Mobile Data & Roaming
If you’re visiting Switzerland, it’s essential to check how your mobile provider handles roaming charges. Switzerland is not part of the EU, meaning that many European mobile plans do not include free roaming here. Depending on your home provider, you may face high roaming fees for calls, texts, and mobile data.
Options for Mobile Data in Switzerland
To stay connected without expensive roaming fees, consider these alternatives:
Check your mobile phone plan
Before travelling, check with your mobile provider:
- Does your plan include Switzerland in its free-roaming zones?
- If not, what are the roaming charges per MB or per day?
- Do they offer a “special Switzerland” travel pass for data, calls, and texts?
Use a local or international eSIM
An eSIM is a great way to get affordable data in Switzerland without needing a physical SIM card. Some options include:
- BreezeSim Switzerland eSIM – Offers flexible data packages for visitors.
- Saily eSIM Switzerland – Another option with competitive pricing for short-term travellers.
An eSIM allows you to:
- Purchase and activate your plan online.
- Avoid physical SIM card swaps.
- Use your regular SIM for calls while the eSIM handles data.
Be sure to check if your phone does support eSIMs, if not, you can buy a prepaid Swiss SIM card from providers like Swisscom, Sunrise, or Salt shops upon arrival (links to Google Maps).
Power plugs and adapters
Switzerland uses Type J (3-pin) power plugs, which are different from many other countries. Here’s what you need to know:
Swiss Plug & Voltage
- Plug Type: Type J (three round pins)
- Voltage: 230V (like most of Europe)
- Frequency: 50Hz
Plug Compatibility with Other Countries
| Country/Region | Plug Type(s) Used | Adapter Needed? |
| Switzerland | Type J | No adapter needed |
| European Union (most countries) | Type C, E, F | Yes, adapter needed |
| United Kingdom | Type G | Yes, adapter needed |
| United States | Type A, B | Yes, adapter + voltage converter needed |
| Australia | Type I | Yes, adapter needed |
- European plugs (Type C) will fit into Swiss sockets, but Type E/F plugs (used in France/Germany) may not always work.
- UK, US, and other non-European travellers will need both an adapter and possibly a voltage converter.
- Appliances like phone chargers usually support 100-240V, but check before plugging in higher-powered devices like hairdryers.
Some hotels might provide adapters or have USB wall sockets for direct charging. Plugs and adapters can also be purchased in local shops like Migros (Claramarkt), Jumbo (in the Clarastrasse), Fust (in the Rebgasse), Interdiscount (in the Werbegasse) or the large department store Manor (in the Greifengasse). All the shops are in Kleinbasel, not far from the Congress Center.
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