Getting Swisscom SIM Cards for Tourists: Travelers Guide

Whether you’re traveling to Switzerland for a few days or extended stay, maintaining reliable cellular connectivity is important for navigating destinations, accessing maps and staying in touch with friends/family back home. As Switzerland’s largest telecommunications provider with comprehensive nationwide 4G and 5G networks, Swisscom offers tourists highly dependable SIM card options specifically tailored for visitors. Let’s see what those options are?

I. Quick Facts about Swisscom

Swisscom is the leading telecom provider in Switzerland, with a vast network infrastructure and omni-channel service portfolio. 

• Established: 1998 (history dates back to 1852)
• Branding name: Swisscom
• Services provided: Mobile, broadband internet, IPTV, fixed line telephony
• Number of subscribers: 6.2 million mobile, 1.8 million broadband
• Number of stores: Over 120 Swisscom shops across Switzerland
• Customer service: Available by phone, email, social media, and in-store
• Awards: Named “Best in Test” mobile network by connect magazine (2022)

II. Why Swisscom When You’re Exploring Switzerland – Coverage and Speed

2.1 Swisscom Coverage in Switzerland

Swisscom has Switzerland’s most extensive mobile network coverage, providing reliable connectivity to virtually the entire population across the country. Their nationwide 4G LTE network reaches over 99% of the population within Swiss borders. 

Swisscom ensures Switzerland remains well-connected regardless of location.

2.2 Swisscom Speed

Swisscom is one of the fastest and most reliable mobile networks in the world. Their continuous investment in the latest technologies has made high-speed connectivity a reality for most Swiss residents and visitors. Tests have shown average 4G download speeds exceed 73 Mbps across major population centers, with peak LTE benchmarks surpassing 1 Gbps in certain locations.

 As the national 5G rollout progresses, cities are gaining access to multi-gigabit 5G speeds to power demanding applications.

III. Swisscom Connectivity Options for Travelers to Switzerland

There are several options travelers have for connecting to Swisscom’s network while visiting Switzerland:

Connectivity Options

Conclusion: For most travelers, getting a local prepaid Swisscom SIM card is the most convenient and cost-effective connectivity option when visiting Switzerland. It provides fast speeds and affordable rates just for the duration of your trip.

IV. Best Swisscom SIM Cards for Tourists & Cost

Swisscom offers several prepaid SIM card options suitable for tourists in Switzerland:

The Prepaid Flat 30 plan from Swisscom would be the most cost-effective option for tourists visiting Switzerland. The unlimited packages are highly suitable for travelers.

V. Does Swisscom Support eSIM in Switzerland?

Yes, Swisscom fully supports eSIM connectivity in Switzerland. It provides locals and visitors a convenient digital option for mobile connectivity:

• Simple remote activation without visiting store
• Ability to store multiple eSIM profiles
• Secure data with no risk of SIM swapping
• Smaller eSIM saves space in devices

eSIMSwitzerland.net is highly recommended for tourists visiting Switzerland. The plans run on Swisscom’s reliable 4G LTE network, which has excellent coverage across the country including in rural areas. You can purchase an affordable eSIM plan before their trip and easily install it on compatible devices, allowing them to stay connected during their travels without having to deal with roaming charges or buying a physical SIM card.

With fast speeds on Swisscom’s quality network and flexible plan durations starting from 3 days, esimswitzerland.net provides tourists with a seamless digital solution to enjoy internet connectivity throughout their time in Switzerland.

VI. Where can You Buy a Swisscom SIM card or eSIM?

6.1 Where to Buy Swisscom SIM card for Switzerland

• Swisscom stores – Over 120 official Swisscom shops located in cities and airports to buy SIM cards directly.

• Other retailers – Large electronics stores like Mobilezone, Interdiscount, or MediaMarkt may also sell Swisscom SIMs.

• Vending machines – Swisscom prepaid products are available via self-service vending machines found at the airport and train stations.

6.2 Where to Buy Swisscom eSIM in Switzerland

Since Swisscom eSIM is completely digital, there are no physical cards to purchase. Instead, you need to order activation of Swisscom eSIM service through one of these methods:

• Swisscom website or app – eSIM activation and scanning of QR code for setup directly through Swisscom digital channels.
• eSIMSwitzerland.net: It from GIGAGO sells prepaid eSIM plans for Switzerland that work on the Swisscom network. Purchase through their app/website. They allow travelers to easily purchase data plans online from their device without worrying about a physical SIM card. Plans are available on Swisscom’s network.

VII. How to Activate Swisscom SIM card/eSIM in Switzerland

7.1 How to Activate and Use Swisscom SIM Card

Activating and using a Swisscom SIM card when visiting Switzerland is very straightforward. You only need to follow these simple steps and everything will be ready:

1. Insert the SIM card – Locate the SIM card slot on your device, and gently slide the mini or nano Swisscom SIM into the slot.
2. Power on your device – Turn on your phone and wait for it to recognize the new SIM card.
3. Activate the SIM card – In most cases, the Swisscom SIM card will come pre-activated. If not, call the number printed on the SIM card insert to activate.
4. Set up APN settings – Configure the APN settings for Swisscom mobile data access if you cannot get online.
5. Check your services – Make a test call and browse the internet to validate your prepaid credit, data balance, calling & texting.

7.2 How to Activate Swisscom eSIM

Getting started with a Swisscom eSIM for Switzerland is quite easy as follows:

1. Install the eSIM
2. Activate the eSIM
3. Set up the eSIM
4. Start using the eSIM

Please check your detailed instructions below on how to specifically activate Swisscom eSIM for your device:

• Activate eSIM on iPhone
• Activate eSIM on Samsung
• Activate eSIM on Google Pixel

VIII. Swisscom Switzerland Call & SMS Rates

Swisscom prepaid SIM cards come with competitive domestic call rates and SMS rates when used in Switzerland:

Call & SMS Rates

These rates apply to most tourist prepaid SIMs from Swisscom after using any included talk time. Calling and messaging other Swisscom mobile numbers is usually free.

IX. Useful USSD Codes for Swisscom SIM card/eSIM

USSD codes are used to check balances or settings directly from your phone by dialing special number combinations. Here are some useful Swisscom USSD codes to know:

• *130# – Check remaining data balance
• *140# – Check prepaid credit balance
• *101# – Check SIM number
• *147# – Contact Swisscom customer service

Enter these codes and press call/send on your Swisscom SIM or eSIM to quickly access account details and other information. USSD codes provide a convenient way to manage your Swisscom mobile service while visiting Switzerland.

X. How to Top-up Swisscom SIM card/eSIM

There are several ways to add more funds and extend service when your prepaid Swisscom SIM/eSIM balance runs low:

• Swisscom app – Instantly add credit via payment card through the Swisscom app.
• Swisscom stores – Visit any Swisscom shop in Switzerland to top-up in person with cash/card payment.

Maintaining your prepaid account balance is important to keep service active and avoid interruptions to your mobile connectivity when traveling in Switzerland.

XI. FAQs about Swisscom in Switzerland

XII. Final Words

In summary, Swisscom SIM cards provide an excellent connectivity option for tourists visiting Switzerland. The leading Swiss operator offers wide coverage, fast speeds, competitive rates, eSIM capabilities, and good prepaid plan choices.

Purchasing eSIM Switzerland online and stay conveniently connected during your travels through Switzerland!