Your detailed Guide to Getting a France SIM card

With a France SIM Card, you’ll have France’s most reliable internet right with you, so exploring Helsinki or marveling at Lapland’s landscapes is much easier. Whether you want to buy a SIM or an eSIM for your SIM free… or want to find the best plans for your budget and needs, we’ve got you covered in this guide. Staying in touch across France and breathing without breaking the bank has never been easier using these tips.

I. Why choose a prepaid France SIM card over roaming?

Choosing between using your home network’s roaming service or a local SIM card France can significantly impact your connectivity and budget. Here’s why a France SIM card is often the better choice:

• Cost-effective: Local SIM cards in France offer cheaper rates for calls, texts, and data compared to international roaming.
• Reliable Connectivity: Access to local networks provides more stable and faster internet, especially in rural areas.
• Convenience: Easy access to local customer service for any issues.
• Flexibility: Various prepaid plans let you choose the best data package according to your needs.
• Accessibility: Get a phone number, and make it easy to connect with local services.

II. France SIM card type – Which is the best for tourists?

There are two kinds of France SIM card for tourist you should know: prepaid SIMs and eSIMs. Now, let’s figure out what they are. 

1. Prepaid France SIM Card

A prepaid France SIM Card is a traditional option for travelers who want a simple and familiar way to stay connected in France. You can purchase these SIM cards at the airport, mobile stores, or major convenience stores across France. You’re ready to go by inserting the SIM card into your phone.

Using a prepaid France SIM card has several benefits:

• Easy to purchase upon arrival
• Works with most unlocked phones, making it widely compatible
• Ideal for those who prefer having a physical card

Although bringing visitors several advantages, using SIM cards still has drawbacks:

• Requires physical handling, which may be tricky for some newer phone models
• Limited by data caps and validity periods, especially for short-stay tourist plans
• Can be misplaced or damaged, especially during active travel

2. Prepaid eSIM France 

The France eSIM is gaining popularity for its simplicity. Prepaid eSIMs, or embedded SIMs, are a growing choice among tourists who want a more digital-friendly experience. An eSIM doesn’t require any physical installation.

Once purchased, the eSIM profile can be activated by scanning a QR code, allowing you to connect instantly without changing your physical SIM card. This is perfect for travelers who want an easy, no-fuss option. Here is why:

• Convenient: download and activate with a simple QR code
• Quick activation without the need to remove or replace any physical SIM
• Ideal for those with dual SIM capability, allowing both a local and home number

Although bringing visitors several advantages, using eSIM still has drawbacks:

• Only supported on newer devices
• Can’t swap between devices without reactivation
• Can be harder to switch carriers if not unlocked by the original provider

III. How much does a France prepaid tourist SIM/eSIM cost?

Generally, a France prepaid tourist SIM or eSIM costs between $5-54, depending on your chosen data and validity period. Let’s take a look at this table:

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

In summary:

• Visitors can buy prepaid SIM cards with fixed data and call minutes, which they can top up as needed.
• When bundled with a phone, unlimited data plans cost around €10-€15 (US$10-$16) per month, while basic plans start at €30-€40 (US$32-$43) per month.
• Monthly installment plans with a new phone cost between €30-€50 (US$32-$54), depending on the phone model.

IV. France eSIM – Alternative to SIM card with unlimited data/data and calls for France

In France, France eSIMs have been the strong substitute for physical SIM cards for tourists looking for a cutting-edge, hassle-free connectivity option. eSIMs offer a practical solution to stay connected as soon as you arrive in France because they can be activated instantly, and there is no need to switch physical cards.

Consider using France eSIM from europe-esim.com as a reliable provider that helps you access the Internet through the leading network operators in France.

Reliable plans that may interest you

V. Buying a prepaid SIM card in France – Where to buy?

There are 3 ways to get a France SIM card: online, at the airport, and in physical stores. Below, let’s explore each method. 

1. Online

Buying Prepaid France SIM on eBay

• Where: Buy from Orange, Bouygues Telecom, or SFR websites, or even from third-party providers. 
• Delivery: Physical SIMs can be shipped to your home or hotel. eSIMs activate instantly.
• Pros: Compare plans in advance; convenient if you want to be connected on arrival.

2. Airport

Get connected immediately upon arrival at major French airports:

• Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG): Relay and Hub Convenience stores offer SIM card for France in Terminals 1 and 2. Vending machines are also available for baggage claims and arrivals (24/7).
• Orly Airport (ORY): Relay stores and vending machines in Orly 1 and Orly 4. Bouygues Telecom kiosks also available.
• Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE): SIM cards are available at Relay stores, and Travel Wifi counters are available at Terminals 1 and 2.

3. Physical Stores

Easily find SIM cards in stores across France:

• Official Carrier Stores: Available in major shopping areas (e.g., Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom stores on Les Champs-Élysées in Paris). Fnac and Darty electronics stores also carry SIMs.
• Convenience Stores & Supermarkets: Relay stores, Carrefour, Auchan, and Intermarché sell SIM cards, often at competitive rates.
• Gas Stations: Some larger gas stations, especially on highways, stock basic prepaid SIMs for quick access.

VI. How to use a France SIM card

1. Insert the SIM Card (or Activate eSIM)

• For Physical SIM: Turn off your phone, use the SIM ejector tool to open the SIM tray, insert the SIM card, and close the tray. Power your phone back on.
• For eSIM: Follow the provider’s instructions to scan the QR code or enter the eSIM activation code in your phone’s settings (usually found under “Mobile/Cellular Plans” or “Network & Internet”). eSIM activation can be done without powering off your phone.

2. Enter the PIN Code (If Required)

• Some physical SIM cards come with a default PIN printed on the packaging. When prompted after turning on your phone, enter this PIN to unlock the SIM.
• If you don’t see a prompt or the PIN, this step might not be needed.

3. Complete Carrier Activation

• Most French SIM cards activate automatically upon insertion. You’ll receive a welcome text message from the carrier once it’s ready for use.
• Manual Activation: If activation doesn’t happen automatically, follow the instructions provided by the carrier. This may include:
  • Sending a specific text message to a given number (e.g., “START” to a short code provided by the carrier).
  • Visiting a website to confirm activation by entering your SIM serial number or account details.

4. Set Up APN (Access Point Name) Settings

In rare cases, you may need to configure APN settings to access mobile data. To do this:

• Go to Settings > Mobile Network > Access Point Names (APN) on your phone.
• Enter the APN settings provided by the carrier. For example:
  • Orange: APN: orange.fr
  • SFR: APN: sl2sfr
  • Bouygues Telecom: APN: mmsbouygtel.com
• Save the settings and restart your phone if needed.

5. Check Balance and Top-Up (If Necessary)

• Once activated, check your data and credit balance. Most carriers offer an app or a website where you can track usage, or you can dial a specific code:
  • Orange: Dial #123# to check balance.
  • SFR: Dial #125# to check balance.
  • Bouygues Telecom: Use the “Mon Compte” app or dial #123#.
• If you run low on data or credit, you can top up at convenience stores, online, or through the carrier’s app.

6. Start Using Your SIM Card

You can use your French SIM card for calls, texts, and data with everything set up. Enjoy smooth connectivity for navigating, messaging, and sharing your travel moments.

7. Use the SIM for Calls and Texts

Dial normally for local calls, using +33 for French numbers. For international calls, check rates or use messaging apps like WhatsApp.

VII. How much mobile data do you need when traveling to France?

Your phone use depends on how much mobile data you’ll need in France. With great 4G and 5G coverage, staying engaged is easy. Here’s a simple guide to help you choose the right data plan:

• Light Usage (1-2GB):
  • Basic navigation with Google Maps
  • Some WhatsApp messaging
  • Checking emails
  • Looking up occasional restaurant reviews
  • Perfect for a weekend trip
• Medium Usage (3-5GB):
  • Regular social media updates
  • Daily route planning
  • Video calls to family back home
  • Restaurant hunting and travel research
  • Good for 1-2 weeks of travel
• Heavy Usage (10GB+):
  • Instagram Stories and social sharing
  • Streaming music while exploring
  • Watching videos
  • Working remotely
  • Ideal for extended stays of 2+ weeks

Remember: It’s better to have a bit extra data than to run out mid-trip. Most French carriers offer top-up options if you need more data later.

VIII. Best mobile operators in France

Currently, Orange leads as the top mobile operator in France, known for its excellent coverage, data speeds, and customer service – ideal for tourists exploring the country. Here’s a comparison of the main operators, highlighting their offerings for travelers:

Operator	Coverage Quality	Data Speed	Notable Features
Orange	Excellent	Very High	Broad coverage, highly reliable, strong support
SFR	Very Good	High	Competitive rates, solid network across France
Bouygues Telecom	Good	High	EU-wide data for travelers visiting multiple countries
Free Mobile	Fair	Moderate	Budget-friendly, ideal for high data usage in France

IX. Tips on using prepaid SIM cards in France

1. Before Arrival

• Check if your phone is unlocked and compatible with French networks (GSM 900/1800)
• Save important contacts and documents in your phone or cloud storage
• Write down your phone’s IMEI number (dial *#06#) in case of loss or theft

2. Setting Up Your SIM

• Keep the SIM card packaging – it contains your French phone number
• Take a photo of the PIN code that comes with your SIM
• Insert the SIM while your phone is turned off

3. Managing Your Usage

• Save the carrier’s customer service number in your contacts
• Download your carrier’s app to monitor data usage
• Set up data usage alerts in your phone settings
• Keep your top-up card or receipt – you’ll need the code to recharge

4. Troubleshooting

• If network issues occur, try toggling airplane mode on and off
• No service? Check if you need to manually select the network in the settings
• Save screenshots of your recharge confirmations
• Keep your carrier’s website bookmarked for quick access to support

X. FAQs about buying a France SIM card

XI. Final Words

I hope you find this post helpful in choosing the best France SIM card for your trip. Whether you prefer a prepaid SIM or a convenient eSIM for France, staying connected in this capital of light is now simpler. Enjoy exploring France with reliable data and easy access to local services!