How to Avoid Roaming Charges When Travelling Abroad from Switzerland
Swisscom, Salt, and Sunrise charge CHF 5 to 15 per day to use your phone abroad — and unlike EU residents, Swiss travellers have no regulatory protection against these charges, even when visiting neighbouring France, Germany, or Italy. On a two-week trip to Southeast Asia or a European city break, that adds up to hundreds of francs in roaming fees. The good news: avoiding international roaming charges entirely takes less than five minutes to set up. This guide covers exactly what to do before your next trip.
Skip the Roaming Charge on Your Next Trip
Plans from $3.54 — Instant QR delivery by email — No ID required — Works on iPhone & Android
Explore PlansEU roaming regulations cap what carriers can charge EU citizens when travelling within the EU. Switzerland is not an EU member, so Swiss residents are not covered by these protections. When you travel to France, Germany, Italy, Spain, or any other EU country, your Swiss carrier can charge full international roaming rates — the same as if you were travelling to Japan or the USA.
What Swiss Carriers Actually Charge for International Roaming
| Carrier | Europe Daily Charge | Long-Haul Daily Charge | 14-Day Europe Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swisscom | CHF 5–10/day | CHF 10–15/day | CHF 70–140 |
| Salt | CHF 3–8/day | CHF 8–12/day | CHF 42–112 |
| Sunrise | CHF 5–10/day | CHF 10–15/day | CHF 70–140 |
| AloOui eSIM | From $3.54 USD for 7 days | From $3.54 USD for 7 days | From $7.08 USD |
4 Ways to Avoid Roaming Charges — Ranked by Value
1. Buy a Travel eSIM (Best Option)
A travel eSIM gives you a local data plan in your destination country, activated instantly via QR code. No store visit, no ID, no SIM swapping. Plans start from $3.54 for 7 days. Your Swiss number stays active on your primary SIM for calls and texts.
2. Buy a Local SIM Card on Arrival
Cheaper than roaming, but requires finding a mobile shop at your destination, showing ID, and losing your Swiss number while the local SIM is active. Not practical for short trips or multi-country travel.
3. Use Wi-Fi Only
Free, but unreliable. Hotel Wi-Fi is often slow. Public Wi-Fi is a security risk. You will be offline every time you leave your accommodation.
4. Rent a Pocket Wi-Fi Device
Works, but you carry an extra device, charge an extra battery, and pay rental fees plus a deposit. Inconvenient for active travellers.
How to Set Up an eSIM Before Your Flight — Step by Step
Swiss Carrier Roaming vs. AloOui eSIM — Side by Side
Swisscom / Salt / Sunrise Roaming
- CHF 5–15/day, charged automatically
- No EU roaming protection for Swiss residents
- Bill shock on return
- Hotspot often restricted on roaming
- Charges apply even on light usage days
AloOui eSIM
- Fixed price — no surprises
- Full 4G/5G speeds
- Hotspot sharing included
- Instant QR delivery — no store visit
- No ID required
AloOui Plans — Choose Your Destination
Every plan includes instant QR delivery, hotspot sharing, and no ID requirement.
Europe+
Unlimited data across 30+ countries
More Guides for Swiss Travellers
- The Swiss Traveller's eSIM Playbook — Every Trip and Budget
- Best eSIM for Europe Travel — Plans for 30+ Countries
- Best eSIM for Japan — Complete Travel Guide
- Best eSIM for Multi-Country Travel — Global Plans
Download the AloOui App
Manage your eSIM, check data usage, and top up on the go — all from the AloOui app.
Follow AloOui for Travel Tips and Exclusive Deals
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I get charged roaming fees if I have an eSIM?
Not if you set it up correctly. You must disable data roaming on your Swiss carrier SIM and set your AloOui eSIM as the default data line. Once done, all data goes through AloOui at your fixed plan price — your Swiss carrier cannot charge you roaming fees for data.
Why do Swiss travellers pay roaming charges in EU countries?
EU roaming regulations only protect EU citizens. Switzerland is not an EU member, so Swiss residents are not covered. Your Swiss carrier can charge full international roaming rates in France, Germany, Italy, and all other EU countries — the same as any non-EU destination.
Can I still receive calls and texts on my Swiss number?
Yes. Your Swiss number remains active on your primary SIM slot. You can receive calls and texts as normal. For outgoing calls, use WhatsApp or FaceTime over your AloOui data to avoid international call charges from your Swiss carrier.
Does AloOui eSIM work in multiple countries?
Yes. AloOui offers regional plans covering Europe (30+ countries), Asia, the Americas, and global plans covering 200+ countries. One eSIM, multiple destinations, no SIM swapping required.
How quickly do I receive my eSIM after purchase?
Instantly. Your QR code is delivered by email within seconds of purchase, 24 hours a day. No waiting, no store visit, no ID required.
Stop Paying CHF 10 a Day to Your Carrier
Get your AloOui eSIM before your next trip. Instant delivery, fixed price, no roaming surprises.
Get My eSIM Now
