It can be fun to travel to another country, especially in Europe but roaming in France may turn out to be costly. This blog post will explain data roaming charges, how to avoid them, including recommendations and popular questions. From the end of the EU roaming law to the best WiFi hacks, this post highlights everything you need to know to avoid unwanted expenses on the go. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
I. Understand Data Roaming in France
For a fun and cheap vacation, it is crucial to understand what is involved with roaming charges across the country.
Roaming means the usage of your cell phone in the territory of a foreign country on the networks of foreign cell providers rather than the home cell providers. This convenience, however, comes with a price.
- Roaming charges are additional costs for using calls, text messages, or data connections outside the home country. They cover access to networks you don’t usually use.
- There are 3 main types: voice calls, data, and texts.
- Over 50% of travelers to France incur unexpected roaming fees. But since 2017, the EU limits voice/text rates to $0.05-$0.07 and data to $3.50 per GB.
Knowing the potential costs upfront can help you better manage your mobile usage abroad to avoid bill shock later on.
II. Roaming Charges in France
Roaming fees can add up when traveling abroad, so it’s essential to know what to expect in France. Now, let together explore how to check roaming charges when coming there and also the roaming charges by the UK mobile operators.
1. How to Check Roaming Charges Before Your Travel to France
- Contact your mobile provider. Call or chat online to ask about applicable fees according to your plan.
- Research online. Mobile providers often post standard international roaming rates on their websites.
- Call customer service. Dial the number on your bill to confirm roaming costs for calls, texts, and data in France.
2. Roaming Charge in France by the UK Mobile Operators
The table below shows suggested roaming rates by major UK networks in France. Roaming charges can change over time, so check with your mobile operator for the latest information.
| Operator | Calls (per min) | Texts (per message) | Data (per GB) |
| Three UK | $0.69 | $0.13 | $9.00 |
| O2 | $1.25 | $0.25 | $12.00 |
| EE | $1.35 | $0.20 | $10.50 |
| Vodafone | $1.15 | $0.15 | $11.00 |
III. Best Ways to Avoid Roaming Charges in France
There are various cheap products out there that you guys can use to remain connected without spending so much money. Here are the top 5 best ways to avoid roaming charges in France:
1. Buy an eSIM from esimfrance.net
You will not find any retailer selling eSIM at such a competitive price and with as many plans as we offer you. Indeed, esimfrance.net has been offering eSIM to French tourists for several years offering the most powerful network connection.
You do not necessarily have to possess a local SIM card to activate a local data plan since it can be done over the smartphone. We offer a variety of plans, ranging from 3 days to 30 days, with data packages starting as low as $3.50, also have packages come with free calls and SMSs in Europe.
These plans guarantee 4G/LTE/5G on major French networks like Orange, SFR, or Bouygues to get the best network throughout the journey.
2. Buy an International France SIM Card
These are some types of SIM cards that can be purchased while in France or even before your arrival by purchasing one at the airport. They normally have lower rates for data, calls, and SMS compared to roaming tariffs by your home operator.
A local French SIM card only requires you to insert it into the phone and set the correct options as identified by the service provider.
3. Rely on Free WiFi
In France, you can rarely go a long distance without coming across free internet connectivity including in cafés, hotels, and famous tourist destinations.
This can assist in cutting on the cost of data usage therefore the need for a data plan especially when one is browsing is for purposes such as browsing the internet, checking emails, and using messaging apps.
4. Turn Off Data Roaming
This can be done by going to the settings menu of your Android or iOS device and selecting the data roaming option. This will prevent your phone from automatically connecting to cellular data networks, which can lead to unexpected roaming charges.
5. Get a Virtual Phone Number
Use a virtual phone number service to make and receive calls over the internet at a lower cost than international roaming. These services often provide local French numbers, letting you talk to friends, family, or business contacts without extra fees.
IV. FAQs about Data Roaming in France
Do I need to turn data roaming on in France?
Yes, you need to have data roaming turned on in your phone’s cellular settings to use data when traveling in France. Most phones have it turned off by default for security and cost reasons.
How much does international roaming cost in France?
Roaming costs can vary depending on your carrier, but as a general guide expect to pay around $0.50-$1 per MB of data used. SMS messages are around $0.25 each and calls $1-2 per minute. Check your carrier’s rates in advance.
Is data roaming free in Europe?
Within the European Union (including France), roaming fees were abolished in 2017. This means you can use your domestic data, calls, and texts at no extra cost when traveling within the EU.
Does data cost in France?
For locals and Europeans traveling within the EU/EEA, no – data does not cost extra within France or other EU countries. But travelers from outside Europe will still incur international roaming charges from their home provider.
Will I be charged for roaming if I use Wi-Fi?
No, using Wi-Fi avoids roaming charges as it connects you to the local internet infrastructure rather than a mobile network. So use hotel/cafe Wi-Fi when possible to minimize roaming fees.
Can I use my existing SIM card for roaming in France?
Yes, you can use your existing SIM card for roaming in France, but you’ll likely face very high roaming charges from your home carrier. It’s much more cost-effective to get a local France SIM or eSIM.
V. Conclusion
Overall, understanding roaming in France is crucial for you guys to avoid unexpected charges and stay connected. By choosing the right plan and turning on data roaming services, you can enjoy seamless internet access throughout your trip. Remember to monitor your usage and be aware of data limits to prevent additional costs. With these tips, you’ll make the most of your mobile experience while exploring France.
