As an entrepreneur or a business owner, your travels might take you to many countries across the globe. And the odds are high that you may have to visit Switzerland for work purposes. After all, Switzerland holds the 36th spot in the Ease of Doing Business rankings.
Having a reliable mode of communication is vital for business travelers in Switzerland. This is where the concept of international roaming in Switzerland comes in. With a valid roaming plan, business travelers can get through their trip without any hassle.
This blog explores business roaming in Switzerland. It discusses everything, from getting an eSIM to essential roaming tips for business travelers. Continue reading!
Understanding International Roaming in Switzerland
Before we dive into the different roaming options for business travelers in Switzerland, it’s important to understand what international roaming means.
International roaming is a service offered by mobile carriers that allows you to make/receive voice calls, send/receive text messages, and use mobile data outside the home network’s coverage area.
If roaming is disabled, you will be unable to use your network carrier’s services. However, if roaming is enabled and you don’t have a valid roaming plan, then you will be charged extra for all the services used. This includes calls received as well.
Although Switzerland is a country in Europe, it isn’t a part of the EU, meaning the EU’s “Roam Like at Home” regulations don’t apply. You must have a corporate SIM for Switzerland to ensure hassle-free mobile connectivity. There are other options as well, which we’ll discuss in the next section.
Roaming Options for Business Travelers
Switzerland has plenty of options for those visiting the country for business purposes. It is up to you to decide on one based on your requirements and duration of stay. Each option comes with its pros and cons, so it helps to do your research before finalizing one.
Roaming Plans
An international roaming plan in Switzerland is the recommended option for most business travelers. Most of these plans combine benefits like calls/texts, high-speed 5G data, and the ability to use mobile services in other countries in the EU. It is vital to read the fine print to make sure that the chosen plan meets all your requirements.
It also helps to look into the local plans, especially if you’re a subscriber of Lyca Mobile. Some plans include roaming benefits to countries like Switzerland. In such cases, the only thing the user has to do is activate the roaming option in their smartphone, which is also discussed in this article.
eSIMs
eSIMs are replacing physical SIM cards at a rapid rate. Even the recently released iPhone 17 had an eSIM-only model in select regions.
Business roaming in Switzerland is easier and more convenient with an eSIM. Individuals just have to visit the website of the mobile carrier they wish to subscribe to and follow the on-screen instructions. The entire process can be completed in a few minutes, and the eSIM will be activated almost immediately.
Lyca Mobile has some attractive eSIM-supported plans for business travelers in Switzerland, like Hello Swiss Truly UL, Hello Swiss L, and Hello Swiss Max. These plans also offer roaming benefits to countries in the EU and North America.
Local SIM Cards
A local SIM card is the recommended option for those who plan to stay for extended periods and don’t have an eSIM-supported smartphone. Like eSIM-only plans, local SIM plans also come with extra features like unlimited calls and text messages, 5G internet, and more.
You will need to submit proof of identification to get a physical SIM card. A passport works in most cases, but you can also submit the following documents.
- Proof of address
- Swiss work permit (a letter of confirmation from your employer)
Physical SIM cards are usually activated within a few hours. A local SIM card or an eSIM card is the way to go if your organization doesn’t provide a corporate SIM card for your Switzerland trip.
Pocket Wi-Fi
Pocket Wi-Fi refers to small, battery-powered routers that can be carried around. Also known as Mi-Fi devices, these pocket routers offer 4G/5G internet on the go.
What makes pocket Wi-Fi devices an attractive option is their ability to connect to multiple devices at the same time. Some of these rentals also offer support to other countries in the EU as well.
Pocket Wi-Fi devices are great for short stays. Rental periods can be as low as seven days. However, they can be quite expensive when compared to a corporate SIM card or an eSIM in Switzerland.
Free Wi-Fi
The last option for business travelers in Switzerland is to take advantage of the numerous free Wi-Fi spots in the country. Public spaces like bars, hotels, and restaurants also provide free Wi-Fi, which comes in handy.
However, there are a few issues that need to be addressed.
Network congestion is common in free Wi-Fi spots. This may lead to reduced browsing and downloading speeds.
Security is another concern in free Wi-Fi spots. These networks usually have questionable security measures and are often unencrypted, making it easy for hackers to intercept information that is being transmitted. Using them for work-related tasks can be quite risky.
Then there’s convenience. Not having an eSIM for Switzerland business trips or a corporate SIM means you’re left at the mercy of free Wi-Fi spots, which may not be available in all places.
Tips to Optimize Roaming for Business Travel
With the options for international roaming in Switzerland out of the way, let’s take a look at some roaming tips for business travelers in Switzerland.
- Check Your Existing Plan: Most monthly and pay-as-you-go plans, especially from carriers like Lyca Mobile, come with international minutes, messages, and data. You may simply have to enable roaming in your phone rather than purchasing a dedicated plan.
- Turn Off Data Roaming: If you plan to use a pocket Wi-Fi device, consider switching off the data roaming option. If the roaming option is left on, your device may connect to a local network, leading to exorbitant charges.
- Monitor Data Usage: It’s always a good idea to monitor data usage. Roaming plans often have limited data, and it’s easy to use them up, especially if you’re streaming or downloading content. If the allocated data runs out, you may face throttled internet speeds or excessive data charges.
- Choose an Option Based on Requirements: There are many business roaming options in Switzerland. It helps to research and find one that suits your needs, rather than randomly picking one.
Activating Roaming for Business Travel: A Step-by-Step Guide
As mentioned before, the roaming option is disabled by default. Users have to manually enable them if they plan to use an international roaming plan in Switzerland.
The methods to activate roaming may vary based on the operating system your device uses. Here is how you can activate roaming in Android and iOS.
How to Activate Roaming in Android
Here are the steps involved in activating roaming in Android.
- Tap on the Settings icon
- Tap on the Mobile Network or Network and Internet option (this varies based on the device manufacturer)
- If your device supports dual SIM, select the SIM slot you’d like to enable roaming
- Move the slider to the on position to enable roaming
How to Activate Roaming in iOS
Here are the steps involved in activating roaming in iOS.
- Tap on the Settings icon
- Tap on the Mobile or Mobile Data option (this varies based on the device manufacturer)
- If your device supports dual SIM, select the SIM slot you’d like to enable roaming
- Move the slider to the on position to enable roaming
FAQs About Business Roaming in Switzerland
- Can corporate SIMs be used internationally in Switzerland?
Yes, corporate SIMs can be used internationally in Switzerland. However, you will need a valid roaming plan to make sure you don’t end up with excessive charges. It also helps to check whether your existing plan supports roaming to Switzerland, not the EU.
- How much does business roaming typically cost?
Business roaming in Switzerland usually depends on a number of factors, like the allocated minutes and text messages and the amount of data available for use within Switzerland and in other countries.
- Is eSIM better than a corporate SIM?
Yes, an eSIM is better than a corporate SIM in Switzerland, which is usually a traditional physical SIM card. An eSIM can be remotely activated and managed, has a super-fast and convenient activation process, is invulnerable to physical harm, and enables seamless transition between network carriers.
- How can I avoid high roaming fees during business trips?
You can avoid high roaming fees by opting for an international roaming plan in Switzerland, purchasing an eSIM or a local SIM card, or renting a Mi-Fi device. If you plan to use only Wi-Fi, it helps to disable roaming on your device.
- Are video calls and conferencing included in standard roaming packages?
No, video calls and conferencing are not specifically included in standard roaming packages. They require data, which is a part of almost all international roaming plans in Switzerland.
Conclusion
Switzerland sees a healthy influx of business owners and entrepreneurs. Staying connected is vital for these individuals, both for business and personal purposes.
An eSIM for business travelers in Switzerland is the recommended option in most cases. However, individuals can also opt for a corporate SIM in Switzerland or purchase a local SIM card if their stay is an extended one or if they plan to return in the future.
Lyca Mobile has many affordable plans focused on business roaming in Switzerland. These plans combine the best of calls, text messages, and data that business travelers will prefer. With the right plan, business travelers can avoid surprise charges and make their visit a smooth one.