I've had a look at lots of info on this subject but a couple of queries if you will indulge me....

Have an old, old Nokia here in Oz (Vodafone prepaid). Do I buy a new one here and just get a Swiss SIM when I arrive, or do I buy a new prepaid phone there? Don't need all the bells and whistles so looking at an el-cheapo Nokia for example, at CHF49. Orange looks OK and have read that Coop is a good option too.

Next question, if I don't get to stay in Basel (that is, no job!) and I move to Scotland (thank goodness for rellies) does it make sense to take said Swiss phone over and then go the prepaid SIM route in the UK?

Sorry if this all sounds a bit dumb but my technical knowledge has its limitations!

Thanks.

a mobile phone is a mobile phone!!!

Possibly your phone is locked to a specific network provider - that would prevent you putting a new SIM in it. If you've had it for a long time, your current provider should give you an unlock code. Otherwise, I believe Nokias are relatively easy to unlock. ( But be very wary of using an Internet service to unlock your phone )

Before putting a new SIM into an old phone, make sure all phone numbers stored on the old SIM have been copied to phone memory.

The Migros MVNO uses the Swisscom network and has cheap pre-paid phone/SIM-card packages. You can buy it in most major Migros stores (just bring your passport/ausweis)

http://www.m-budget-mobile.ch/

...oh, also most Post offices sell cheap pre-paid phones from all providers.

Tell that to an iphone user!! Compare that to my ancient red Nokia and I think they might be insulted!

Not locked but as it's so old I figured I'm probably better with a newer model. Couldn't use mine in the States a couple of years ago (nor Croatia!!) as it didn't use the right 'phase'. Didn't even know what that meant, just knew my phone wouldn't work there or Canada.

And thanks for the tip about making sure phone numbers are copied to new SIM! Couldn't that be annoying!

Hi,
I would certainly buy a phone here. They prepay packages are quite attractive. Usually a card only costs 15-20 CHF with the same amount of credit on it. With the package, You can get a simple phone including card for 30 CHF, so phone gets very cheap. These are the entry-level phones, but they are good enough for calling.
When choosing the card, ask Yourself where You would be calling most. Check the prices especially for international calls - they vary a lot, from 0.20 CHF/minute to 1-2 CHF/minute.
Unfortunately, those phones are then locked, but I'm sure You can unlock them for a couple of pounds when You go to the UK.
Good luck with finding a job,
Marcin