Want to avoid expensive roaming and WiFi charges? Here are a few tips to help you get online in Switzerland without spending a fortune if you have a device with WiFi.

WiFi available for a fee

If you wish to err on the side of caution, you should always purchase personal Internet access.

Public WiFi
There are countless public WLAN hotspots in Switzerland that allow users to access the Internet with their laptops, cell phones or tablets. You can pay an hourly, daily or monthly fee to use this service. The two leading providers are Swisscom and Monzoon.

Mobile hotspots
Mobile hotspots can be purchased or rented with a pre-paid SIM card and offer unlimited mobile Internet access on up to five devices (mobile phone, laptop, tablet). It’s worth comparing providers: Prices change constantly and may differ significantly. 

Travellers WiFi
If you don’t wish to compare prices and simply want to have your mobile hotspot delivered to the airport or to your hotel, Travellers WiFi is for you. The Travellers WiFi mobile hotspot gives tourists in Switzerland unlimited Internet access at 4G/LTE speeds. The portable Internet connection can be used by up to ten people.

Free WiFi
Under Swiss law, users must register to access any public WiFi network. Once you have completed the brief registration process, you can access the Internet free of charge in many places.

Hotels, bars and restaurants
Many hotels and restaurants offer free Internet access. In addition to the digital nomad’s traditional home of Starbucks, an ever-growing number of smaller bars and even companies now offer free Internet access.

Rural areas
Free Internet access is also becoming more widespread in the countryside. However, there is no guarantee of finding free access and many places still have no access points at all. The major ski resorts are leading the way here: Saas-Fee, Zermatt and Davos even offer free WiFi on the slopes.

SBB train stations
SBB offers free Internet access at over 80 train stations. The “SBB-FREE” network also provides the latest news and useful information about the station, such as opening times of shops and details of current events at the station. After completing a one-off registration process, you can enjoy free Internet access. The service is limited to 60 minutes - you can surf again after a two-hour break.

On the train: SBB "FreeSurf" With the SBB "FreeSurf" app, SBB offers a free, fast and secure internet connection on all national long-distance trains. More information

PostBus
An increasing number of PostBuses are equipped with WiFi. After completing a one-off registration process, during which you will be sent an SMS for verification, you can enjoy free Internet access while on the bus.

 

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