Traveling to France as a non-EU resident brings up the crucial question of staying connected. With the advent of eSIM technologies, staying connected has never been easier. This guide will help you choose the best options to keep you connected during your trip to France.
In summary:
- Use an eSIM if your phone supports it: Purchase an eSIM online before your trip to avoid any hassle. I recommend Airalo for plans tailored to France.
- Prefer a physical SIM card? Orange is a reliable choice for those who prefer a traditional SIM card.
- Traveling in a group? Opt for a portable Wi-Fi hotspot to share the connection across multiple devices. TravelWifi offers excellent solutions.
Table of Contents
Buy an eSIM
If you have a modern smartphone (generally less than 3 or 4 years old), it likely supports eSIM technology. Double-check to be sure. Buying an eSIM before you leave is one of the best options for travelers, as it allows you to activate a data plan instantly, without the need to physically swap out your SIM card.
Note: These eSIM plans include data only. You won’t get a local phone number, so you won’t be able to make traditional calls or send text messages. However, all messaging apps (WhatsApp, Skype, Messenger, Telegram, etc.) will work just fine.
Here are some top brands I recommend:
Airalo
Airalo is a popular choice among travelers, offering eSIM packages specifically for France and Europe that are easy to install and activate.
- 7-day plan: 1 GB of data for €4.12.
- 15-day plan: 2 GB of data for €6.87.
- 30-day package: 10 GB of data for €21.06.
More information about the plans
Yoho Mobile
Yoho Mobile is another reliable option, known for its flexible packages designed to meet various travelers’ needs.
- 7-day plan: 1 GB of data for €4.12.
- 10-day package: 3 GB of data for €8.45.
- 15-day package: 5 GB of data for €11.38.
Holafly
Holafly offers eSIMs with unlimited internet, which you can customize based on the number of days you need.
- 7-day package: unlimited Internet for €27.
- 15-day package: unlimited Internet for €47.
Travelwifi
TravelWifi provides budget-friendly eSIM packages, focusing solely on internet data.
- 7-day package: 1 GB of data for €1.82.
- 15-day package: 2 GB of data for €3.65.
- 20-day package: 5 GB of data for €7.32.
Ubigi
Ubigi offers plans for France, Europe, and even worldwide.
- 7-day 10 GB plan: 10 GB of data for €7.
- 7-day unlimited plan: unlimited data for €24.
- 30-day 10 GB package: 10 GB of data for €9.
Buy a local SIM card
If you prefer a physical SIM card, buying a local SIM card when you arrive in France is a solid option. One advantage over eSIMs is that you’ll get a real French phone number, allowing you to send and receive local SMS messages.
Major providers like Orange, SFR, and Bouygues Telecom offer prepaid SIM cards that include data, calls, and SMS.
Just make sure your phone is unlocked.
Orange
Orange is the leading telecom operator in France. Their “Holiday SIM” prepaid card includes:
- 12 GB of data (valid for 14 days) for €19.99. Unlimited calls and SMS in France and abroad.
- 30 GB of data (valid for 14 days) for €39.99. Unlimited calls and SMS in France and abroad
You can buy Orange SIM cards in advance or as soon as you arrive in France at locations like Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, Relay stores, Orange stores across France, or at tobacconists.
SFR
SFR offers attractive prepaid SIM cards for travelers. These can be purchased at SFR boutiques throughout France, or at tobacconists and phone stores.
- 10 GB of data for €14.99 (valid for 30 days) with unlimited SMS/MMS and calls in France and abroad.
- 80 GB of data for €19.99 (valid for 30 days) with unlimited SMS/MMS and calls in France and abroad.
- European Travel SIM: 60 GB of data (valid for 30 days) with unlimited SMS/MMS and calls in France and abroad.
Information (website in French)
Bouygues Telecom
Bouygues Telecom provides a range of ready-to-use, pre-activated, and preloaded SIM cards. These are available at any Bouygues store, as well as at tobacconists and phone stores.
- 20 GB Basic+: 20 GB of data with unlimited calls and SMS for €21.90 (valid for 15 days) in France and abroad.
- 30 GB: 30 GB of data with unlimited calls and SMS for €39.90 (valid for 30 days) in France and abroad.
Free Mobile
Free Mobile offers a highly competitive prepaid SIM card, available for purchase in-store.
- Free 5G package: 300 GB of data, unlimited SMS, MMS and calls in France, and 35 GB of 4G data to over 110 destinations, for €19.99 (valid for 30 days).
Information (website in French)
TravelWifi
TravelWifi provides two SIM card options:
- Disposable plan: 20GB of 4G data for 30 European countries, 120min of international calls and 1,000 SMS for €36.58 (valid for 14 days).
- Rechargeable plan: rechargeable SIM card with 30-day validity once inserted in your smartphone.
You can have your SIM card delivered to your home, a post office or your hotel.
Buy a Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot
If you’re traveling with a group or need to connect multiple devices, renting a portable Wi-Fi hotspot is a practical and cost-effective solution. This small device allows you to share a connection among several users without juggling multiple SIM cards.
TravelWifi
TravelWifi is a popular choice for Wi-Fi hotspot rentals, offering lightweight, easy-to-use devices with various data packages.
- Escape Plan 5Gb/day: For €7.14, you get 5Gb of data per day.
- Escape Plan 10Gb/day: For €8.03, you get 10Gb of data per day.
You can have the hotspot delivered to your home or pick it up at various locations, including Charles de Gaulle Airport, their boutique in Opéra, Galeries Lafayette on Boulevard Haussmann, and in Nice at the tourist office (at Gare de Nice or Promenade des Anglais.)
My Webspot
My Webspot is another top-rated provider for portable Wi-Fi hotspots in France.
- Daily rate: €10.09 per day for unlimited Internet access. For unlimited broadband access, add €2.90 per day.
You can have your Hotspot delivered to your home or hotel/apartment.
I aim to share my tips and recommendations for the beautiful country of France. My goal is to help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From finding the best hotels and restaurants, to discovering unique activities and sights, I’ve got you covered!
