Planning a trip to Switzerland but unsure which mobile plan will keep you optimally connected throughout your visit? With Sunrise SIM card, you can confidently navigate Switzerland knowing reliable cellular service is available wherever your travels take you. Check out this post to find out which plan is the best for your needs.
Table of Contents
I. Quick Facts about Sunrise
Sunrise is a major Switzerland-based operator known for reliable high-speed coverage across the country through its varied technologies and frequencies:
- Established: 2000
- Branding name: Sunrise
- Services provided: 2G, 3G, 4G/LTE, 5G, mobile phone plans, home internet, TV
- Number of subscribers: Over 3 million
- Number of stores: Around 120 retail stores
- Customer service: Available via phone, online chat, social media, stores
- Awards: Best network coverage and speed awards
II. Sunrise Coverage and Speed in Switzerland
2.1 Sunrise Coverage in Switzerland
Sunrise uses over 4,000 antenna locations to provide thorough coverage across Switzerland. They were the first to offer 5G service and continue building out their 5G network.
4G/LTE is available to over 96% of the population with speeds up to 500 Mbps on compatible devices. 3G covers over 99% and slower 2G fills remaining gaps. This extensive network makes Sunrise a great choice for staying connected throughout your Swiss travels.
2.2 Sunrise Speed
In independent tests, Sunrise consistently ranks as the operator with the fastest mobile network in Switzerland. Their average download speed is around 167 Mbps on 5G.
The fast speeds allow for smooth HD video and music streaming, web browsing, using maps/navigation, and more. So Sunrise offers good performance for when you want to share travel photos and videos on social media.
III. Sunrise Connectivity Options for Travelers to Switzerland
There are a few different options travelers can use to get Sunrise service while visiting Switzerland:
- Buying Sunrise SIM Cards
- Using Pocket Wifi
- Roaming
Here is an overview of the pros and cons of each option:
Option | Pros | Cons |
Sunrise SIM Card | Affordable | Need to buy ahead or at airport/store in CH |
Works in any unlocked phone | Switching SIMs can be inconvenient | |
Local Swiss number | ||
Pocket Wifi Rental | Works for multiple devices | More expensive |
Don't need local SIM | Battery life limitations | |
Pick up/drop off in CH | ||
Roaming | Use your home SIM | Potentially very expensiv |
No new setup |
Conclusion: For most travelers, buying a local Sunrise SIM card is the most convenient and affordable way to get service in Switzerland. Pocket Wifi rentals allow multiple devices to connect but can be pricier. Roaming should be avoided due to high cost unless you have a special roaming data plan from your home provider.
IV. Best Sunrise SIM Cards for Tourists & Cost
Sunrise offers several prepaid SIM card options for travelers to Switzerland. The main choices are:
Plan Name | Data | Price (USD) | Validity |
Data L | 3 GB high-speed data | ~$21.25 | 30 days |
Data M | 1 GB high-speed data | ~$10.50 | 30 days |
Data S | 500 MB high-speed data | ~$7.88 | 30 days |
Data XL | 10 GB high-speed data | ~$47.50 | 30 days |
While a bit higher priced, the Data XL plan removes any risk of running out of data or speed restrictions for travelers. It strikes the best balance of value and flexibility for the connectivity needs of most tourists visiting Switzerland.
V. Does Sunrise Support eSIM in Switzerland?
Yes, Sunrise customers in Switzerland have fully supported eSIM options as an alternative to physical nano-SIM cards across both contracts and prepaid plans:
- Convenience – No need to deal with physical SIM cards. eSIM profiles can be downloaded directly to your device.
- Instant Connectivity – eSIM activation and setup takes just minutes versus waiting for a physical SIM to be delivered or activated. This ensures you stay connected right away.
- Flexibility – Easily change mobile plans and carriers with a simple eSIM profile switch instead of obtaining a new physical SIM.
VI. Where can You Buy a Sunrise SIM and eSIM?
6.1 Where to Buy Sunrise SIM for Switzerland?
Sunrise SIM cards are easy to purchase once you arrive in Switzerland:
- Sunrise stores – Find Sunrise shops in airports and major train stations. Largest selection and support available.
- Airport kiosks – Sunrise SIMs available in vending machines and shops at Zurich, Geneva, and Basel airports.
- Convenience stores – Coop, Migros, and other shops carry prepaid Sunrise SIM cards.
Note: Sunrise SIM cards generally cost 29-49 CHF (around $30-50 USD). Bring your passport to activate.
6.2 Where to Buy Sunrise eSIM in Switzerland?
To get a Sunrise eSIM in Switzerland you can:
- Visit a Sunrise store in person and have the eSIM code scanned and activated there.
- Set up eSIM through the Sunrise app if your phone supports remote provisioning.
Look for eSIM bundles that specifically include Switzerland to avoid roaming charges. eSIMs can often be purchased before your trip and activated once you arrive.
VII. How to Activate Sunrise SIM/eSIM in Switzerland?
Activating a Sunrise SIM or eSIM is quick and easy in Switzerland. Here are the steps:
7.1 How to Use Sunrise SIM Card in Switzerland?
Follow these steps to activate your Sunrise SIM:
- Insert the SIM card: Locate the SIM card slot on your device
- Power on your device: Turn on your device and wait for it to recognize the SIM card
- Activate the SIM card
- Set up APN settings if you can not use the eSIM.
- Check your services.
7.2 How to Activate Sunrise eSIM?
Here are the general steps to activate a Sunrise Switzerland eSIM:
- Install the eSIM
- Activate the eSIM
- Set up the eSIM
- Start using the eSIM: Once the eSIM is activated and set up, you can start using its services.
Specific steps can vary depending on your phone model.
VIII. Switzerland Sunrise Call & SMS Rates
Here are the pay-as-you-go rates for calls and SMS using a Sunrise Prepaid SIM in Switzerland:
Call & SMS Rates
Call/SMS Type | Rate (CHF) | Rate (USD) |
Calls within Switzerland to mobile | CHF 0.21/min | $0.22/min |
Calls within Switzerland to landline | CHF 0.08/min | $0.08/min |
Calls to US/Canada | CHF 0.45/min | $0.47/min |
Calls to Europe | CHF 0.30-0.45/min | $0.32-0.47/min |
Calls to other international landlines | CHF 0.50-3/min | $0.53-3.16/min |
SMS within Switzerland | CHF 0.15/SMS | $0.16/SMS |
SMS to US/Canada | CHF 0.30/SMS | $0.32/SMS |
SMS to Europe | CHF 0.20-0.30/SMS | $0.21-0.32/SMS |
SMS to other countries | CHF 0.30-1/SMS | $0.32-1.05/SMS |
Buying a prepaid plan or data add-on allows unlimited national calls and texts. But it’s good to know the PAYG rates if you need emergency calling credit. Toll-free calls to emergency services and Sunrise customer support are always free.
IX. Useful USSD Codes for Sunrise SIM card/eSIM
USSD codes are short sequences you enter into your phone dial pad to check your Sunrise account balance and info.
Here are some handy Sunrise USSD codes to know:
*130#
– Check remaining balance*134#
– Check data balance*135#
– Check validity period*136#
– Last 5 calls/SMS/data usage*137#
– Turn data on/off*139#
– Check roaming data usage
Enter the code, press call/send, and your account info will display on screen! USSD codes provide a quick way to check your SIM status.
X. How to Top-up Sunrise SIM card/eSIM
To add more days of service to your Sunrise SIM/eSIM, you’ll need to top up your account. Here are easy ways to top up:
- Online – Top up using credit card on the Sunrise website/app.
- Stores – Visit a Sunrise shop or authorized top up location.
- Vouchers – Purchase top up voucher codes at stores and enter on Sunrise website/app.
- SMS – Text a top up command to Sunrise; they’ll reply with payment instructions.
When topping up, choose the prepaid mobile top up option. Add at least 29 CHF to renew your 30 days of service. Unused balances and service days carry over with each top up.
XI. Alternatives to Switzerland Sunrise
- Swisscom – As Switzerland’s largest telecom provider, Swisscom has extremely reliable coverage across the country rivaling Sunrise. They offer competitive plans and rates for both individuals and businesses.
- Salt – Salt operates on Swisscom’s network infrastructure but often has more affordable plan pricing than the other major providers. They’re a good lower-cost alternative if coverage is the priority.
One of the better choice for travelers is eSIM, which provides a much more seamless travel experience without having to swap SIM cards. Through esimswitzerland.net, travelers can easily purchase and activate an eSIM plan online from any location, receive the eSIM profile instantly through email, and get connected to the Swisscom network seamlessly once you arrive in Switzerland.
XII. FAQs about Sunrise Switzerland
Does Sunrise offer 5G service?
Yes, Sunrise has launched 5G service in 144 towns and cities across Switzerland as of November 2023. 5G brings faster speeds and lower latency. Check their coverage map for 5G availability.
Does Sunrise SIM work all over Switzerland?
Sunrise has 96% population coverage across Switzerland including cities and rural areas. Their network reaches most parts of the country so you can stay connected nearly everywhere.
Can I roam with Sunrise SIM?
Yes, Sunrise prepaid SIMs support roaming in the EU/EEA at domestic Swiss rates. But beware roaming outside the EU can be very expensive. Disable data roaming to avoid unwanted charges.
How can I refill my Sunrise SIM abroad?
If you need to top up while outside Switzerland, buy a prepaid refill code online from a reseller and enter it on your Sunrise account to add credit.
How long is Sunrise SIM card valid for?
Sunrise prepaid SIMs are valid for 30 days from activation. Top up your account to add another 30 days before the validity period ends.
XIII. Final Words
With excellent nationwide coverage, fast speeds, and affordable prepaid plans, Sunrise makes it easy to stay conveniently connected across this scenic country. Alternatively, eSIM Switzerland is a great option for tourists of any needs, it’s a simple, cost-effective solution for staying connected while visiting this beautiful country.