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SBB trains have outlets to charge phones? & WiFi?

Short summary – read this first

A traveler is curious about whether SBB trains in Switzerland provide outlets for charging phones and if there's Wi-Fi on board. They found out from replies that free Wi-Fi isn't available on the trains, only at some stations, and power outlets are primarily in first-class carriages, with the Swiss power outlets being different from those in neighboring countries.

Key takeaways:
  • Free Wi-Fi is not available on Swiss trains; you can find it at many SBB stations, but you'll need to register with a mobile number.
  • Power outlets are mainly found in first-class compartments; ensure you have a first-class ticket to access them.
  • Consider using a local SIM card or a Traveler's WiFi device for better internet connectivity while traveling across Switzerland.
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InfoAI-generated summary. Details may be outdated. Check with our travel experts to be 100% sure.
  • Fritzrab
    Participant
    45 posts
    20 November 2017 at 23:17:21 #813704

    Do SBB trains have outlets to charge phones? and wifi?

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  • User
    Inactive
    83570 posts
    Reply 1 of 4 • 21 November 2017 at 3:45:07 #872181

    There is no free wi-fi on trains, but some stations offer free wi-fi:

    http://www.myswissalps.com/tr ain/practical/internet

    http://www.sbb.ch/en/station-services/railway-stations/products/free -wifi.html

    As far as I know, power outlets are only available in first-class carriages on routes which offer business-zone carriages. You would need a first-class ticket of course.

    http://www.sbb.ch/en/station-services/on-the-train/on-board-service.html

    Something else to note is that Swiss power outlets are different from those in neighbouring countries. There is relevant information in the following threads.

    http://www.myswissalps.com/ab outswitzerland/practic al/swissoutlet

    http://www.myswissalps.com/fo rum/topic/power-adapter-in-interlakenzuric

    http://www.myswissalps.com/fo rum/topic/uk-adaptor-converter

    http://www.myswissalps.com/fo rum/topic/power-adapter

    Alpenrose

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    rockoyster
    Participant
    8872 posts
    Reply 2 of 4 • 21 November 2017 at 4:34:43 #872182

    Like Alpenrose says Fritzrab, there is no wi-fi on Swiss trains but there is wi-fi at many SBB stations. http://www.sbb.ch/en/station-services/railway-stations/products/free -wifi.html

    Note: In order to use it you have to register. You can only complete the one-off registration procedure (valid for 12 months) with a mobile phone number that can receive text messages.

    I used a Salt Prepay SIM which I used on the trains and found to be very economical and quick. Great in conjunction with the SBB mobile app for looking up timetables.

    Attached is a powerpoint (Swiss top, German below) on the Gotthard Panorama Express. I don’t recall seeing any other power points although only other times I travelled 1st Class was on Bernina Express and Glacier Express.

    User
    Inactive
    83570 posts
    Reply 3 of 4 • 21 November 2017 at 7:32:27 #872183

    I’m sure I’ve noticed the odd outlet while in 2nd class trains here, but extremely rare (may not have been a Swiss train come to think of it!).

    WiFi is coming slowly but surely but not yet.

    A great option for WiFi service that works anywhere in Switzerland is the Traveler's WiFi device.I’ve used it and its been great – and multiple people can connect to the device at one time.

    Fritzrab
    Participant
    45 posts
    Reply 4 of 4 • 21 November 2017 at 15:46:53 #872184

    Thank you. I just assumed the Swiss power outlets were the same 2-prong as in Italy & France. Thank for the heads up.

    🇨🇭 The official SBB tourist webshop
    ✓ Discounts for passholders ✓ Instant mobile e-Ticket ✓ Free cancellation option
    🎁 Promotion: Up to CHF 200 cashback on your passes! See details ►
    Swiss Travel Pass Unlimited travel

    Swiss Travel Pass

    Unlimited train, bus, & boat travel across Switzerland.

    Mountain excursions With discounts

    Mountain excursions

    Official e-Tickets with pass holder discounts. Skip the ticket counter.

    Regional passes Unlimited travel

    Regional passes

    Unlimited travel in the Berner Oberland, Jungfrau Region or Lucerne Region.

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