The best eSIM for Switzerland depends on how much data you need, but for a typical trip eSIM Ahora offers plans from $0.93, activated by QR code in about 30 seconds with no roaming from your home carrier. A 3 GB, 30-day plan costs $2.58. You connect, with top-ups available and nationwide coverage. Compatible with iPhone XS or newer, Samsung Galaxy S21+ and Google Pixel 3+.
Full-speed data every day; after the daily cap the speed is reduced.
Full speed up to 500 MB/day, then 512 Kbps.
Every eSIM can be installed within 180 days of purchase. Plan validity starts when you first connect.
Your eSIM picks between these networks on its own. If you see bars and nothing loads, you can pick one by hand.
Your Switzerland eSIM runs on Salt and Sunrise, and your phone picks whichever has the better signal. Other local networks won't carry your data: if you see signal bars and nothing loads, turn off automatic network selection (iPhone: Settings → Cellular → your eSIM → Network Selection; Android: Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → your eSIM) and pick Salt or Sunrise by hand.
Switzerland has three main carriers: Swisscom (historic state operator, largest nationwide coverage with 5G in all cities and accessible Alpine valleys), Sunrise (merged with UPC, broad urban 5G), and Salt (Iliad subsidiary, best value). Plugs are Type J (Swiss, unique — three round pins in a "+" shape), 230V — you need a Type J adapter or universal. 4G/5G coverage reaches Zurich, Geneva, Bern, Lucerne, Lugano, and the entire SBB rail network (including Glacier Express and Bernina Express).
Zurich (ZRH) and Geneva (GVA) airports offer fast unlimited free WiFi. The currency is the Swiss franc (CHF, NOT euro — Switzerland is NOT in the EU); UBS, Credit Suisse (now UBS), Raiffeisen, and PostFinance ATMs accept foreign cards with low commissions. Tips are 5-10% (sometimes already included). Switzerland is one of the world's most expensive countries — an espresso costs 5-6 CHF, a margherita pizza 22-28 CHF. Four official languages: German (62%), French (23%, west of Geneva), Italian (8%, Ticino), and Romansh (1%, Grisons).