, 20, 30, 50 or 100 are available there too.

Data feature packages
Default rate outside of packages is CHF 0.15 per MB.
 * CHF 8.50 per month for 500 MB, activation: text "Bundle Data500" to 3131

To check data balance text "Balance" to 3131.
 * CHF 14 per month for 1 GB, activation: text "Bundle Data1000" to 3131

More info

 * APN: internet
 * Tethering is allowed
 * Website in German, French and Italian: ok-mobile.ch
 * Facebook "fan page" mostly in German

Aldi mobile
Aldi mobile is the MVNO of the supermarket discounter chain on Sunrise network in 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE. All calls amongst Aldi mobile numbers in Switzerland are free.

Availability
Their starter package costs CHF 19.99 and includes prepaid credit of CHF 20. The starter packs are available only in Aldi Suisse supermarkets (shop locator). It's not on display, but you have to ask at the checkout. SIM sizes: mini-SIM (2FF), micro-SIM and nano-SIM The initial activation can take up to 72 hours.

Top-ups can be found in all ALDI-SUISSE stores (at CHF 20, 30, 50), online by Aldi account manager or at SBB (Swiss Railways) ticket dispensers. Check your balance by *147*#.

Data feature packs
Default rate is CHF 0.19 per MB. These monthly packages are offered: All SMS to 4466 are free of charge. All options are valid for one month only and will not be automatically prolonged. You will receive a notification SMS after 30 days. If you want to continue to use the option you will have to send again a free text with the activation code to the number 4466, so that the option will be activated for another month.
 * Surf 500: CHF 9.90 for 500 MB. Activation: text START SURF 500 to 4466.
 * Surf 1000: CHF 14.90 for 1 GB. Activation: text START SURF 1000 to 4466.
 * Surf 3000: CHF 28.90 for 3 GB. Activation: text START SURF 3000 to 4466.
 * Smart 50: CHF 15.90 for 500 MB + 50 domestic SMS + 50 domestic minutes to mobile lines + 50 domestic minutes to landlines. Activation: text SMART50 to 4466.
 * Smart FLAT: CHF 28.90 for 1 GB + unlimited domestic SMS + unlimited domestic minutes. Activation: text SMART FLAT to 4466.

You will receive a notification as soon as (one of) the limit(s) is/are reached or when the 30 day-period is going to be finished. Alternatively you can call *147*# to find out your credit. When exceeding the limit(s) before the end of the 30 day-period you can buy again an option for another 30 days. If you exceed the included amount of data (or voice or text) there will be the usual default rates as CHF 0.19 for every MB data deducted from your prepaid credit, but you will be warned in advance.

More info

 * APN: internet
 * Website in German, French and Italian: http://www.aldi-mobile.ch

TalkTalk
TalkTalk is another MVNO on the Sunrise network on 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE.

Availability
Their prepaid product is called GO. The starter package costs CHF 19.95 and includes a prepaid credit of CHF 20. It's available online or offline exclusively in Mobilezone stores: store locator.

Refill cards are available in Mobilezone stores or tobacco/press kiosks (topups list) and can be activated via dialing a special number or online. For balance check text "BALANCE" to 361.

Data feature packs
Default data outside of packages is CHF 2 per 10 MB. These monthly packages are available: To activate, text code to 361. All packages are valid for 30 days. Volume can be upsized anytime by buying a new package.

More info

 * APN: internet
 * Website in English: https://www.talktalk.ch/TT_EN/Home.aspx

Ortel mobile
Ortel is a MVNO on the Sunrise network on 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE where available. Don't mix it up with German product with the same name. The voice tariff is tailored around making cheap calls to foreign destinations. For example calling a Swiss landline is 6 times more expensive than calling one in Brazil.

Availability
Their starter package costs CHF 9.95 and includes a prepaid credit of CHF 21. It is available in multi-network stores.

Refill cards are available in stores and can be activated via dialing a special number or online. They give 10% bonus for every top-up. Check balance by *126#.

Data feature packs
Default rate is CHF 0.20 per MB. Their only package is:
 * Surf and Save: CHF 13.90 for 1 GB per month. Activation: text 'Data 1' to 233.

When the limit is exceeded each additional data usage is charged at the default rate. The package is not prolonged automatically.

More info

 * APN: internet
 * Website in English: http://ortel.ch/?lang=en

Yallo
Yallo is a subsidiary of Sunrise and operates on their network on 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE where available.

Availability
Their starter package costs CHF 20 and includes prepaid credit of CHF 20. It's sold in every Sunrise store (see above) or at Swiss postal offices available in both micro SIM and standard size, nano SIMs are sold seperately.

Data feature packs
Standard rate outside packages is CHF 3 per 10 MB. These monthly packages are sold: For activation text code to 5511, for deactivation text code followed by the word "STOP" to 5511. Packages will be renewed automatically after one month or when the data limit is reached if there is enough credit. To check data status type *142#

More info

 * APN: internet
 * Website in English: https://yall0.ch/

Lebara mobile
Lebara mobile Suisse was acquired by Sunrise in 2013. It uses their network in 2G, 3G and 4G.

Availability
Their SIM card is free either online to be sent to a Swiss address or offline at their vending partners like Swiss post offices, Migros and Coop supermarkets, k and relay kiosks, MediaMarkt and lot of small stores. You have to do a top up right away.

They offer high data bonuses for top-ups, especially when made onlineor by app Note, that bonus data is only valid for one month.
 * CHF 10 top-up: + 50 MB, + 75 MB online/app
 * CHF 20 top-up: + 150 MB, + 225 MB online/app
 * CHF 30 top-up: + 300 MB, + 450 MB online/app
 * CHF 50 top-up: + 1 GB, + 1.5 GB online/app
 * CHF 100 top-up: + 3 GB, + 4.5 GB online/app

Data feature packs
Default rate is 0.25 CHF per MB. For activation text code to 255, packet renews automatically after 30 days, for deactivation: text STOP to 255. You can activate another bundle ahead of time. All overuse within the validity period will be charged at CHF 0.10 per MB otherwise.

Roaming packs
For data roaming in the EU/EEA except the Baltics, but including Turkey and the US Lebara offers these roaming data packages: Text code for activation to 255. Packages don't auto-renew. High standard roaming rates apply for overuse and outside the mentioned countries. Voice mins include all calls within the roaming countries and to Switzerland.
 * 100 MB for 10 days: CHF 10, activation: 'DATAR100'
 * 200 MB and 100 mins for 10 days: CHF 29, activation: 'COMBIM'
 * 300 MB for 30 days: CHF 25, activation: 'DATAR300'
 * 500 MB and 300 mins for 30 days: CHF 59, activation: 'COMBIL'
 * 1 GB for 30 days: CHF 49, actiation: 'DATA1GB'

More Info

 * APN: internet
 * Website in English: http://lebara.ch/