Can you pay in euro in Switzerland?
Discover if the euro is accepted in Switzerland and what are the payment options you have in the country.
How does roaming work in Switzerland?
Staying connected while travelling is essential, and understanding how roaming works in Switzerland can help you avoid unexpected charges popping up on your phone bill.
In this guide we’re going to look into the particulars of mobile roaming in Switzerland, including whether your Irish SIM will work, the potential charges and eSIMs as an alternative.
Plus we’ll show you how having a Wise card can simplify spending while in Switzerland.
Wise: Pay like a local
in Switzerland 💳
Can I use data roaming in Switzerland? Is it part of the EU rules?
The European Union “Roam Like at Home” regulations allow EU residents to use their mobile phone plans across the EU without having to pay any additional fees.¹ But, since Switzerland isn’t a part of the EU, these rules don’t apply there. As a result when you use your Irish mobile plan in Switzerland roaming fees may apply.
What are the Switzerland roaming charges?
The cost for roaming in Switzerland will depend on which Irish mobile phone provider you’re with. Let’s take a look at three of the country's most popular providers to see how they handle it.
| Provider offering for roaming in Switzerland | Calls | Text | Data |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vodafone² | No extra cost for calls and free to receive | No extra cost for sending a text and free to receive | No extra cost for data although a 40GB allowance applies to the pay as you go Unlimited plan |
| GoMo³ ⁴ | €1.99 per minute to make or receive calls | €0.39 to send an SMS and free to receive | €0.03 per MB €29.99 per GB |
| Three⁴ | Varies depending on your plan | Varies depending on your plan | Varies depending on your plan |
e-SIM fees for roaming in Switzerland
As an alternative to using your Irish SIM card, you could get an eSIM if your phone is eSIM compatible.
Here’s what's available from some of the more well known eSIM companies, keeping in mind they only provide data, not voice or SMS.
| Provider | Data plans for Switzerland |
|---|---|
| Airalo⁵ | 1 GB for 7 days = €4.50 2 GB for 15 days = €8.00 3 GB for 30 days = €9.50 5 GB for 30 days = €14.00 10 GB for 30 days = €23.00 20 GB for 30 days = €36.00 |
| Holafly⁶ | Unlimited data that’s charged by the day and gets cheaper the more days you pay for. Unlimited for 1 day = €5.90 Unlimited for 7 days = €26.90 Unlimited for 15 days = 46.90 Unlimited for 30 days = €68.90 |
| Nomad⁷ | 1 GB for 7 days = €4.16 3 GB for 30 days = €11.09 5 GB for 30 days = €12.93 10 GB for 30 days = €17.55 20 GB for 30 days = €20.33 50 GB for 30 days = €41.58 |
Deciding whether to use your Irish SIM in roaming or get an eSIM will depend on factors like your roaming fees, how long you’ll be in Switzerland, how much data you use and whether or not voice calls and SMS are important to you.
| Read also: Can you use Euro in Switzerland? |
|---|
Use the Wise debit card when travelling to Switzerland
When travelling abroad managing your finances is just as important as staying connected, especially because it can result in similarly unpleasant surprises if you don’t pay attention to the international fees that may apply.
Make your life easier with a Wise debit card, which offers a convenient and cost effective way to spend your money while travelling.
Benefits of the Wise card:
- It's connected to your Wise Account, which allows you to hold and manage +40 currencies, including Euros and Swiss francs
- Allows you to pay in the local currency without any other additional fees by converting your money beforehand
- Can use your Euro balance to pay, and when converting money, always does at the mid-market exchange rate with low, transparent pricing
- You can withdraw money at ATMs or pay in shops, restaurants and many other places
- Create free virtual cards and also add them to mobile wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay.
Sources used:
- European Commission - New Roaming rules for travellers in the EU: “Roam like at home” for 10 more years
- Vodafone - Roaming Rates
- GoMo - Roaming Pricing
- Three - Roaming
- Airalo - Switzerland
- Holafly - Switzerland
- Nomad - Switzerland
Sources last checked on date:
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
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Can you use your Irish Revolut account in Switzerland? And what are the fees you pay when doing that? Read here.
