Getting connected while traveling abroad is important for maps, translation, and staying in touch. For trips to France, buying a local SIM at the airport is often convenient for cellular data. This guide covers purchasing SIM card at France airports – including major hubs, finding kiosks, preparation tips, eSIM options, FAQs, and more. Read on for easy SIM acquisition upon arrival in France.
Table of Contents
I. Which airport in France offers SIM cards for tourists
There are currently 169 airports that are members of the Union des Aéroports Français (UAF). After excluding those located in the overseas territories, we have created a map of mainland France’s 148 airports.
The major international airports in Paris, Nice, Marseille, Lyon, and Bordeaux all have SIM card vendors within the terminals. Typically, you’ll find SIM card kiosks in the arrivals area just before exiting the secure part of the terminal. Key details on SIM card at France airport availability include:
- Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG): Both terminals 2E and 2F have telecom retailers like Orange, SFR, and Bouygues Telecom that sell prepaid SIM card at France Airport that can be activated instantly. Some kiosks even have English-speaking staff. You can check out more details on where to buy SIM cards at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.
- Paris Orly Airport (ORY): Both terminals 2E and 2F have telecom retailers like Orange, SFR, and Bouygues Telecom that sell prepaid SIM cards that can be activated instantly. Some kiosks even have English-speaking staff.
- Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE): Orange and SFR have kiosks in the arrivals area of both terminals where you can purchase prepaid data-only or full-service SIM card at France airport. You can find more details on SIM card options at Nice Airport.
- Marseille Provence Airport (MRS): Orange and SFR have sales points near the baggage claim area in the main terminal building to buy tourist SIMs.
- Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport (BOD): Orange and SFR have retailers airside where you can purchase prepaid SIMs upon arrival.
Small regional airports in France may have limited SIM availability. Purchase a SIM from a major provider like Orange, SFR, or Bouygues at larger airports like Charles de Gaulle, Orly, Nice, Marseille, or Bordeaux for easy connectivity within France.
II. Where To Buy France SIM cards At France Airports
Major French airports make it easy to get a local SIM. Shops at airports like Charles de Gaulle, Orly, Nice, Marseille, and Bordeaux sell SIMs from Orange, SFR, Bouygues, and other providers upon arrival:
- Mobile operator kiosks: You can also easily buy a SIM card from many mobile operators in airports. Such kiosks are normally found in the arrival sector of airports, by the customs point, and where baggage is claimed.
- Newsstands and convenience stores: You can shop for a SIM card at many newsstands located at airports and convenience stores. Many times these stores are available within the airport at the arrival and departure points.
- Tourist information desks: Tourist information desks are normally sold in airports for tourists. The desks are available near passenger arrival areas, close to customs and the baggage claim.
3. What to prepare to buy a SIM card at France airports
Purchasing a SIM card in France’s airport stores is not that difficult, particularly when one makes some preparations beforehand. Here are key things to take care of before your arrival:
- Check phone compatibility: Most unlocked phones can be used in France because they are compatible with the GSM cellular network. However, ensure that your device supports that particular GSM network before you travel and you can use your own phone in France.
- Unlock your phone: Unlock it for international use, you may have to contact your phone carrier. With this, all you will do is add a local France SIM.
- Bring your passport: A passport or other official ID is required to activate the SIM card service.
- Know your data needs: Estimate how much data you’ll need during your trip to pick the right plan. More data = higher cost.
- Have local currency: SIM card at France airports can only be purchased in Euros or USD, so have some cash on hand for this purpose.
- Activate ahead of time (or not): Some providers let you activate ahead online, while others require doing so locally. Decide what works best for your trip.
With those boxes checked, buying your SIM card at France Airport will be quick and painless after landing in France. Having the right documentation, SIM card size for your phone (nano, micro, etc), and cash in the local currency will make the process smooth.
4. France eSIM – an Alternative to Airport SIM Card
The convenience of eSIM makes it a good alternative especially where physical SIM Cards can easily be purchased in French airports. eSIM is a virtual SIM and can be used as long you have registered for your plan online.
The benefits of a France eSIM include:
- Activation online ahead of time: Active it before departure and avoid the airport kiosk.
- No physical SIM card: Some new model phones include eSIMs which are digital.
- Flexibility to change plans: Change the data as much as required without changing a SIM.
- Multi-country options: In some cases, several destinations are covered by one plan by an eSIM provider.
eSIMs allow setting up France connectivity online in advance. However, older devices may not support eSIMs. Airport kiosks remain an option for devices without eSIM compatibility.
Do not delay to purchase a France eSIM from esimfrance.net. Flexible data plans from 3 days to 1 month in France with no roaming charges. It is easy to get connected by scanning a QR code on a compatible device. Roaming charges are a fraction of that for seamless connectivity.
5. FAQs
Can I buy a French SIM card at the airport?
Yes, you can buy a French SIM card at most major airports in France. Look for stores operated by these carriers near arrivals. Make sure to have your passport with you as you’ll need to show ID to activate the SIM.
How much do SIM cards cost at French airports?
SIM card prices will vary, but expect to pay around €30 for a prepaid plan with moderate data. More data will cost more, with unlimited high-speed plans closer to €50.
Can I buy a Paris Airport SIM card with a foreign credit card?
Most kiosks accept major international credit cards. However, having euro cash on hand gives you maximum flexibility between vendors.
Are SIM cards available 24/7 at French airports?
SIM card kiosks typically operate during normal airport hours. If arriving on a late night flight, you may need to wait until the next morning to purchase one.
How long does Paris Airport SIM card activation take?
Purchasing and activating a SIM card takes about 10-15 minutes in most cases. You’ll walk out with service ready to go!
6. Conclusion
Buying a French SIM at the airport makes it easy to stay connected upon arrival in France. Knowing which major airports have SIM kiosks allows prepurchase or quick purchase after landing. eSIM is an option to activate service before departing. Following this guide ensures smooth SIM purchase and cellular data from the start of your French trip.
