Mobiles

Overall process for getting a mobile

To use a Swiss number, you need two things:

• a mobile phone
• a swiss SIM card

Getting a phone (for free, usually)

• You can either use a mobile phone you bring with you from abroad (almost all phones work in CH), or get a new phone in CH.
• In most cases, Swiss mobile service providers will offer you an advanced new phone for free (or for a fraction of their normal price) when you commit to using a monthly-subscription plan with that company for minimum 12 months.

Saving tip: If you have decided to keep your mobile phone from abroad, some operators propose a cheaper monthly fee for their price plans if you ask for the SIM card only. Sometimes this option offers as well a shorter term contract so if you are staying in Switzerland for a short period of time, this is ideal for you.

Getting a SIM card

You'll need to decide which mobile provider, and which price plan, to go for. The details are below.
Once you decide what you're going for, just go to any phone store, and make it happen ...

Which Mobile Operator to choose?

There are 3 main mobile operators in CH:

• Salt
• Sunrise
• Swisscom

Each operator offers both monthly-subscription and PrePay plans.

It's difficult to recommend 1 specific operator, because all 3 main operators - in general - offer good services at competitive rates so its mostly a matter of personal needs & preference.  

What to bring with you?

To sign-up to a subscription, you'll need to bring the following documents with you:

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

If you have arrived very recently, you may have to prove your address. Bring a bill proving it (electricity, gas…).

You may be asked to pay a deposit or set-up your payments by direct debit.

If you subscribe to Orange, in order to speed up the process at the Orange Center, you can download the direct debit document.

Monthly-subscription or PrePay?

Monthly-subscription (usually for minimum 12 months)

What it is:

You pay a monthly bill based on how much you used your phone, plus a minimum flat fee per month.

Advantages (versus PrePay plans):

• No need to recharge with credits
• Better deals on new phones when you commit to 12-24 months plans

PrePay ('pay as you go')

What it is:

You charge your phone with credits, and can then use it until you run out. When you run out, you need to re-charge credits. There is no contract commitment nor montly flat-fee.

Advantages:

No long term commitment / contract, so ideal if you stay less than one year in Switzerland.

Key Disadvantage:

• Need to recharge with credits
• If you use your phone often, monthly-subscription plans will usually come out cheaper.

Monthly-subscription with cost limit

What it is:

You pay a flat fee per month which includes a credit that you can use for calls and SMS. This solution combines the benefits of a subscription with Prepay so that you have control of your costs. Run out of credit before the beginning of the next month? No problem, you can still recharge manually like a standard Prepay.

Advantages:

• Low monthly fee with credit included
• Credit can be topped up at any time
• Attractive mobile phones with favorable terms & conditions 

Choosing the right monthly-subscription

The right plan for you will depend on several factors:

• Do you call / use SMS often, or rarely?
• Do you call the same numbers all the time?
• Do you surf the web using your phone?
• Will you use your phone when abroad, and for making international calls?
• Does your operator allow you to change plans, if your needs change?