Prepaid eSIM in Switzerland: plans, costs and activation
A prepaid eSIM is a digitally installed SIM paid for in advance. For a short stay, compare Swisscom’s fixed-duration packages with Sunrise Unlimited CH, billed per 24-hour period used. For daily use over many months, it is also worth comparing a flexible subscription. An eSIM does not itself make a tariff cheaper or unlimited.
Sources checked as of 1 November 2026. This is a researched comparison of selected offers, not our own network test or a complete market overview. The table shows usage or package prices; any initial payments and credit must be checked separately.
Two confirmed prepaid eSIM options
Offer | Price and period | Swiss services / limit |
Swisscom Prepaid Flat 7 | CHF 20 / 7 days | Unlimited data, up to 50 Mbit/s; Swiss calls included |
Swisscom Prepaid Flat 15 | CHF 40 / 15 days | Unlimited data, up to 50 Mbit/s; Swiss calls included |
Swisscom Prepaid Flat 30 | CHF 65 / 30 days | Unlimited data, up to 50 Mbit/s; Swiss calls included |
Sunrise Unlimited CH | CHF 2.50 per 24-hour period used | Unlimited data, calls and SMS within Switzerland |
Sources: Swisscom Prepaid and Sunrise travel eSIM. Swisscom also confirms eSIM support in its eSIM guide. A Swiss package does not automatically cover use abroad. Calls from Switzerland to other countries must also be considered separately from calls within Switzerland.
How to calculate the cost of a stay
At Sunrise, seven triggered 24-hour periods work out at CHF 17.50, 15 periods at CHF 37.50 and 30 periods at CHF 75. Swisscom Flat 7, 15 and 30, by contrast, cost CHF 20, CHF 40 and CHF 65 respectively. This compares usage costs or package prices, not necessarily the amount paid at checkout. The initial payment, usable starting credit and any additional services may affect the first top-up.
Credit is not an extra discount on usage already paid for with that credit. For example, if CHF 17.50 of usage is paid from a credit balance, you must not deduct that credit from CHF 17.50 again. Keep three separate lines in your calculation: payment at purchase, cost of planned usage and remaining credit.
Daily billing is more likely to suit a weekend with only a few days of use. Fixed packages are easier to budget for on a longer stay with daily usage. The network at the places you visit also matters. A brand’s nationwide reputation does not reliably tell you the connection quality at your accommodation.
Distinguishing prepaid, flexible subscriptions and data-only travel packages
Prepaid describes payment in advance. A subscription with no minimum term may still renew automatically and have a notice period. A travel eSIM may include only data, without a local phone number. Before buying, check whether you need ordinary calls, SMS for login codes, data in several countries or just a hotspot. These requirements matter more than the eSIM label.
For twelve or 24 months, do not simply compare the daily price with a monthly subscription. Calculate actual usage days and package periods. A 30-day package is shorter than most calendar months; twelve packages cover 360 rather than 365 days. For ongoing offers, also check whether a package renews automatically and how to stop that renewal.
Setup: have your identity checked before using it
Sunrise requires an uploaded identity document and a video selfie. Activation takes place after verification; registration is not something to complete after you have successfully used the service. A foreign address is accepted for the eSIM. After 17 months without use, Sunrise deletes the SIM together with any remaining credit. Details are on the linked travel eSIM page.
First check eSIM support for your exact device model. Have internet access and the identification documents required by the provider ready. Then follow the relevant ordering and activation instructions and install the supplied profile. Swisscom explains how to order a prepaid eSIM through My Swisscom and install it while connected to the internet.
With dual SIM, deliberately choose which line should handle mobile data and which should handle calls. Check automatic data switching and roaming on both lines. Do not delete a working old profile too quickly: switching devices may require a new profile to be issued. Before buying, also ask about replacement costs and access to your customer account if the device is lost.
Our guide to choosing
Start with the length of your stay, countries of use and calling needs. Then compare the package price, initial payment, speed and renewal. Short-term visitors need different terms from people who want to keep their main number permanently. Blanket claims that particular brands generally do not offer prepaid eSIMs become outdated quickly, so we list only directly confirmed options here.
Transparency: internet-offer.ch may receive a commission for a referred contract. Before ordering, check the price, availability and contract terms directly with the provider.
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