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Roaming in Switzerland: Costs, plans, and alternatives
Roaming in Switzerland can be costly. Compare roaming costs and see how to stay connected abroad for less with an unlimited data Holafly eSIM.
Roaming in Switzerland can easily cost over $10 USD daily, and that’s if you’re using cost-saving roaming passes. So, how can you keep costs to a minimum while roaming in Switzerland?
This guide explores the various international roaming options in Switzerland, as well as alternatives like a travel eSIM from Holafly, allowing you to spend more on Swiss chocolate than on roaming fees.
Avoid excessive roaming fees
Don't get caught out by data roaming charges in Switzerland. Use local networks at local rates.
Is Switzerland part of EU roaming?
Yes, Switzerland is a destination included in the European Union roaming plans. That said, not all carriers offer free EU roaming.
Whether you can benefit from free EU roaming while in Switzerland depends on your home carrier, when you joined, and which plan you’re using.
Switzerland roaming costs
Roaming rates in Switzerland are decided by your home carrier. In the UK, for example, some providers still offer free roaming in Switzerland. But it’s not always the case; roaming passes from other UK carriers can span anywhere between £2 and £24.
US providers instead have higher roaming rates for Switzerland, ranging from $5 to $50 with travel passes.
Roaming in Switzerland from the US
| Provider | Roaming pass | Pay-as-you-go |
|---|---|---|
| Verizon roaming in Switzerland | $12 daily with unlimited data, text, and calls | $1.79/minute, $0.50/text, $2.05/MB |
| T-Mobile roaming in Switzerland | $5 to $50 for up to 30 days with up to 15 GB of data, unlimited calls and texts | Use roaming passes |
| AT&T roaming in Switzerland | $12 daily with unlimited data, text, and calls | $2/minute, $1.30/text, $10.24/MB |
Roaming in Switzerland from the UK
| Provider | Roaming pass | Pay-as-you-go |
|---|---|---|
| Three roaming in Switzerland | – Free roaming with selected plans – £2 on plans without free roaming – Daily passes for up to £24 with your local allowance – £7 daily for a Data Passport | – 0.35p/minute, 0.15p/text, and 0.10p/MB to use your local allowance – Data packs from £10 to £31.50 with up to 30 GB of mobile data, with unlimited texts and calls |
| Vodafone roaming in Switzerland | – Free on plans with inclusive roaming – £2.57 daily on plans without free roaming | Available through extras ranging from £9.60 to £12.75 |
| O2 roaming in Switzerland | Free roaming for up to 25 GB of data, with unlimited texts and calls | Free roaming for up to 25 GB of data, with unlimited texts and calls |
| EE roaming in Switzerland | – Free roaming on selected plans – £2.59 daily to use your local allowance | – 24-hour Roam Like Home Pass – £2.50 – 7-day Roam Like Home Pass – £10 |
Get unlimited data in Switzerland for less with Holafly
Roaming services in Switzerland can be affordable if you’re traveling from the UK, but it’s totally different for US travelers.
That’s why having an alternative to international roaming is important, and a Switzerland eSIM will do the work.
With the Holafly eSIM for Switzerland, you can say goodbye to high roaming charges. Starting at $3.90 daily, you get unlimited high-speed data, up to 500 MB of hotspot data, 24/7 customer support, an easy activation process, and you only need an eSIM-compatible phone.
If you’re traveling for longer, your Switzerland eSIM final pricing will be lower. A 10-day trip costs $36.90, or $3.69 daily, which is significantly lower than using 10 days of international roaming passes.
Avoid excessive roaming fees
Don't get caught out by data roaming charges in Switzerland. Use local networks at local rates.
How to avoid roaming charges in Switzerland
If you want to avoid international roaming charges and you don’t have an eSIM phone, here are some extra tips for your trip:
- Turn roaming services off: You can turn roaming off in your mobile phone at any given moment. That way, you can save money and avoid additional fees from background apps using data or receiving an unwanted call.
- Get a local SIM card: You can buy a Switzerland SIM card from Sunrise, Swisscom, and Salt, with plans costing up to 65 CHF (~$80.85 USD) for a 30-day plan. This said, each provider has local requirements to meet, and the purchase process can be longwinded.
- Rent a pocket WiFi: With a pocket WiFi for Switzerland, you can rent a device to share internet with multiple devices. However, these are quite expensive, costing up to $100 per week. An alternative to this is using Holafly Plans for $64.90 monthly, which includes unlimited data, unlimited hotspot data, and coverage in over 170 destinations without additional fees.
- Use free WiFi: One way to get mobile internet in Switzerland is with free WiFi. This is available in train stations, malls, and squares in major cities like Zurich and Geneva.
Data roaming in Switzerland vs. eSIM for Switzerland
Roaming in Switzerland can cost up to $12 daily, while an eSIM can reach as low as $1.55 daily on long trips.
Plus, final roaming services will depend on your service provider, with a few offering free roaming, while eSIMs will remain the same with no hidden fees attached.
So, getting an eSIM for Switzerland is your best option to save money, as you won’t face unexpected charges, and you’ll pay half the roaming charges– if you’re traveling from the US.
Avoid excessive roaming fees
Don't get caught out by data roaming charges in Switzerland. Use local networks at local rates.
Plans that may interest you
I first started my content creation journey as a freelancer in 2019, before connecting with Holafly in 2021. At Holafly, my travel and tech interests come together in one place as I craft high-quality articles about the eSIM and related markets. My content aims to help travelers stay connected, wherever they are.
