Arriving at Paris Charles de Gaulle International Airport and need a local SIM card for your phone? Getting a French SIM card at CDG airport is easy, with kiosks and stores located in arrivals areas. This guide explains where to find SIM card at Paris Airport – Charles de Gaulle, the best SIM card deals, and things to know before buying a French SIM.

SIM Card at Paris Airport

I. Where to Buy a SIM Card at Paris Airport – Charles de Gaulle International Airport

Here are a few options for buying a SIM card at Paris Airport – Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) International Airport:

1. Relay Convenience Store

These are located airside after security in terminals of Charles de Gaulle airport (CDG). Relay sells all the major French SIM card brands like Orange, SFR, Bouygues, and SFR.

  • Location: Departure halls or between terminals at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. There is at least one Relay store in each terminal.
  • Opening hours: from 6am until 11pm daily
  • Language Support: English, France
Relay convenience store at Paris Airport
Relay convenience store at Paris Airport

2. Tourisme Information

CDG has Tourisme Information counters located near the arrivals areas. They may have a small selection of SIM cards or can point you to the nearest Relay store. Tourisme Information only offer SIM card in Terminal 1.

  • Location: Terminal 1 of Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.
  • Opening hours: 7.15 am till 8.45 pm daily
  • Language Support: French, English.

3. Orange Kiosks

There are Orange kiosks located throughout the terminal buildings where you can purchase prepaid SIM cards from the major French network Orange. Look for the bright orange signs.

  • Locations: one location in Terminal 1 and another location in Terminal 2E
  • Opening hours: From 6:00 to 21:00 daily.

All SIM card at Paris Airport will need to be activated before use. Make sure to bring your passport for registration. Coverage from the main carriers is excellent around Paris and nationwide.

II. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport SIM Card Options and Costs

Here are the main SIM card options at Paris airport and average costs:

SIM Card Price (USD) Data Validity Calling & Texting
Orange Holiday Europe SIM/eSIM ~$5 1GB in 4G/LTE 7 days Not included
~$21 12GB in 4G/LTE 14 days 30 mins + 200 texts
~$43 30GB in 4G/LTE 14 days 120 mins + 1000 texts
~$54 50GB in 5G/LTE 28 days 120 mins + 1000 texts
Bouygues My European SIM/eSIM ~$21 15GB 15 days -
~$24 15GB 15 days Unlimited calls in France and in Europe
~$43 30GB 30 days Unlimited calls in France and in Europe
SFR Travel SIM ~$32 60GB 30 days Unlimited in Europe/DOM + Up to 2.5 hours of calls from France to the world

Orange and SFR SIMs better for longer visits or heavy data usage due to faster networks. Avoid roaming from your home SIM if possible, as roaming rates are expensive. Buying a local French SIM Card at Paris Airport with a prepaid data plan saves on costs.

III. What You Need to Prepare for Getting a SIM Card at Paris Airport

To purchase and activate a SIM card at Paris Airport, you’ll need:

  • Unlocked Phone – Your phone must be unlocked to use foreign SIMs. Contact your provider to unlock it before travel.
  • Passport – Your passport will be required as ID when buying and registering a SIM card in France.
  • EU Visitors – EU citizens can get a SIM card with just their passport. No registration needed.
  • Non-EU Visitors – May require showing travel details like airline ticket and accommodation address.
  • Nano/Micro SIM – iPhone 11+ and newer Androids need a Nano SIM. Some cards come with adapters.
  • Activate SIM – Follow the instructions to activate SIM after inserting it into the phone. May need to call the provider.

Also budget enough data for maps/navigation and confirm what’s included in your SIM plan like talk time. Buying a SIM card at Paris airport allows you to research plans and be prepared. Keep your passport handy and know your phone’s SIM card size.

IV. eSIM as an Alternative to SIM Card at Paris Airport

Besides physical SIM card at Paris Airport, eSIM is a digital option offered by some French carriers and international eSIM providers. eSIM allows you to activate a cellular plan remotely, without having to insert a physical card.

The benefit of eSIM is not having to go to the airport kiosk on arrival. Avoid the hassle and get connected to 4G/5G networks in France from the comfort of your home with an eSIM from esimfrance.net. 

Purchase an eSIM plan online before your trip and receive instant activation details via email – no more searching for SIM vendors or activation instructions in a foreign airport. Say goodbye to roaming fees and stay connected everywhere you travel across France with fast and reliable data. Buy your eSIM plan now at esimfrance.net and be ready to go as soon as you touch down!

France’s calling, answer roaming free with esimfrance.net!
Buy my eSIM

V. FAQs about SIM Card at Paris Airport

Can I buy a SIM card outside the airport in Paris?

Yes, you can find SIM cards at convenience stores, supermarkets, phone shops and kiosks across Paris. However, prices may be higher than the airport.

How much data should I get on my French SIM card?

For light usage like maps and social media, 5-10GB is enough for a 1-2 week trip. For heavier usage or longer visits, opt for 20GB+ plans.

Can I get a SIM card at Paris airport?

Yes, you can purchase SIM cards from various operators like Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom, and SFR directly at the airport. Look for their kiosks or convenience stores after passing through customs/border control in the public areas.

Q: Do SIM cards work in other EU countries?

A: Most French SIMs include some roaming data in the EU. But check if you need to pay roaming fees outside France.

Q: Can I buy a SIM card if I’m in transit at CDG airport?

A: Yes, even on a layover you can purchase a SIM card without issues as long as you have your passport.

VI. Final Words

When arriving at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, look for prepaid French SIM card kiosks or Relay stores in the arrival halls. Have your unlocked phone and passport ready to purchase a local SIM card quickly. Check included data amounts to stay connected via data and calls while avoiding expensive roaming fees in Paris. France eSIM from esimfrance.net also offers high-speed 5G. Happy travels!