All you need to know about Data roaming in France for tourists and better alternatives so you can choose the best connectivity option for your France travel.
Buy SFR SIM Cards and eSIMs for tourists in 2024
Discover the convenience of SFR SIM cards & eSIM for your communication needs. Whether you’re traveling to France or looking for flexible connectivity options, SFR can offer reliable solutions with their SIM cards and eSIM technology. Stay connected with unlimited calls, ample data, and extensive network coverage.
Find out more about SFR SIM cards and eSIM offerings in our comprehensive guide.
In this article
I. Overview about SFR France – What You Need to Know
SFR, also known as Société Française du Radiotéléphone, is a major telecommunications company in France:
- Founded year: 1987
- Full company name: Société Française du Radiotéléphone (SFR)
- Types of services provided: mobile phone plans (forfait mobile), internet (Internet Fibre et ADSL), TV (Télévision), and fixed-line telephone services (Téléphone)
- Number of subscribers: more than 27 million customers ( Q4/2022)
- Coverage: SFR provides nationwide coverage in France
- Awards: “Best Mobile Network in France” by nPerf, “Best Fixed Network Quality” by ARCEP, “Best Customer Service” by Capital:…
- Customer support: SFR offers customer support through various channels, including on-call assistance.
II. SFR Coverage in France
A report from Opensignal – a household name in analytics major in “quantifying the mobile-network experience”
SFR takes second place with a score of 8.7 points, 0.4 when comparing coverage of mobile network operators, just after Orange.
Percentage of uninterrupted (no static, clear audio or loss of signal) mobile calls of more than two minutes in large urban areas / rural areas is 92% / 78%.
Percentage of web pages displaying within 10 seconds via 3G, 4G or 5G in large urban areas / rural areas is 94% / 77%
Therefore, if you choose SFR as your mobile network operator when traveling to France, you can enjoy undisruptive data in almost all areas.
III. SFR Speed in France
In a Mobile Network Experience Report from November 2023, SFR’s 5G upload speed was statistically tied with Bouygues at around 19.6-19.9Mbps
As we can see, SFR’s speed is fast enough to meet all consumers’ network needs. SFR’s speed ranks 3rd out of 379 network providers in France, just behind Orange and Bouygues.
Look at the image comparing between SFR Mobile and other France network operators:
IV. Does SFR Have eSIM in France?
YES. We encourage you to use eSIM instead of physical SIM for the following reasons
- Convenience: No need to physically insert or remove SIM cards.
- Flexibility: Easily switch between mobile operators or plans.
- Remote provisioning: Activate your plan instantly online
- Multiple profiles: Store multiple plans on a single device.
To buy eSIM of SFR Mobile, you can choose one of the two following ways:
- Buy SFR eSIM directly from SFR: this way requires you to show passport or ID for verification purposes.
- Buy online from eSIM resellers or providers: this way does not require you to show passport or ID card because the provider has do it all for you. What you need to prepare is just a eSIM-compatible device and money (of course).
Currently there are many SFR eSIM providers. One of the reputable suppliers among them is Gigago. In Gigago, you can access different packages of SFR with affordable prices. We will discuss further below.
V. Top SFR SIM Cards for Tourists
SFR offers several prepaid offers to meet your different needs. We will show some popular plans of SFR you can consider:
Price | Calls | Texts | Data | Validity period | |
La Carte | 9.99€ | See current prices | See current prices | 20Gb | 14 to 30 days |
La Carte Connect | 14.99€ | See current prices | See current prices | 15Gb | 25 to 30 days |
La Carte Welcome | 30€ | Unlimited | Unlimited | 20Gb | 14 days |
La Carte Web | 9.99€ | See current prices | See current prices | 50Mb | 30 days |
“Classique” top-ups | 5€ | Unlimited after 9pm and on weekends | Unlimited after 9pm and on weekends | None | 6 days |
10€ | 13 days | ||||
15€ | 25 days | ||||
20€ | 30 days | ||||
25€ | 60 days | ||||
30€ | 60 days | ||||
35€ | 90 days | ||||
65€ | 120 days | ||||
95€ | 150 days | ||||
« Monde » top-ups | 5€ | See current prices | See current prices | None | 5 days |
10€ | 14 days | ||||
15€ | 30 days | ||||
« Internet mobile » top-ups | 5€ | None | None | 1Gb | 5 days |
10€ | 5Gb | 8 days | |||
25€ | 15Gb | 30 days | |||
35€ | 30Gb | 30 days | |||
« Welcome » top-ups | 20€ | Up to 1 hour | See current prices | 10Gb | 14 days |
5G top-ups | 40€ | 100 numbers, unlimited calls | 200 numbers, unlimited calls | 40Gb | 30 days |
« Illimité » top-ups | 5€ | 1 hour | Unlimited | 1Gb | 7 days |
10.99€ | Unlimited | Unlimited | 5Gb | 10 days | |
20.99€ | 20Gb | 30 days | |||
30€ | 30Gb | 30 days |
Note: Visit SFR official website to consider the best accurate price.
VI. Where to Buy a SFR SIM Card?
To buy SFR SIM card, you have 03 options: purchasing upon arrival, visiting an SFR store, and exploring other authorized retail stores. Let’s see in details each option:
1. Upon Arrival
Upon arriving in France, you can easily find SFR SIM cards at major airports, including Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) in Paris and other international airports across the country. Look for kiosks or shops that specialize in selling SIM cards and prepaid mobile services. These locations are convenient and offer immediate access to a SIM card without the need for additional travel or searching for specific stores.
Tip: When purchasing a SIM card at airports, it is advisable to carry a valid passport or identity card as proof of identification. This may be required to complete the purchase and activate the SIM card.
2. SFR Stores
SFR operates numerous stores across France, making it easy to find a dedicated SFR store in most major cities. These stores offer a wide range of products and services, including SIM cards, smartphones, and customer support. Visiting an SFR store allows you to receive personalized assistance from trained staff who can guide you through the purchasing process and answer any questions you may have.
Tip: Confirm the opening and closing hours of the SFR store you plan to visit, as they may vary depending on the location. This will help you plan your visit accordingly.
3. Other Authorized Retail Stores
In addition to SFR stores, there are several authorized retail stores that sell SFR SIM cards. These stores include supermarkets, electronics retailers, and convenience stores. These stores often offer competitive pricing and extended operating hours, making them convenient alternatives to SFR stores.
VII. Where to buy SFR eSIM for France?
As mentioned above, you can buy eSIM directly from SFR but the process is complicated. Therefore, it is recommended to buy eSIM of SFR from an eSIM provider like Gigago – things are quick and simple.
Multiple eSIM plans to choose, competitive prices, good speed and coverage, and 24/7 customer support for multiple languages are what you can gain from Gigago.
For France, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 1 GB for 3 days with $3.00 . What is great about Gigago’s France eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $3.00 – $95.90 . Thus, it does not matter how Internet users you are and how long your trip is in France, there is always an option for you with Gigago.
VIII. How to Top-up SFR SIM/eSIM
- Visit the SFR website and access your customer account: Go to the SFR website (www.sfr.fr) and navigate to the “Espace Client” (Customer Space) section.
- Look for the “Rechargement” or “Top-up” section: look for the “Rechargement” or “Top-up” section. It may be located under the “Mon compte” (My account)
- Choose your preferred top-up method: credit card or recharge code.
If using a credit card, enter your card details and complete the payment.
If using a recharge code, enter the code as instructed.
- Confirm the top-up and wait for the process to complete.
IX. FAQ about SFR SIM Cards and eSIMs
Can I use my SFR SIM card in other European countries?
Yes, SFR offers roaming services that allow you to use your SIM card in other European countries. However, you should be aware of any additional charges or roaming fees that may apply.
What should I do if I encounter any issues with my SFR SIM card?
If you experience any issues with your SFR SIM card, you can contact SFR customer support for assistance. They can provide guidance and help resolve any problems you may encounter. Visit official website for contact information.
X. Conclusion
In conclusion, if you’re planning a trip to France and need a SIM card, SFR has you covered. You can easily purchase an SFR SIM card at airports, stores, or online. With options for unlimited calls and around 100GB of data, staying connected is hassle-free. SFR’s network coverage is extensive, and you can use your own unlocked phone with their SIM cards. If you have any issues, their friendly customer support is ready to assist you. Enjoy your trip to France with an SFR SIM card!