Using phones in Switzerland

Having a landline in Switzerland

Landlines in Switzerland are usually more affordable than mobile services. There are many landline providers in Switzerland to choose from depending on your needs and canton of residence. You should be aware that despite landlines being more affordable, phone rates in Switzerland are quite high and a monthly tax also applies, so a thorough online search beforehand is recommended. As a general rule, leased accommodations are more likely to have a landline.

Good to know:

You can choose between an analogue or ISDN connection which allows you to use multiple telephone lines simultaneously or the cable connection with a better quality landline along with Internet and cable TV.

To get your landline, you will have to produce your identity card or passport and proof of residence. Your bank account number will also be required if you prefer to pay your phone bill by direct debit. Swisscom, which is the national telephone company, generally requests a deposit to connect you to the landline network.

Mobile networks

Switzerland's market for mobile network operators is also very competitive, with attractive packages on offer. The leading provider is Swisscom, who is also bringing 5G coverage in Switzerland by 2020, but you can choose between subscription or prepaid depending on your needs and your financial means. Note that the subscription agreement generally has a one- or two-year duration.

Good to know:

If you're an EU/EFTA national, you can probably use your own mobile phone, just with a Swiss sim card. But if you come from a non-European country, you are advised to get your cell phone unlocked before travelling. You can also buy a new one on the spot.

If you're a frontier worker

Frontier workers are entitled to some benefits. Some prefer to use two mobile phones, one with a Swiss sim card and the other with their national sim card. Special dual sim cards, aka a sim card with both a Swiss and a foreign phone number (French, Italian, German), are also available. Those will help you avoid international roaming charges.

Payphones

If you have no cell phone nor a landline, you can still find public pay phones in all Swiss cities. Most of these require prepaid cards which you can buy in post offices, shops, gas stations and supermarkets.

Useful links:

Swisscom
Sunrise
Orange Suisse
VTX
Econophone
Aldi Mobile
Coop Mobile