We're taking a train from FRA to ZRH, and changing trains as Basel SBB. I found that there is a mobilezone in Basel SBB, and would want to get our prepaid SIM cards there if we can (assuming we have enough transfer time between trains).
I know that we can get prepaid SIM cards at ZRH, but it would be good to have an earlier option to get our phones set up in case we arrive late at ZRH.
The mobilezone website states that they offer prepaid SIM cards, so I would imagine this would be the case at all of their stores. Local cell phone providers include Salt, Sunrise, and Swisscom - if they're not right in Basel SBB (they don't seem to be), they could be nearby - check their websites and/or Google Maps. If you wait until you get to Zurich, you will have all of these options either in the station or within a one or two block radius. I hope this information helps.
"We're taking a train from FRA to ZRH" - Are really you getting a train from Frankfurt (main) airport to Zürich airport? I guess you are actually getting a train to Zürich HB (the main station in the city centre).
Changing trains at Basel SBB is usually only 10-20 minutes, not really enough to go and find the mobilezone shop, buy a SIM card and get it authorised (you have to show ID and the card has to be registered in your name), as well as finding your train.
A plan of Basel SBB station showing the shops is here: http://www.sbb.ch/content/sbb/de/desktop/bahnhof-services/am-bahnhof/standort/bahnhof-baselsbb/_jcr_content/relatedPar/contextmenu_1/downloadList/shopping_am_bahnhof_.spooler.download.pdf
I cannot see a Mobilezone there, I think it was were the Travel Centre (Reisezentrum) is currently temporarily located.
I think the best bet is to wait until you get to Zürich, and you then have a wide choice of service providers in Zürich city centre.
My understanding is that it's not just buy and run anymore, there's a passport check too (darned terrorists).
Actually no Phred, the ID check is not for terrorists, it is drug dealers.
It was introduced some time ago in most European countries. There were cases of drug dealers with known phone numbers, the phone calls could be recorded but there was no way to trace the owner of the phone.
When you buy a pay-as-you-go SIM card you have to have it registered in your name. This involves showing your ID card (or passport for foreigners). The card is then registered and activated, which could take up to an hour. You need to be able to go back to the shop if there is a problem with the activation.
Of course it is still legal to sell the SIM card to someone else when you no longer need it, you do not to re-register it. And you can always pay the local wino to buy a card in their name and give it to you.
Thanks for the replies. I do see the mobilezone store at no. 422 on the map from Chris. It's good to know that mobilezone sells prepaid SIM cards, but if authorization takes a while, we may need to adjust our plans. We looked up the train schedule and did find that it is possible to travel between the 2 airports (FRA to ZRH) with just one transfer at Basel SBB. We were planning to make our transfer time at least 50 mins so we are not in a rush.
I too thought that you were using airport codes as shorthand for the cities.
But now it sounds like you really do mean the airports.
Probably no business of mine, but I'm really curious. I've never heard of somebody flying into Frankfurt and taking the train all the way to Zurich only to fly right out again.
And if you are leaving straight away why do you need the phone sim?
Anyway, happy travels
Winter, 10-20 minutes transfer time at Basel SBB is plenty. 5-10 is normally OK. Waiting 50 minutes gives you 30+ minutes spare to get bored, or to get something to eat or drink. I recommend Mr Wong's just outside the front of the station.
See here: http://www.misterwong.ch/filialen/basel.php
and here: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g188049-d2210807-Reviews-Mister_Wong-Basel.html
We're picking up our rental car at ZRH, and staying in Switzerland for a few days. We're looking to do the least amount of transfers on the train as we have luggage with us.
