Mobile phone and internet. Prepaid or contract?

You need a Swiss mobile number? Here you see what prepaid and contract (Abo) mean and what you need to watch out for.

For telephone, internet and mobile phones there are many providers in Switzerland. For example Swisscom, Sunrise and Salt. Supermarkets also sell SIM cards. Compare the prices.

Prepaid. You pay in advance

With prepaid you buy a SIM card and top up credit. You only pay for what you use. There is no contract and no fixed term.

Prepaid is good if you are new or have little money. You can stop at any time.

Contract (Abo). You pay every month

With a contract (Abo) you pay a fixed price every month. Often more internet is included.

Attention: Many contracts have a minimum term (Mindestlaufzeit). That means: you must keep the contract for a certain time. During this time you cannot cancel.

A phone with a contract is not free. You pay it off through the monthly price. Always ask for the total price.

You need an ID

You must register for every SIM card. This is compulsory in Switzerland. You show a valid ID with a photo, for example your passport. This also applies to prepaid.

Tips

  • Do not buy a contract under pressure. Take the contract home and read it.
  • Ask: How long does the contract run? How do I cancel?
  • Get everything in writing.

What you can do now

  1. Think about it: How much do you call? How much internet do you need?
  2. Start with prepaid if you are unsure.
  3. Compare 2 to 3 providers. Ask for the total price.
  4. Take your passport or ID with you to the shop.
  5. Debts because of a mobile phone contract? The debt counselling service (Schuldenberatung) Luzern helps you.

Bundesverwaltung admin.ch, Registrierung von Prepaid-SIM-Karten (2026-09-21)

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