Power Outlets, Internet & SIM

A few technical details that can make the difference between comfort and frustration.

⚡ Power Outlets: Type J!

Switzerland uses power outlet type J — a three-pole plug that differs from the German/Austrian type C/F. Two-pole Euro plugs (type C) fit most Swiss outlets. However: Schuko plugs (type F, with grounding) — as used for laptops, hairdryers, and many chargers — do NOT fit without an adapter!

Solution: Buy a Swiss adapter (type J) in advance (from 3 € on Amazon/Migros). Hotels often lend adapters.

📱 Internet & SIM

Since 2017, NO EU roaming applies in Switzerland — Switzerland is not in the EU! Roaming charges can be significantly expensive. Options:

• Prepaid SIM: Buy Swisscom, Sunrise, or Salt prepaid SIM at the airport or in stores. From 20 CHF for 2 GB + telephony. Swisscom has the best network (even in the mountains).
• eSIM: Providers like Airalo, Holafly, or Nomad offer digital eSIMs for Switzerland from 5 € (1 GB) — activatable before the trip. No SIM change needed.
• WLAN: Hotels, cafés, restaurants, and public places almost everywhere offer free WLAN. SBB trains and many mountain railways have free WLAN. At Zurich main station: Free WiFi by SBB.
• Mobile contracts: Some German/Austrian contracts already include Switzerland — check beforehand! Telekom, Vodafone, and o2 offer Switzerland packages (from 3–5 €/day).

Further practical info

• Opening hours: Shops Mon–Fri 8–18:30, Sat 8–17. Closed on Sundays (except in stations and tourist areas). Supermarkets in stations are also open on Sundays!
• Drinking water: Tap water is drinkable everywhere — Swiss water is among the best in the world. The 1,200+ public fountains in cities and villages are also drinkable (unless marked "No drinking water").
• Smoking: Prohibited in public buildings, restaurants, and bars. Allowed outside. Cigarettes: approx. 9.50 CHF per pack.