Planning a trip to France? Get a local SIM card for affordable connectivity. A French SIM avoids roaming charges and provides data, calls, and texts. This guide covers the top prepaid providers, plans, purchasing options, and tips for saving money. Read on for an overview of getting connected in France.
Table of Contents
1. Should I Buy a New SIM Card for My France Trip?
For most travelers visiting France, getting a local prepaid France SIM Card is highly recommended among various mobile internet options in France. With a French SIM card, you can:
- Avoid high roaming fees from your home provider
- Have constant access to data/internet for maps, translators, and social media
- Make affordable local calls and texts to French numbers
- Stay connected throughout France and other EU countries
The main downside is getting a temporary local number instead of your regular one. But free airport/hotel WiFi isn’t reliable, and roaming data charges from your home carrier can be huge. Overall, a physical SIM card for France is a reliable option that’s easy to purchase when you arrive.
2. France SIM Card Types – Which One is the Best for Tourists?
When shopping for a France SIM Card, you’ll generally come across four options:
| Option | Pros | Cons | Best For |
| Prepaid SIM card | Widely available in airports and stores. Affordable data plans. Keep your original number for calls/SMS. | Requires switching physical SIM cards. Can be bulky to carry multiple. Activation might require local address/ID. | Budget-conscious travelers who need frequent data & want to keep their number. |
| eSIM | Convenient, no physical card needed. Can activate before arriving in France. Some offer multi-country plan. | Limited availability for tourists (mostly online purchase). Requires compatible phone. Activation might require internet access. | Travelers who prioritize convenience and multi-country travel. |
| Pocket Wi-Fi | Shares data with multiple devices. No SIM card needed for connected devices. Can be rented in advance. | Bulky and requires charging. Can be expensive compared to SIM cards. Data consumption shared across devices. | Groups or families who need to share data and don't have compatible eSIM phones. |
| Roaming | No need to buy new SIM or eSIM. Works with your existing phone plan. | Expensive data charges, especially outside EU. Limited data options compared to dedicated travel plans. Activation might require contacting your provider. | Occasional travelers with limited data needs staying within the EU. |
For travel in France, a prepaid SIM card is usually the most convenient choice as they are readily available and easy to set up. eSIMs are also viable if your device supports it, offering flexibility to change plans. The main factors are phone compatibility, convenience and reliability. Both prepaid SIMs and eSIMs will provide fast, reliable coverage across France on mobile networks. Check your device supports the SIM type you plan to use.
3. How Much Data Is Enough for a Prepaid Tourist SIM Card for France?
If you plan to use your French SIM primarily for maps, social media, web browsing, and light video/music streaming, a prepaid plan with 5-10GB of data is recommended for a 7-14 day trip.
You may want to opt for a 10-20GB data plan for two weeks or longer trips with heavier data usage. Unlimited data plans are also available but usually not necessary for the average traveler’s usage.
Within the EU, French SIMs provide some data roaming at no extra cost, so your 5GB could stretch further if you travel nearby. To conserve data, use WiFi when possible and avoid bandwidth-heavy activities like video calls. Consider downloading maps, music or shows over WiFi for offline use.
4. How Much Does a France SIM Card Cost?
Costs for prepaid France SIM cards are very affordable, usually around 10-30 USD depending on the data amount:
| 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 |
Some key points about the table:
- Users purchase prepaid SIM cards with a set amount of data and minutes that can be recharged regularly.
- Unlimited data plans cost anywhere from about Є10-Є15 (US$10-$16) per month if they have to be combined with a phone, while basic data allowances start at about Є30-€40 (US$32-$43) per month.
- Installment billing plans that combine a new phone under 24 months are costly ranging from Є30-Є50 (US$32-$54) per month depending on the phone model.
5. France eSIM – Alternative to Physical SIM Cards
If you prefer the convenience of not having to insert a physical SIM card, going with a France eSIM option is a great alternative. Here are some key benefits of choosing an eSIM for your France trip:
- No need to go to a store, eSIMs can be purchased and set up entirely online.
- Quick and easy activation – eSIMs are digitally programmed to your device within minutes.
- Flexibility to change plans or extend data if needed right from an app.
- Dual SIM functionality to have both your home number and France eSIM active.
Leading French providers offer tourist eSIMs. eSIM providers like esimfrance.net also have prepaid eSIM for France without any contract or identity verification.
To use a France eSIM, you’ll need a smartphone with built-in eSIM capabilities, such as newer iPhones and Google Pixel/Samsung Galaxy models. Check this France eSIM Compatible Device List to confirm if you’re eSIM-ready.
Explore France without limits. Go SIMless with an eSIM from esimfrance.net. Stay connected seamlessly from your first day in France and beyond. Our flexible eSIM plans give you high-speed 4G/5G data without roaming fees, so you can share experiences in real time.
6. Where to Buy a France SIM Card?
You can conveniently pick up a prepaid France SIM card both before arrival and once in the country. Here are some top options:
6.1. Buy eSIM online
For eSIMs, simply purchase online ahead of time from provider websites or international eSIM providers:
- French Mobile Carriers: Major French mobile carriers such as Orange, SFR, and Bouygues Telecom offer eSIMs, also tailored for tourists. Orange and Bouygues can be bought online, but SFR and Free only can be purchased in person.
- International eSIM Providers: Several international providers offer eSIMs for travel or use in specific regions. Consider esimfrance.net, which offers flexible eSIM from data-only to eSIM with free calls and SMS, once signed up, you’ll receive instant activation instructions.
Generally, for tourists with shorter stays and a focus on data, an international eSIM provider like esimfrance.net might be a better option. However, if you don’t mind registering and showing your passport, a French mobile carrier eSIM could be more cost-effective.
6.2. Buy Physical France SIM Card
In France, you can buy a local SIM at:
- Buy online before arrival: Some France network operators like allow you to order a SIM card online from their websites and have it delivered internationally. This is usually the cheapest option.
- Buy at the airport: Most major airports in France (Paris CDG, Orly, Nice, etc.) have shops where you can purchase prepaid France SIM cards. Prices will be a bit higher than online.
- Buy from convenience stores: Tabac shops (tobacco shops) sell PAYG SIM cards and top-up credit for the major networks. They are found all over France, so easy to pick one up once you arrive.
- Buy from carrier stores: Orange, Bouygues, and SFR all have official stores in major cities where you can buy SIM cards. This is more convenient than a tabac if there’s a store nearby.
- Mobile phone stores or supermarkets: Large electronic stores like FNAC, Darty, and Carrefour sell SIM cards as well.
When buying in person, bring your passport as identification. Know the amount of data you’ll need beforehand. Ask the staff if they speak English to assist in choosing the right SIM plan.
7. How to Use France SIM Card
Using your French SIM card with your own cell phone in France is easy. Follow these steps:
- Unlock your phone – Most carriers will unlock your device either automatically after your contract ends or through an online request. If not already unlocked, contact your provider.
- Insert the SIM – Turn off your phone, locate your SIM card tray, and swap out your usual SIM for the France one you purchased. Be sure it’s the right size – micro, nano, or regular.
- Turn on phone and activate – Power on your phone and follow the prompts to activate your France SIM. You may need to enter the included PIN code.
- Configure APN settings – For data to work, enter the APN manual settings provided on the SIM packaging. Search “APN settings” on your phone’s menu.
- Top up/recharge when needed – When your prepaid credit or data runs low, you can top up the SIM at tobacco shops, stores, or online via your SIM account.
And that’s it – you’ll now have a working France number and data plan ready for your trip! Be sure to switch SIMs again when you return home.
8. Best Mobile Operators for France SIM Cards
Here are the top French network providers to consider when shopping for a local French SIM:
| Operator | Pros | Cons |
| Orange | Widest coverage, reliable network, unlimited calls/texts on some plans | More expensive |
| SFR | Strong coverage, good value, 5G on prepaid | Mixed customer service, weaker rural coverage than Orange |
| Bouygues Telecom | Competitive prices, good data allowances,good customer service | Less extensive coverage |
| Free Mobile | Cheapest, unlimited data on some plans, good 5G | Spotty coverage in some areas, slow customer service |
The main operators in France are Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom and Free Mobile. Orange and SFR typically have the broadest coverage nationwide. The price range is similar for starter SIM cards across operators. The choice depends on coverage needs, preferred rate plan, and features.
MVNOs like Lebara and Lyca tend to be cheaper, while Orange and SFR provide the most robust networks. For an eSIM, esimfrance.net is one of the top choices.
9. Tips for Saving Data for France SIM Card
Stretching your French data plan as far as possible doesn’t have to be difficult when you use these tips:
- Connect to free WiFi whenever possible at your hotel, cafes, and restaurants.
- Disable auto-play and background data usage for music/video apps.
- Download offline Google Maps of key areas and use GPS mode to avoid data-drain.
- Bring your own portable power bank so your phone doesn’t die while sightseeing.
- Turn on Airplane mode when not actively using data and enable WiFi as needed.
- Cut down streaming quality to 480p instead of HD 1080p/4K resolutions.
- Disable social media auto-downloads and use mobile sites instead of apps.
- Consider a SIM with rollover data, so unused data carries over between billing cycles.
Staying vigilant about minimizing unnecessary data usage goes a long way. With a few GB of data, you can easily power through your France trip while keeping your SIM costs low.
10. FAQs about France SIM Card
Do I need to show ID to buy a SIM in France?
Yes, you’ll need to show a valid passport or EU national ID when purchasing a prepaid French SIM in stores.
Can I use a France SIM across Europe?
Yes, French SIMs provide data roaming across most of the EU at no extra cost. Great for hopping between European countries!
How do I top up my France prepaid SIM?
You can add more credit at tobacconists, French carrier stores, or online through your SIM account dashboard. Just show your SIM number or voucher code.
Which SIM card is best in France?
The best SIM for France is a prepaid local SIM from Bouygues Telecom, SFR or Orange to get the most affordable rates on calls and mobile data within the country. Coverage between the main operators is generally excellent nationwide.
How do I get a SIM card in France?
Buy a prepaid SIM from the major operators in shops, airports, or stores, activate it, choose a plan, and you’ll have mobile connectivity in France without high roaming charges.
Should I get an eSIM for France?
eSIM is generally just as a better option if your device supports it. Just check operator availability and make sure your phone is compatible before committing to eSIM. Plans and coverage are comparable.
11. Conclusion
Get a France SIM card or eSIM before your trip for affordable local service without roaming fees. An eSIM allows easy setup from your device without stores. You’ll have a French number for reliable connectivity without replacing physical SIMs. eSIM secures uninterrupted communication while avoiding physical SIM issues. It’s a convenient choice for travelers due to flexibility. Choose the provider and plan that best fits your data needs.
