Roaming in Switzerland: How it works and the best ways to avoid charges

What is roaming in Switzerland, and how does it work?

Roaming lets your mobile device connect to a foreign network when you're outside your home country. This means you can make calls, send text messages, and use cellular data — but it comes at a cost. 

European Union residents can use their mobile plan at domestic rates under the EU Roaming Regulation, even if they have unlimited calls. This rule ensures they don’t pay extra for calls, texts, or data when traveling within the EU/EEA countries. Incoming calls and texts also remain free, regardless of the caller’s network. Some UK service providers (like O2 and Lebara) also offer free EU roaming even after Brexit.

Many travelers assume that roaming in Switzerland works the same way as in the EU countries. It doesn’t. Switzerland isn't part of the European Union, so it's not covered by the EU's roaming regulations.

If you don't plan ahead before your Swiss trip, you’ll face expensive incoming and outgoing calls, high SMS fees, and exorbitant data roaming charges for essentials like Google Maps, social media, or video streaming (for example, YouTube or Netflix).

That’s why it’s important to understand roaming costs before you land in Switzerland — or better yet, find a way to avoid them.

[H3] Is Switzerland included in the EU roaming scheme?

No, Switzerland is not included in the EU Roaming Regulation, which allows free roaming across EU/EEA countries.

Even though Switzerland is surrounded by EU nations, it follows its own telecom rules. This means that UK and EU providers can charge international roaming fees for calls, texts, and data usage inside Switzerland.

Some providers offer special roaming packages or add-ons for Switzerland, which help cut costs, but free EU-style roaming does not apply. If you buy a data roaming package, keep in mind that it often expires after a set period, so any data is lost if you don’t use it in time.

When do I start paying roaming charges in Switzerland?

Roaming service charges in Switzerland kick in as soon as your mobile phone connects to a Swiss mobile network. This happens automatically when you cross the border into Switzerland unless you've turned off roaming on your device. These charges apply to all mobile services  — making calls, sending texts, and mobile data usage. Even if you’re not actively using your phone, background apps can still access the internet and trigger charges.

If you're buying a data roaming package for Switzerland (or other countries), follow these steps to make sure you’re using the package — not costly pay-as-you-go rates:

1. Purchase the data package through your provider’s app or website or by sending an activation text.

2. Wait for confirmation via SMS or app notification that the package is activated.

3. After receiving confirmation, turn on mobile data and data roaming on your phone.

Turning on data before activation can result in default roaming fees, which are usually charged per MB and can be extremely expensive. A few minutes of data use could cost more than the package itself — so it's worth taking these precautions.

Roaming charges in Switzerland for each UK provider

Here’s what major UK mobile providers charge for roaming in Switzerland. Most of them offer travel add-ons for a daily fee to reduce costs. Without a roaming package, pay-as-you-go rates can be extremely high — especially for data.

Note: Charges vary based on your mobile plan.

How to avoid data roaming charges when travelling in Switzerland 

You don’t have to rely on expensive roaming services to stay connected on your trip to Switzerland. Several alternatives let you use a phone overseas without roaming.

An eSIM for Switzerland

An eSIM is the easiest and most cost-effective way to get mobile internet in Switzerland — especially if you don’t need large amounts of data. Let’s see why it's the best option:

• Instant activation — no need to find a store.

• No physical SIM card is required — just scan a QR code.

• Affordable data plans.

• You can keep your home number.

If you want fast, reliable internet without the roaming fees, an eSIM for Switzerland is the way to go. Set it up before your next trip, and you’ll be online the moment you land.

A prepaid SIM for Switzerland

A local SIM card for Switzerland is an alternative to roaming services, but it’s not as convenient as an eSIM — especially for short trips.

Unlike in many countries, you can’t just grab a Swiss SIM card from a kiosk or supermarket. Mobile services require registration, meaning you’ll need to provide proof of identity and a temporary address. The process is quick — usually under 15 minutes — but you’ll need to visit a post office or an operator’s store with your passport or ID.

Some Swiss prepaid SIM providers include:

• Swisscom. Offers prepaid SIMs with data packages and unlimited calls within Switzerland. Excellent network coverage nationwide.

• Salt Mobile. Provides short-term prepaid mobile plans for travelers, but coverage may be weaker in remote areas.

• Sunrise. Another major service provider with strong coverage in urban and rural areas, plus options for tourists.

The devil is in the details: With Swisscom, you'll pay 19.90 CHF just to activate the SIM. Salt and Sunrise, on the other hand, charge 10–20 CHF for a starter pack, but this amount is credited to your balance, and the SIM remains valid for up to a year. 

Pocket Wi-Fi

A pocket Wi-Fi device is another way to avoid roaming service fees while abroad. These small, portable routers connect to the internet via a local SIM card and act as a mobile hotspot for multiple devices.

The device costs under £100 from electronics retailers. It lets you use a local SIM for data, avoiding high roaming charges, but your home SIM stays on your phone, so you can still receive calls and texts from your usual number.

It’s a good option for groups or heavy data users, but you’ll need to carry and charge the device.

Public Wi-FI

Public wireless networks are available in hotels, cafes, airports, and train stations, but they’re not a reliable primary option. First, you won’t always find a good connection — many networks are slow or overloaded. Plus, your data could be intercepted on unsecured networks.

This option is fine for casual browsing, but if you need a stable, secure internet access, a Switzerland eSIM or prepaid SIM is a far better choice.

Which method is the most reliable and effective?

Here’s a quick comparison of all four options:

Verdict: A Switzerland eSIM is the smartest choice for travelers — both for cost and convenience.

Best way to replace roaming in Switzerland

Roaming in Switzerland can get expensive fast, but there’s no reason to overpay. For the best way to stay connected without the hassle, download an eSIM.

Still not sure about the benefits of an eSIM? It’s cheaper, easier, and more convenient than a physical SIM card or a roaming package. No searching for a store, no swapping SIMs — just download, activate, and go.