Keeping in Touch in Switzerland

Staying connected in Switzerland is seamless, thanks to some of the world’s fastest internet speeds, a variety of mobile providers, and excellent international media access. Whether you’re setting up home broadband, choosing a mobile plan, or figuring out the postal system, there's sure to be a service to match your needs.

Internet in Switzerland

Switzerland boasts one of the most advanced internet networks in the world, with high-speed fibre widely available in cities and expanding in rural areas. There’s little to no internet censorship, and you’ll have unrestricted access to international websites and streaming platforms.

The major internet providers include Swisscom (widely regarded as the most reliable), Sunrise (popular but recently raised prices), and Salt (affordable fibre but with mixed customer reviews). Other options include Wingo (operating on Swisscom’s network), M Budget (budget-friendly via Migros), and Green.ch (a sustainable ISP). If you’re after the fastest speeds, providers like Init7 and Teleboy offer strong fibre-optic plans.

Setting up an internet connection is straightforward. Most providers allow online registration, and you’ll typically need a residence permit or Swiss ID. Installation times vary, but you can usually expect to be online within a week in major cities.

Useful links

• Swisscom
• Sunrise
• Salt
• Wingo

Mobile phones in Switzerland

Switzerland has excellent mobile coverage, even in mountainous areas. The leading networks are Swisscom (best for coverage), Sunrise (competitively priced), and Salt (affordable but with varied customer satisfaction). If you’re looking for cheaper plans, Wingo (a Swisscom subsidiary) and Digital Republic (offering unlimited 5G plans) are worth considering.

Prepaid SIM cards are widely available and a great option if you’re new to Switzerland. You can find them in supermarkets, kiosks, and mobile shops. If you’re staying long term, mobile contracts offer better rates but typically require a Swiss address and residence permit. EU citizens may find it easier to sign up than non-EU residents.

If you frequently make international calls, Lebara and Lycamobile provide affordable rates. Roaming within Europe varies by provider since Switzerland isn’t part of the EU roaming agreement – be sure to check packages from Sunrise or Yallo if you travel often.

Useful links

• Digital Republic
• Lebara
• Lycamobile
• Yallo

Postal services in Switzerland

Swiss Post is one of Europe’s most efficient and reliable postal services, handling everything from standard mail to banking services. You’ll find a range of options for sending letters and packages.

Domestically, Swiss Post is usually the most cost-effective option. It has a near-zero loss rate and reliable tracking. Standard parcels arrive quickly, even in rural areas, and express services guarantee next-day delivery. 

Internationally, private couriers like DHL, FedEx, and UPS may be faster, particularly for high-value or urgent shipments.

Swiss Post has recently introduced more automated parcel lockers in urban areas, making it easier to collect packages.

If you’re receiving packages from abroad, keep in mind that as of 2025, the duty-free limit for international orders has been reduced. Smaller shipments that were previously exempt may now be subject to VAT upon arrival.

Post offices generally follow standard Swiss shop hours. Most are closed on Sundays and during lunch, except for major city branches, which often have extended hours.

Useful links

• Swiss Post
• DHL Switzerland
• FedEx Switzerland
• UPS Switzerland

English-language media in Switzerland

Whether you’re after international news or English-language entertainment, Switzerland offers a variety of options. English newspapers and magazines are easy to find in major cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Basel. You’ll see them in airport kiosks, train stations, and large bookshops, while digital subscriptions to The Financial Times, The Guardian, and The New York Times remain popular among expats.

Several English-language publications are available in Switzerland, including Le News, which covers local and international news, and Global Geneva Magazine, which focuses on Swiss current affairs. 

When it comes to television, most rental properties come with cable TV as standard, offering a mix of Swiss, French, German, and Italian channels. If you’re after British or American content, digital TV services such as Blue+ and Play Suisse offer international programming. Many expats use a VPN to access streaming services like BBC iPlayer, Hulu, or region-specific Netflix libraries.

If you prefer radio, you can listen to BBC Radio and other English stations online. Swissinfo.ch is a highly recommended source for Swiss news in English, while social media and forums like r/Switzerland on Reddit are great for expat discussions on current affairs.