Here is the most common mistake travelers make when visiting Europe: Assuming their “Europe Roaming” plan covers Switzerland.
Switzerland is NOT part of the European Union (EU). Because of this, many standard UK and EU SIM cards stop working the moment you cross the Swiss border, or worse—they start charging you $10/MB.
To avoid a bill shock, you need a dedicated data plan. We tested the best eSIM for Switzerland to find out which one offers the best connection in the cities and up in the mountains.
Quick Comparison: Top 3 Picks for Switzerland
| Provider | Best For | Data | Price (Approx) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Airalo (Pilatus) | Budget Travelers | 1GB – Unlimited | $4.50+ |
| 2. Holafly | Heavy Data Users | Unlimited | $19.00+ |
| 3. Maya Mobile | 5G Speed | 3GB – 20GB | $6.00+ |
Why You Need a Swiss-Specific eSIM
If you have a SIM card from France, Germany, or the UK, check the fine print. Unless you have a premium “Swiss Add-on,” your data will likely cut off. Buying a local SIM card at Zurich Airport (Flughafen Zürich) is expensive, often requiring passport registration and costing $40+ for a starter pack.
An eSIM is the cheaper, faster alternative.
1. Airalo (Pilatus) – Best Overall Value
Airalo’s Switzerland package is named after the famous Mount Pilatus. It runs on the Salt or Sunrise networks, which provide excellent 5G coverage in cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Bern.
- Price: Starts at just $4.50 for 1GB (7 Days).
- Reliability: We tested this on the train from Geneva to Zermatt and maintained a signal even in many tunnels.
- Verdict: The best eSIM for Switzerland for travelers who want to save money for fondue.
(Read our full Airalo Review here).
2. Holafly – Best for Unlimited Data
Switzerland is scenic, meaning you will be uploading 4K videos of mountains to Instagram constantly. Holafly is the best choice if you don’t want to watch your data usage.
- The Perk: Truly Unlimited Data.
- The Network: Connects to Sunrise, the best 5G network in the country.
- The Cost: More expensive upfront, but cheaper than paying for overage fees.
3. Maya Mobile – The 5G Specialist
Maya Mobile is a rising star in the eSIM world. They are known for offering 5G access on almost all plans, not just 4G/LTE. For Switzerland, they offer flexible 5-day to 30-day passes.
- Pros: Extremely fast speeds and instant activation.
- Cons: Their app is not as polished as Airalo’s yet.
Regional Option: The “Eurolink” Plan
Crucial Tip: If you are visiting France, Italy, AND Switzerland, do NOT buy single-country eSIMs. Buy a Regional eSIM.
- Airalo Eurolink: Covers 39 countries (Including Switzerland).
- Holafly Europe: Covers 30+ countries (Including Switzerland).
Always check the “Countries Supported” list before buying a regional plan to ensure Switzerland is on there.
Final Verdict: Which One?
If you are just visiting Switzerland for a few days, Airalo is the cheapest and easiest option. If you are doing a longer Euro-trip, grab the Airalo Eurolink or Holafly Europe plan to stay connected across borders without swapping settings.
Safe travels in the Alps!
Traveling elsewhere? Check out our guide on the Best eSIM with Phone Number for making calls abroad.