Keeping in Touch in Switzerland

With some of the fastest internet in the world, a broad range of telecommunications packages and excellent access to international media, keeping in touch in Switzerland is easy. That said, expats should take some time to choose options that best suit their needs.

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Internet in Switzerland

There is virtually no internet censorship in Switzerland, so expats will have no trouble accessing the sites they are accustomed to at home.

Larger telecommunications providers offer packages that combine internet, mobile, fixed-line telephone and digital television. Some best-known internet service providers in Switzerland include Swisscom, Salt, Sunrise and UPC.

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Mobile phones in Switzerland

Expats can apply for mobile phone contracts if they have a valid work permit for Switzerland and are registered at their local municipality. The necessary documents include proof of identification, banking details and proof of address.

Contracts that include a phone usually run between 12 and 24 months, while some operators offer shorter contracts without a phone.

Prepaid mobile cards are a good option in terms of flexibility, but their call rates are generally higher than contract rates. SIM cards can be bought at supermarkets, kiosks and newsagents.

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Fixed-line telephones in Switzerland

Frequent international callers should investigate packages with a flat monthly rate for calls to international lines, and whether the countries they call are included.

Installing a landline requires similar documents to a mobile contract, and depending on whether a line had previously been installed on the property, the process can take a few weeks.

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Postal services in Switzerland

Swiss Post is the national postal service in Switzerland, and it’s largely efficient and reliable. Deliveries can be tracked effectively, and same-day delivery is possible with A Mail, while letters sent through B Mail arrive in three to four days. It offers various additional services such as account payments, bank accounts, and mail forwarding or retaining.

Post offices have hours similar to those of local shops; most except the main offices in cities are closed on Sundays and over lunch.

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English-language media in Switzerland

English-language publications are widely available both online and offline, and international newspapers may be available the day after publication in some places.

English-language television and radio in Switzerland

Cable TV is a standard installation in most apartments and provides around 30 channels, including Swiss, French, German and Italian national channels. Digital TV provides hundreds of international channels, including popular British channels. 

BBC Radio and many other English language radio stations are available via online streaming. World Radio Switzerland is an English radio station that broadcasts from Geneva.

Expats planning to stay in Switzerland for longer than three months will have to register with Billag, the fees collection company, to pay radio and television licence fees. Costs are calculated by household and apply to television, radio sets and any devices with internet reception.