SFR eSIM and SIM Cards: Detailed Guides for Tourists

SFR is one of France’s largest mobile networks, with coverage across the country. As a tourist in France, it’s important to get an SFR SIM card or SFR eSIM for your smartphone so you can stay connected while traveling. This guide provides an overview of using SFR in France, including network coverage, SIM options like speed and plans, activation process, call rates, and more.

1. Quick facts about SFR

SFR is a mobile network operator belonging to Altice France. With over 26 million subscribers, it is the second-largest mobile network operator in France. SFR provides a large selection of mobile packages consisting of prepay, postpay, and corporate plans. SFR also has many mobile products like smartphones and tablets and also wearable types of products.

Here are some quick facts about SFR:

• Founded in 1987
• A company with headquarters in Issy-les-Moulineaux, France
• The second-largest French mobile network operator.
• Subsidiary of Altice France
• Over 26 million subscribers
• Provides prepaid, postpaid as well as businesses mobile plans
• Provides different kinds of mobile products, e.g., smartphones, tablets, and wearables.

Hence, SFR is a worthy consideration for mobile users in France at large. It provides different mobile plans at affordable rates and excellent network services. On the other hand, some customers have complained about speed, network consistency and customer services.

2. SFR Coverage and Speed in France

Before getting an SFR SIM card in France, it’s good to understand their network coverage and speeds across the country.

2.1. SFR coverage in France

SFR has the second-best overall mobile network coverage in France, behind Orange. According to Opensignal’s November 2023 Report:

• SFR takes second place in the Coverage Experience award with a score of 8.7 points out of 10. This indicates that SFR provides coverage in most places where users live, work, and travel within France.
• For 5G Coverage Experience, SFR places third with a score of 3.0 points out of 10. This is slightly behind the leader Free Mobile (3.7 points) and runner-up Bouygues (3.3 points). So SFR’s 5G coverage is more limited compared to these two competitors.
• In terms of availability, SFR scores 98.1%, statistically tied with Bouygues and Orange. This means SFR users had a mobile connection over 98% of the time on average. The availability scores were very high across all four major operators in France.
• For 5G availability specifically, SFR wins this award with a score of 18.2%. This means Opensignal users on SFR’s network spent the highest proportion of time with an active 5G connection compared to the other operators.

In summary, while not the leader in 5G coverage, SFR provides good overall mobile coverage across France and high availability for both overall and 5G connections according to Opensignal’s metrics in this report. SFR leads in terms of the percentage of time users spend connected to 5G when in 5G coverage areas.

2.2. SFR speed

Based on the Opensignal November 2023 Mobile Network Experience Report for France, here are the key points about SFR’s speeds:

• SFR places second alongside Bouygues for Download Speed Experience, with an average speed of 51.8Mbps. This is around 15% slower than winner Orange’s speed of 66.9Mbps.
• For 5G Download Speed, SFR achieves an average of 233.9Mbps. This places it in second behind Orange (336.9Mbps), but over 100Mbps faster than Free Mobile in third.
• When it comes to Upload Speed Experience on the overall network, SFR scores 7.4Mbps, placing it third behind Orange (8.2Mbps) and Bouygues (8.0Mbps).
• For 5G Upload Speed specifically, SFR ties for second place with Bouygues, achieving an average of 19.9Mbps. Both are around 15% slower than winner Orange’s 22.7Mbps.

In summary, while not the outright fastest, SFR generally delivers average speeds that are competitive with the top operators in France. It places second for most 5G speed metrics, showing it provides a good 5G experience for downloading and uploading data.

3. SFR connectivity options for travelers to France

Here are some of the main connectivity options provided by SFR for travelers visiting France:

In general, a prepaid SIM or eSIM is the most cost-effective option for moderate to long-term usage. Roaming can get very expensive compared to local plans. Pocket WiFi is good if you need to share internet across devices but data limits make it more costly than SIM options overall.

4. Best SFR SIM cards for tourists & cost

SFR Travel SIM is the best SFR SIM card for tourists. Here is a table of the best SFR SIM card options for tourists:

If you have to use a large amount of data, you may consider purchasing an eSIM from other providers like esimfrance.net. Compared with SFR, they usually have cheaper data plans.

5. Does SFR France support eSIM?

Yes, SFR offers eSIM service in France with the same plan above for phones that can operate on the platform on iPhones and Android.
In addition, the process of activating SFR eSIM may entail the use of QR codes and a particular application.

Thus, tourists could find a France eSIM from other eSIM providers more accessible and convenient than SFR eSIM. You can even try eSIM offered by esimfrance.net which works on SFR’s network allowing one to be able to access different plans.

However, if you have an eSIM phone and want to give SFR a try, make sure to check the eSIM Compatible Device List before purchasing eSIM.

6. Where To Buy an SFR SIM card and eSIM?

For travelers looking to purchase an SFR SIM card France or eSIM for connectivity in France, there are a few main options for where to buy:

6.1. Where to buy SFR SIM for France

You can buy an SFR SIM card for France in several places, including:

• SFR boutiques: You should buy an SFR SIM card at SFR boutiques. The staff will give advice on which data plan is best suited for you. You may locate the SFR boutique in France using the SFR store locator. Provide your passport and proof of address.
• Tobacco shops: SFR SIMs are sold in tobacco shops, though staff knowledge is limited versus SFR boutiques. Check for SFR branding outside tobacco shops to confirm they sell SIMs.
• Online retailers: SFR SIM cards can be purchased online from retailers like Amazon, Lebara France, and eBay. Check the retailer is reliable by looking at reviews and customer service scores.
• Paris airports: SIM kiosks and Relay shops in CDG and Orly airports.

6.2. Where to buy SFR France eSIM

Here are some highly recommended places for buying an eSIM data plan for SFR:

• SFR partner stores – You can only buy an SFR Travel eSIM from their partner stores – Relay tobacco shops.
• esimfrance.net – An eSIM provider of eSIM plans from all the major French networks – SFR, Orange, and Bouygues. Plans are flexible from 3 days to 30 days. Provide eSIM profiles by email for activation.

So it is generally easier for tourists to get an eSIM provided by esimfrance.net, making it the best choice for those who need a reliable mobile data connection during their visit to France using an SFR eSIM plan.

Ditch the physical SIM and go digital with eSIM from esimfrance.net. Get set up straightforward on the reliable SFR network without leaving home. Just transfer your number online and activate eSIM to instantly enjoy strong 4G/LTE coverage. What are you waiting for? Visit esimfrance.net now to switch to easy eSIM.

7. How to activate SFR France SIM/eSIM

Once you obtain an SFR SIM card or eSIM, whether prepaid or rental, it will need to be activated before use on the network. The activation process generally involves:

7.1. How to use SFR SIM card France

1. Insert the new SFR SIM and turn on the phone.
2. It will auto-configure and show signal bars.
3. Enter SIM PIN if prompted. The default PIN is 0000 or 1234.
4. You can now make calls, send SMS, and use data.
5. Top-up when required to recharge your prepaid credit.

7.2. How to activate SFR eSIM

1. Install the SFR app on your phone.
2. Sign up for an account and verify a French payment method.
3. Go to the eSIM section and scan the QR code you received.
4. Follow the prompts to download and install the eSIM profile.
5. May need to reboot my phone to switch to eSIM.
6. Top-up your eSIM through the app as required.

That’s it! You should now have working SFR cellular service on your trip in France.

8. France SFR Call & SMS rates

Whether you’re a local SFR subscriber or visiting France, knowing SFR Call & SMS rates can help you budget your wireless communications expenses during your stay:

9. Useful USSD codes for SFR France SIM/eSIM

Here are some useful USSD codes that can be used on SFR France SIM cards:

• Call 950 for free from your SFR phone and from within France and follow the instructions.
• Send your 10-digit refill code to 952 to activate your recharge on your mobile phone.

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

You can recharge your SFR prepaid credit using these methods:

• SFR app – Instant top-up by French card or PayPal
• SFR website – Recharge online to SIM
• SFR stores – Pay at the store counter
• Vouchers – Enter the recharge code from the voucher
• ATMs – Some French ATMs allow mobile top-up

Start with a €10-20 (~10-20 USD) top-up which should last a few days depending on usage. Then recharge as required.

12. FAQs about SFR in France

13. Final words

The comprehensive guide to using SFR SIM Cards and eSIM while in France. SFR has a good network covering the whole of France at fast speeds and cheaper prepaid bundles to remain connected in France. Upon arrival at airports and stores, seek their SFR Travel SIM cards. Also, ensure to top up your credit once in a while. Take pleasure in your trip at ease with the SFR connection.