Bouygues eSIM and SIM Cards: Detailed Guides for Tourists

Are you planning a trip to France and looking for the best SIM card or eSIM option? Getting a local SIM card or eSIM is highly recommended to stay connected with mobile data and make affordable local calls during your France visit. In this detailed guide, we will provide everything you need to know about using Bouygues mobile network and their SIM cards or eSIMs in France as a tourist.

1. Quick facts about Bouygues

Bouygues is a French multinational conglomerate operating in over 80 countries worldwide. Here are some quick facts about Bouygues Telecom:

• Bouygues Telecom got permission to operate in 1994 and started its mobile network services in 1996.
• Bouygues Telecom is the 3rd largest mobile network operator in France with over 14 million subscribers.
• It has excellent population-wide 4G LTE coverage and rapidly growing 5G availability.
• Bouygues offers prepaid SIM cards, tourist eSIMs as well as long-term resident SIM and eSIM options.
• Prepaid SIM and eSIM options are available for short-term tourists with flexible data packages.
• Bouygues network provides high-speed and reliable mobile data all over France.

In summary, Bouygues is a large diversified French conglomerate with leading positions in construction, telecoms, media, and transportation infrastructure worldwide.

2. Bouygues Coverage and Speed in France

As one of the major mobile network operators in France, Bouygues provides telecommunications services across the country. Here is more on Bouygues’ coverage and speed in France:

2.1. Bouygues coverage in France

Bouygues has 98% population coverage with its network in France following the latest Opensignal’s report. It has extensive 4G LTE availability and fast-expanding 5G coverage in major cities and tourist areas:

You will get a strong Bouygues mobile signal and high-speed data connectivity even in smaller towns and rural regions. Only in very remote mountainous areas, you may face occasional coverage gaps: 

• Coverage Experience: Bouygues ranks 3rd with a score of 8.5/10, indicating good coverage where users live and travel.
• 5G Coverage Experience: Bouygues tied for 2nd with a score of 3.3/10, showing established 5G coverage nationally.
• Availability: 98.1% of the time connected to 3G or better signal, placing 3rd.

In summary: Bouygues provides reliable nationwide coverage across France16.5-16.8% time with a 5G connection, tying for 2nd. Scores are consistently high and on par with major competitors. Offers good user experience for both urban and rural coverage.

So in short, while not always leading, Bouygues’ coverage metrics according to Opensignal demonstrate it provides solid and dependable signals for customers across the country.

2.2. Bouygues speed

Network speed and performance are among the top priorities of Bouygues Telecom to offer the best experience to its customers. Here are some key details about Bouygues Telecom’s speeds across its mobile networks:

• For overall Download Speed Experience, Bouygues places second with an average speed of 51.0 Mbps. This is around 30.3% slower than winner Orange’s speed of 66.9 Mbps.
• Bouygues also places second for overall Upload Speed Experience with an average of 8.0 Mbps, just 2.7% behind Orange’s 8.2 Mbps.
• In the 5G speeds categories, Bouygues ranks second for both 5G Download Speed and 5G Upload Speed. It achieves an average 5G download speed of 213.1 Mbps, which is significantly faster than third place Free Mobile but still 44.1% behind winner Orange’s 336.9 Mbps.

In summary, while Bouygues provides very good average speeds across both overall and 5G networks in France, it consistently places second behind Orange in download and upload speed metrics. Bouygues’ speeds are still much faster than the national averages seen in many countries. So overall, Bouygues delivers fast and reliable speeds, but Orange has demonstrated a clear advantage in peak 5G throughput capabilities.

3. Bouygues connectivity options for travelers to France

Bouygues Telecom offers both SIM cards and eSIM connectivity options for tourists visiting France:

4. Best Bouygues SIM cards for tourists & cost

Bouygues Telecom offers a variety of SIM cards for tourists, but the best one for you will be Bouygues My European SIM. This is a great option if you’re looking for a lot of data and unlimited calls and SMS within Europe.

Ultimately, if you’re looking for the most data and unlimited calls and SMS, then the My European eSIM is the best option.

5. Does Bouygues France support eSIM?

Yes, Bouygues Telecom launched the eSIM service in 2020 and it has steadily expanded eSIM availability.

Currently, tourists visiting France can purchase Bouygues My European eSIM online. There are no different plan options compared to their physical SIM card above.

All iPhones after the iPhone XR and newer Android phones support eSIM activation. So you can use Bouygues France eSIM if you have a compatible phone.

6. Where can you buy a Bouygues SIM card and eSIM?

Travelers visiting France have convenient options for accessing Bouygues’ reliable connectivity by purchasing prepaid SIM cards or eSIM profiles both before and during their trip.

6.1. Where to buy Bouygues SIM for France

You can purchase a Bouygues Telecom prepaid SIM card:

• Direct from Bouygues Telecom in France: You can purchase a SIM starter pack directly from Bouygues retail stores or customer service centers located throughout France. Look for stores near major airports and train stations. Use store locator to find the store near you.

• Bouygues SIM retailers online: Some third-party websites sell Bouygues SIM cards that can be delivered internationally. Make sure to choose a reputable retailer. 
• Purchase at a French newsagent/tabac: Tobacco shops and press kiosks (tabacs) in France sell prepaid SIM cards from all major carriers like Bouygues. They may be more convenient to find than a carrier store.
• Airport: Many French airports have stores or carrier kiosks near arrival areas selling prepaid SIMs from Bouygues and other networks. Check for places accepting cash/cards.
• Order online for delivery in France: You can order a Bouygues SIM card online from their website and have it sent to a French address for activation upon arrival. Check delivery timeframes.

The most convenient way is to purchase directly from a Bouygues store or at the airport when you land in France for the fastest activation of a local SIM.

6.2. Where to buy France Bouygues eSIM

Bouygues prepaid tourist eSIM profile can be purchased:

• Bouygues Website: You can purchase Bouygues eSIM plans directly from their official website. The plans will be provided on the Bouygues network.
• esimfrance.net: An eSIM provider that sells prepaid eSIM plans for multiple networks in France including Bouygues. The advantage is they have flexible short-term plans starting from 3 days which may suit short trips. Also, their plans work across France and other European countries while Bouygues’ plans are limited to France only.

So in summary, for purely domestic use in France, Bouygues website plans will be a better option. But for flexibility of shorter durations, multi-country coverage, and English support, esimfrance.net is recommended, especially for tourists. The small extra price is worth it for the added value they provide.

Skip SIM swapping and hassle with prepaid Bouygues eSIM starting from as low as $3.5. Connect to high-speed 4G LTE data on Bouygues Telecom – one of the leading telco networks in France. Purchase flexible short-term or long-validity plans online, activate with a simple QR code, and enjoy reliable coverage across the country. Travel SIM-free with esimfrance.net!

7. How to activate Bouygues France SIM and Bouygues eSIM

Once you’ve purchased a Bouygues eSIM plan or physical SIM, following these simple steps will ensure easy activation of your cellular data connection on the Bouygues network everywhere in France:

7.1. How To Use Bouygues France SIM Card

Below are the basic steps to use a Bouygues France SIM card when traveling there:

• Get the standard SIM card. It may come with a pre-installed plan.
• Insert the Bouygues SIM card into your unlocked phone.
• Turn on mobile data and make calls.
• If SIM is not activated, call 614 or check SMS to activate.
• Use the MyBouygues app to recharge and manage your SIM.

That covers the basics! Be sure to review Bouygues’ usage policies and pricing plans before your trip.

7.2. How to activate Bouygues France eSIM

Follow the steps below for Bouygues prepaid tourist eSIM from Bouygues:

• Purchase Bouygues eSIM profile online and get the activation code.
• On your phone, turn on WiFi then go to the eSIM installation section.
• Enter the activation code to install the Bouygues France eSIM profile.
• Follow the prompts to activate your eSIM and reboot your phone.
• Bouygues eSIM will be ready for use.
• Use the MyBouygues app to recharge and manage eSIM.

Both Bouygues SIM and eSIM are easy to set up directly on your device. You can then use mobile data, make calls, and send SMS in France.

8. France Bouygues Call & SMS rates

Bouygues Prepaid SIM card has the following rates after using up your bundled international minutes:

• Calls to other Bouygues numbers are free.
• Calls to landlines in France are charged at €0.15/minute.
• Calls to mobiles in France are €0.30/minute.
• Calls to landlines in Europe are €0.24/minute. Calls to mobiles in Europe are €0.39/minute.
• SMS messages sent within France are €0.11 each.
• SMS messages sent within Europe are €0.12 each.
• MMS messages sent within France are €0.24 each. MMS sent within Europe are €0.30 each.
• Calling international numbers from France is charged at standard international rates, typically €0.60-€1 per minute depending on the destination country.
• Receiving calls is always free regardless of destination in France or Europe.

Receiving calls and texts is free in France. EU roaming calls are charged per minute (no per-second billing).

9. Useful USSD codes for Bouygues France SIM/eSIM

Here are two options to check your remaining data on your Bouygues Telecom prepaid SIM card or eSIM:

1. Log in to your “Customer Area” at Bouygues official website and select your prepaid SIM card or eSIM. Go to “Manage my usage” to see your remaining data.
2. Call 634 from your smartphone to speak with an English-speaking customer support agent and inquire about your remaining data balance on your SIM card/eSIM.

Enter these codes directly on the phone dial pad to get relevant info. No need for data or SMS balance.

10. How to top-up Bouygues France SIM/eSIM

You can recharge your Bouygues SIM card or eSIM using the following methods:

• Online via the MyBouygues app using an international credit card
• At any Tabac shop show the number and pay cash
• Vouchers bought online and enter code on the MyBouygues app

You can also buy French Bouygues top-up vouchers on recharge.com.

12. FAQs about Bouygues in France

13. Final words

In conclusion, Bouygues’ SIM options are a convenient way for tourists to get mobile service without worrying about roaming fees or foreign phone plans. Either the eSIM or physical SIM can be inexpensive to set up and provide essential connectivity during a visit to France. Tourists should choose the right plan type based on their device and need to maximize the benefits of staying mobile.