Switzerland – Landlines and Mobile Phones

What are the international dialling codes for Switzerland, and what are the area codes for the most popular expat destinations?

Switzerland’s assigned country code is +41, which you dial after your international exit code, followed by the appropriate area code. Switzerland’s telephone numbering system follows the ITU-T E.164 recommendation and operates as a closed numbering plan, which means the entire number — area code included — is always a fixed length regardless of where the call originates.

Every Swiss telephone number is ten digits long, written in the form 0xx xxx xx xx. Numbers are structured in one of two ways: either a three-digit area code paired with a seven-digit subscriber number, or a four-digit area code paired with a six-digit subscriber number.

All Swiss area codes begin with zero and are three digits in length. Callers dialling from outside Switzerland must omit the leading zero when entering the area code. For instance, to reach a Zurich landline from another country, you would dial +41 44 and then the subscriber number — the 0 that appears at the start of 044 is dropped entirely.

An important feature of the Swiss system: even when phoning a number within the same city, you must always include the full area code. There is no option to dial a shortened local version, as exists in some other countries. Every call — local or long-distance — requires the complete ten-digit number.

The area codes for Switzerland’s main expat centres are listed below:

Numbers beginning with 079 — or other 07x prefixes — indicate mobile phones. For directory enquiries and telephone assistance within Switzerland, dial 111; note that these calls are not free of charge. The allocation and administration of telephone numbers in Switzerland falls under the authority of the Swiss Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM in English, BAKOM in German). Further details are available at the official BAKOM numbering page.

Who are the major landline providers in Switzerland, and how can you contact them?

Three operators serve as universal providers in Switzerland — Swisscom, Sunrise, and Salt — each capable of offering any category of subscription and maintaining their own physical network infrastructure. All three provide fixed-line telephony, which is commonly sold as part of a bundle combining internet access and, in many cases, a television package.

Swisscom is Switzerland’s largest telecommunications company and is majority-owned by the Swiss federal government. It operates the country’s most far-reaching fixed-line network and acts as the default provider across most of Switzerland. You can find out more at swisscom.ch or by calling customer service on 0800 800 800 (free when dialled from a Swiss landline).

Sunrise ranks as the second largest provider and competes vigorously in both urban and suburban markets. Its fixed-line plans are frequently sold alongside broadband and mobile services. Visit sunrise.ch or call 0800 707 707. As an example, Sunrise Up Phone International was priced at CHF 25.00/month as of 2025, covering unlimited domestic calls and unlimited calls to international landlines — always consult the provider’s current website to confirm the latest pricing.

Salt, previously known as Orange Switzerland, is the third of the three universal operators and is widely recognised for offering the most competitively priced plans in the market, among both traditional and virtual network operators. Visit salt.ch or call 0800 700 500.

Beyond these three, a variety of regional and specialist providers serve particular areas or customer segments. According to a recent Bilanz magazine ranking, the top-rated operator for fixed telephony in Switzerland is Phonestar, with iWay and Quickline close behind. Quickline, for example, has a strong foothold in communities served by regional cable networks. Providers such as Yallo, Salt, and Wingo are also worth considering for attractively priced bundles that combine internet, television, and phone service.

Activating a landline online in Switzerland is generally free, with monthly subscription costs typically running from CHF 8 to CHF 25 as of 2025. The average Swiss household pays around CHF 15 per month for a fixed telephony subscription, though actual costs depend on call volumes and any promotional conditions your operator may offer. Check each provider’s official website for current pricing, as tariffs are updated regularly.

The nature of fixed telephony has changed considerably in recent years: virtually all landline subscriptions are now delivered using VoIP technology, enabling calls to be made over your home internet connection with high-definition audio quality.

For regulatory guidance or if a dispute with your provider arises, you can approach the Federal Office of Communications (BAKOM) or the independent ombudsman service, Ombudscom.

Who are the major mobile phone providers in Switzerland, and how can you contact them?

Switzerland’s mobile market is built on three network operators — Swisscom, Sunrise, and Salt — which between them carry 100% of mobile traffic in the country. Alongside these three, a range of virtual network operators (MVNOs) resell capacity on one of the underlying networks, meaning consumers can choose from more than 20 different operators in total.

Swisscom leads the market by share and network quality. Its 4G coverage reaches 99.9% of the Swiss population, and its 5G+ network — offering speeds of up to 2 Gbps — had extended to cover 81% of the population by the end of 2023. Contact: swisscom.ch, tel: 0800 800 800.

Sunrise is the second network operator, reporting 4G coverage of 98% and 3G coverage reaching 99% of the Swiss population. Contact: sunrise.ch, tel: 0800 707 707.

Salt is the third network operator and generally positions itself at the more affordable end of the market. Its 5G rollout is less advanced than those of Swisscom and Sunrise, though 5G service is available in major urban centres including Zurich and Bern. Contact: salt.ch, tel: 0800 700 500.

Major cities — Zurich, Geneva, and Basel — generate approximately 60% of all mobile data traffic and have the highest concentrations of 5G premium plan subscribers. Signal quality in rural and alpine terrain can differ noticeably between operators. Before committing to a provider, it is worth asking neighbours or colleagues in your area whether they have encountered any connectivity issues.

Noteworthy MVNOs include Wingo (using the Swisscom network, rated highly for value), Yallo (using the Sunrise network, popular for budget-conscious users), Coop Mobile, M-Budget Mobile, Lidl Connect, spusu, and Post Mobile (using Salt’s network). Wingo has topped customer satisfaction surveys in Switzerland for the second consecutive year, according to Comparis.ch.

For independent plan comparisons, visit comparis.ch or moneyland.ch, both well-established tools used widely by Swiss residents. Verify all current pricing on each provider’s official website before you sign up, as rates change frequently.

Mobile contracts in Switzerland typically bind customers for a minimum term of 12 or 24 months and require advance notice of cancellation. All three major operators — Swisscom, Sunrise, and Salt — apply a two-month notice period, counted from the end of the relevant calendar month.

How do I get a landline connected in Switzerland?

Arranging a fixed-line connection in Switzerland is a straightforward process that can usually be completed entirely online. The steps below outline the typical path for a residential customer, though you should verify specific requirements with your chosen provider, as these can differ.

1. Select a provider. Use a comparison platform such as comparis.ch or internet-offer.ch to review current landline plans side by side. Decide whether a standalone phone line suits your needs or whether a bundled package incorporating internet and television would offer better value — bundled deals often work out considerably cheaper.
2. Verify coverage at your address. Before committing, confirm that the provider’s network reaches your location. Because virtually all Swiss landline subscriptions are now VoIP-based, a functioning home internet connection is essential. Swisscom provides a postcode checker on its website, and other providers offer equivalent tools.
3. Assemble the required documents. You will generally need a valid identity document (passport or national ID card), your Swiss home address, and — for a contract — evidence of your residence, such as a rental agreement or a registration confirmation from your local municipality (Gemeinde). Newcomers who have not yet completed their address registration may find it easier to start on a temporary or prepaid arrangement until they are officially registered.
4. Submit your application online or visit a shop. All three major operators allow you to complete the entire sign-up process online. Swisscom, Sunrise, and Salt also have physical branches in major cities for those who prefer in-person assistance. If you are newly arrived in Switzerland, Swisscom can arrange a home visit for installation where necessary.
5. Activation and installation. Online activation of a landline is normally free of charge. If the property requires a technician visit — for example, an older building without an existing active connection — a one-time installation fee may apply; confirm this with the provider before signing. Activation lead times typically run from several days to around two weeks, depending on the provider and the state of your property’s infrastructure.
6. Configure your equipment. A VoIP-compatible landline handset generally costs between CHF 50 and CHF 160. Widely used brands include Fritzfon, Gigaset, Yealink, and Jabra. Your provider may be able to supply or sell you a suitable router and telephone handset as part of the setup.

A note for renters: If you are moving into a previously occupied property, obtaining the former tenant’s name from your landlord can help ensure service continuity and prevent unnecessary delays. Regardless of whether you rent or own, it is also worth checking whether your building has an existing contract for cable television infrastructure, as this may influence which telecoms providers are available to you — look into this before signing any telecommunications agreement.

For information on your rights as a telecoms consumer in Switzerland, consult BAKOM’s official telecommunications page and the Ombudscom dispute resolution service.

How do I get a mobile phone SIM card or contract in Switzerland?

Whether you have just landed in Switzerland or have been living here for a while, obtaining a SIM card or signing a mobile contract is a reasonably simple process. The two main options — prepaid and postpaid — cater to different circumstances.

Prepaid SIMs represent the easiest entry point for new arrivals. You can buy them at supermarkets, electronics retailers such as Digitec or MediaMarkt, and at operator outlets in all the major cities. Swiss law obliges all SIM cards — including prepaid ones — to be registered to a named person, so you will need to show a valid identity document (passport or national ID card) at the point of purchase. No Swiss address and no Swiss bank account are required.

Postpaid contracts involve more documentation. Providers will ordinarily request a valid identity document, confirmation of a Swiss residential address (such as a rental agreement or a registration letter from your Gemeinde), and will typically run a credit check. Unlike some other countries where a basic credit profile is sufficient, Swiss operators generally expect evidence of established residency. If you have only recently arrived and have not yet registered your address, starting on a prepaid plan and transitioning to a contract once you are settled is the most practical approach.

Over the past decade, the proportion of mobile customers on postpaid contracts has risen steadily in Switzerland — from 60% in 2012 to more than 83% by 2022, with contract customers representing 84.1% at Sunrise and 83.4% at Swisscom. Postpaid arrangements are clearly the standard for residents.

To take out a contract, you can apply through a provider’s website or visit one of their branches in person. Swisscom, Sunrise, and Salt all have stores in cities including Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Bern, and Lausanne, where staff can assist you with the sign-up and initial configuration. These operators tend to charge higher tariffs than budget alternatives, but the benefit of in-person customer support is a meaningful advantage for newcomers. Budget MVNOs such as Wingo, Yallo, and spusu generally operate exclusively online.

It is worth noting that Switzerland’s requirements around ID verification and address registration are somewhat stricter than in countries such as France or Germany, where postpaid contracts can sometimes be arranged entirely online with little more than a bank account. Visiting a store in person can make the process considerably smoother when you are new to the country.

How do I pay my telephone bill in Switzerland?

Telephone bills in Switzerland — whether for a fixed line or a mobile subscription — are generally issued once a month. The payment methods available to you are broadly consistent across major operators and budget MVNOs alike.

Direct debit (Lastschrift / LSV): The most widely used payment method among residents. You authorise your provider to debit the amount automatically from your Swiss bank account each month. Most operators request your IBAN during registration and will collect the bill on a set date each billing cycle. This works in the same way as a direct debit mandate common in other European countries.

Online banking / eBill: Switzerland has a highly developed e-banking infrastructure. Bills are commonly delivered through the eBill platform — a digital invoicing system integrated into the online banking portals of most major Swiss banks (including Raiffeisen, UBS, and PostFinance) — allowing you to review and authorise payment directly within your banking app, without manually entering any details. The concept is broadly comparable to Australia’s BPAY or the SEPA direct debit system used across the EU.

QR-bill (QR-Rechnung): Since 2020, Switzerland has fully replaced the former orange payment slip with the QR-bill standard. Paper invoices — including those from telecommunications providers — now include a QR code that your bank’s mobile app or e-banking platform can scan to automatically populate all payment fields. This applies universally to bills and invoices across all sectors.

In-person payment: Bills bearing a QR code can also be settled in person at any Swiss Post (Die Post) branch. This is a practical option if you have not yet opened a Swiss bank account, though it is advisable to confirm locally that your nearest branch accepts over-the-counter cash payments, as availability can vary.

Prepaid top-up: If you are on a prepaid mobile plan, you can add credit by purchasing vouchers at supermarkets and kiosks (Migros, Coop, k kiosk), through the provider’s app, or by using a credit or debit card on the provider’s website.

If a postpaid bill goes unpaid, your provider will send reminder letters (Mahnung), and continued non-payment can result in suspension of your service and formal debt collection proceedings. Debt enforcement in Switzerland is handled through the cantonal Betreibungsamt (debt enforcement office), making it important to contact your provider as soon as possible if you find yourself unable to pay on time.

Are there any practical tips for using phones in Switzerland as a newcomer?

Switzerland is outside the EU — roaming charges apply differently. The EU’s automatic free-roaming rules do not extend to Switzerland, so travelling between Switzerland and EU countries can incur additional charges depending on your plan. Cross-border travel is a particularly relevant consideration given Switzerland’s non-EU status and its geographic position surrounded by EU member states. Some plans offered by Swisscom and Sunrise include EU roaming data allowances, but many budget options do not — or include only a modest allowance — so read the small print carefully before crossing any border.

Switching providers and porting your number is easy. You are entitled to keep your existing Swiss number when moving to a new provider, at no additional cost. Simply inform your new operator that you want to transfer your number and they will manage the process. Thanks to number portability regulations, changing mobile providers is uncomplicated in Switzerland; your old SIM typically ceases to function within 24 hours of the new connection being activated. Bear in mind that the porting process may take a few business days — unlike in the UK, for example, where the transfer can happen within a single working day — so plan ahead if staying contactable is critical.

Retaining a foreign number: If you want to hold on to a mobile number from your previous country of residence, direct international number porting into Switzerland is generally not available through mainstream consumer routes. Most newcomers simply acquire a new Swiss number and update their contacts. If keeping a foreign number is genuinely important — for instance, for ongoing business commitments — some VoIP services can provide a virtual foreign number that redirects calls to your Swiss phone.

eSIM support is widely available. Swisscom, Sunrise, and Salt all offer eSIM for compatible handsets. If your device supports it, an eSIM can be a particularly convenient way to get connected immediately on arrival, without having to wait for a physical card to arrive by post. Visit the relevant operator’s website for up-to-date information on eSIM eligibility and activation steps.

Network quality is generally excellent. Zurich, Geneva, and Basel are particularly well served, with the highest concentrations of 5G premium subscribers and consistently fast connectivity. Rural cantons benefit from federal investment in gigabit infrastructure, and 5G is also deployed for a range of specialist applications in alpine areas. That said, signal can be limited in deep mountain valleys or very isolated locations — if you live or work somewhere remote, consult each operator’s online coverage map before deciding on a provider.

Know your cancellation rights. Swiss telecoms operators are permitted to raise prices once a year in line with movements in the consumer price index, but any such increase gives customers the right to exit the contract early without incurring a penalty — a useful safeguard worth being aware of. Early termination fees can also be waived if you cancel because you are leaving Switzerland permanently.

Customer service languages: Switzerland has four national languages — German, French, Italian, and Romansh. The three main operators all offer customer support in German, French, and Italian. Most online account management portals and apps also provide English-language interfaces, which can be invaluable while you are still learning a new language.

Useful official resources: The primary regulatory authority for telecommunications in Switzerland is the Federal Office of Communications (BAKOM). For disputes with providers that have not been resolved directly, the independent mediation service Ombudscom handles complaints at no cost to consumers.

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep my foreign number when I move to Switzerland?

International number porting into Switzerland is not available through standard consumer channels. The vast majority of people relocating to Switzerland take out a new Swiss mobile number and simply let their contacts know about the change. If holding onto a foreign number is important — for example, for ongoing business reasons — certain VoIP providers can supply a virtual number linked to another country that will redirect incoming calls to your Swiss handset.

Do I need a local address to get a SIM card in Switzerland?

A local Swiss address is not required to purchase a prepaid SIM — you only need a valid identity document (passport or national ID card) to register the card. For a postpaid contract, however, providers will ask for evidence of a Swiss residential address, typically in the form of a rental agreement or a registration letter issued by your local municipality (Gemeinde).

Which mobile network has the best coverage in Switzerland?

Swisscom operates the most extensive mobile network in the country, with 4G reaching 99.9% of the population and the broadest 5G footprint among the three operators. Sunrise is a strong runner-up with solid coverage across most of Switzerland. Salt performs well in urban environments but has a less developed rural and 5G presence. All three networks deliver reliable service in cities. For rural or alpine locations, check each provider’s official online coverage map before choosing.

How long does it take to get a mobile contract set up in Switzerland?

Once an online application has been submitted and identity and credit checks have been completed, a new SIM card is usually dispatched within one to three business days. Signing up at an operator’s physical branch often allows for same-day activation. Prepaid SIMs require no waiting at all — they are sold ready for immediate use at supermarkets, electronics stores, and operator outlets throughout the country.

Is EU roaming included in Swiss mobile plans?

EU roaming is not automatically free in Switzerland, in contrast to the rules that apply within EU member states. Certain plans from Swisscom, Sunrise, and Salt do include data roaming allowances for EU and EEA countries, but many lower-cost plans offer little or no roaming coverage. Always review the specific terms of your plan before travelling across the border — particularly if you regularly commute to France, Germany, Italy, or Austria.

Can I get a SIM card as a tourist visiting Switzerland?

Yes. Prepaid SIM cards can be purchased by anyone who can present a valid passport or national ID card, regardless of where they reside. They are sold at supermarkets (Migros, Coop), electronics retailers (Digitec, MediaMarkt), convenience stores and kiosks (k kiosk, Relay), and directly at operator shops. Prepaid plans are the standard choice for both short-term visitors and newcomers who have not yet settled in.

What is the telecoms regulator in Switzerland and what does it do?

Switzerland’s telephone numbering plan is defined and administered by the Federal Office of Communications — known in German as BAKOM, in English and French as OFCOM, and in Italian as UFCOM. BAKOM is responsible for spectrum management, number assignment, consumer protection in the telecommunications sector, and broader national communications policy. It is the first point of contact for regulatory questions relating to phone services in Switzerland, and its website is available in German, French, Italian, and English at bakom.admin.ch.

How do I resolve a dispute with my telephone provider in Switzerland?

If your provider has failed to resolve a complaint to your satisfaction, you can refer the matter to Ombudscom, Switzerland’s independent telecommunications ombudsman service. The service costs nothing for consumers and handles disputes involving both fixed-line and mobile operators. Ombudscom is equipped to mediate on issues including billing errors, contract disagreements, service quality problems, and difficulties with number porting.