Switzerland is not part of the EU and therefore the "Roam like at home" regulation does not apply there. For German travelers, roaming in Switzerland can quickly lead to high costs – often without realizing it. While you can use your smartphone carefree in EU countries, expensive surprises await unprepared travelers in Switzerland. In this comprehensive guide, you will learn everything about roaming fees in Switzerland and how to stay connected cheaply with eSIMony and the right preparation.
What is roaming in Switzerland and why is it so expensive?
Roaming means using your German mobile contract abroad. Since Switzerland does not belong to the EU, EU roaming protection laws do not apply there. Your smartphone automatically connects to Swiss networks such as Swisscom, Sunrise, or Salt, while your German provider charges high surcharges. The costs arise from complex negotiations between German and Swiss mobile operators. These roaming agreements often result in prices many times higher than local tariffs.
Why are there roaming fees in Switzerland?
The EU roaming regulation only applies within the EU and protects you from overpriced tariffs in EU countries. In Switzerland, German providers negotiate individual tariffs with Swiss network operators, which often work to your disadvantage. These agreements take into account factors such as network quality, coverage, and usage volume, but usually result in high costs for end consumers. Without proper preparation, you can quickly pay between €2.99 and €12 per day or even per megabyte.
Automatic connection and hidden costs
Your phone automatically connects to the available Swiss network as soon as you enter Swiss territory. Even without active use, background apps, automatic updates, or push notifications can already incur costs. Particularly tricky are email synchronization, social media updates, and messaging services that continuously transfer small amounts of data and cause high costs unnoticed. A simple Google Maps search or sending photos via WhatsApp can already cost several euros.
Roaming Switzerland costs with German providers
The costs for roaming in Switzerland vary greatly between German providers. Without special data packages, you often pay between €2.99 and €12 per day or even per megabyte of data volume. These prices add up quickly and can significantly increase your travel costs in Switzerland. Most German mobile providers have recognized this problem and offer special Switzerland packages, which are still much more expensive than local alternatives like eSIMony.
Telekom roaming prices in Switzerland
Deutsche Telekom treats Switzerland like an EU country in most current tariffs. Customers with current MagentaMobil tariffs can surf and call without additional roaming fees. This rule also applies to many prepaid customers with new tariffs. However, this does not apply to all Telekom customers – service providers using the Telekom network must carefully read the welcome SMS, as it may still indicate high prices.
Vodafone roaming tariffs in Switzerland
Vodafone offers the "EasyTravel" option for €7.99 per day. With this, your home minutes and data package also apply in Switzerland. The package activates automatically as soon as you approach the border and connect to the Swiss network. This option is intended for heavy users but can quickly add up to considerable costs during longer stays.
O2 and other providers roaming costs
O2 charges with "Roaming Plus" €2.99 per day for 300 MB of data volume. This option activates automatically when you cross the border if you have a current O2 tariff. Other providers charge significantly higher rates – some up to €12 per megabyte. Discount providers can be even more extreme, sometimes with additional daily usage fees of €0.49 per 24 hours.
Activating and deactivating roaming in Switzerland
Proper smartphone configuration is crucial to avoid cost traps or deliberately use roaming. The settings vary depending on the operating system, but the basic steps are similar on Android and iOS. Before your trip, you should check with your provider about available Switzerland packages and book them if necessary.
How to activate roaming in Switzerland
To activate roaming, go to your smartphone settings under "Mobile Networks" or "Connections" and enable "Data Roaming". On iPhones, you can find this option under "Settings" > "Mobile Data" > "Data Options." Check with your provider in advance whether special Switzerland packages are available and book them before your departure. After activation, you usually receive a welcome SMS with tariff information.
How to deactivate roaming in Switzerland to protect costs
To deactivate roaming, go to the same settings and switch off "Data Roaming". Additionally, you can activate airplane mode and only use Wi-Fi. Remember to disable automatic app updates and background app refresh. Set manual network selection, especially when staying near the border, to avoid unwanted roaming. This method is particularly useful if you mainly want to use Wi-Fi.
Money-saving tips for roaming in Switzerland
With the right strategies, you can save costs even with traditional roaming and still stay connected. These tips help you control your data usage and use cheaper alternatives. The most important rule is: Preparation is everything. Find out about available options before your trip and configure your smartphone accordingly.
Make optimal use of Wi-Fi hotspots
Switzerland has an excellent Wi-Fi infrastructure. Use free Wi-Fi in:
- Hotels and restaurants
- Cafés such as Starbucks
- Airports and train stations
- Parks and public places
- Libraries and museums
Always use a VPN for extra security, as public networks pose security risks. Apps like WiFi Map help you find hotspots nearby.
Prepare offline functions
Download important content before your trip:
- Google Maps offline maps for your Switzerland regions
- Spotify playlists for offline mode
- Google Translate offline packages for translations
- Important documents such as hotel details
This preparation significantly reduces your data usage and makes you less dependent on a constant internet connection.
Monitor and control data usage
Regularly monitor your data usage in smartphone settings. Set warnings at certain limits and disable automatic updates for apps and the operating system. Streaming services like YouTube or Netflix should only be used on Wi-Fi, as they are extremely data-intensive. Use data saver modes in your apps and reduce image quality on social media.
eSIMony Switzerland eSIM: The best alternative to expensive roaming
eSIMony offers you the perfect solution for affordable internet in Switzerland without the high costs of traditional roaming. As a German provider, we understand the needs of German travelers and offer customized solutions for every type of stay. With eSIMony, you bypass the expensive roaming surcharges of German providers and benefit from local Swiss rates at fair prices. The digital SIM technology makes purchasing and installation extremely easy – everything works online and without a physical SIM card.
eSIMony Switzerland eSIM tariffs and prices
With eSIMony, you get flexible Switzerland eSIM tariffs at unbeatable prices. The data packages are specially designed for German travelers and offer various options depending on the length of stay and data usage. You benefit from local Swiss tariffs without the expensive surcharges of German providers. The tariffs include different data volumes and durations, from short business trips to longer vacations. All packages include high-speed internet over the best Swiss networks with 4G/5G speeds. Instant activation via QR code makes eSIMony the ideal choice for both spontaneous and planned Switzerland trips.
Why eSIMony is the best choice
eSIMony impresses with German support, transparent pricing, and reliable network coverage in Switzerland. Unlike expensive roaming, you only pay for what you really need. The eSIM works immediately after installation and offers you local internet speeds without throttling. Particularly practical: you keep your German number and can use the eSIMony eSIM in parallel for cheap data usage. The German customer service helps with questions before and during your trip. The transparent price structure without hidden costs gives you full cost control and prevents unpleasant surprises on your bill.
eSIM Switzerland as a modern alternative to roaming
eSIMs are revolutionizing travel by enabling you to use local rates without a physical SIM card. These digital SIM cards often offer better conditions than traditional roaming and are ready to use in just a few minutes. The embedded SIM (eSIM) is permanently installed in modern smartphones and can store multiple mobile profiles. eSIMony makes this technology optimally usable for German travelers in Switzerland and eliminates the need for physical SIM cards.
eSIMony installation and activation
Installing your eSIMony Switzerland eSIM is very simple:
- Purchase: Order your eSIM online at eSIMony
- QR code: Instantly receive a QR code via email
- Scan: Scan the code in the eSIM settings
- Installation: The eSIM is automatically downloaded
- Activation: Activate upon arrival in Switzerland
You can install it before departure and only activate it upon arrival in Switzerland. eSIMony provides German instructions and support if you need help. The entire process takes just a few minutes and only requires a Wi-Fi connection for the download.
eSIMony vs. traditional roaming
The comparison between eSIMony and traditional roaming shows clear advantages for the eSIM solution:
- Cost: Up to 90% cheaper than roaming tariffs
- Speed: Local Swiss network speeds
- Transparency: No hidden costs
- Flexibility: Different tariffs depending on needs
- Support: German customer service
eSIMony's transparent pricing prevents unpleasant surprises on your bill. Additionally, you benefit from German customer support and easy handling. The flexibility to choose different tariffs according to your needs makes eSIMony the optimal solution for every travel type.
Buying a Swiss SIM card locally: Local providers
If your smartphone does not support eSIM, you can also purchase a physical SIM card in Switzerland. However, this option requires more effort and is less convenient than eSIMony. Buying a local SIM card means that you get a Swiss phone number and are no longer reachable via your German number. This solution is only suitable for longer stays but is more cumbersome than the modern eSIMony alternative.
Swisscom, Sunrise, and Salt prepaid tariffs
The three major Swiss network operators offer prepaid SIM cards in supermarkets, airports, and their own stores:
- Swisscom: Best nationwide coverage
- Sunrise: Good speeds in cities
- Salt: Affordable prices and solid coverage
Expect to pay CHF 20-50 for 30 days with limited data volume. The tariffs usually also include SMS and free minutes for calls within Switzerland. International calls cost extra but can be bypassed with apps like WhatsApp.
Sales points and activation
Prepaid SIMs are available not only in mobile phone shops but also in supermarkets, airports, and other stores. You need an ID and some patience for activation. Some tariffs require a Swiss address, which can be problematic for tourists. The language barrier can also be a challenge. Compared to eSIMony, this process is cumbersome and time-consuming since you first have to buy and activate a SIM card locally.
eSIMony tethering and hotspot function
With eSIMony, you can use your smartphone as a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot and share the internet with other devices. This function is particularly valuable for travelers with multiple devices or families. The hotspot function turns your smartphone into a mobile router that can supply up to 10 devices with internet simultaneously. This way, you use one eSIMony connection for your laptop, tablet, and other smartphones.
Connecting multiple devices with eSIMony
The eSIMony Switzerland eSIM supports tethering at no additional cost. You can connect your laptop, tablet, or other smartphones to your internet connection. This is especially practical for families or business travelers with multiple devices. The hotspot function is already included in the tariff and does not require additional fees. Setup is done via your smartphone's hotspot function, and the speed remains high even when tethering.
Optimizing hotspot use
Keep in mind that tethering increases data usage since several devices are online simultaneously. Therefore, choose an eSIMony package large enough for your needs and monitor usage in smartphone settings. You can limit the number of connected devices and view data usage per device. This way, you stay in control of your costs and avoid exceeding your data volume.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about roaming in Switzerland
Is roaming in Switzerland automatically activated?
For most German providers, roaming is activated by default. Check your settings and possible cost limits before your trip. Some providers have security locks that activate when costs get too high.
Why is eSIMony cheaper than traditional roaming?
eSIMony uses local Swiss tariffs without the expensive surcharges of German providers and offers transparent prices without hidden costs. You only pay for what you really need.
Does my German smartphone work in Switzerland?
Most modern smartphones work smoothly in Switzerland. Older devices may have problems with Swiss frequency bands. Check your device specifications before your trip.
Can I also make calls with eSIMony?
eSIMony plans are primarily data plans. Calls are possible via apps like WhatsApp, Skype, or other VoIP services using the internet connection. You keep your German number for incoming calls.
How long does eSIMony activation take?
Activation takes place immediately after scanning the QR code. A stable internet connection for installation is required. The entire setup only takes a few minutes.
What happens if I exceed the eSIMony data volume?
Depending on the selected eSIMony plan, the speed is throttled or the connection is interrupted. Additional volume can usually be purchased. Check your tariff details before booking.
