Address, mobile and internet: setting up daily life in Switzerland
After registration, set up post-redirection with Swiss Post (Nachsendeauftrag), take out a Swiss mobile number on a 1-month rolling SIM (CHF 15-40/month) and order home internet/TV (CHF 50-90/month). All three usually require your registration confirmation or permit card and a Swiss IBAN for direct debit.
Overview
These three steps are quick (a single afternoon) but unlock everything else: bank security codes, two-factor authentication for SwissID, government correspondence and digital signatures.
Setting up the essentials
- 1
Swiss Post and your address
Swiss Post is reliable but strict: your name on the mailbox is what gets delivered. Update it the day you move in. Use Umzug.ch or Swiss Post's online Nachsendeauftrag (CHF 35 for 12 months) to forward mail from a previous Swiss address.
- 2
Get a Swiss mobile number
Main networks: Swisscom (best coverage), Sunrise and Salt. Budget brands on the same networks: Wingo, Yallo, M-Budget Mobile, Lebara. Rolling 1-month contracts from CHF 15/month with unlimited Swiss minutes and 5-30 GB data.
- 3
Order home internet
Swisscom, Sunrise, Salt, init7 and your local cable provider compete on fibre and cable. Standard packages CHF 50-90/month, often bundled with TV. Confirm fibre availability at your address before signing.
- 4
Set up SwissID and eID
SwissID is the federated digital identity for tax filings (where supported), pension queries, post deliveries and many cantonal e-services. Free, set up online with passport scan and Swiss mobile number.
- 5
TV and streaming
If you watch broadcast TV or radio, the SERAFE fee (CHF 335/year per household as of 2025) is automatic and not opt-out. Most expats supplement with Netflix, Disney+ or a Sunrise/Swisscom TV bundle.
- 6
Electricity and heating
Electricity is monopoly-supplied by your commune's utility - no shopping around. Sign the supply form within the first week. Most apartments include heating via Nebenkosten, but verify in your contract.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a Swiss mobile number to open accounts?+
Strongly recommended - Swiss banks, insurers and government services rely on SMS for two-factor authentication. Foreign numbers are increasingly rejected for mTAN delivery.
What is SERAFE and do I have to pay it?+
SERAFE is the household radio-and-television fee (CHF 335/year as of 2025), levied per residential household and automatic from your Gemeinde registration. Households of people receiving means-tested supplementary benefits can be exempted.
Which mobile provider is best for international calls?+
Salt and Sunrise typically offer the cheapest EU/UK roaming and call-out bundles. Wingo (Swisscom network) often has best price-to-performance for Swiss-only use.
How long does home internet installation take?+
Online order to active fibre or cable line: usually 5-15 working days. For older buildings or DSL, allow 3-4 weeks.