Before you start

Unlocked handset
Passport or ID for registration
Swiss address and bank account, for postpaid contracts

Step-by-step

1
Buy a prepaid SIM on arrival
Available at the airport, in supermarkets and from operator shops. Registration against your passport is required by law.
In personWho: YouCommonly CHF 10–30 including credit
2
Consider the discount brands
Wingo, Yallo, M-Budget and Coop Mobile run on the three main networks at substantially lower prices, generally without long contracts.
OnlineWho: You
3
Move to a postpaid plan once registered
Contracts typically require a Swiss address and bank account, and sometimes a permit. Prepaid is the sensible bridge until both exist.
OnlineWho: You
4
Check cross-border roaming if you travel
Switzerland sits outside EU roaming rules. If you travel into the EU regularly, choose a plan that includes it explicitly rather than assuming it's covered.
OnlineWho: You

Documents you’ll need

Passport or identity card
Swiss address, for postpaid
Swiss bank account, for direct debit

Things most newcomers don’t know

EU roaming rules do not apply here in either direction.

Your EU SIM will roam in Switzerland at non-EU rates, and a Swiss SIM travelling into the EU can be expensive unless the plan says otherwise. Both directions surprise people used to roam-like-at-home.

Source: Switzerland's non-EU status

The discount brands are owned by the main networks.

Wingo is Swisscom, Yallo runs on Sunrise. Same infrastructure, much lower price. In a country this expensive, it's one of the easier savings available.

Source: community-reported, widely corroborated

Coverage is excellent, including in the mountains.

Swiss network coverage extends far into Alpine terrain, which matters if you hike or ski. This is one area where the country's costs buy something real.

Source: community-reported

Common mistakes to avoid

Assuming EU roaming covers Switzerland.
Signing a 24-month premium contract before checking the discount brand on the same network.
Buying a postpaid plan before you have an address and bank account.

Some of this may be out of date. Spotted something inaccurate? Help us keep it right for the next newcomer.