Hi CSM1,



Let's start with the mobile phone first (in CH we do not use the term cell phone). Don't bother to get a fixed line. Many younger people only use a mobile since you are on the move a lot. If you happen to have an unblocked GSM phone (Rogers or Fido) you can bring it with you. A phone from Telus or Bell will not work on the system here since they work on the CDMA system.



You will probably want to use a pay-as-you-go package. From a previous post on the subject, a couple of the cheapest ones are from Aldi or Migros.



https://www.salut-mobile.ch/salut/servlet/StaticContent?template=index.html&language=fr



http://www.m-budget-mobile.ch/index.cfm?lang=f&CFID=5628309&CFTOKEN=60196067&gclid=CKmIwuyIl5UCFQlStAodwHmQYQ



For calling Canada, you can use Skype (www.skype.com) on the computer (I normally use it to talk computer to computer) or Rebtel on your mobile (www.rebtel.com). With Rebtel you pay the air time on your mobile plus about 1-2 cents per minute for the highest quality VOIP. Once you set it up, it is really easy to use.



On the Internet question, I would check what the residence has setup or has to offer. You will not be the first person to have the same question. They might have a wi-fi system or if they offer cable tv, you can get internet over the cable.



Good luck with your move.



Verbier

Verbier, Aug 18, 2008 @ 13:32

Thanks for all the great information! As for the internet the residence does offer internet but its like 10$ an hour, so do you know of anything a little more efficient? And also do you know which service (migros, orange, swisscom, etc...) most of the other university or current students use?

Thanks!,

Chance
csm1, Aug 18, 2008 @ 16:01

Chance,



On the mobiles, Swisscom is the largest supplier followed by Sunrise then Orange. The smaller players (mostly pay as you go) such as Migros, Aldi and Co-op use the Sunrise or Swisscom network so the quality is good.



I am not quite sure why a residence is charging CHF 10 per hour for Internet but in that case you can go with a mobile option from Sunrise or Orange that uses the mobile network. Here are the links.



http://www.sunrise.ch/fr/privatkunden/angebote/mobile/mobiles-internet/mobile-internet-abos.htm



http://www.orange.ch/orangehomepack/flybox?ts=1219071649483

Verbier, Aug 18, 2008 @ 19:02

Thanks so much!!!!
csm1, Aug 18, 2008 @ 19:23