I've unlocked my iPhone from AT&T and will need to purchase a sim card in Zurich for a 2-week visit. My phone use will be minimal--mainly just to phone a couple of hotels in advance of arrival and for any emergency I might have. What do you recommend and where do I get it?
Posted by
🏝️ Hobe Sound, FL⛱️
3161 posts
Here's a link with info on the many providers in Switzerland. Hopefully you'll get some responses with some recent experience so you can narrow this down.
Posted by
Montreux, Switzerland
262 posts
I use Yallo.ch which operates on Sunrise. It's prepaid, very inexpensive, even for calls to the US. I use AT&T prepaid when I travel to the US, but with Yallo, there's no monthly fee, no activation fee and the rates are very low. It's 20chf for the SIM card and it comes with a 20chf credit. The SIM cards are available at the Poste nearby the larger train stations and other department stores. You'll need your passport to purchase.
Yallo.ch
Posted by
OP
115 posts
Wow, this is great, thanks! Do you think the Co-Op at the Zurich airport train station sells them? If not, how far is the Poste from there?
Posted by
San Francisco area
1803 posts
Poste is at the airport center according to the airport's website. Search for Poste.
https://www.zurich-airport.com/passengers-and-visitors/shopping-and-attractions/storefinder-en
I'm not that familiar with the airport but the public areas didn't seem huge, but I'm not bothered by Frankfurt or Heathrow being too big.
Posted by
OP
115 posts
Found it, thanks. Also saw the locations at the main train station in the link that Phillip sent--looks like one is inside and one it outside near McDonald's.
Posted by
The Heartland USA
8442 posts
How much will that SIM cost you? If you are truly only going to use it for a couple of phone calls, that would be $20 under ATT's international day plan, which allows you to have regular service for $10 per each 24 hour period that you activate it, as well as keeping your regular phone #. On airplane mode, you can use wifi at hotels for email for most business.
Posted by
Montreux, Switzerland
262 posts
You will find many Poste locations here, but I have seen Yallo sold at many retailers as well. You can use the 20chf for both calls and internet depending on what suits you. Once you have your phone number, you can manage your account online as they have a tab at the top of their website to select English. If you are traveling outside of Swiss, you can also use it to roam by selecting which add-on roaming is best for you.
Posted by
OP
115 posts
Thanks everybody! Sounds like Yallo will serve my purposes well and inexpensively.