Prepaid France SIM Cards for Tourists

Latest update: May 2024

This article will show you one of the best ways to stay connected while traveling in France: France SIM cards.

Just imagine exploring picturesque French villages without the frustration of not finding any Wi-Fi. Envision being able to confidently share amazing selfies taken at the Eiffel Tower and making everyone back home jealous.

In this guide, you will know about the type of SIM card for France that fits your needs, updated prices and best plans for tourists.

In this article

I. Where to Buy a Tourist France SIM Card for France?

Easy to buy France SIM Card in France — Kiosks sell France SIM Card in Airport.

Here are 4 options for you: buy online, buy before departure, buy at airports, buy in cities.

Method	Pros	Cons
Buy Online	Quick & easy, compare options, delivered to your door	Have exact address for delivery
Buy Before Departure	Convenient, assured availability, many options Pre prepare carefully for trips No language barriers	Maybe give difficulties for changing schedule into other countries
Buy at Airports	Instant connection upon arrival, wide range of options	Highest prices, might be crowded, confusing choices
Buy in Convenience Stores/Gas Stations	Widely available, convenient locations	Limited options, prices might be inconsistent Maybe no person assist to activate SIM or require passports

Pro Tips:

Buying a SIM card online at your home country before departure is the most convenient option. It gives you peace of mind, as you don't have to worry about language barriers or finding a kiosk that's open when you arrive.
Research reliable providers beforehand and consider eSIMs for instant digital activation.

II. What Are The Best SIM Cards for Tourists?

There are four the best SIM cards for tourists, including: SFR, Orange, Bouygues, Freemobile.

4 popular operators in France — SFR, Orange, Bouygues, Freemobile – big 4 operators in France

Recently, there are many service packages available to meet the diverse needs of customers. We will conclude information of 4 popular mobile network operators in France and you can take it into consideration:

Operator	Prepaid Options	Data (GB)	Calls/SMS	Price (Month)
Bouygues Telecom	Kart 2€ – 80€	2 – 100 GB	Unlimited	€2 – €60
Orange	Travel Mini – Découverte	1-100 GB	Unlimited	€10 – €40
Free Mobile	Série Free	5-210 GB	Unlimited	€8.99 – €29.99
SFR	Carte SIM La Carte de 5 Go à 60€	5 – 100 GB	Unlimited	€7 – €69

Pro Tips:

Short Stay (1-2 Weeks): Consider Orange's "Travel Mini" for basic connectivity or SFR's "La Carte de 5 Go" for more data.
Longer Stay (2+ Weeks): Free Mobile's Série Free provides excellent value for heavy data usage, while SFR offers flexibility with diverse plans.
Budget-Conscious: Bouygues Telecom's "Kart 2€" is unbeatable for basic needs, while SFR's "La Carte de 5 Go" offers decent data at a good price.

Note: The plan features and prices can vary at different times. You should visit the official websites of these distributors for the most updated information about each package.

III. Do I Need to Buy a SIM Card for France Travel?

Yes. We recommend buy a SIM card for your France travel.

It provides reliable internet access for navigation, finding local attractions, and staying in touch with family and friends. Additionally, it helps you avoid high roaming fees charged by your home carrier.

A local SIM card also allows you to make local calls and send texts without incurring international charges. Moreover, it offers the convenience of using apps for translation, transportation, and emergency information without relying on WiFi.

Pro Tip: Having an internet connection can be crucial in emergencies, such as when you get lost. Therefore, I recommend using a SIM card with a specific amount of data to cover essential needs like maps and language translators.

IV. What to Prepare When Buying A SIM Card in France?

When buying a SIM card in France, it’s important to be prepared to ensure efficient process. Here are a few things to consider:

Identification: You’ll need to present a valid passport or ID. French regulations require identification for SIM card purchases.
Unlocked Phone: Ensure your phone is unlocked and compatible with European networks. If your phone is locked to a specific carrier, it won’t work with a French SIM card.
Payment Method: Have a valid credit card or cash ready for the purchase. Some stores may not accept foreign credit cards, so having cash as a backup is a good idea.

For those who want to avoid registration and verification procedures, consider purchasing an eSIM if your phone supports it. This can provide a more convenient and private alternative to traditional SIM cards.

V. What Types Of France SIM Cards Are Available For Tourist?

There are two main types of SIM cards for tourists in France: prepaid SIM card and eSIM. This guide will assist you in selecting the perfect one for your adventures.

France SIM Card - Your Key to Connectivity — Make the most of your France journey by staying connected with a local SIM card

Type	What is it ?	Pros	Cons
Prepaid SIM Card	A temporary SIM card with preloaded data, calls, and texts, ideal for short visits.	Affordable plans, easy activation, data, calls, texts, local coverage	Time-consuming for delivery. You also have the risk of losing a tiny main SIM card. Limiting the number of sim card can use in a phone
eSIM	A virtual SIM card embedded in your phone, activated online and easily switched between devices.	Instant activation online, easy switching between eSIMs, avoids physical card hassle, works for unlocked phones	Requires compatible phone

Pro Tip: If you have an eSIM-compatible device, choose eSIM. It can tackle all the disadvantages of a physical SIM Card and give you many convenient experiences.

VI. France eSIM – Alternative to Physical SIM Cards to Get Internet in France

trustworthy France SIM Cards provider — France eSIM packages available in Gigago

A prepaid France eSIM is secure and can’t be lost or damaged since it’s embedded in your phone. It offers flexibility by storing multiple plans for international travel and works with a physical SIM card using dual-SIM technology.

You can try France eSIM plans of Gigago that cater to different needs and budgets of travelers to France. Gigago offers multiple data plan options for France, starting from a 3-day plan with 1GB for $3.50 as their most minimal plan. They also have 5-day, 7-day, 10-day, 14-day, 15-day, 20-day, 25-day, 28-day, and 30-day plans ranging from 1GB to 50GB of data, with prices from $3.50 up to $126.

In addition to a wide range of plans and competitive price, Gigago also has other extraordinary advantages:

Easy Setup: Detailed instructions and 24/7 support ensure a smooth experience.
No App Needed: Activate your eSIM directly in your phone settings.
Secure and Reliable: Secure connection with trusted global networks.

Note: Choose your Gigago eSIM based on your data usage and need for local calls.

VII. How long does a tourist SIM card last in France?

The duration of a tourist SIM card in France typically varies depending on the plan and the provider. Here are some common options:

7 Days: Some SIM cards offer short-term plans designed for brief stays.
14 Days: Ideal for travelers who are in France for two weeks.
30 Days: Many tourist SIM cards provide a one-month validity period, suitable for longer vacations.

These SIM cards can sometimes be extended by purchasing additional credit or data packages if you need more time or data. It’s always best to check the specific terms and conditions of the SIM card you choose to ensure it meets your travel needs.

VIII. FAQs about France SIM Cards

Do I need to show ID when buying a France SIM Card?

Yes, ID is required for most purchases.

Can I use a travel SIM card for France in other countries?

Some travel SIM cards for France may allow you to use them in other countries as well ( such as Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom – big mobile operators in France ). However, it’s important to check the coverage and roaming policies of your specific SIM card provider.