Cell phone on the hiker's Haute Route

Hi All,

My boyfriend and I are hiking the hiker's Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt from September 20-30. I have read in several places that it is a good idea to have a cell phone on this hike, in order to call ahead and make and confirm reservations in the huts for each night. However, cell phones from the United States don't usually work in other countries.

Does anyone have a suggestion for a simple and inexpensive way to have a working cell phone during our days on the hike? Perhaps a cheap phone we buy in Switzerland, or something we get in the US before we leave?

Thanks!!!!

Juliann and Daniel

Hi Juliann and Daniel,

Welcome to MySwissAlps! A phone is indeed a necessity. Not just to contact accommodation, but also to call for help if needed. You can have a look at www.onesimcard.com/int ernational-cell-phones/. They sell a $39.95 quad band phone that works nearly everywhere in the world (so you'd have a spare phone when you're back in the US). You can add a "Europe & More" SIM card for $10 to make calls. That's probably enough for your purpose, but you can recharge it on the go if needed. It comes with a travel plug adapter.

Note that mobile coverage in Switzerland is pretty good, but don't count on it to work in all remote areas.