Yes. Devices which support eSIM are designed so that the physical SIM remains connected.  This is called ‘dual SIM’: You decide which SIM you want to use for data and you can change this at any time.

You need an internet connection to set up your eSIM. We therefore recommend that you install and activate your eSIM shortly before your departure.

You can wait to activate your eSIM until you arrive at your destination, but be aware that you will need a WiFi connection to complete the installation process.

Yes, it is possible to use the ZIM@SBB app eSIM as a hotspot, provided your device supports this function and you have activated the relevant settings.

Yes. You do not have to activate the data package straight away. Buy the data package in advance and activate it when you need the data.

Go to the dashboard in the ZIM@SBB app to check how much data you still have.

ZIM@SBB notifies you when you have used up 80% of your data. You can then buy an additional data package. 

Please note that if you have used up all of your data, you will need a physical SIM or a wireless internet connection in order to buy an additional data package online. 

Your default line for mobile data is either your physical SIM card or your eSIM card, depending on what you prefer for data usage. 

If you have bought a new data package using the ZIM@SBB app and want to use it straight away, you should set your eSIM as the default line. 

If you bought your data package before travelling, use the data on your physical SIM card first and only switch to the eSIM card when it makes sense for you (usually when you arrive at your destination). You can switch between physical SIM and eSIM in your smartphone settings. 

You can switch between the normal SIM card and the eSIM in your smartphone settings. 

1. Go to ‘Settings’ and click on ‘Mobile Data’. 
2. Click on the SIM/eSIM you want to use for mobile data. Tip: If you have renamed your SIM/eSIM yourself, it is easier to tell them apart.
3. If you want to stay connected at all times, activate ‘Allow mobile data switching’ so that your phone can switch between your SIM and eSIM depending on connectivity and network coverage. 
4. If you only want to use the data package purchased via the ZIM@SBB app, deactivate ‘Allow mobile data switching’. 

Here is how you can activate mobile data switching:

1. Open your smartphone settings.
2. Click on ‘Activate mobile data’.
3. Click on ‘Allow mobile data switching’.

To be able to use your data package, data roaming must be switched on. 

How to activate data roaming:

1. Open your smartphone settings.
2. Click on ‘Mobile data’ / ‘Mobile’.
3. Click on ‘eSIM’ and scroll to ‘Data Roaming’.
4. Switch ‘Data Roaming’ on.