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- Unlimited calls within Switzerland
- 5 GB high-speed in Switzerland
- No internet abroad
- No calls abroad
Black Summer: Save 72%—forever
- 72%CHF 42.95 CHF 11.95 / month
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- Unlimited calls within Switzerland
- Unlimited high speed in Switzerland
- 1 GB/month while abroad
- No calls abroad
Lifetime discount & cancelable monthly
- 69%CHF 73.95 CHF 22.95 / month
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- Unlimited calls within Switzerland
- Unlimited high speed in Switzerland
- 4 GB/month abroad
- 100 minutes per month * phone calls
Lifetime discount & cancelable monthly
- 70%CHF 85.95 CHF 25.95 / month
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- Unlimited calls within Switzerland
- Unlimited high speed in Switzerland
- Unlimited data abroad
- No calls abroad
Lifetime discount & cancelable monthly
- 69%CHF 96.95 CHF 29.95 / month
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- Unlimited calls within Switzerland
- Unlimited high speed in Switzerland
- Unlimited data abroad
- 100 minutes per month * phone calls
Lifetime discount & cancelable monthly
- 69%CHF 96.95 CHF 29.95 / month
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- Unlimited calls within Switzerland
- Unlimited high speed in Switzerland
- Unlimited data abroad
- Unlimited calls within the Europe Zone
Black Summer: Save 67% Forever
- 67%CHF 96.95 CHF 31.95 / month
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- Unlimited calls within Switzerland
- Unlimited high speed in Switzerland
- Unlimited data abroad
- Unlimited calls within the Europe Zone
Black Summer: Save 60% Forever
- 60%CHF 86.95 CHF 34.95 / month
- CHF 150 credit
- 10 Gbps fiber optic internet
- Free Wi-Fi router + TV box
- Unlimited calls to Swiss networks
Black Summer: Save 20% forever
- 20%CHF 49.95 CHF 39.95 / month
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- Unlimited calls within Switzerland
- Unlimited high speed in Switzerland
- Unlimited data abroad
- Unlimited calls within the Europe Zone
Black Summer: Save 58% Forever
- 58%CHF 106.95 CHF 44.95 / month
- Unlimited calls within Switzerland
- Unlimited high speed in Switzerland
- Unlimited data abroad
- Unlimited calls within the Europe Zone
Black Summer: Save 44% Forever
- 44%CHF 106.95 CHF 59.95 / month
5G cell phone plans // Cell phone plan with unlimited internet // eSIM Switzerland // Affordable cell phone plan // Cell phone contract // Cell phone flat rate // 5G Switzerland // Cell phone plan for children // Mobile internet // Salt promotions // Cell phone providers // Coverage in Switzerland
What is eSIM 2026, and what does it mean?
The “e” in eSIM stands for “embedded.” In other words, an eSIM is built into the device during manufacturing and is therefore not replaceable. You typically activate this blank SIM card yourself (more on that later) and can switch between different providers via the device settings—without any manual effort.
No more switching SIM cards: The benefits of an eSIM
Perhaps the biggest advantage of an eSIM is that it gives you a lot more flexibility. Whether you ’re switching providers or want to use a different provider temporarily while on vacation or during frequent trips abroad—the SIM card in your device stays the same.
This means you no longer have to search for the right adapter.
Another practical advantage is that when switching providers, you don’t have to wait for the new SIM card to arrive in the mail; instead, you can start using the eSIM right away. This is because all mobile and data plans are managed through different profiles on the embedded SIM. If you have a device that supports eSIM, you can switch from a physical SIM to the embedded version. Of course, this flexibility isn’t necessarily an advantage for the providers themselves—but everyone else clearly benefits from it.
However, the eSIM concept isn't entirely flawless. For one thing, this type of SIM card is currently only available on a select few smartphones, smartwatches, and tablets. As is often the case, Apple is leading the way with the Apple Watch and the iPhone (see below).
eSIM enabled on the iPhone
On the other hand, you need internet access to manage your eSIM profile—for example, to switch from one provider to another. This can be tricky, especially when traveling. However, as long as you have internet access and a device with an eSIM, activation is a breeze.
Cell phone plans with eSIM support
The following cell phone plans offer eSIM support.
- Unlimited to all networks
- 5 GB of internet in Switzerland
- No internet abroad
- No calls abroad
Black Summer: Save 72%—forever
- 72%CHF 42.95 CHF 11.95 / month
- Unlimited to all networks
- Unlimited Internet in Switzerland
- 1 GB/month while abroad
- No calls abroad
Lifetime discount & cancelable monthly
- 69%CHF 73.95 CHF 22.95 / month
- Unlimited to all networks
- Unlimited Internet in Switzerland
- 4 GB/month abroad
- 100 minutes per month * phone calls
Lifetime discount & cancelable monthly
- 70%CHF 85.95 CHF 25.95 / month
- Unlimited to all networks
- Unlimited Internet in Switzerland
- Unlimited data abroad
- No calls abroad
Lifetime discount & cancelable monthly
- 69%CHF 96.95 CHF 29.95 / month
- Unlimited to all networks
- Unlimited Internet in Switzerland
- Unlimited data abroad
- 100 minutes per month * phone calls
Lifetime discount & cancelable monthly
- 69%CHF 96.95 CHF 29.95 / month
- Unlimited to all networks
- Unlimited Internet in Switzerland
- Unlimited data abroad
- Unlimited calls within the Europe Zone + calls abroad
Black Summer: Save 67% Forever
- 67%CHF 96.95 CHF 31.95 / month
- Unlimited to all networks
- Unlimited Internet in Switzerland
- Unlimited data abroad
- Unlimited calls within the Europe Zone
Black Summer: Save 60% Forever
- 60%CHF 86.95 CHF 34.95 / month
- CHF 150 credit
- 10 Gbps fiber optic internet
- Free Wi-Fi router + TV box
- Unlimited calls to Swiss networks
Black Summer: Save 20% forever
- 20%CHF 49.95 CHF 39.95 / month
- Unlimited to all networks
- Unlimited Internet in Switzerland
- Unlimited data abroad
- Unlimited calls within the Europe Zone + calls abroad
Black Summer: Save 58% Forever
- 58%CHF 106.95 CHF 44.95 / month
- Unlimited to all networks
- Unlimited Internet in Switzerland
- Unlimited data abroad
- Unlimited calls within the Europe Zone + calls abroad
Black Summer: Save 44% Forever
- 44%CHF 106.95 CHF 59.95 / month
How do I activate the eSIM card?
Before you activate an eSIM, you should know that only one eSIM profile can be active at a time. This profile includes your phone number, subscription type, prepaid information, and other details. Associated with this is the eSIM’s identification number, the eID. You can find this in your device settings.
Activate eSIM on an iPhone
To use the otherwise empty eSIM with the necessary data or a new profile, the provider must load all the information directly onto the card. This is done using a QR code—known as an eSIM voucher—which you can request for free on your provider’s website. That’s the first step, and the rest of the process is just as simple:
- Go to the Settings menu.
- Select "Mobile network."
- Select "Add a mobile plan."
- Scan the QR code.
Alternatively, you can activate it using the corresponding app, though the process varies from device to device.
What about the PIN code? You can disable it or change it in the settings. Ultimately, with an eSIM—just like with a physical SIM card—you always have the option to secure it with a passcode.
Are eSIMs also available for prepaid cards?
If you're wondering whether you always need an expensive subscription to use an eSIM: No. While whether the prepaid option works with an eSIM depends on the provider, it's definitely an option with Swisscom. The prepaid model is also convenient for international travel and one-time mobile data plans.
Still interested in a cell phone plan? Then start comparing cell phone plans now! We'll help you find the right plan for you.
Differences Between SIM Cards: An Overview
Small, smaller, eSIM: That’s probably the best way to describe the evolution of these cards. As our overview shows, there have been significant changes in terms of size, and the eSIM is by far the smallest format available today:
| Card type | Length | width |
|---|---|---|
| Mini-SIM | 25 mm | 15 mm |
| Micro-SIM | 15 mm | 12 mm |
| Nano-SIM | 12.30 mm | 8.80 mm |
| eSIM | 6 mm | 5 mm |
These days, when you sign up for a cell phone plan, you’ll usually receive a triple-SIM—the 3-in-1 version. All you have to do is remove the correct format from the template. The eSIM is different, as we now know: it’s hidden deep inside the device, which means there’s no SIM card slot.
Swisscom, Salt & Co.: Which eSIM providers are available in Switzerland?
There are quite a few mobile carriers in Switzerland, but eSIM plans are still hard to come by. Currently, this option is only available from Swisscom, Salt. We’ve briefly summarized the differences between the two providers:
| eSIM Features | Swisscom | Salt | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Is it possible to switch from a physical SIM to an eSIM? | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Is it possible to keep my phone number when switching providers? | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Is prepaid supported? | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Can you activate the eSIM profile yourself? | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Can you use the eSIM abroad? | ✓ | ✓ |
The Salt eSIM offers all the same features as the Swisscom eSIM, except for Mobile-ID. There is also a one-time activation fee of 59 francs.
Note: Salt does not yet support eSIM for the Apple Watch; it is currently only available for smartphones.
eSIM with Salt, Wingo, and UPC
It remains to be seen how—or even if— other providers will enter the eSIM market.
For example:
There is no concrete information yet on when and how Swisscom will face competition in this area. However, it is highly likely that eSIM services will become more widespread sooner or later. The question of how smartphone manufacturers will address this issue remains equally open: so far, Apple has been the main company to embrace eSIM technology.
Video: Activate eSIM on Swisscom via MultiDevice
Customers with a Swisscon inOne Mobile Subscription can use the eSIM in an Apple Watch via the MultiDevice feature to connect the smartwatch to the internet. This feature can be activated in the Swisscom Customer Center for a small additional monthly fee, if desired. The video below demonstrates how this process works in detail.
eSIM in dual-SIM phones: the two SIM cards in iPhones
The idea behind dual-SIM is quite simple: specific numbers can be assigned to a single SIM card or phone number. This is useful if you frequently travel between two different countries or want to use a personal and a business number on the same device.
When dual-SIM and eSIM are combined, this means your device has an eSIM and a separate slot for a nano-SIM. However, this combination is currently only available on certain iPhone models (see below). Please note: If you want to use different carriers for each SIM card, the iPhone must be unlocked.
iPhone, Apple Watch, Samsung, Microsoft – Which devices support eSIM?
It wasn’t Apple but Samsung that took the first step into the world of eSIMs: a smartwatch with an eSIM was unveiled as early as 2015. However, eSIMs haven’t really taken off since then—at least not in German-speaking countries—and certainly not when it comes to smartphones. Currently, you can use eSIMs in Switzerland with the following devices and manufacturers:
| Apple | Samsung | Microsoft |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Watch Series 4 | Samsung Galaxy Watch LTE | Microsoft Surface Pro LTE |
| Apple Watch Series 3 | ||
| iPhone XS | ||
| iPhone XS Max | ||
| iPhone XR |
There are currently only three smartphones with built-in SIM cards available in Switzerland; the situation isn’t much different internationally. Neither Android nor Microsoft smartphones currently offer this feature, and predictions about when that might change can only be vague. By the way: If you use one of the iPhone models listed above, you can find an official list of all providers worldwide that support eSIM.
So, what’s the bottom line on eSIMs? Well, they’re undoubtedly convenient—convenient, but they haven’t quite become an integral part of everyday smartphone use yet. Those who don’t want to be tied to a single provider for a long time or who travel a lot will likely appreciate the flexibility that eSIM-enabled devices offer. For everyone else, the best approach for now is to wait and see how things develop!