Prepaid SIM Cards in Switzerland Compared

How do prepaid SIM cards work in Switzerland?

Prepaid SIM cards, or simply prepaid cards, work much like conventional SIM cards with a subscription (postpaid), with one key difference: you pay in advance for calls, SMS and mobile data. You are not tied to any plan and can stop spending on your phone whenever you like.

Here is how it works:

1. Buy a prepaid SIM card

   You can get a prepaid SIM card online or in a specialist shop.

2. Insert the SIM card

   Once you have it, put the card in your phone. First remove your current SIM (if you have one), then slot in the new prepaid SIM. Some smartphones take two SIM cards.

3. Activate your SIM card

   With the card in place, activate it by following your provider's instructions. Depending on the provider, you dial an activation number, send a text message or fill in an online form.

4. Top up your prepaid account

   After activation, top up your prepaid account by credit card so you can use the mobile services. Alternatively, buy credit directly from your provider or in a shop.

5. Use the services

   Once the account is topped up, you can call, text and surf until the credit runs out. Need more? Simply top up again by buying new credit.

What are the pros and cons of prepaid SIM cards?

Prepaid SIM cards come with several advantages. Here is a selection, though not a complete one:

Who are prepaid SIM cards suited to?

Prepaid SIM cards suit many different types of user. Here are a few examples:

How do I activate a prepaid SIM card?

To activate a prepaid SIM card, you will find the right instructions on your provider's website. Or you can proceed as follows:

1. Insert the SIM card into your phone or device.

2. Switch on your phone or device.

3. Call your provider's customer service number, or send a message to that number.

4. Follow the activation instructions, enter your personal details and type in the one-time activation code printed on the SIM card.

5. Wait until activation is complete. Depending on the network operator, this takes a few minutes to a few hours.

Once the SIM card is activated, you can use your phone or device straight away: make calls, send text messages and use mobile data. Do not forget to top up your account with prepaid credit so you can keep using your provider's services.

How can I top up a prepaid SIM card?

To top up a prepaid SIM card, visit your provider's website, where everything is clearly explained. Or you can proceed as follows:

1. Check the balance on your prepaid account by entering the relevant USSD code or using your provider's mobile app.

2. Buy a prepaid top-up card in a shop, at a petrol station or online.

3. Scratch off the grey area to reveal the unique top-up code, or follow the online instructions.

4. Dial the USSD top-up code on your phone, or follow the top-up instructions in your provider's mobile app.

5. Enter the unique top-up code when prompted.

6. Wait for the top-up confirmation to appear on your phone or in your operator's mobile app.

Your prepaid account is topped up with the value of the card you bought. You can now use the credit to make calls, send text messages and use mobile data. Top up your prepaid account regularly so your service is not interrupted.

Do prepaid SIM cards limit services such as international calls or internet access?

Yes, depending on the provider and the plan you choose, prepaid SIM cards can come with limits on services such as international calls or internet access. So always check the terms and restrictions of your SIM card before buying.

Some prepaid SIM cards restrict calls abroad or charge higher fees for them than for domestic calls. Likewise, on some plans mobile data use or internet access may be limited or cost extra.

Check the restrictions and charges of your prepaid plan before you buy. That way you can be sure it fits your needs. Details on rates and limits can usually be found on the provider's website or in its mobile app.

If you surf a lot or often call abroad, you are better off with a prepaid plan that has unlimited options or preferential rates for these services. Some prepaid plans also offer mobile data packs for regular use over a set period (between 7 and 30 days). This can work out cheaper if you use your phone heavily.

Are prepaid SIM cards cheaper than standard mobile contracts?

In general, prepaid SIM cards can be cheaper than standard mobile contracts, especially if you do not need much mobile data, many calls or many SMS.

With prepaid SIM cards you only pay for the services you really use. That pays off if you only need your phone now and then, or have a small budget for mobile. Rates are often lower than on standard service contracts, and there are usually no monthly fees or long-term commitments. Many providers in Switzerland now offer SIM cards valid for 30 days with unlimited calls, SMS and mobile data. That is very handy for anyone staying in Switzerland for a few weeks.

If you use your phone heavily, on the other hand, a standard mobile contract may work out cheaper. It can include a flat rate for mobile data, calls and SMS at a fixed monthly price, which for heavy use is often lower than prepaid rates. Incidentally, there are also mobile plans with no minimum term (but still mind the notice period of two months), which are ideal for people staying in Switzerland for only a few months.

In the end, it pays to compare the different providers' offers. That way you will find the one that suits your needs and your budget.

Can I keep my current phone number if I switch to a prepaid SIM card?

In Switzerland you can keep your current phone number when you switch to a prepaid SIM card. Number portability is a legally guaranteed right in most countries, Switzerland included. Consumers may keep their number when they change provider or type of plan.

To keep your current number when moving to a prepaid SIM card in Switzerland, you usually proceed like this:

1. Buy a prepaid SIM card from the provider you want to use.

2. Contact your new provider's customer service and request the transfer of your current number, giving the required information.

3. Wait until your number has been ported to the new prepaid SIM card. Depending on the provider, this can take a few hours or days.

Good to know: porting a number can sometimes involve extra costs. So be sure to check your new provider's terms before you port your number. Also make sure your current provider does not charge an early termination fee if you cancel your contract before the end of its term.

Can I use a prepaid SIM card abroad?

Yes, you can certainly use a prepaid SIM card abroad. However, the terms and rates differ depending on the provider and the country you are travelling to.

Before you travel abroad with a prepaid SIM card, check your provider's website for international roaming rates and the terms of use in your destination country.

More and more providers offer international roaming options. It can be worth activating one so you can use your prepaid SIM card abroad. You then get data packs or calls from abroad, which is far better value than being billed per minute or per amount of data used.

Also bear in mind that mobile data abroad can be very expensive, especially if your prepaid card does not cover internet data. So switch off mobile data and use Wi-Fi whenever you can to avoid unnecessary costs.