Prepaid Data SIM Card Wiki
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Swiss flag

Basics[]

Switzerland has three network operators:

  • Swisscom
  • Sunrise
  • Salt Mobile (formerly Orange)

Coverage[]

All three Swiss operators Sunrise, Swisscom and Salt offer excellent mobile network coverage and performance throughout Switzerland. While Swisscom is generally more expensive, Sunrise often offers lower rates at almost comparable coverage and Salt Mobile retains a very good level at 3rd position.

  • Swisscom: 96% in 3G and up to 98% in 4G/LTE
  • Sunrise: 99% of 3G and up to 98% in 4G/LTE
  • Salt: >90% of 3G and 94% in 4G/LTE

Compared to other European countries (e.g. Germany), 3G in Switzerland is still active nationwide. It is nowadays based on 900 MHz (band 8) on all three operators and additionally on 2100 MHz (band 1) on Swisscom and Salt. This isn't a problem anymore for most smartphones despite the 900 MHz frequency being uncommon in Europe.

On 4G/LTE Swisscom and Salt offer LTE speeds up to 150 Mbps, while Sunrise offers up to 100 Mbps. LTE is on 800, 1800 and 2600 MHz frequency bands. On Swisscom the 2100 MHz band is used additionally for LTE:

According to network tests and OpenSignal all three providers are on an excellent level. Swisscom is best in 2021 with 96% 4G availability and 56 Mbps download speeds, competing with Sunrise at 94% and 37 Mbps and Salt in 3rd place with 88% and 37 Mbps.

5G started in 2019 by Swisscom and Sunrise on 700 MHz (n28), 2100 MHz (n1) and 3500 MHz (n78). It already covers some towns and rural areas. Salt has started in 2020 on 3500 MHz (n78) at hotspots and since 2021 in rural areas on 700MHz (n28). Sunrise has made 5G available for prepaid customers in 2019 as first provider followed by Swisscom only on its daily rate in 2021. Salt has not opened 5G on its prepaid products yet.

All three Swiss providers have shut down 2G/GSM or are in the process of doing so. Swisscom has already shut down its 2G network in 2021, Sunrise has done it at the end of 2022 and Salt will do so by 2023. This means that you will need to bring a phone working on 3G and 4G to Switzerland. Also note that Swisscom and Salt have also shut down their MMS services since 10/JAN/2023, due to the popularity of IM services such as WhatsApp, Threema and Wire in the country. Sunrise has yet to announce its MMS shutdown date.

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 may take some hours to be processed.

EU roaming[]

No roaming
Be aware that Switzerland is not part of the EU, nor the EEA, where from June 2017 new international roaming rules are enforced. So roaming rates are not capped or regulated in Switzerland and can be much higher.

European providers treat Switzerland very differently: a few charge the same as within the EU zone, some limit usage in Switzerland, but many add a substantial surcharge on consumptions while roaming in Switzerland. Better check your EU/EEA provider first before use, or buy a local SIM instead.

For the same reason, roaming rates on Swiss SIM cards in EU countries are still very high (only Lyca Mobile offers plans that include EU roaming, with rather restrictive limits). That's why in most cases, you should buy a separate SIM card for EU countries instead. EU roaming options of Swiss providers are given for every provider below. Beware of the excessive default roaming rate. However, both Swisscom and Salt offer roaming at domestic Swiss rates in the small country of Liechtenstein.

Affordability compared to other countries[]

UK internet comparison site cable.co.uk has ranked Switzerland as 226th out of 237 countries/territories and last in the OECD (36 countries) in terms of mobile data affordability with data costing on average Fr 6.50 (approximately US$7.29) per GB (July 2023). This means Switzerland's prices are approximately US$5.64 per GB more expensive than the global median. Only Zambia, Cayman Islands, Svalbard, Central African Republic, Turkmenistan, Yemen, Tokelau, South Sudan, Saint Helena, Falkland Islands, and Zimbabwe have more expensive data than Switzerland (source).

Having said that, Swiss networks offer some unlimited packs with relatively high fair usage policy cut-offs. Likewise, some MVNOs offer more generous data packages than the network that hosts them.

The prepaid offers below are sorted according to the networks, each beginning with the network operator first, followed by their resellers/MVNOs. At the bottom of the article three virtual hybrid prepaid offers for unlimited data are shown, that may only be an option, if you stay for longer or have a local address and a credit/debit card.

SWISSCOM network []

Swisscom is still the biggest provider in the country giving out 3G and 4G/LTE in up to 150 Mbps on prepaid. Note that its 2G network was shut down in 2021, while its MMS service was discontinued on 10/JAN/2023. 5G has started on 1800 MHz (n3), 2100 MHz (n1) and 3500 MHz (n78). About 90% of the cities and major traffic lines are covered in 2021 already. 5G was made available in 2021 for prepaid customers so far only in their daily option.

As incumbent provider with the largest market share, they have the highest prices currently in the Swiss mobile market. Like Salt, Swisscom also has own coverage in neighbouring Liechtenstein competing with the latter country's incumbent operator FL1 (Telecom Liechtenstein), hence usage in Liechtenstein is always charged according to domestic rates.

Swisscom[]

Swisscom

Swisscom's prepaid SIM cards used to be called Natel Easy for decades. Older SIMs are still known under this name, but have been rebranded to inONE mobile prepaid in 2017.

Availability[]

Their prepaid product 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 outlets (shop locator). Mini-, micro- and nano-SIMs are all available or can be changed in a shop free of charge to a 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#.

If the SIM card is not used for 12 months, it becomes invalid, the remaining credit will expire and the number will be recycled to a new user.

Outgoing calls, sending text messages, sending and receiving MMS messages and any use of mobile data are considered as using the SIM card.

So using the card at least once in 12 months is recommended for keeping the sim alive.

Default data rate[]

They offer "unlimited data" for CHF 2 per day limited by a FUP shown below. A day is the 24-hour period from midnight to midnight on the next calendar day. On days when you don't use the phone for data (or for voice or SMS), there is no charge. Their FUP reduces speed to 256 Kbps after 10 GB have been consumed within a month. This official policy is enforced strictly. After this you have to wait for a new month or buy one of their data packages shown below. Network speeds are capped at 2 Mbps, unless you buy a data package.

Alternatively, you can switch to inONE mobile GO base plan with unlimited domestic SMS and MMS included and a low-speed unlimited data rate capped at 128 kbit/s for CHF 5.

Data feature packages[]

These data packages are offered:

CH/FL Data Validity Price max. Speed
5 GB 24 hours CHF 5 5G max
500 MB 30 days CHF 6.90 50 Mbps
on 4G/LTE
2 GB 30 days CHF 19.90
5 GB 30 days CHF 45
unlimited
data, voice
and text
7 days CHF 20
30 days CHF 65
90 days CHF 150

To activate packages go to your personal account. Check data balance by texting "STATUS" to 444 free of charge.

Roaming[]

For EU/EEA roaming incl. UK you need to activate one of these data packages valid for 30 days:

  • 500 MB: CHF 6.90
  • 1 GB: CHF 14.90
  • 3 GB: CHF 39.90
  • 10 GB: CHF 89.90

More info[]

Lyca Mobile Suisse[]

Lycamobile new

new logo

Lyca Mobile (previously: Lycamobile) from the UK is the main competitor of Lebara on the ethno market. It was launched in 2008 as Lyca's third market overall and changed its host network in 2011 from Orange (now Salt) to the Swisscom network on 3G and 4G/LTE. It has become one of the most reasonably priced offers in Switzerland.

Availability[]

Lyca

old logo

The starter pack is sold in a lot of stores in the country (locator) or online for free. Make sure your date of birth is written correctly in the application form: you'll need it to register online. SIM cards stay valid for 5 months after your last call/text message.

Reloads can be made in their stores or using an international credit card online. When topping up online: the larger the top-up amount, the bigger the credit => see their offer. Check your balance by *131#, you number by *132#.

Data feature packages:[]

Data outside these packages or when overused is billed at CHF 0.10 per MB.

The following 30 day packages are offered:

Pack CH/FL Data EU Data Price Activation
Surf M 1 GB none CHF 5.90 *139*91490#
Surf L 2 GB CHF 9.90 *139*92490#
Surf XL 5 GB CHF 13.90 *139*94490#
Surf UL 300 GB 1 CHF 39CHF 19 2 *139*96490#

1 - After you used the included high-speed data you can continue to use data at a throttled speed of up to 256 kbps.

2 - As a promotion you get a lower price when purchasing a new line.

Data packs renew automatically after one month and must be cancelled. Note, that there is no included data roaming in the EU with these data packages.

To check your data allowances dial *136#, to cancel your packages dial *190#.

All-in-one packages:[]

Lyca Mobile offers these all in one 30 day packages:

Pack Voice Texts CH/FL
Data
EU
Data
Price Activation Other
Swiss Young 250 mins (to CH) +
250 mins to other Lyca customers
250 SMS (to CH) +
250 SMS to other
Lyca customers
0.5 + 0.5 GB 5 none CHF 9.90 *139*1006#
Hello Swiss S 500 mins (to CH and EU) +
100 mins to Lyca Ukraine & Kyivstar +
25 mins to all other Ukrainian networks
unlimited 10 GB 1 GB CHF 19CHF 5 3 *139*1001#
Hello Swiss M unlimited (to CH and EU) +
100 mins to Lyca Ukraine & Kyivstar +
25 mins to all other Ukrainian networks
15 + 15 GB 2 3 GB CHF 24CHF 6 3 *139*1002#
Hello Swiss L 40 GB 1 3 GB CHF 29CHF 7.25 3 *139*1005#
Hello Swiss MAX unlimited
(to CH and EU)
300 GB 1 5 GB CHF 39CHF 19.50 3 *139*1004#
AloTurka S unlimited (to CH) +
40 mins to turkish mobile networks & EU +
200 mins to turkish landlines
none 1 GB 1 GB CHF 9.99 *139*1012# included data
can also
be used in
Turkey
AloTurka M unlimited (to CH) +
80 mins to turkish mobile networks & EU +
500 mins to turkish landlines
3 GB 3 GB CHF 19.99 *139*1013#
AloTurka L unlimited (to CH) +
100 mins to turkish mobile networks & EU +
750 mins to turkish landlines
10 GB 10 GB CHF 24.99 *139*1014#
Hello World unlimited (to CH) +
1000 mins (to international) +
100 mins to Lyca Ukraine & Kyivstar +
25 mins to all other Ukrainian network
100 SMS none CHF 39CHF 19.50 4 *139*1049#

1 - After you used the included high-speed data you can continue to use data at a throttled speed of up to 256 Kbps.

2 - As a promotion new lines get an additional 15 GB of data for the first three months.

3 - As a promotion you get a lower price for the first three months on Hello Swiss S/M/L and six months on Hello Swiss MAX.

4 - As a promotion you get a lower price when purchasing a new line.

5 - As a promotion you get an additional 0.5 GB of data for the first month.

Daily packages:[]

These one day packages are offered:

Pack Voice CH/FL Data Price Activation
Surf Daily Swiss none unlimted CHF 1.50 *139*151#
Unlimited Daily unlimited
national
100 GB 1 CHF 2.50 *139*251#

1 - After you used the included high-speed data you can continue to use data at a throttled speed of up to 256 kbps.

Roaming[]

Some all-in-one packages include roaming allowances. For roaming in the EU/EEA countries incl. UK, you can also buy this special roaming package valid for 30 days:

  • EU Data M with 3 GB: CHF 20 - activation: *139*7502#

More infos[]

  • Tethering is not possible unless you have rooted Android or jailbroken iPhone. VoIP is possible.
  • Like most prepaid cards, you cannot send SMS to premium providers (like to pay by phone for your public transport ticket)
  • APN: data.lycamobile.ch
  • Username: lmch (that's lowercase L, not capital i — as in lycamobile ch)
  • Password: plus
  • Website in English: http://www.lycamobile.ch/en

Mucho[]

Mucho

Mucho (previously called Mucho mobil) is another MVNO aimed at visitors and foreign workers offering discounted IDD calls. It operates on the network of Swisscom in 3G and 4G, with speeds up to 15 Mbps and recently made a relaunch.

Availability []

Their SIM card is sold for CHF 10 including CHF 5 balance. They are available at post offices, k-kiosks, Naville and Relay outlets. K-kiosks take 24-48 hours to activate the SIM, while post offices activate immediately. There are different starters sold too with one of the plans shon below included. When you have a Swiss postal address, you can order a free SIM card here.

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). Check balance by *130#.

Mobile plans[]

These 30-day plans with talk, text and data are available:

Plan Voice Texts CH/FL Data Europe Data Price Activation
Duo Nano 75 mins
in CH
75 SMS
in CH
500 MB 100 MB CHF 4.90 DUONANO
Duo Micro 180 mins
in CH
180 SMS
in CH
1 GB 200 MB CHF 9.90 DUOMICRO
Duo Mini 300 mins
in CH and
to Europe
300 SMS
in CH and
to Europe
5 GB 500 MB CHF 17.90 DUOMINI
Ultra 19 75 mins
in CH
none 10 GB 500 MB CHF 19 ULTRA19
Duo Swiss unlimited
in CH
unlimited
in CH
15 + 15 GB 1 1 GB CHF 24.90 DUOSWISS
Duo Maxi unlimited
in CH and
to Europe
unlimited
in CH and
to Europe
20 GB 2 GB CHF 39 DUOMAXI
Duo Mundo 1000 mins
in CH and
to 80
countries
unlimited
in CH and
to 80
countries
40 GB 4 GB CHF 49 DUOMUNDO

To activate send a text message with the code to 778 or do it in the online portal. To check credit and data amounts, text 'STATUS' to 778.

All packages auto-renew, to stop you need to go online to your account or send 'STOP <Activation-code>' to 778.

Maximum speed is 15 Mbps for download and 2 Mbps for upload. Video is caped at 480p. Hotspot is caped at 2 Mbps for download and 1 Mbps for upload.

On the Duo Swiss, Duo Maxi and Duo Mundo plans after you used your high-speed data you can continue to use data at a throttled speed of up to 256 Kbps and no hotspot.

1 - As a promotion you get an additional 15 GB of data for the first two months.

Data-only plans[]

These 30-day data plans are available (voice and text enabled):

Plan CH/FL Data Europe Data Price Activation
Data Mini 2 GB none CHF 9.90 DATAMINI
Data Maxi 5 GB none CHF 19.90 DATAMAXI
Data EU Mini 2 GB (CH/FL and Europe) CHF 19.90 EUMINI
Data Mega 10 GB none CHF 29.90 DATAMEGA
Data EU Maxi 5 GB (CH/FL and Europe) CHF 29.90 EUMAXI

To activate send a text message with the code to 778 or do it in the online portal. To check credit and data amounts, text 'STATUS' to 778.

Data Mini, Data Maxi and Data Mega packages auto-renew, to stop you need to go online to your account or send 'STOP <Activation-code>' to 778.

Maximum speed is 50 Mbps for download and 5 Mbps for upload. Video is caped at 1080p.

If you need more data you have to get an add-on since there is no unlimited throttled data and no overuse rate.

On Data EU Mini and Data EU Mega you can get the same plan again by sending the code to 778 or through the online portal.

Data Add-Ons:[]

These Data Add-Ons are available for Mobile and Data-only plans and are valid for 10 days:

Add-On CH/FL Data Price Activation
Plus 1 1 GB CHF 5 PLUS1
Plus 5 5 GB CHF 15 PLUS5

To activate send a text message with the code to 778 or do it in the online portal.

Roaming[]

Roaming in the EU/EEA including UK is possible only with a roaming allowance from one of the packages specified above. Note that on Data EU packages, the given volume is a combined volume for Switzerland+Liechtenstein and Europe.

These data roaming add-ons for Europe are available for Mobile and Data-only plans and are valid for 12 months:

Add-On Europe Data Price Activation
Data Mini Roam 1 GB CHF 14 DATAMINIROAM
Data Medio Roam 3 GB CHF 29 DATAMEDIOROAM
Data Maxi Roam 5 GB CHF 49 DATAMAXIROAM

To activate send a text message with the code to 778 or do it in the online portal.

More info[]

M-Budget []

M Budget

M-Budget is the MVNO of one of the major retail chains in the country called Migros. It operates on the network of Swisscom on 3G and 4G/LTE in up to 50 Mbps. Note that their offers look very overpriced compared with others.

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.

Mobile plans[]

These combo plans are offered for 30 days:

Plan Voice SMS CH/FL Data max. Speed
Down/Up
Price
Easy S 40 mins 40 SMS 40 MB 50/5 Mbps CHF 4
Easy M 120 mins 200 SMS 200 MB CHF 9
Easy L 240 mins 400 SMS 400 MB CHF 14

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.

Data outside packages or for overuse is charged at CHF 0.28 per MB. Billing interval per 100 KB. 10 MB per month are included for free.

Additional data can be purchased at 5 CHF per 500 MB for 30 days validity by sending "START DATAPACK" to 444.

Call and Text Roaming Only[]

Data roaming outside Switzerland is blocked. You can only roam for voice and text abroad.

More info[]

CoopMobile[]

Coop mobile

CoopMobile of the retail group Coop is a MVNO in 3G and 4G/LTE. It used to operate on the Salt network, but has switched to Swisscom in 2019.

Existing Coop Mobile customers remain with Salt by default under the new name of Salt Swiss Flat or can change to Swisscom network. For this they need a new SIM card with a new number, but can port their old one. All new CoopMobile SIM cards are from now on the Swisscom network. All information below is for the new SIM cards on Swisscom. It special feature is packages that don't expire.

Availability[]

CoopMobile 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 and 100 MB pre-loaded. 3-in-1 SIM sizes are available in stores. When buying in a Coop store, your activation may take up to 24 hours.

The SIM card will be blocked after 12 months without use. Then you have another 6 months to call their hotline to re-instate your SIM before it will be lost along with the loaded balance.

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 *123*<voucher code>#. Balance check: *130#.

Data feature packages[]

For data they only offer these packages:

Plan CH/FL Data Price Activation
Surf Paket 250 0.25 GB CHF 4.90 SURF250
Surf Paket 750 0.75 GB CHF 9.90 SURF750
Surf Paket 1500 1.5 GB CHF 14.90 SURF1500

These packages don't expire and can be used as long as the SIM is active. Activation is by texting code to 506. If you don't choose a package or have depleted one, data will be shut off.

Roaming[]

International roaming is blocked, unless you buy an EU pass in your personal profile before:

  • 250 MB in the EU, EEA, UK and Eastern Europe for CHF 10

More info[]

SUNRISE network []

Sunrise UPC, owned by Liberty Global, has moved to 2nd position in Switzerland with a very good performance even challenging Swisscom in some network tests. It gives excellent standard with high speeds and wide coverage at the lowest prices currently on the market. 2G was completely shut down at the end of 2022. For 3G your device should be capable of the 900 MHz (B8) frequency, as Sunrise uses it a lot. Unlike Swisscom and Salt, the country of Liechtenstein is treated as a foreign country by Sunrise as it doesn't have own coverage there. Sunrise currently offers the cheapest roaming options for the EU/EEA/UK on prepaid and has opened 5G for prepaid in 2020. In May 2022, Sunrise adopted a new logo as a result of Liberty Global's phaseout of the UPC Switzerland brand.

Sunrise[]

SunriseUPC2022

new logo

Sunrise

old logo

Availability[]

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

You must register in person and have a valid passport or ID card with you. The SIM is not activated until the purchaser is lawfully registered. Sunrise reserves the right to decline the sale or registration of several SIM cards to the same person.

In 2018 Sunrise switched on its first 5G antenna. As of 2019, 5G is available in 309 Swiss towns and available for prepaid as well in the 7 days unlimited tariff. It's broadcast on 700 MHz (n28) and 3500 MHz (n78) bands: 5G coverage map . It's sold on its own brand for prepaid, no other brand so far.

You can top-up by credit card 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#.

Sunrise SIM cards stay valid for 12 months without any activity. In the following 6 months the SIM will be suspended, but you can regain number and credit when you contact them. After 18 months number and credit will be lost terminally.

They offer four plans with data:

  • Prepaid airbag
  • Prepaid unlimited
  • Young (for <30 year old customers)
  • Prepaid Take@away (for data and SMS only)

Existing customers can change by texting between voice & data SIMS 'AIRBAG' , 'YOUNGWS' or 'UNLIMITED' to 5522. Their data SIM needs a different starter, that you get in Sunrise stores.

Prepaid airbag[]

This is the plan for lower use. Data is charged by default at CHF 1.20 per day and includes 100 MB in 4G up to 300 Mbps and then throttled to 128 kbit/s. You can add one of these monthly packages called Surf for more high speed data:

Package CH Data Price Activation Deactivation
Surf 250 MB CHF 7.50 SURF SURF STOP
Surf XL 1 GB CHF 15 SURF XL SURFXL STOP
Surf 3XL 3 GB CHF 30 SURF3XL SURF3XL STOP
Surf 5XL 5 GB CHF 45 SURF5XL SURF5XL STOP

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 in up to 100 Mbps.

Young[]

This youth-oriented plan is geared to users under 30 years old. New order or change to Young for over 30 year olds is no longer possible. Data is charged by default at CHF 0.75 per day includes like Airbag 100 MB in high speed before throttled to 128 kbit/s. Everytime you recharge CHF 10, you will get 30 days up to 100 MB free of charge. The same packages as on Airbag above can be added.

Prepaid Unlimited[]

This plan, introduced in October 2020, can be bought at more than 4,000 points of sale across Switzerland as well as vouchers developed with epay. They are sold at Sunrise centres, Swiss Post branches, k kiosk, Press & Books, Mobilezone and various gas stations in partnership with Lekkerland.

The SIM card costs CHF 19,90 and includes a credit of 20 CHF. Without options, CHF 2,50 are charged for every day (24 hours) of use. This includes unlimited highspeed data, telephone calls within Switzerland and SMS within Switzerland.

Their flat rate for high users with real unlimited and unthrottled data in 4G+ up to 300 Mbps and partly on 5G up to 2 Gbit/s called Sunrise Prepaid unlimited including unlimited domestic voice and texts:

Time max. Speed Price Activation
7 days 4G+, 5G NR CHF 19.90 7DAYS
30 days 4G+ CHF 50 UNLIMITED30
90 days 4G+ CHF 120 UNLIMITED

Activate by sending an SMS to 5522 with the code or online in My Sunrise. The option is activated immediately after registration. if the credit balance is sufficient. If the credit balance is not sufficient at the time of registration, activation will be suspended. until enough credit has been added to the account. Activation is confirmed by SMS. One day of use lasts 24 hours starting at the time of activation. The option automatically renews as long as sufficient credit is available or a new voucher is redeemed. Renewal of the option is confirmed by SMS.If the credit balance is not sufficient at the time the option is renewed, option renewal is suspended for 72 hours. If sufficient credit is added to the account balance during this time, the option automatically activates at the time the credit is added. Otherwise the option will be permanently deleted and will have to be activated again if needed. To stop auto-renewal send an SMS containing the code followed by STOP to 5522 or in My Sunrise. The option can be used until the duration of the option expires.

Prepaid Take@away[]

This plan is focused on data, but has text too, no voice:

  • CHF 3 per usage for unlimited data on 4G/LTE and 5G NR

A usage day counts for 24 hours after your first usage of data. The will be no charge, when you switch off data. Speed is up to 700 Mbps on 4G and 2 Gbit/s on 5G,

Note that this plan is more expensive than "Prepaid unlimited" (CHF 2,50 per 24 hours, see above).

Roaming[]

Default EU and Liechtenstein roaming rate outside packages is CHF 1 per MB. Remember Liechtenstein is not included in domestic rates. It is treated as any other European country for roaming charges.

For roaming in the EU, EEA (incl. Liechtenstein), UK, Canada, USA and Turkey to all plans these roaming packages valid for up to 12 months can be added:

  • 300 MB: CHF 9.90, activation: Sreg1
  • 1 GB: CHF 14.90, activation: Mreg2
  • 5 GB: CHF 39.90, activation: Lreg2

For activation, text code to 5522. Roaming bundles won't auto-renew, but can be renewed anytime, when used up. You can manage these allowances and block overuse fees in your Sunrise Roaming Cockpit online or by app.

For "unlimited" data use in the EU, EEA, UK and Turkey they have released "travel data unlimited Europe" with 40 GB 4G highspeed data before throttled to 256 kbit/s. valid for 30 days priced at CHF 49.90. Activation is by texting "unlimited europe" to 5522. No auto-renewal.

More info[]

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

Aldi mobile[]

Aldi Suisse Mobile logo new

Aldi mobile is the MVNO of the Aldi Suisse supermarket discounter chain on Sunrise network in 3G and 4G/LTE. It boasts a great on-net rate: all calls among Aldi mobile numbers in Switzerland are offered for free.

Availability[]

Their starter package costs CHF 9.99 including a prepaid credit of CHF 20. Starter packs are available only in Aldi Suisse supermarkets (shop locator). They are not on display, but you have to ask at the checkout. Mini-SIM (2FF), micro-SIM and nano-SIM are sold. Clerk will have you fill out a paper form, which they fax or email to HQ. The initial activation can take up to 72 hours but activations have been reported in as little as 3 hours.

Top-ups can be found in all Aldi Suisse stores (at CHF 20, 30, 50), online through the Aldi account manager or at SBB (Swiss Railways) ticket dispensers (which allow custom top-ups above CHF 10; cash or European credit/debit cards only). Check your balance by *147*#.

Default rate[]

The default rate is CHF 0.09 per MB.

Mobile plans[]

These 30-day plans with talk, text and data are available:

Plan Talk Texts CH Data Europe Data Price Activation
Smart S Unlimited
to CH
Unlimited
to CH
3 GB none CHF 14.90 START SMART S
Smart M Unlimited
to CH and
to neighbors
20 GB 1 GB CHF 24.90 START SMART M
Smart L 50 GB 2 GB CHF 29.90 START SMART L

To activate send a text message with the code to 4466. To check your balance, text 'STATUS' to 4466.

All plans auto-renew, to stop you can send 'STOPP SMART S', 'STOPP SMART M' or 'STOPP SMART L' to 4466.

After you used the included high-speed data you can continue to use data at a throttled speed of up to 400 Kbps. More high-speed data can be purchased for CHF 4.90 per GB.

Unused data is saved with rollover-data. You can have up to 100 GB of rollover-data. If your plan doesn't renew all rollover-data is lost.

Calls to neighbouring countries are for these countries: Austria, France, Germany, Italy and Liechtenstein

Calls between Aldi mobile customers in are free.

Data plans[]

These 30-day data-only plans are offered:

Plan CH Data Price Activation
Surf 1000 1 GB CHF 9.90 SURF 1000
Surf 3000 3 GB CHF 14.90 SURF 3000
Surf 8000 8 GB CHF 24.90 SURF 8000

To activate send a text message with the code to 4466. To check your balance, text 'STATUS' to 4466.

These plans are valid for one 30-day period 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 again send a free text with the activation code to the number 4466, so that the option will be activated for another month.

When exceeding a limit before the end of the 30 day-period, you can buy again an option for another 30 days.

Roaming[]

Default EU roaming rate outside packages is CHF 2 per MB.

For roaming these packages all valid for 30 days in the EU, EEA, UK (including Isle of Man and Channel Islands), Faroe Islands, Andorra, Monaco, Russia, Turkey, USA, and Canada are offered:

  • Roaming 500: CHF 9.90 for 500 MB
  • Roaming 1000: CHF 14.90 for 1 GB

To activate, text name to 4466. To check your balance, text 'STATUS' to 4466.

More info[]

ok.-[]

Ok

ok.- is spoken "OK, Punkt, Strich" (= OK, dot, dash). It's a MVNO operated by the Swiss retail conglomerate Valora using the MVNE infrastructure of TalkEasy,ch and changed 2014 from Salt/Orange to the Sunrise network on 3G and 4G/LTE. ok.- starter packages were no longer sold from 01/NOV/2021, packages stopped sales from 01/DEC/2021 and the MVNO was shut down on 31/DEC/2021.

TalkTalk[]

Talktalk

new logo

TalkTalk is another MVNO on the Sunrise network on 3G and 4G/LTE geared to visitors and tourists.

Availability[]

Their prepaid product is called GO. It's available online or offline exclusively in Mobilezone stores: store locator. They sell three different start packs:

  • Prepaid Go: data at CHF 0.20 per 10 MB, CHF 20 credit: CHF 19.90
  • Tourist 10 GB; 10 GB data, unlimited domestic calls, CHF 5 credit: CHF 29.95
  • Tourist 100 GB: 100 GB data, unlimited domestic calls, CHF 5 credit: CHF 49.95
TalkTalk

old logo

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.

To create an online account for adding credit to your account you need a postal address in Switzerland and a valid zip code. Addresses and zip codes from other countries are not allowed / possible.

Data feature packs[]

Default data outside of packages is CHF 0.20 per 10 MB.

These monthly packages are available and can be added for extra data:

CH Data Price Activation
500 MB CHF 10 START 500MB
1 GB CHF 15 START 1GB
2 GB CHF 25 START 2GB
3 GB CHF 35 START 3GB
5 GB CHF 50 START 5GB
10 GB CHF 85 START 10GB
100 GB CHF 100 START 100GB

To activate, text code to 361. All packages are valid for 30 days. Volume can be upsized anytime by buying a new package. All packages auto-renew after 30 days. To stop replace START by STOP in the command code.

Roaming[]

The standard rate is CHF 0.10 per 100 KB without any cheaper packages offered.

More info[]

Yallo[]

Yallo

Yallo is a subsidiary of Sunrise and operates on their network on 3G and 4G/LTE where available with speeds up to 100 Mbps.

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. If you have a Swiss postal address you can order it for free here.

Mobile plans:[]

These 28-day combo plans are offered:

Plan Voice
(CH and Europa)
Texts CH Data Price Activation
All in 5 20 mins 200 SMS (CH) 0.3 GB CHF 5 ALLIN5
All in 7.5 40 mins 400 SMS (CH) 0.5 GB CHF 7.50 ALLIN7.5
All in 10 60 mins 600 SMS (CH) 1 GB CHF 10 ALLIN10
All in 15 200 mins unlimited
SMS (CH)
2 GB CHF 15 ALLIN15
All in 20 400 mins 3 GB CHF 20 ALLIN20
All in 30 unlimited 5 GB 1 CHF 30 ALLIN30
All in 40 unlimited SMS
(worldwide)
10 GB 1 CHF 40* ALLIN40

(*) = The All-in 40 combo package is on promotion giving 10 GB data at a cost of only CHF 30

Calls are domestic and to Europe. Roaming is excluded. 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 volume limit is reached, if there is enough credit. To check package status type *142#.

1 - After you used the included high-speed data you can continue to use data at a throttled speed of up to 256 Kbps.

Data feature packs[]

These monthly packages are sold:

Plan CH Data Price Activation
Surf 250 0.25 GB CHF 5 SURF250
Surf 1000 1 GB CHF 15 SURF1000
Surf Unlimited unlimited CHF 40 SURFFLAT

Standard rate outside packages is CHF 0.25 per 10 MB.

EU roaming[]

For roaming in the EU/EEA countries, UK, Greenland, Monaco, Andorra, Russia, USA, Canada and Turkey these packages can be added:

  • 60 GB high speed data (and unlimited at up to 256 Kbps) for one month: CHF 50, activation: text 'TSUNL' to 5511

To check status, text 'STATUS' to 255. Note that the default EU roaming rate without having activated a package is at excessive CHF 2 per MB. Yallo offers the lowest cost per GB of prepaid roaming in the EU with a Swiss SIM so far.

Yallo Swype[]

Yallo Swype has been moved to the bottom of this article in line with other virtual hybrid prepaid offers.

More info[]

Lebara mobile[]

Lebara new

Lebara mobile Suisse was acquired by Sunrise in 2013. It uses their network in 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 data bonuses for top-ups, especially when made online or by app. Check balance by *147#.

Data feature packs[]

Default rate is 1.50 CHF per 24-hours day with 30 MB in highspeed 4G, then throttled to 256 kbit/s. These packages for more data can be added:

CH Data Price Activation
120 MB CHF 4.90 SURF
1 GB CHF 14.90 DATA1
3 GB CHF 29.90 SURF3
unlimited CHF 39 SURFMAX

For activation text code to 255, package 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.

They also offer these combo plans;

Plan CH Data Voice & SMS Price Activation
Swiss Max Prepaid 5 GB unlimited in CH CHF 29 CH
Europe Max Prepaid 40 GB unlim. in CH + EU CHF 29 EU
World Max Prepaid 5 GB unlim. to 81 countries CHF 39 WD

For activation text code to 255. Data is throttled to 256 kbps, if overused.

Roaming[]

Default EU/EEA roaming rate is at excessive CHF 10 per MB.

For data roaming in the EU, EEA, UK, USA and Turkey Lebara offers these roaming data packages:

  • 200 MB for 7 days: CHF 10, activation: 'DATAR100'
  • 2 GB for 30 days: CHF 30, activation: 'DATAR1GB'
  • 6 GB for 30 days: CHF 60, activation: 'DATAR3GB'
  • 20 GB for 30 days: CHF 80, actiation: 'DATAR10GB'

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.

More info[]

SALT network []

In 2014 France Telecom sold Orange CH to Xavier Niel of Iliad. The brand Orange was dropped and the network rebranded to Salt during summer 2015. It's now the 3rd network in the country still giving good coverage and high speeds, but lagging slightly behind Swisscom and Sunrise. Its 2G network will be completely shut down by 2023. So bring a 3G and 4G/LTE device. Salt has also discontinued its MMS service since 10/JAN/2023. Like Swisscom, Salt also has own coverage in neighbouring Liechtenstein (since 2023 rebranded as 7acht) competing with the latter country's incumbent operator FL1 (Telecom Liechtenstein), hence usage in Liechtenstein is always charged according to domestic rates.

Salt Mobile (formerly: Orange)[]

Salt

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, k kiosk), supermarkets (Coop, Migros), SBB-ticket machines, post offices and most service stations.

The PrePay account is automatically suspended after 390 days without being used. It is definitively cancelled after another 45 days (435 days in total). To avoid this, send a text or make a short call, if outside Switzerland using wifi calling in order to pay Swiss domestic rates instead of roaming rates. The 390 days are reset after each chargeable usage.

Default data rate[]

They offer a daily rate with unlimited data on up to 4G/LTE for CHF 1.99 by default. This rate is not throttled or otherwise limited.

In 2018 they cancelled all data packages, a year later they are back again. You can choose between three monthly packs for Swiss data:

  • 100 MB: CHF 3
  • 500 MB: CHF 9
  • 1 GB: CHF 15

Activation of data packages is through https://costcontrol.salt.ch/status which is only possible on the Salt network not through a WiFi connection.

Roaming[]

Salt can be used without extra roaming fees in the country of Liechtenstein. EU/EEA roaming is on the excessive roaming rate of CHF 2.95 per MB.

These roaming packages can be activated for data use anywhere in the EU, EEA, UK, Canada, USA and Turkey for 30 days:

  • 1 GB: CHF 19.95
  • 2 GB: CHF 29.95
  • 5 GB: CHF 49.95

To activate go to http://costcontrol.salt.ch/status .

More info[]

  • tethering is allowed (according to Salt forum)
  • APN: click (valid only for PrePay)
  • Website in English: http://www.salt.ch/en

Lidl Connect[]

Lidl-connect

Lidl Connect is the MVNO of the Lidl supermarket discounter chain on Salt network in 3G and 4G/LTE up to 750 Mbps. It boasts a great on-net feature: all calls among Lidl Connect and Salt numbers in Switzerland are offered for free.

Availability[]

Their starter package is for CHF 9.95 including the same prepaid credit. Starter packs are available only in Lidl supermarkets (shop locator) in Switzerland. They are not on display, but you have to ask at the checkout. Mini-SIM (2FF), micro-SIM and nano-SIM are sold. Clerk will have you fill out a paper form, which they fax or email to HQ. This initial activation may take up to 72 hours or three days. That's why it's not a swift option.

Top-ups can be found in all Lidl stores (at CHF 20, 30, 50), online through the Salt website or at SBB (Swiss Railways) ticket dispensers (which allow custom top-ups above CHF 10; cash or European bank cards only).

Check your balance by *121#. The SIM card will be deactivated after 435 days of inactivity.

Data feature packs[]

Data connection is deactivated as long as no data package is activated. Overuse rate is CHF 0.19 per MB.

These monthly data packages, valid for 30 days, are offered:

  • 500 MB: CHF 4.90
  • 3 GB: CHF 19.90
  • 5 GB: CHF 29.90

Activation of data packages is through https://costcontrol.salt.ch/status which is only possible on the Salt network, not through a WiFi connection.

Roaming[]

For international roaming these packages all valid for 30 days in the EU, EEA, UK and USA are offered:

  • 1 GB: CHF 19.95
  • 5 GB: CHF 49.95

Activation of data packages is through https://costcontrol.salt.ch/status which is only possible on the Salt network, not through a WiFi connection.

More info[]

MTEL Switzerland Logo

MTEL Switzerland Logo

MTEL Switzerland[]

MTEL Switzerland is a MVNO owned by MTEL Austria and is part of the Telekom Serbia Group. It commenced operations in October 2022 up to 4G/LTE.

Availability

The MTEL FREE starter package comes with the MTEL FREE+ Plan valid for the first 25 days for 15 CHF. The starter pack can be purchased in MTEL stores as well as online to be sent to a Swiss address.

Combo plans

These 25 day combo plans are offered:

Plan Voice +
Texts
Data max. Speed
Down/Up
Price Activation
FREE 5,000
Mins/SMS
5 GB
(CH & MTEL)
2 Gbps/
300 Mbps
10 CHF *100*91#
FREE+ 10,000
Mins/SMS
10 GB (CH,
EU & MTEL)
15 CHF *100*92#

Minutes and SMS and are valid within Switzerland and to other MTEL Zone (Telekom Serbia Group) (virtual) networks.

On the FREE plan the included data can be used within Switzerland and while on a MTEL Zone (Telekom Serbia Group) (virtual) network.

On the FREE + plan the included data can be used within Switzerland, while on a network in an EU/Europe zone country and while on a MTEL Zone (Telekom Serbia Group) (virtual) network.

Data Add-ons

  • Data Plus S: 1 GB for 5 CHF
  • Data Plus XL: 5 GB for 10 CHF

The data of these add-ons can be used within Switzerland, while on a network in an EU/Europe zone country and while on a MTEL Zone (Telekom Serbia Group) (virtual) network.

Roaming

Data Roaming in MTEL Zone countries is included on all plans and data add-ons. The MTEL Zone countries are Serbia (mts), Montenegro (m:tel Crna Gora), Bosnia & Herzegovina (m:tel Banja Luka) and Austria (m:tel Austria an MVNO on the A1 Telekom Austria network).

Data Roaming in the EU is available on the FREE+ plan and with the Data Plus add-ons.

More info

Hybrid Prepaid Offers: Wingo, Yallo Swype and Go Mo[]

Prepaid rolling contracts (sometimes called: hybrid prepaid) lowered the prices for mobile services considerably within the last couple of years in Switzerland. They are not sold in stores, but only online through the internet. We normally don't display these plans as they have proven to be inconvenient for many travelers. You need to order them online and have to provide a postal address in Switzerland where you can receive your SIM card. This SIM needs to be linked to a credit or debit card, which is charged every month, until you cancel your contract online, what you can do anytime.

It may still be a good option, if you stay for longer in Switzerland and have a reliable address. That's why we list them here in a special segment at the bottom of the article in a smaller form. Note that all brands below need be ordered online and you need to have a local address and a valid credit or debit card. All three network operators have launched these offers in recent years that compete with usual prepaid offers above:

Brand CH Network "Flatrate" Offer Activation EU/UK data eSIM Termination
Wingo Swisscom Combo Flat 7 days: CHF 14
Combo Flat 30 days: CHF 50
free various Data
Travel Packs
no anytime
Yallo
Swype
Sunrise Swype Swiss combo Flat 30 days: CHF 19.95
Swype Surf data-only Flat 30 days: CHF 14.95

Swype Europe all-inclusive Flat 30 days: CHF 34.95

free Swype Swiss and

Swype Surf: CHF 3 per day
(FUP 10 GB/day)

Swype Europe: 60 GB/month

yes anytime
Go Mo Salt Combo Flat for 30 days:
CHF 9.90 (for life)
CHF 39.90 CHF 0.025
per MB
no 60 days
notice

Combo Flats include unlimited voice, text and data in Switzerland, and depending on host network, in Liechtenstein too.

Yallo Swype[]

Swype-yallo

Yallo has introduced in 2019 a new SIM card and plan called Yallo Swype, that is only available online and sent to a Swiss postal address or you order an eSIM. It requires a credit card and their app to manage this SIM, where you can activate your eSIM and use even multiple eSIMs in the app. Registration is through their app and most passports seem to be accepted. Yallo Swype gives unlimited domestic data, domestic voice and SMS at quite low rates on a monthly basis for CHF 19.95 (Swype Swiss), or as unlimited domestic data-only flat for CHF 14.95 (Swype Surf). In 2023, Yallo Swype introduced a new, all-inclusive flatrate called Swype Europe costing CHF 34.95 that additionally includes 60 GB of full-speed roaming data in 41 countries (EU/EEA/UK + US and Canada; beyond which speed throttled to 128-256 kbit/s). Regarding unlimited domestic data, there is one deprioritisation tier that may be applied beyond 40 GB per month and another, more restrictive deprioritisation tier applied beyond 500 GB per month. For Swype Swiss and Swype Surf plans, international roaming is also separately offered at CHF 3 per day (max. 10 GB/day at full speed, then speed throttled to 128-256 kbit/s). This international roaming option is valid in EU/EEA/UK as well as the US and Canada.

Wingo new

Wingo[]

Wingo started as virtual brand of Swisscom in 2015. In 2020 they introduced unlimited prepaid flatrates that don't require a Swiss residency anymore. You still need to have a Swiss address for the SIM to be delivered (no eSIM available) and a credit or debit card to which this SIM card is linked. The monthly rate will be charged in advance on this payment source and you can add more balance for add-ons. You can change or terminate your plan anytime by app or online account. They offer weekly unlimited voice, text and data flats in Switzerland and Liechtenstein at CHF 14 or monthly at CHF 50. For roaming you need to add a Data Travel pack at different rates according to country.

Go Mo[]

GoMo

Go Mo on the Salt network was the latest arrival on the scene in 2021. It was branded similar to its Irish counterpart and offers a combo flat of unlimited calls, texts and data in Switzerland and Liechtenstein "for lifetime" at CHF 9.95. It's limited to "regular use" and may have some deprioritisation beyond. New SIM cards have a rather high activation charge of CHF 39.90, but can be terminated with a notice of 60 days for the next monthly billing cycle. Again, you need to have a local address for SIM delivery and give some passport details and link a credit card to your plan. For data roaming you need to activate a Travel Data option pack costing CHF 9.95 per month which opens data roaming at different rates according to country; otherwise only voice and SMS/MMS roaming is open on Go Mo SIMs by default.

How to buy a new prepaid SIM card[]

Sim Cards in Switzerland can be found in the following places:

  • Swiss Post: you can buy recharges or a new Swiss SIM card directly at post offices. The service is provided for Yallo, M-Budget and Das Abo.
  • Gasoline Station: you can drive through a gasoline station and while you are refueling your car you can find a new SIM for your smartphone.
  • Official Telco Store: this stores are located in the city centers or in the shopping malls and sometimes are crowdy. You can also find some of them directly at the international airports of Geneve and Zurich.
  • Phone assistance shops: Also in some specialized shops you can find a way to sign a new prepaid deal in Switzerland. For example you can buy new SIM cards ad Mobilezone shops: https://www.mobilezone.ch (website not available in english).
  • Online: directly searching a new prepaid card in providers' websites or exploiting a online comparison service to get an overviews of the best deals from different providers. Here after you can find the top 3 english comparison tools available in Switzerland:
  1. Comparis: https://en.comparis.ch/
  2. Moneyland: https://www.moneyland.ch/en/
  3. internet-offer.ch: https://www.internet-offer.ch/en

International eSIMs for Switzerland[]

Given that Switzerland's cost per GB of data is higher than the global median, international eSIMs can be a popular, more cost-effective alternative for foreigners. However, you need to ensure your device is eSIM compatible. Please see the article eSIM for more info on the eSIM in general. This section focuses on the popular international eSIM providers that offer national plans for Switzerland - these plans cannot be used for the EU/EEA. They do not require real-name registration in the way that obtaining SIM cards from national carriers do and can be set-up before arrival in Switzerland.

Airalo[]

Price(in US$) Data(in GB) Duration(in days) Network 5G? Calls SMS Effective cost(in US$ per GB*)
4.50 1 7 Salt 4.50
8.00 2 15 4.00
10.00 3 30 3.33
14.50 5 2.90
24.00 10 2.40
38.00 20 1.90

Ubigi[]

Price(in US$) Data(in GB) Duration(in days) Network 5G? Calls SMS Effective cost(in US$ per GB*)
7.00 3 30 Salt 2.33
9.00 5 30 1.80
14.00 10 30 1.40
32.00 24

(2 GB/month)

365 1.33
49.00 50 30 0.98

RedteaGO[]

Price(in US$) Data(in GB) Duration(in days) Network 5G? Calls SMS Effective cost(in US$ per GB*)
2.69 1 30 Swisscom, Sunrise 2.69
11.25 5 30 2.25

Holafly[]

Holafly offers unlimited internet for Switzerland, although local networks may impose a fair use policy data of 3 GB per day, after which data will be throttled until the next day in the plan.

Price(in US$) Duration(in days) 5G? Calls(in minutes) SMS Effective cost(in US$ per GB*)
19 5 1.27
27 7 1.29
34 10 1.13
47 15 1.04
54 20 0.90
64 30 0.71
84 60 0.47
99 90 0.37

*based on a 3GB per day expected fair use policy

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