Finding the right SIM card at Nice Côte d’Azur Airport is the first step to staying connected during your trip to France. With options like Relay stores and FNAC offering plans from top carriers, you can grab a SIM card as soon as you land.
In this guide, you will be equipped with useful tips to make sure you get the most convenient and affordable SIM card for your travel in France!
Table of Contents
I. Where to Buy a SIM Card at Nice Côte d’Azur Airport
Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) offers several locations where travelers can purchase SIM cards, primarily through Relay stores and FNAC. Below is a breakdown of the locations:
1. Relay Stores
Relay stores are available in both Terminal 1 & Terminal 2. They provide SIM cards from major French carriers like Orange and SFR. Here’s where you can find them:
Terminal 1
- Côté Piste – Salle B:
- Location: After security, towards Gate B41.
- Opening Hours: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
- Phone: +33 4 93 21 44 56.
- Côté Piste – Salle A:
- Location: After security, towards Gate A33.
- Opening Hours: 5:15 AM to 10:00 PM.
- Phone: +33 4 93 71 47 79.
Terminal 2
- Côté Piste – Salle A:
- Location: After security, towards Gate A04.
- Opening Hours: 5:30 AM to 9:00 PM.
- Phone: +33 4 89 98 51 22.
- Côté Piste – Salle B:
- Location: After security, towards Gate B22.
- Opening Hours: 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
- Phone: +33 4 83 76 29 14.
- Côté Ville – Niveau Floor 1:
- Location: Before security.
- Opening Hours: 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM (9:00 PM on Fridays and Sundays).
2. FNAC Store
The FNAC store is located in Terminal 2 and offers SIM cards and electronics.
- Location: Terminal 2.
- Opening Hours: From early morning to late evening (specific hours vary).
Notes:
- Lines: The lines at these stores can be long during peak travel hours, so be prepared for a wait.
- Late Arrivals: Stores generally close around 9:00 PM to midnight. If you arrive late at night, SIM cards may not be available.
- Registration Assistance: To register a SIM card, you may need to visit a city carrier store for full activation, which is a legal requirement in France.
II. Nice Côte d’Azur Airport SIM Card options and costs
At Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, you can purchase prepaid SIM cards from major French telecom providers such as Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom, and Free Mobile.
The price range for these SIM cards varies from ~ €10 to ~ €40 (about $11 to $44 USD), depending on the data allowance and validity period. Below is a summary of available plans:
| Provider | Plan Name | Data Allowance | Calls & Texts | Validity Period | Price (EUR) | Price (USD) |
| Orange | Holiday Europe SIM | 10 GB | 120 mins & 1,000 texts worldwide | 14 days | € 39.99 | ~$44 |
| SFR | Welcome SIM | 10 GB | Unlimited calls & texts in Europe | 14 days | € 35.00 | ~$38 |
| Bouygues Telecom | My European SIM | 20 GB | Unlimited calls & texts in Europe | 30 days | € 39.90 | ~$44 |
| Free Mobile | Tourist SIM | 50 GB | Unlimited calls & texts in France | 30 days | € 19.99 | ~$22 |
Note: Airport SIM cards are pricey and require a passport for registration. You should buy a SIM before traveling or use an eSIM for convenience and savings.
III. What You Need to Prepare for Getting a SIM Card at Nice Côte d’Azur Airport
Before you head to the SIM card counters at Nice Airport, here’s what you should have ready:
- Your passport – This is a must! French regulations require a valid ID for all SIM card purchases. Make sure it’s not expired.
- Unlocked phone – To use a French SIM card, your phone needs to be carrier-unlocked.
- Payment method – Most vendors accept credit cards and cash (Euros). Cards are more convenient, but having some cash as backup is smart.
- Basic French phrases – While staff usually speak English, knowing simple greetings can make the process smoother and more pleasant.
- Your phone’s SIM slot type – Check if your phone uses standard, micro, or nano SIM. Most vendors provide all sizes, but it’s good to know yours.
Pro tip: Take screenshots of your important phone settings before removing your home SIM card. This way, you won’t struggle with reconfiguring your phone later.
IV. France eSIM as an Alternative to SIM Card at Nice Côte d’Azur Airport
With an eSIM, France visitors just need to scan a QR code – no more fiddling with tiny SIM cards or waiting in line after a long flight. Now, it’s just a matter of finding a trustworthy eSIM provider.
europe-esim.com is a promising provider in the market, offering amazing France eSIM packages that work smoothly with major networks like Bouygues, SFR, and Orange. Here’s what you get with Europe eSIM’s France plans:
- Two flexible options:
-
-
- Data-Only plans to start at just $3.00
- Data with Calls packages from $21.90 (includes a French phone number)
-
- Variety of data allowances:
-
- Daily options: 500MB to 3GB per day
- Fixed data bundles: 1GB to 70GB
- Validity periods from 3 to 30 days
- 5-minute delivery via email
- No registration or contract required
Important Notes:
- Check eSIM-compatible devices first (most new smartphones can)
- Check how to set up an eSIM
V. FAQs
Where can I buy a SIM card at Nice Côte d’Azur Airport?
You can buy a SIM card at Relay stores (Terminals 1 & 2) or the FNAC store in Terminal 2. They sell SIM cards from providers like Orange and SFR.
Do I need my passport to buy a SIM card at the airport?
Yes, a passport is required for SIM card registration as per French regulations.
What are the operating hours of SIM card shops at the airport?
Most shops are open from early morning (around 5:00-6:00 AM) to late evening (9:00-10:00 PM). They might close earlier on some days.
Is it better to buy a SIM card at the airport or elsewhere?
Airport SIM cards are expensive and may have limited options. It’s better to buy a SIM card in advance or use an eSIM for convenience.
VI. Final words
Staying connected with a Nice Airport SIM card is essential for a smooth and enjoyable travel experience, and with the right preparation, you can avoid unnecessary hassle.
Consider using France eSIM from Europe.com for a better value with diverse eSIM plans to suit any traveler’s goal!