Getting a SIM card at France Airports / Border Gates by Province 2024: Travelers Guide

Buying a SIM Card at France airports is a popular choice for many tourists. However, is this the best, most convenient choice at the best price? 

Please join us in discovering the answer through the article below. We will provide all basic information about buying SIM Cards at airport and border gates in France for tourists so that you can grasp the information and have the smoothest trip.

I. Paris Airport Map

France is home to a vast network of airports, with more than 100 airports spread across the country. Here is a list of some of the major airports in France, along with their IATA (International Air Transport Association) and ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) codes:

Airport Name	IATA Code	ICAO Code
Charles de Gaulle	CDG	LFPG
Orly	ORY	LFPO
Nice Côte d’Azur	NCE	LFMN
Lyon-Saint Exupéry	LYS	LFLL
Marseille Provence	MRS	LFML
Toulouse-Blagnac	TLS	LFBO
Bordeaux-Mérignac	BOD	LFBD
Nantes Atlantique	NTE	LFRS
Strasbourg	SXB	LFST
EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg	BSL/MLH/EAP	LFSB/LSZM

Among these major airports, Charles de Gaulle (CDG) in Paris is the busiest and most commonly used airport by travelers visiting France. It is located northeast of Paris and is well-connected to the city center by various transportation options.

II. List of France Border Gates

France has numerous border crossings due to its location within the Schengen Area. Border gates in France are typically open 24 hours a day: 

Here are some border crossings in France that foreign tourists commonly use:

Perthus/La Jonquera: Located on the border with Spain, it connects the French town of Perthus with La Jonquera in Spain. This crossing is a major route for travelers between France and Spain.

Menton/Ventimiglia: Situated on the border with Italy, it connects the French town of Menton with Ventimiglia in Italy. It is frequently used by tourists traveling between France and Italy along the Mediterranean coast.

Basel/Mulhouse/Freiburg: Located in the eastern part of France, this tri-national airport and border crossing serve the cities of Basel (Switzerland), Mulhouse (France), and Freiburg (Germany).

Geneva: Situated near the border with Switzerland, the Geneva Airport serves both France and Switzerland, making it a convenient entry point for tourists visiting the French Alps or the cities of Geneva and Lyon.

III. How to Get a SIM Card at France Airports 

Getting a SIM card at France airports is a relatively straightforward process. Here are the basic steps to follow:

• Locate a SIM card provider
• Choose a provider
• Select a plan
• Provide identification
• Complete the purchase
• Activate the SIM card
• Set up your phone

You can read more how to buy SIM Card at:

Paris Airport

Nice Airport

IV. Should I Buy a SIM Card at France Airports?

No. Although French airports all provide SIM Card services for tourists, buying a SIM this way is quite inconvenient. 

• Firstly, the price of SIM cards sold at the airport is often more expensive than other selling points. 
• Second, you will have no internet connection until you find the SIM counter at the airport and buy it. This can be inconvenient if you want to use the network for maps or payment methods via the app.

We suggest other options to buy SIM Card instead of buying at airports for your best convenience: 

Options	Pros	Cons
Local Mobile Shops	-Wide selection: Local stores typically offer a variety of SIM cards from different service providers, allowing you to choose from a range of options. -Local knowledge: Store staff can provide recommendations based on their local expertise and help you find the best SIM card for your needs..	-Availability: Finding a local store that sells SIM cards may not be as convenient as finding one at the airport or online, especially if you’re in a remote area. -Language barriers: If you’re in a foreign country and don’t speak the local language, communication with store staff may be challenging.
Online Providers	-Wide selection: Online platforms offer a wide range of SIM cards from various service providers, allowing you to choose the one that best meets your needs. -Lower prices: Online sellers often offer competitive prices, and you can compare different options to find the best deal. -Convenience: You can order a SIM card from the comfort of your home or any location with an internet connection.	-Shipping time: It may take a few days or more for the SIM card to arrive, so you won’t have immediate connectivity upon arrival (If you choose eSIM, this will be activated instantly)
Buying a SIM card at the airport	-Convenience: Buying a SIM card at the airport is convenient, as you can get it immediately upon arrival. -Support: Airport staff usually have multilingual support, which can be helpful if you have any language barriers.	-Limited options: The selection of SIM cards at the France airports may be limited compared to local stores or online options. -Higher prices: SIM cards at the airport can be more expensive due to the convenience factor.

V. Gigago France eSIM – Alternative To Getting SIM card at Airports

A France eSIM, short for embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card that is built into a device such as a smartphone, smartwatch, or tablet. Unlike a physical SIM card, which needs to be inserted into a device’s SIM card slot, a France eSIM is integrated directly into the device’s hardware.

Pros of France eSIM:

• No risk of damage or loss of eSIM: You can’t damage or lose an eSIM because it’s inside your phone. Unlike physical SIM cards that can get damaged and weaken the signal, eSIMs are more reliable. So, using an eSIM means fewer problems with making calls and it’s one of the reasons you should try it.
• Flexibility. It can store multiple cell phone plans, so you don’t have to worry when traveling to different countries. It works across boundaries and allows you to use your phone wherever you go.
• Security: eSIMs have been designed with security in mind. Unlike physical SIM cards, eSIMs are not easily swappable, making it difficult for hackers to gain unauthorized access to your phone. This helps protect against SIM swap attacks and identity theft.
• Compatible with the physical SIM: Dual-SIM technology is common nowadays, allowing you to use two cards at the same time. With this feature, you can use both an eSIM and a physical SIM card on the same phone without any problems. This lets you switch between them based on which one has a stronger signal at any given moment.

So, Why We Choose Gigago eSIM for France? 

=> Gigago stands out with its diverse plans catered to tourist needs:

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.

Source: https://gigago.com/esim/france/

In addition, it provides exceptionally professional and excellent customer service. :

• 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.

VI. FAQs

VII. Conclusion

 As you can see, buying SIM cards at France airports is no longer convenient because thanks to technological development, online shopping has become increasingly easier and the price is much cheaper than buying at physical stores. You should buy a France SIM Card or eSIM online before your flight so you can be more proactive in your France travel schedule. Hope you have a good time and have a seamless connection to fully enjoy your trip!