Sunrise SIM Cards and eSIM: Detailed Guides for Tourists

Planning a vacation to Switzerland or Europe? Staying connected is essential for navigating, exchanging memories, and maintaining contact. Sunrise, Switzerland’s biggest mobile provider, provides outstanding SIM card and eSIM choices to tourists. Whether you value cost, dependable coverage, or easy digital activation, this guide will help you choose the right Sunrise plan for your vacation.

I. Quick facts about Sunrise in Europe

Sunrise, a reputable brand in Swiss telecommunications, is well-known for offering excellent services to both residents and visitors. Here’s what makes it stand out:

• Services Offered: Include mobile plans, high-speed internet, television, and corporate communication solutions.
• Subscribers: Millions of consumers benefit from Sunrise’s consistent connection across Switzerland and abroad. Sunrise’s market share amounted at around 28% (6/2023).
• Award: The Sunrise mobile network is the only mobile network in Switzerland that has received the top grade of “OUTSTANDING” 8 times in a row.
• Network Strength: Full 4G/LTE coverage, with quickly growing 5G services for lightning-fast speeds.
• Customer Support: Multilingual support is provided via phone, chat, or in-store visits.
• Tourist-Friendly Plans: Sunrise SIM card and eSIM solutions are designed to satisfy the specific requirements of tourists, combining exceptional value and convenience.

II. Sunrise coverage and speed in Europe

Sunrise, known for its exceptional network performance, provides wide coverage and great speeds, making it a good option for both residents and tourists. Here’s all you need know about its coverage and speed:

1. Sunrise coverage

Based on the nPerf map, here’s a breakdown of Sunrise Mobile’s coverage in certain areas:

Sunrise UPC claims 98% coverage for their 4G network. With 3G, the operator may even serve 99% of Switzerland’s population. Sunrise UPC’s network coverage has no notable gaps. According to the Sunrise website, the 5G network is now accessible in “1,000 locations” throughout Switzerland.

According to Opensignal: 

• Coverage Experience: Sunrise ranks second in coverage experience, with a score of 7.8. This means that the network has good coverage, albeit there may be spots where service is not as constant as with other top rivals.
• 5G Coverage Experience: Sunrise ranks second with a 5G coverage experience score of 3.6. While the 5G network is still being deployed, this score demonstrates great progress in spreading 5G coverage across the area.
• Availability: Sunrise ranks second in network accessibility, with a 98.5% availability rate. This high degree of availability guarantees that customers have consistent access for the bulk of the time, reducing network downtime.
• 5G Availability: Sunrise is joint winner in 5G availability, with 14.5% coverage. This means that Sunrise has made significant progress in delivering 5G service, with consumers seeing faster speeds and improved network performance in places with 5G coverage. 

2. Sunrise speed

According to Opensignal’s report, Sunrise routinely provides high-quality performance across Switzerland.

• 5G Download speeds: Sunrise is one of Switzerland’s main suppliers of 5G performance. With average download speeds of 171.6 Mbps, it is the joint winner – second place and is one of the most consistent 5G experiences in the nation. Sunrise is a good option for activities that need high-speed connections, such as ultra-HD streaming or fast downloads of huge files.
• 5G upload speeds: Sunrise also shines at 5G upload rates, with an astounding average of 32.5 Mbps, allowing for seamless sharing of high-quality films, images, and live broadcasts. This speed enables users to remain connected and productive, whether working remotely or filming their adventures around Switzerland.
• Download Speed Experience: Sunrise offers a download speed experience of 44.5 Mbps, which, although adequate, may not be as fast as some of its top rivals. Users may get average speed for streaming, browsing, and downloading, although it may be slower at high use periods or in places with limited coverage.
• Upload Speed Experience: Sunrise’s upload speed experience is decent, but not extraordinary, with a speed of 13.5 Mbps. While this speed is enough for operations like as video chats and file uploads, it may not handle large data transfers or high-quality live streaming, particularly in more demanding use situations.

Sunrise may have a bit slower pace than the competitors, but it provides good coverage.

III. Sunrise connectivity options for travelers to the EU

Sunrise offers a variety of connection options to meet the diverse demands of travelers: 

Option	Description	Pros	Cons
Sunrise Prepaid SIM	Prepaid plans use a physical SIM card.	Simple to start up, cost-effective, and without commitments.	May need to remove your current SIM card.
Sunrise eSIM	Digital SIM allows for rapid activation	.There is no need for a physical card, and it supports dual SIM.	Only eSIM-compatible devices are supported.
Roaming	When traveling overseas, use your current SIM card.	Convenient for short journeys	Non-EU tourists face high costs.
Mobile WiFi	Portable gadget for connecting several devices.	Perfect for groups or families with unlimited data.	Needs an additional gadget.

Choose an option depending on your device’s compatibility and data constraints.

IV. Best Sunrise SIM card for tourist & costs 

Sunrise Switzerland SIM card provides a variety of prepaid offers aimed at visitors that include the physical SIM and significant data and voice allowances.

Sunrise Prepaid Offers	Data	Calls & SMS	Price	Validity
Unlimited CH	Unlimited	Unlimited within Switzerland	19.90 CHF (~22 USD)	8 days
Unlimited Europe 7	Unlimited within Switzerland 60GB for most EU countries	60 calls (max 2 hours/call)60 SMS	59.90 CHF(~66.7 USD)	7 days
Unlimited Europe 30	Unlimited within Switzerland 60GB for most EU countries	Unlimited	74.90 CHF(~83.4 USD)	30 days

V. Does Sunrise support eSIM?

Yes, Sunrise fully supports eSIM Sunrise technology, providing a simple and contemporary option for those who want digital SIM activation with the same offers as physical SIM. Sunrise eSIM eliminates the need for a physical SIM card by activating your phone number and service immediately from a compatible smartphone’s settings menu.

VI. Where can you buy a Sunrise SIM card & eSIM?

1. Where to get a Sunrise SIM card for travel

When going to Switzerland, there will be two major options for getting a Sunrise SIM Card for tourist: 

• Online: Browse prepaid plans and get your SIM card from the official Sunrise website. Delivery is quick and hassle-free.
• In-Store: Purchase your Sunrise SIM card in major retail shops, Sunrise locations, or even SIM card at Zurich Airport or Geneva airport.

2. Where to buy Sunrise eSIM

• Official website: They sell Sunrise eSIM Switzerland on the website that may be activated instantly on your smartphone.
• International eSIM providers: Purchase from a reputable eSIM supplier such as Europe-eSIM, which provides flexible options for vacationers. Switzerland provides a variety of data plan choices, beginning with 1 GB for 3 days for $3.5.

Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Switzerland with uninterrupted connectivity, thanks to the Switzerland eSIM powered by the reliable Sunrise Switzerland network! Whether you’re wandering through the majestic Alps, exploring vibrant cities, or relaxing by serene lakes, enjoy seamless 4G/5G data with plans starting as low as $3.50.

With no hidden fees and flexible options ranging from 3 to 30 days, stay connected to maps, social media, and loved ones effortlessly. Say goodbye to roaming charges and hello to hassle-free travel—purchase your eSIM today, activate with a quick scan, and experience Switzerland like never before!

VII. How to Use the Sunrise SIM card and eSIM

Activating and using a Sunrise SIM card or eSIM is meant to be a fast and easy procedure, enabling uninterrupted connection for all customers.

1. How to install and activate a Sunrise SIM card

• Place the SIM card into your phone.
• To allow the network to be configured automatically, restart your device.
• If manual activation is necessary, please contact Sunrise Customer Support.

2. How to install and activate Sunrise eSIM

• Go into your phone’s menu and choose “Add Cellular Plan.”
• Get the Esim Sunrise QR code scanner started.
• The activation procedure may be completed by following the on-screen instructions.

IX. Sunrise Call & SMS rates in EU

• Domestic: Unlimited SMS+call for all prepaid plan
• International:
  • Call: CHF 1.50/min – CHF15./min for different country zone. You can check this link to see the countries list.
  • SMS: CHF 0.25 for each SMS (CHF 1.00 for each MMS).

X. How to top-up your Sunrise SIM card

To recharge your Sunrise mobile SIM card, follow these steps:

• Visit the official Sunrise website
• On the top-up screen, you will find many choices for selecting the amount you want to top up. Select the required amount by clicking on it (for example, CHF 10.-, CHF 20.-, etc.).
• After you’ve chosen a quantity, enter the mobile number associated with the Sunrise SIM card you want to refill.
• To continue, click the “Refill” or “Top Up” option.
• If you are a current Sunrise prepaid customer, you may manage your prepaid number by logging into “My Sunrise” for more options and services.

XI. How to check your Sunrise account usage and balance

Sunrise makes it easy to monitor your balance and usage, with 3 ways, allowing you to maintain complete control over your spending and data consumption.

• Dial *121# to acquire balance information immediately.
• Use the Sunrise app to track your consumption and balance.
• Automatic Alerts: Turn on alerts to get updates after each call or SMS.

XII. FAQs

XIII. Final words

Sunrise is a good alternative for vacationers in Switzerland, providing dependable service, fast speeds, and customizable pricing. Whether you choose a Sunrise SIM card or an eSIM, you will have continuous connection during your travel. Choose the best choice for your requirements, and travel with confidence!