Doing Nuremberg and Munich, then crossing to Basel or Zurich? Switzerland isn’t in the EU, so a Germany-only eSIM stops at the border. The tidy fix is one Europe plan that covers both: Airalo’s Eurolink 10GB, 15 days was US$28 on 4 November 2026, a touch cheaper than buying separate Germany and Switzerland plans (US$28.50).
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Updated · Prices in US dollars, read off each provider’s own site on 4 November 2026. Providers change prices without notice, so confirm before you buy.
One eSIM or two? The maths for a 2-week trip
| Option | What you buy | Total | Catch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airalo, two country eSIMs | Germany 10GB/15 days (US$15.50) + Switzerland 5GB/7 days (US$13) | US$28.50 | Two eSIMs to install and switch between at the border |
| Airalo Eurolink, one eSIM | Europe 10GB/15 days, 41 countries incl. Germany and Switzerland | US$28 | One 10GB pool for both countries |
| Saily, two country eSIMs | Germany 10GB/30 days (US$16.99) + Switzerland 5GB/30 days (US$13.99) | US$30.98 | Two eSIMs, but both last 30 days |
| Saily Europe, one eSIM | Europe 10GB/30 days, 35 countries incl. Germany and Switzerland | US$35.99 | Dearest of the four, simplest to manage |
| Airalo Eurolink unlimited | Europe unlimited, 7 days | US$27 | 5GB a day at full speed, then 1 Mbps; one week only |
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We may earn a commission if you buy through this link, at no extra cost to you. How we’re paid.
Read off airalo.com and saily.com on 4 November 2026, in US dollars. Example trip: 10 days in Germany and 4 in Switzerland. Country lists are from each provider’s own plan page.
Christmas market dates for 2026
| Market | Country | 2026 dates | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt | Germany | 27 Nov – 24 Dec (closes 2pm on 24 Dec) | tourismus.nuernberg.de |
| Polarzauber, Zurich main station | Switzerland | 19 Nov – 24 Dec (indoors, 11am–4pm on 24 Dec) | polarzauber.ch |
| Basel Christmas market | Switzerland | 26 Nov – 23 Dec, 11am–8.30pm daily | basel.com |
Dates read off each market’s official site on 4 November 2026. Hours vary on opening and closing days.
Planning around the markets? Germany’s run up to Christmas Eve; Basel finishes a day earlier. Market squares get crowded in the evenings, so download your train tickets and offline maps before you head out.
Separate country plans: what each costs
- Germany: Airalo 5GB/7 days US$10, 10GB/15 days US$15.50, unlimited 7 days US$24 (3GB a day, then 1 Mbps). Saily 10GB/30 days US$16.99. Germany eSIM guide.
- Switzerland: Airalo 5GB/7 days US$13, 10GB/15 days US$22, unlimited 7 days US$25 (3GB a day, then 1 Mbps). Saily 5GB/30 days US$13.99, 10GB/30 days US$22.99. Switzerland eSIM guide.
Spending most of the trip in Switzerland? Then separate plans can win, because Swiss data costs more per GB. Run the numbers for your own split of days.
Before you fly
Check your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked, install at home on wi-fi, and switch the line on when you land. Most travel eSIMs are data-only, so if you need a number for bank codes, see eSIMs with a phone number. Going further afield? eSIMs for a multi-country Christmas markets trip.
Questions travellers ask
Does a Germany eSIM work in Switzerland?
Not unless the plan lists Switzerland. Switzerland is outside the EU, and a Germany-only eSIM such as Airalo’s covers Germany alone. Either add a Switzerland eSIM or buy a Europe plan that names both countries.
What is the cheapest eSIM for Germany and Switzerland together?
On 4 November 2026, Airalo’s Eurolink Europe plan, 10GB for 15 days at US$28, came in just under buying separate Germany (US$15.50) and Switzerland (US$13) plans at US$28.50. It also means one eSIM instead of two.
Do Saily and Airalo Europe plans include Switzerland?
Yes. Airalo’s Eurolink plan lists 41 countries and Saily’s Europe plan lists 35, and both include Germany, Switzerland, Austria and France.
When are the Christmas markets in 2026?
Nuremberg runs 27 November to 24 December, Zurich’s indoor Polarzauber market at the main station runs 19 November to 24 December, and Basel runs 26 November to 23 December, according to each market’s official site.
Which networks do the eSIMs use?
Airalo listed O2 for Germany and Sunrise, Salt and Swisscom for Switzerland on 4 November 2026.
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