Hi, the rules are a little different in Geneva! You have to buy the sim cards and show you working documents! 

H Parijat,

I picked up a Lebara sim card, (& an Orange prepay sim), from Mobilezone on Rue de Carouge. As far as I remember they photocopied my passport and recorded my address. There were no questions on permits/flat occupancy times etc. I assume most places are like this. I would suggest just paying the ~5CHF for the sim, (I can't remember if it is precredited with this amount), for ease.

AFAIK ordering the sims online is a little trickier for folk new to Geneva.

thanks Ryan. Will try to do this personally then. Lebara wesite promises that it can be done online. Very helpful from your end. Much appreciated. 

Generally speaking, you only need to give your ID to get a prepaid SIM for any operator.  It's when you want to take an abonnement that you'll be asked for proof of residence in Switzerland. 

I've tried to get a pay as you go phone and sim card from several different shops and I've been unable to because my work documents are still processing! I will go where you suggested! Thanks

Marieke what are you talking about?? In Geneva you take your ID thats it, go to some kiosque and ask for Lebara, or yallo or what ever you like. they take the copy of your document, you fill the form.. you get your sim and it will be activated in less then 24h. No one cares about your work documents if you want prepaid phone option.

I will try again! It might be because I don't speak French but I have found the Swiss to be very difficult when buying a phone/pre pay sim!

do you want me to help you? inbox me andI will help you out, come and translate and speak for you!

During the two times I have been in that mobile shop I mentioned before, the guy was able to speak good enough english, good enought for me to sort out the sims easily.