If you've only just arrived, you obviously won't yet have a credit history in Switzerland. You might then be asked to prove your address in Switzerland by showing an invoice that confirms you're receiving bills at your Swiss address. This can be for almost anything: electricity, gas, insurance etc. Again, by agreeing with Direct Debit payment should allow you to skip this requirement.

What you need to take with you in a shop to ensure you can get a pay-monthly contract is:

• ID card or passport
• Swiss work permit or letter of confirmation of permit
• Credit card and bank account details

How do I switch supplier?

At the end of your contract (and during the period when you can cancel) you can switch to another operator. Number portability (taking your existing number with you) is possible and usually free of charge. Normally, you'll have to go into a shop to do this, as opposed to phoning customer care as you'll need to sign your new contract at the same time. The contractual owner of the number is the only one who can request the transfer.

What do I do if my mobile is stolen?

Firstly, call your operator and report your phone stolen so they can block any calls being made from your phone. They will also be able to supply you with a replacement SIM card which may even continue to have the same phone number.
Some operators, such as Orange, provide a type of phone insurance which works just like any other option. You pay a little bit extra each month and this means your phone is fully covered in the event of theft or loss.

What if I don’t pay my phone bill on time?

Just like with any other service provider, you’ll be sent a reminder payment notice. Only if you don’t pay this reminder within the allocated time period, will you run the risk of your usage being frozen. You should also bear in mind that non-payment will change your credit history so it is likely to have a knock-on effect to your ability to sign-up for other financial services and products. If you’re worried about not being able to adhere to the payment terms of your contract, you’re better to choose PrePay over Postpay.

I already have a Swiss mobile phone number and would like to change operator. Can I keep my number?

Yes, you have the opportunity of joining another operator without changing your mobile phone number, but this can take up to 4 weeks. If you have a contract, you do not need to do anything. If you use a Prepay offer, you will need to inform your operator that you want your phone number to be ported.

Can I get all my contacts downloaded and stored for me?

This is not a typical service offered by any of the main operators although on request you may be able to get a duplicate SIM and re-save your contacts there. Alternatively, more and more mobiles can be synchronized with computers so you can download and store all your contacts safely that way.

I live/work in an area which is near the border with a neighbouring country and I often get high bills with calls made in roaming even if I did not leave Switzerland, what is happening?

Your handset has probably switched automatically on a roaming network. You should block the automatic change of operator in your handset settings.
To be sure that you are still using the network of your swiss operator, you can simply check the indication on your handset screen, most of the devices let you know what network you are currently using. In order to avoid that your handset switches on a roaming network automatically, which would result in higher bills, it is advised to block the automatic change of network in your handset settings. If you need help to set up your phone, you can get help from Orange.

I will only be living in Switzerland less than one year. What options do I have?

You have two options:

• Prepay: Absolutely no commitment, however you must recharge your account regularly and you will not benefit from the advantages of the pay-monthly price plans that are usually better for regular users.
• Orange pay-monthly price plans without a handset: Orange proposes “SIM only” trial offers. You will not get a handset but your contract period will only be 3 months with a notice period of 30 days for cancellation.

I am leaving Switzerland and need to cancel my subscription, how do I do it?

Contact your operator and inform them that you are leaving. If you want to cancel your subscription before the end of contract, you might need a document from your commune confirming that you are leaving the country.

If you have been with the operator for less than 6 months or have benefited from a handset offer recently, you may have to pay a penalty fee.