How to Get and Activate Bouygues SIM Cards and eSIM: Tourist Guide

Landing in France and eager to stay connected? Ditching bulky adapters and confusing contracts? Look no further than Bouygues SIM cards and eSIMs! Pocket-friendly data, seamless activation, and nationwide coverage await. 

Let’s navigate the options and get you exploring with a tap, not a tangle. Ready for French phone freedom? Dive in!

I. Quick Facts about Bouygues

Let’s explore what Bouygues telecom is: 

• Founded Year: 1994
• Full Company Name: Bouygues Telecom
• Brand Name: Bouygues Telecom
• Types of Services Provided: Mobile network operator and internet service provider
• Number of Subscribers: about 27.125 million subscriptions (31 December 2022)

II. Why Bouygues When Traveling France – Coverage and Speed

1. Coverage

Bouygues Telecom ISP Broadband is available in several large cities, including Strasbourg, Toulouse, Nantes, and Rennes. In these cities, its fastest broadband speeds range from 42 to 437 Mbps.

2. Speed 

The average internet speed for Bouygues Telecom ISP Broadband is 189 Mbps and their median download speed is 89 Mbps. Bouygues Telecom ISP is a large internet provider in France, and we have seen broadband speeds as high as 4,774 Mbps from Bouygues Telecom ISP’s coverage area, and most of their users see real-world internet speeds in the range of 45 to 359 Mbps.

Recommendation: this mobile operator is a good choice for tourists thanks to its extensive high-speed network across France.

III. What are the Best Connectivity Options of Bouygues for Travelers to France?

Bouygues is a reliable and competitive operator that you can trust in. So, how to connect with this operator: 

1. Roaming with Bouygues Telecom:

Advantage:

• Convenient: No need to purchase a separate SIM card or device.
• Seamless Integration: You can continue using your existing mobile number and contacts.
• No need to switch devices: You can use your own smartphone or mobile device.

Disadvantage: 

• Potentially higher costs: Roaming charges can be expensive, especially for data usage.
• Dependent on coverage: The quality of service may vary depending on the roaming agreements Bouygues Telecom has with local networks.

2. Pocket WiFi from Bouygues Telecom

Advantage: 

• Connect multiple devices: Share the internet connection with multiple devices simultaneously.
• Flexibility: No need to worry about compatibility with your own device.

Disadvantage:

• Additional device to carry: Carrying an extra device may be inconvenient for some travelers.
• Rental costs: There will be rental fees associated with the pocket WiFi device. Additional fee must be pay if you damage the pocket wifi device. 
• Limited battery life: The pocket WiFi device may require frequent charging, especially with heavy usage.

3. SIM Card from Bouygues Telecom

Advantage: 

• Cost-effective: Prepaid SIM cards often offer competitive rates for calls, texts, and data.
• Different plans available: Bouygues offers various packages to meet all customers’ needs. 
• Local phone number: You’ll have a local French phone number, making it easier for locals to contact you.
• Control over usage: You can monitor and manage your data usage more effectively.

Disadvantage:

• Requires an unlocked device: Ensure that your device is unlocked and compatible with Bouygues Telecom’s network.

▶ Our recommendation: Based on the comparison of the pros and cons, purchasing a SIM card from Bouygues Telecom would be a good option for travelers to France. It offers cost-effectiveness, a local phone number, control over data usage, various choices, and widespread coverage for staying connected during your trip.

IV. Best Bouygues SIM Cards for Tourists & Cost

With various packages for tourists who have trips to France, whether Bouygues also provides competitive prices. Here are some popular packages this operators are running: 

	Price	Calls	Texts	Data	Validity period
My European SIM	39.90€	Unlimited	Unlimited	20Gb	30 days
Cartes prépayées XL	5€	Unlimited	Unlimited	500Mb	3 days
	10€	Unlimited	Unlimited	1Gb	10 days
	20€	Unlimited	Unlimited	2Gb	30 days
	40€	Unlimited	Unlimited	5Gb	60 days

V. Does Bouygues Support eSIM in France?

YES. And we recommend that if you have a compatible device, you should search to buy eSIM for your best convenience. 

eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card that is built into a device and can be remotely activated by a mobile network operator. 

• Convenience: No need to physically insert or swap SIM cards when changing networks or traveling.
• Flexibility: Easily switch between different mobile network operators through software settings.
• Remote activation: Activate new plans or add data packages without visiting a store.
• Dual SIM capability: Use two numbers simultaneously with a combination of eSIM and physical SIM.
• Reliability: Eliminates the risk of losing or damaging physical SIM cards.

Currently, Bouygues eSIM for France are also available in Gigago – a reputable eSIM provider.

For France, Gigago offers multiple data plans, with prices ranging from $3.50 – $126.00 . Their minimum 1 GB/3 days starts at just $3.50 . With the variety of affordable plans, Gigago can accommodate any type of user and trip length in France. Whether you only need occasional internet access or plan to stream extensively, Gigago has a eSIM plan to fit your needs and budget.

You can visit France eSIM plan to see more details about the price by plans, how to buy, install and activate it.

VI. Where to Buy a Bouygues SIM card and eSIM?

Bouygues SIM card and eSIM is extremely easy to buy as this operator is popular in France. Here is some places you can easily buy a Bouygues SIM card/eSIM for yourself

1. Where to Buy Physical SIM card?

Bouygues prepaid SIM cards are widely available at:

• Bouygues stores – Find them in airports, shopping malls, metro stations.
• Retail stores – Sold at phone shops, supermarkets, kiosks. Look for Bouygues signs.
• Online – Can be delivered to your hotel via official websites. 

2. Where to Buy Bouygues eSIM in France?

To get Bouygues eSIM as a tourist, your best option is to purchase from an international eSIM provider such as Bouygues eSIM from GIGAGO

You can buy directly on their websites. eSIM profiles are delivered to your phone via email or QR code. Prices start from $3.50 for 1 GB packages.

VII. How to Use and Activate Bouygues SIM/eSIM in France?

Using a Bouygues SIM/eSIM for a France trip is a simple process. If you’re new to using it, please follow the instructions below:

1. How to Use Bouygues SIM Card in France?

• Insert the SIM card: Locate the SIM card slot on your device and insert the Bouygues SIM card.
• Power on your device: Turn on your device and wait for it to recognize the SIM card.
• Activate the SIM card: In most cases, the Bouygues SIM card will be pre-activated.
• Set up APN settings if needed: If you’re unable to use the eSIM, you may need to set up the APN settings.
• Check your services: Once the SIM card is inserted and activated, you can check the available services.

2. How to Activate Bouygues  eSIM?

Activating an eSIM from Bouygues for France is a straightforward process. Here are the steps:

• Install the eSIM: Follow the specific instructions for your device to install the eSIM.
• Activate the eSIM: Once the eSIM is installed, you’ll need to activate it according to the provided guidelines.
• Set up the eSIM: Complete any required setup steps or configuration settings for the eSIM.
• Start using the eSIM: After the eSIM is activated and set up, you can start using its services.

For detailed instructions on how to activate an eSIM on your specific device, please refer to the following links:

• Activate eSIM on iPhone
• Activate eSIM on Samsung 
• Activate eSIM on Google Pixel

VIII. How to Top-up Bouygues SIM/eSIM ? 

One more thing you should know is how to top-up a SIM or eSIM. It is an important step to ensure uninterrupted service. Here’s a friendly guide on how to top up your Bouygues SIM/eSIM:

• Visit the Bouygues website or use their mobile app.
• Log in to your Bouygues account or create a new one if you haven’t already.
• Look for the “Top-up” or “Recharge” option.
• Follow the instructions to select the desired top-up amount and payment method.
• Confirm your top-up and wait for the transaction to be processed.

IX. FAQs

X. Conclusion

If you’re a tourist looking to get and activate Bouygues SIM cards and eSIM, this comprehensive guide has got you covered. Don’t miss out on the convenience and reliability of Bouygues SIM cards and eSIMs for a smooth and enjoyable travel experience. Let’s dive in and get you connected in no time!