In this digital age, getting mobile data at foreign airports is important for maps, transportation apps, calls, and messages. Picking up a local SIM card at Nice Airport in France is easy and inexpensive. Using an unlocked phone with a SIM is more flexible than rental options. Getting and using SIM cards at Nice Airport makes navigating trips simpler.
Table of Contents
1. Where to Buy a SIM Card at Nice Airport – Nice-Côte d’Azur Airport
There are several locations at Nice Airport to purchase a SIM card after you land. You can buy a SIM card at Nice Airport in the following locations:
1.1. FNAC (Terminals 1-2)
In addition to SIM options, FNAC sells major carriers like Orange, SFR, and Bouygues Telecom. Prepaid or postpaid SIMs are available. For short trips, prepaid plans work best since you buy credit for calls, texts, and data. Living in France long-term, postpaid monthly plans make more sense with included allowances. Picking up a SIM at Nice Airport covers your connectivity needs.
- Opening hours: From 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, seven days a week.
- Location:
- In Terminal 1, FNAC is located on Level 1, near the security checkpoint.
- In Terminal 2, FNAC is located on Level 2, near the check-in counters.
- Language support: English, French.
1.2. Relay (Terminal 2)
Orange is France’s largest carrier. Relay is a top pick for SIMs at Nice Airport since it offers various options conveniently. However, note that Relay only provides Orange SIM cards, not alternatives like SFR or Bouygues Telecom.
- Opening hours: Relay is open from 5:15 AM to 10:00 PM, seven days a week.
- Location: Terminal 2 of Nice-Côte d’Azur Airport, near gate B41.
- Language support: English, French.
2. Nice Nice-Côte d’Azur Airport SIM Card Options and Costs
The main French carriers like Orange, SFR, and Bouygues Telecom all offer prepaid SIM cards at Nice airport tailored for tourists. Here are some of the top options with average costs:
| France SIM | Price (USD) | Data | Validity | Calling & Texting |
| Orange Holiday Europe SIM/eSIM | ~$5 | 1GB in 4G/LTE | 7 days | - |
| ~$21 | 12GB in 4G/LTE | 14 days | Unlimited in France 30 min calls + 200 texts to the world | |
| ~$43 | 30GB in 4G/LTE | 14 days | Unlimited in France 2 hours calls + 1000 texts to the world | |
| ~$54 | 50GB in 5G/LTE | 28 days | Unlimited in France 2 hours calls + 1000 texts | |
| Bouygues My European SIM/eSIM | ~$21 | 15GB in France and Europe | 15 days | - |
| ~$24 | 20GB in France and Europe | 15 days | Unlimited calls in France and in Europe | |
| ~$43 | 30GB in France and Europe | 30 days | Unlimited calls in France and in Europe 25€ credits included for calls to international | |
| ~$54 | 60GB in France and Europe | 30 days | Unlimited calls in France and in Europe 25€ credits included for calls to international | |
| SFR Travel SIM | ~$32 | 60GB | 30 days | Unlimited in Europe/DOM Up to 2.5 hours of calls from France to the world |
| Free 5G Plan 300GB | ~$21 | 300 GB of mobile internet in 5G/4G 35GB in 4G from 100 destinations | 1 month | Unlimited in France |
Orange and SFR may have better rural coverage. Shop around for the best deal for your trip length and data needs.
3. What You Need to Prepare for Getting a SIM Card at Nice-Côte d’Azur Airport
To purchase and use a local French SIM card at Nice airport, there are a few requirements you’ll need to prepare:
- An Unlocked Phone – Your smartphone must be unlocked to use a foreign SIM card abroad. Contact your home carrier in advance to request your device be network unlocked.
- SIM Card Size – Bring your own standard size or nano SIM adapter if your device requires a smaller size. Micro SIMs are rarely available now.
- Passport – When buying a prepaid SIM card, shops at Nice Airport will ask to see your passport to register the SIM card.
- Cash – Have some Euros on hand to pay for your French SIM card and initial top-up credit.
Also be sure to turn off data roaming on your home SIM before inserting the French SIM card at Nice airport to avoid racking up roaming charges. With a bit of preparation, getting connected is quick and easy upon arrival at Nice airport.
4. eSIM as an Alternative to SIM Card at Nice-Côte d’Azur Airport
If you have an unlocked phone with eSIM capability, you could consider an eSIM for France as an alternative to a physical SIM card at Nice airport. eSIMs are digital SIMs that are scanned and downloaded to your phone.
Some benefits of using an eSIM include:
- Remote set-up before arrival
- No need to go to the store or kiosk at the airport
- Multiple plans and numbers on one device
- Easily switch data plans as you travel
Top France eSIM providers include esimfrance.net. Plans range from 1GB short-term to 50GB for a month. Just make sure to download the eSIM before departure for remote activation.
Purchase an eSIM plan from esimfrance.net and stay connected hassle-free wherever you travel in France. Shop affordable France and Europe eSIM data plans starting at just $3.5.
5. FAQs About Purchasing a SIM Card at Nice Airport
How long does it take to activate the Nice Airport SIM card?
If you purchase your SIM at a shop like Orange or Relay, they can set it up right away and it will be ready to use in minutes. SIMs from vending machines may take up to 24 hours to activate.
Can I use mobile data throughout France?
Yes, a SIM card at Nice Airport allows you to use data affordably across metropolitan France. Speeds and coverage vary between urban and rural areas.
Are there ID requirements to buy a SIM card at Nice Airport?
Shops at the Nice airport will ask you to register the SIM card with your passport details. This is required by law to purchase prepaid SIMs in France.
Do I need to cancel my Nice Airport SIM card before leaving France?
No cancellation is required. French prepaid SIM cards simply expire after a valid number of days. You can toss out the SIM when your trip is over.
Can you buy a SIM card at Nice airport?
Yes, you can buy a SIM card at Nice Airport. Look for a Relay store or kiosk offers SIMs after baggage claim. Passport required for activation. Airport SIMs may cost slightly more but allow instant setup.
6. Final Words
It’s best to buy a French SIM card upon arrival at Nice-Côte d’Azur Airport. Stop by a carrier shop or use the vending machines. Just have your unlocked phone and passport ready. You’ll then be able to use maps, and apps and stay connected affordably during your Nice trip. Enjoy!
