Mobile internet

Will my phone work in Switzerland?

Yes, your phone will work in Switzerland, but you need to be mindful of certain things. Here's how to ensure smooth functioning with a digital travel solution.

Yes, while your phone probably will work in Switzerland, there are some things you need to know to ensure smooth functioning. This article discusses everything you need to know about using your phone in Switzerland, including frequency band compatibility and staying online through various options, such as an unlimited data travel eSIM.

In this article

Can I use my phone in Switzerland?

Yes, you can use your phone in Switzerland in most situations, but there are a couple of things to check: your phone is unlocked and supports the right frequency bands.

How do I check if my phone will work in Switzerland?

There are two crucial things to check before travelling.

1. Unlock your phone

A locked phone or device means it’s tied to your original mobile provider. This means your phone will not connect to Swiss networks, irrespective of whether you have a local SIM card, pocket WiFi device, or eSIM. Unlock your phone to ensure smooth international functioning.

To unlock and use your iPhone in Switzerland:

iPhone: Go to Settings → General → About → Scroll down until you find Carrier Lock → If you see “SIM Locked” your iPhone is locked. If you see “No SIM restrictions”, your iPhone is unlocked and ready to use an eSIM.

To unlock and use your Android in Switzerland:

Android: Go to Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → Network Operators → Turn off Select automatically to view available operators. If you only see your carrier name, your phone is locked, but if you see names of several providers different from yours, your Android is unlocked.

2. Check frequency band compatibility

Ensure your phone’s compatibility with Swiss network frequency bands. This will help you enjoy the best coverage and prevent weaker signals, slower data speeds, and, in some cases, no service at all. Here are some network bands used in Switzerland:

3G: 900 MHz (B8), 2100 MHz (B1)
4G/LTE: 800 MHz (B20), 1800 MHz (B3), 2100 MHz (B1), 2600 MHz (B7/B38)
5G: 700 MHz (n28a), 800 MHz (B20), 1800 MHz (B1), 3500 MHz (n78)

Important: Switzerland shut down its 2G networks in 2021.

UK phones typically support most 3G, 4G, and 5G bands in Switzerland (and Europe). Regarding GSM standards, UK phones utilize the 900MHz and 1800MHz frequency bands. As such, most UK phones will be fully compatible with Swiss cell networks.

On the other hand, compatibility may vary for US phones, especially older versions. Modern and unlocked US phones often work, but it’s best to verify compatibility before traveling internationally.

Home country	Carrier	Will my phone work in Switzerland?
United States	AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon	Yes, but check it is unlocked and have older models checked for frequency bands.
United Kingdom	EE, O2, Three, Vodafone UK	Yes, it will work on Swiss networks, and all models sold after 2021 are carrier-unlocked.

After verifying that your phone is unlocked and compatible with Switzerland’s networks, the next step is arranging a plan to stay connected and get mobile internet in Switzerland. You’ll want an international travel solution that offers high-speed data, reliable coverage, and an easy-to-use interface.

How to use your cell phone in Switzerland

There are a couple of ways to use your cell phone in Switzerland, including a roaming plan with your home provider, local physical SIM cards, pocket WiFi, and a digital travel eSIM.

Each international plan has advantages and disadvantages, depending on your data usage, vacation duration, and the number of people travelling.

Switzerland eSIM: Access unlimited data on your phone in minutes:

With Holafly’s Switzerland eSIM, you can enjoy high speed data across the country without worrying about hidden roaming charges, swapping physical SIM cards, or carrying an extra pocket WiFi device.

An eSIM is especially convenient when traveling abroad. It allows you to use your mobile phone for unlimited texting, messaging services, making calls through apps, and even streaming. Since you can keep your home number, you’ll be available for important phone calls or text messages throughout your trip!

Unlimited data plans, 24/7 customer support, and the ability to match your eSIM plan to your vacation make Holafly’s Switzerland eSIM the best plan for travelers who want to explore with peace of mind.

Roaming in Switzerland

Roaming with your home provider is another way to stay connected on your trip. Confirm with your provider whether you’re already on a roaming-inclusive plan to avoid roaming charges and racking up a hefty bill. While data roaming with your provider may seem convenient, you’ll have to pay extra for international long distance rates, additional data usage, and travel passes, which isn’t cost-effective on longer trips.

For US-based travelers:
- Does Verizon work in Switzerland? Check out our Verizon international roaming guide.
- Does T-Mobile work in Switzerland? Check out our T-Mobile international roaming guide.
- Does AT&T work in Switzerland? Check out our AT&T international roaming guide.

For UK-based travelers:
- Does EE work in Switzerland? Check out our EE international roaming guide.
- Does Vodafone work in Switzerland? Check out our Vodafone international roaming guide.
- Does Three work in Switzerland? Check out our Three international roaming guide.
- Does O2 work in Switzerland? Check out our O2 international roaming guide.

Switzerland SIM card:

Buying a local Switzerland SIM card is a more traditional way to use your phone abroad. You can either order one online and have it delivered to your home address or visit popular local carriers in Switzerland once you arrive. Some of these include Sunrise, Swisscom, and Salt.

With a local SIM card, you can enjoy affordable rates and prepaid phone plans for local calling and SMS texts. However, bear in mind that you’ll have to comply with tourist requirements when registering and swapping your original SIM card. You might also have to sacrifice some precious vacation time for the setup.

Pocket WiFi for Switzerland:

A pocket WiFi device emits a WiFi signal like a portable hotspot. If you’re travelling in a larger group, all participants will be able to connect to this device. However, there are some downsides to using a pocket WiFi, including:

Having to carry an extra device
Keeping it charged consistently
Expensive rental charges, deposits, and insurance

Holafly Plans offers all the benefits of a pocket WiFi and none of the cons. Connect multiple devices to a rolling eSIM subscription plan and get unlimited data + unlimited hotspot for only $64.90 monthly.

Will your phone work in Switzerland? The verdict

Yes, your mobile phone will work in Switzerland, given it’s unlocked and network-compatible and you have a solid international plan in place.

For travellers who prioritize convenience, flexibility, and peace of mind on their trips, a Switzerland eSIM is the best option. Enjoy:

Unlimited international data plans, so you never worry about having to top up
High speed data and reliable coverage
Flexible plan durations
24/7 multilingual customer support

Starting at $3.90 per day for unlimited data, you can choose an eSIM plan and add more days from the Holafly app if needed.

If you’d like to know more about using your phone in other countries, check out our blogs on:

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Mahnoor Bangush

SEO Content Writer

Born and raised in Queens, New York, I'm a Psychology graduate with a passion for writing that I've been nurturing since 2019. Over the years, I've enjoyed creating meaningful content across various niches, including sports, hospitality, and career development. At Holafly, I focus on crafting useful and inspiring pieces to make your adventures more effortless. One of the best perks of this role? Creating travel content always seems to inspire my next vacation destination!

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