Are you planning to go on a journey to France soon? Reliable connectivity should therefore be among your priorities if you were to start with. However, what is a better network to use than Orange – the leading mobile operator in France with excellent coverage and speed? This article will inform you about Orange eSIM France and Orange SIM card France to enable you to connect when visiting France.

Orange SIM Card and eSIM

1. Quick Facts about Orange

To give you an overview of Orange France at a glance, here are some quick facts about the company:

  • Orange is a French multinational telecommunications corporation. It was formerly known as France Télécom.
  • It is one of the largest mobile network operators in France, along with Bouygues Telecom and SFR.
  • As of 2022, Orange France has over 27 million mobile customers and handles over 60 billion minutes of phone calls annually.
  • The company oversees fiber optic and cellular networks across France and also has operations in other parts of Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
  • Orange France is majority owned by the French state with headquarters in Paris. It employs over 25,000 people in France.

In summary, Orange France is the major telco that keeps communications running smoothly across the country. With wide coverage from its networks, visitors can rely on Orange whether they need to make calls, send texts, or access data online while exploring everything France has to offer.

Orange Logo

2. Why Orange When You’re Exploring France – Coverage and Speed

Before choosing any network provider in a foreign country, you must consider two important factors – coverage and speed.

2.1. Orange Coverage in France

According to the Opensignal report for November 2023, Orange has the best overall mobile network experience in France. Orange won the following awards in the report:

  • Orange leads in overall coverage with a Coverage Experience score of 9.1/10 according to the Opensignal report.
  • However, Orange lags in 5G coverage at just 2.3/10, below Free Mobile (3.7), Bouygues (3.3), and SFR (3.0).
  • Availability of 98.0% shows Orange’s network has wide accessibility across France.

In summary, Orange has a broad nationwide network but must strengthen 5G footprint. Competitors are improving, so expanding 5G coverage further will be key to Orange retaining market leadership.

2.2. Orange Speed

France Mobile Operators Speed
France Mobile Operators Speed

The Opensignal report for November 2023 indicates that Orange is the leader in terms of the fastest overall download speed in France:

  • Orange has the fastest average 5G download speeds at 336.9Mbps, over 40% faster than SFR in second.
  • It wins overall Download Speed Experience with an average of 66.9Mbps, around 30% ahead of Bouygues and SFR.
  • 5G upload speeds on Orange average 22.7Mbps, around 15% faster than Bouygues and SFR.
  • Orange also leads in overall average upload speeds, winning Upload Speed Experience at 8.2Mbps.
  • It tops video and gaming experience metrics like Video Experience and 5G Video Experience, showing strong, consistent speeds.

In short, Orange offers by far the fastest 5G and overall speeds in France. It leads across major download and upload metrics, highlighting the advantages its network provides through high data speeds.

3. Orange Connectivity Options for Travelers to France

As a tourist visiting France, you can choose from these simple connectivity options on the Orange network:

Connectivity Options Pros Cons
Orange Holiday SIM card Fixed price, Unlimited calls and texts within Europe, No need to top up, Easy to set up Need to purchase separately and activate, require an unlocked phone.
Orange Holiday eSIM Same benefits as Orange Holiday SIM card, No need for a physical SIM card, Can be activated instantly Requires an eSIM compatible phone
Orange Pocket Wi-Fi Good for sharing data with multiple devices, No need to change SIM cards, Can be convenient for group travel More expensive than SIM cards, Requires carrying an extra device, Battery life may be limited
Orange Roaming No need to purchase extra plan, uses existing mobile account. Much higher per MB cost than local SIM, roaming charges apply which adds up quickly.

The best option is to purchase an Orange eSIM France if you are planning to stay in France for a trip, no need to swap SIM. If you are planning to stay in France for a longer time or need a lot of data, you may want to consider purchasing a prepaid Orange SIM Card in France or a data pass.

4. Best Orange SIM Cards France for Tourists & Cost

Orange Holiday SIM
Orange Holiday SIM

Orange Holiday Europe SIM cards are a great Orange SIM Card France option for tourists visiting Europe. Orange Holiday Europe SIM cards are very affordable, especially when you consider the amount of data and calling minutes that you get.

Here are the best Orange Holiday Europe SIM cards from Orange France for tourists visiting France and their associated costs:

Plan 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

Orange Holiday Europe SIM cards come with a generous data allowance and a local number, which is important for staying connected while traveling. The 12GB SIM card is a good option for most travelers, but the 30GB SIM card is a better choice for heavy data users.

5. Does Orange Support eSIM in France?

Yes, eSIM is a fully supported option on Orange’s network in France. Just make sure to check your device compatibility.

Orange Holiday eSIM provides the same offer as their physical SIM cards in France.

6. Where can You Buy An Orange SIM card France and eSIM?

Here are some options for where you can purchase an Orange SIM card France or Orange eSIM France when visiting France:

6.1. Where to Buy Orange SIM Card in France?

You can easily find Orange SIM cards at these locations across France:

  • Orange boutiques – Orange boutiques are the best place to buy an Orange SIM card if you want to be able to compare different plans and get help from a salesperson. Orange boutiques are located all over France, including in major cities and tourist areas.
  • Relay stores – Relay stores can be a good option in case one is in a rush. Relay stores are situated at airports and stations, so one should buy a SIM card immediately after arrival in France.
  • Supermarkets – Some supermarkets like Carrefour or Auchan sell this type of SIM card. This is a more practical approach especially if you were planning on doing the grocery shopping anyway.
  • Electronics stores – Orange SIM cards are also sold in electronic stores like Darty and Fnac. This makes it a good choice if you’re also buying a new phone or other electronic kit.
  • Online retailers – This is also a possible way to buy an Orange SIM card from retailers like Amazon.fr, who are online retailers too. It is a good alternative if you are not up to visiting a store.
  • Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport – You can get an Orange SIM card at the Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport. It would be very convenient for you in case you need a SIM card immediately after you arrive.

When buying in person, you need to provide your passport as ID proof. Getting it online delivered to your place or hotel in France is more convenient.

Orange Store in France
Orange Store in Paris

6.2. Where to Buy Orange eSIM France?

You can buy Orange eSIMs in France at:

  • Orange Website: Buying directly from their website allows you to get eSIM plans that run on the Orange network. However, Orange eSIM plans may need an account with your personal information.
  • Esimfrance.net: esimfrance.net is an independent eSIM provider, they offer flexible Orange eSIM plans that are well-suited for tourists visiting France. These plans provide data as well as voice/SMS benefits and no need an account to purchase.

Discover hassle-free travel in France with a digital eSIM. Bye-bye roaming fees, simply purchase online and connect in minutes. Explore with fast data with free calls and SMSs for just $21. Get your Orange eSIM France now!

Get France eSIM
Beat roaming fees and bypass airport SIM shops.
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7. How to Activate Orange SIM/eSIM in France?

Activating your Orange SIM card France or Orange eSIM France is easy and quick whether you are in France or abroad:

7.1. How to Use an Orange SIM Card in France?

Follow the steps below to properly insert and activate your Orange SIM card so you can enjoy seamless connectivity on your trip:

  • Get the SIM pack with the scratch card showing the PIN code.
  • Insert the normal SIM in your phone and turn it on.
  • A setup prompt will appear and it will detect the Orange SIM.
  • Enter the PIN when asked and you’ll see the Orange network.
  • Open the browser and go to the Orange prepaid portal, select a plan, and make payment by card.
  • You’ll get an SMS confirmation when activated. Start using mobile data, calls, and SMS

7.2. How to Activate Orange eSIM France?

Here are the basic steps to activate an Orange eSIM for use in France:

  1. Purchase an Orange eSIM online or from an Orange store. This will come with an eSIM profile and activation code.
  2. Make sure your device supports eSIM. Most recent iPhones, Samsung, Google, and other flagship devices support eSIM.
  3. Download the Orange France app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
  4. Open the app and select “Activate eSIM” or a similar option.
  5. Enter the details from your eSIM package like the activation code.
  6. Follow the on-screen instructions to download and install the eSIM profile on your device. The app will guide you through the process.
  7. Once installed, your eSIM will be activated and ready to use on Orange’s network in France. You can make calls, send texts, and use data.
  8. You may need to reboot your phone once the eSIM is installed for cellular connectivity to work properly.
  9. The Orange app lets you manage your eSIM account as well like checking balance, changing plans, etc.

That’s the basic process. Make sure to have your eSIM package and device properly set up before starting the activation in the Orange app.

Please check your detailed instructions below to activate your Orange eSIM France smoothly:

8. France Orange Call & SMS Rates

Orange prepaid plans come with generous domestic and EU allowances. But it’s good to know the rates for extra usage:

  • Calls cost €0.40 per minute to France and Europe.
  • SMS cost €0.10 each.
  • Data costs €0.50 per Mb.

Please note that these rates are for calls and SMS messages made within France. Roaming charges may apply if you use your phone outside of France.

9. Useful USSD Codes for Orange SIM/eSIM

Just dial *123#  to track your usage on your Orange SIM Card France or Orange eSIM France to quickly access account information and settings.

10. How to Top-up Orange SIM/eSIM

When your data or calling balance runs low, you can easily recharge your Orange SIM Card France or Orang eSIM France using:

  • Online – Use your credit/debit card on the Orange prepaid portal.
  • App – The Orange Travel app for Android/iOS allows easy top-up.
  • Vouchers – Buy top-up vouchers locally and enter the code.

Online recharge is best as you can also renew your prepaid pack on their website for continued service.

11. FAQs about Orange in France

Does Orange offer 5G in France?

Yes, Orange has rolled out 5G coverage in around 17 major cities so far including Paris, Marseille, Nice, and others. You need a 5G-capable phone to use it.

How do I check Orange data usage?

You can check mobile data usage by sending a free SMS to 121 or dialing *123# on your Orange SIM. The Orange app also shows data usage.

Does Orange SIM work in French overseas territories?

Orange has good coverage in French overseas departments like Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Guiana, Reunion etc. Check roaming packs.

Can I use Orange SIM in Europe?

Yes, Orange SIMs and eSIM come with free roaming across the EU. You get plenty of data, minutes and SMS to use when traveling.

How can I contact Orange support?

You can call 1414 from your Orange SIM for customer care. Other options are live chat via app or website and email support.

How to get Orange SIM Card in France?

Buy a prepaid Orange SIM card, activate and set up the number, then top up credit as required each month for prepaid usage. No contracts are required with prepaid plans.

How to activate Orange SIM?

Insert the SIM card into your phone > Turn on your phone – it will automatically connect to Orange. If not, enter the 15-digit SIM unlock code (printed on the SIM packet) >Select the Orange network from the network selection menu > Dial *101# and wait for a text confirming activation >Make a test call and send an SMS to verify connectivity.
Visit an Orange store or contact support if not activated after the above steps. They can manually activate if needed.

Do Orange SIM cards expire?

Orange prepaid SIM cards themselves do not have a fixed expiration date but can become inactive, have credit expire, or become incompatible due to network upgrades over many years of non-use. Regular topping up ensures the SIM remains active.

12. Final Words

Getting an Orange SIM card or eSIM is the best way to stay connected across France with great coverage, speeds, and value prepaid plans. You can either buy it online in advance or visit any Orange store when you arrive in France. Both SIM and eSIM options allow dual SIM setup. Activation is quick and easy after which you’ll have unlimited domestic and EU roaming access to make the most of your France trip!