Using a local SIM card when visiting Liechtenstein is one of the most effective ways to stay connected in Liechtenstein. In this guide, let’s dive into the most useful tips on where to buy, prices and plans, to find the best-fitted SIM card plan for your travel!
Table of Contents
I. Why Choose a Prepaid Liechtenstein SIM Card Over Roaming?
Visiting a new country can be a thrilling experience, but it also comes with challenges, especially when it comes to mobile connectivity. While roaming services offered by your home carrier may seem convenient, they often come with exorbitant fees that can add up quickly. Using a SIM card might be your data solution:
- Cost-effective: A local prepaid SIM card can save you up to 95% on data, calls, and texts compared to your home carrier’s roaming rates. Keep your travel budget in check and spend your money on experiences, not exorbitant phone bills.
- Flexibility: Whether you’re a light data user or a social media enthusiast, you’ll find a prepaid option with the right amount of data, call minutes, and validity period. Top up easily if you need more.
- Convenience: Easily call local businesses, book tours and restaurants, and share your adventures with friends and family back home. Plus, a local number makes it easier for people in Liechtenstein to reach you.
II. Liechtenstein SIM Card Types – Which is Best for Tourists?
When considering a Liechtenstein SIM card, tourists essentially have two primary options: traditional prepaid SIM cards and eSIMs. Each has its unique advantages depending on what you are looking for during your travel.
| Feature | Prepaid Liechtenstein SIM Card | Prepaid Liechtenstein eSIM |
| Pros | – Cost-effective: Offers competitive rates on data, calls, and texts, helping you stay within budget. | – Convenient: No need to swap SIM cards, making it hassle-free. |
| – Various plans: Offers a range of data, call, and text plans suitable for different needs. | – Instant activation: Connect as soon as you arrive or even before reaching Liechtenstein. | |
| – Instant connectivity: Quick access to the local network without complicated setup. | – Store multiple eSIMs: Keep eSIM profiles for various countries for future travels. | |
| Cons | – Requires a SIM card slot: Your phone must have an available SIM slot, which may not suit all devices. | – Requires a compatible device: Only works with newer smartphones that support eSIM. |
| – Involves swapping SIMs: You must remove your primary SIM, which can be inconvenient. | – Limited availability: eSIM providers for Liechtenstein may be harder to find. |
In summary:
- Liechtenstein SIM cards are a great choice for travelers with older phones or those who prefer the traditional method of mobile connectivity. They are cost-effective, offer various plans, and provide instant connectivity. However, they come with the inconvenience of swapping SIM cards and requiring a compatible phone.
- Prepaid Liechtenstein eSIMs are ideal for tech-savvy travelers with newer eSIM-compatible devices. They offer convenience, instant activation, and the ability to store multiple eSIM profiles.
Important Note: To use an eSIM, make sure your phone is:
- Unlocked: This allows it to connect to Liechtenstein's mobile networks.
eSIM-compatible: Check your phone's specifications or consult a list of compatible devices.
III. How Much Does a Liechtenstein Prepaid Tourist SIM Card/eSIM Cost?
Staying connected in Liechtenstein doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With a variety of prepaid SIM cards and eSIMs available, you can find an option that fits your needs and budget.
To help you make the best choice, we’ve compiled a comparison of popular providers and their offerings:
1. Swisscom SIM card plans
Prepaid Flatrate – Swisscom (Liechtenstein)
| Price | Data | Local Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
| 20 CHF | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 7 days |
| 65 CHF | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 30 days |
| 150 CHF | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 90 days |
InOne Mobile Prepaid – Swisscom (Liechtenstein)
| Price | Plan | Data | On-Net Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
| 5 CHF | Go | Unlimited | N/A | Unlimited | 30 Days |
| 9.90 CHF | Young | “Unlimited”, 500 MB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 30 Days |
2. Salt SIM card plans
Salt Max Plans – Salt Mobile Switzerland (formerly Orange)
| Price | Data | EU/EEA Data | Local/EU SMS | Local/EU minutes | Validity |
| 40.95 CHF | 5 GB | N/A | Unlimited | Unlimited | 1 month |
| 71.95 CHF | Unlimited | 1 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 1 month |
| 82.95 CHF | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 1 month |
| 102.95 CHF | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited 2 | 1 month |
Salt Digital Plans – Salt Mobile Switzerland (formerly Orange)
| Price | Data | EU/EEA Data | Local/EU Minutes | Local/EU SMS | Validity |
| 50.95 CHF | 10 GB | N/A | Unlimited | Unlimited | 1 month |
| 61.95 CHF | Unlimited | N/A | Unlimited | Unlimited | 1 month |
| 81.95 CHF | Unlimited | 4 GB | “Unlimited”, 100 minutes | Unlimited | 1 month |
| 92.95 CHF | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 1 month |
| 102.95 CHF | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 1 month |
Surf Plans – Salt Mobile Switzerland (formerly Orange)
| Price | Data | Validity |
| 9.95 CHF | 5 GB | 1 month |
| 24.95 CHF | 50 GB | 1 month |
| 35 CHF | Unlimited | 1 month |
IV. Buying a Prepaid SIM Card in Liechtenstein – Where to Buy?
While Liechtenstein is a small country, there are still a few options for purchasing a SIM card, depending on your preference and how much you like to plan:
If you prefer to purchase a SIM card once you’re in Liechtenstein, you have a couple of options:
- Telecom Liechtenstein: Visit a Telecom Liechtenstein store (if available) or an authorized retailer. They should have a range of prepaid SIM cards with various data and call options.
- Other stores: Check with supermarkets, convenience stores, or electronics stores in the main towns like Vaduz or Schaan. They might carry SIM cards from Telecom Liechtenstein or possibly Swiss providers with coverage in Liechtenstein.
- Zurich Airport (Switzerland): when buying SIM cards at Zurich Airport, visitors can connect to the internet instantly, however, the plans may not vary, and prices may be higher than the SIM cards cost at other stores.
🐱🏍 Read also: Where to Buy a SIM Card at Zurich Airport (ZRH)
As it is famous, there is no large international airport in Liechtenstein; therefore, to buy a SIM card it is better to cross the border with Switzerland and visit the Zurich International airport.
- Swiss providers: Look for kiosks or stores selling SIM cards from Swiss providers like Swisscom, Sunrise, or Salt. Many of their plans offer coverage in Liechtenstein.
Regardless of which carrier you plan on purchasing from, make sure to compare the price value, quantity and the time the data lasts when in Liechtenstein.
V. Liechtenstein eSIM – Alternative to SIM Card
Embrace the future of connectivity with an eSIM for your Liechtenstein adventure. Here’s why it’s the ultimate travel companion:
- Instant activation: Skip the lines and the hassle! Activate your eSIM online in minutes and enjoy immediate connectivity upon arrival.
- Effortless convenience: No need to swap SIM cards or worry about losing a physical card. Your eSIM is embedded in your device, making it incredibly convenient.
- Flexibility: Easily switch between data plans or providers as your needs change. Enjoy the freedom to choose the best option for your travel style.
- Eco-friendly: Reduce waste and contribute to a greener planet by opting for a digital solution.
With its seamless activation, unparalleled convenience, and flexibility, an eSIM is undoubtedly one of the best ways to stay connected in Liechtenstein.
Ready to experience the benefits of an eSIM? Europe-esim.com offers a range of plans to suit your needs:
- Short Trip Essentials: For quick getaways, our eSIM Liechtenstein provides 3 GB of high-speed data, perfect for navigating with maps, sharing photos on social media, and staying in touch with loved ones.
- Extensive Travel Companion: Planning a longer stay? Our eSIM Liechtenstein offers 30 GB of data, ideal for streaming videos, working remotely, and staying connected throughout your Liechtenstein journey.
VII. How Much Mobile Data Do You Need When Traveling in Liechtenstein?
Despite being one of the world’s smallest countries, you’ll want to make sure to embrace the scenery and adventures in Liechtenstein and then broadcast it on social media. This means that the type of plan you will require when using your phone on a trip depends on the usage you intend to put your phone to. Are you one to browse light or do you like streaming content heavily? Let’s break down data usage to help you estimate your needs:
Light Usage (1-3GB per week):
- Checking emails and messages
- Using maps and navigation apps
- Occasional social media browsing
- Sending messages on WhatsApp or similar apps
Moderate Usage (5-10GB per week):
- More frequent social media use (posting photos and videos)
- Streaming music
- Making video calls (short durations)
- Using travel apps with online features
Heavy Usage (10GB+ per week):
- Streaming movies or TV shows
- Downloading large files or apps
- Extensive video calling
- Using your phone as a hotspot for other devices
With a definition of your travel pattern, the size of Liechtenstein, and the following tips, it is possible to make an order for a SIM card with an adequate amount of data to avoid such surcharges in the beautiful Alpine Kingdom.
VIII. Mobile Operators in Liechtenstein
As mentioned before, to choose the most suitable SIM card in Liechtenstein, it is pivotal to familiarize oneself with the structure of the operators. As may be expected, depending on data connectivity options may not be as numerous as they are in larger countries, but worry not ,you can get a reliable connection to boost your moments in the alpine regions.
| Operator | Network Coverage | Pros | Cons |
| Telecom Liechtenstein (FL1) | Good coverage throughout Liechtenstein | * Local provider * Various plans available * Customer service in German | * Might have limited English support * Fewer international roaming options |
| Swisscom | Excellent coverage in Liechtenstein and Switzerland | * Wide range of plans * Good data speeds * Roaming options | * Potentially higher prices than local options |
| Salt Mobile (7acht) | Good coverage in Liechtenstein and Switzerland | * Competitive pricing * Good value plans | * Coverage might not be as extensive as Swisscom |
If you want coverage mostly in Liechtenstein, then Telecom Liechtenstein is recommended for you. Nevertheless, if you are going to travel to Switzerland as well, you can use Swisscom or Salt Mobile to help in switching between the two countries.
Important Note:
- Limited prepaid options: Telecom Liechtenstein may offer a few prepaid facilities for travelers. Visit their website or, better still, visit their store for more information.
- Roaming: If you will be required to be in Liechtenstein while using the Swiss SIM card, make sure your plan covers roaming in Liechtenstein to avoid first instance charges.
X. FAQs about Liechtenstein SIM Cards
Can I use my own SIM card in Liechtenstein?
Though legal, the best idea is to use your home country’s SIM card in Liechtenstein could lead to extremely high rates of roaming. It is cheaper to get a local or even an e-sim with a European connection that also supports Liechtenstein.
What do I need to buy a SIM card in Liechtenstein?
They also require your passport to facilitate identification when you are inside the premises. Some may also accept a driver’s license.
Can I get my SIM card working before I go to Liechtenstein?
In most cases, if you buy an eSIM online, you can activate it before traveling. However, if you get a normal SIM card you shall normally have to activate it perhaps on your arrival in Liechtenstein.
Can I keep my own phone number?
This is a little complexing, but perhaps some of the phone companies in Liechtenstein will assist in the migration of your number to your Liechtenstein SIM card. Ask them about it!