Prepaid French Guiana SIM Cards for Tourists: A-Z Guide

Are you planning to visit French Guiana soon? Getting a SIM card is essential for staying in touch with friends and family and accessing the Internet while you’re there.

If you need information about tourist SIM cards in French Guiana, this guide will cover costs, data plans, where to buy them, and how to use them.

I. What are the Best French Guiana SIM cards for Tourists?

French Guiana has three mobile operators, making it easy for travelers to access mobile plans.

1. Digicel

Digicel has two data-featured prepaid plans: Offres Carte-Recharge Premium/Card Offers & Pass Extra Data.

Offres Carte-Recharge Premium/Card Offers

Price	Data	Local Minutes	Local SMS	Validity
2 EUR	500 MB	30 minutes	Unlimited	1 day
5 EUR	1 GB	60 minutes	Unlimited	5 days
10 EUR	3 GB	120 minutes	Unlimited	10 days
25 EUR	10 GB	180 minutes	Unlimited	30 days

Pass Extra Data

Price	Data	Validity
5 EUR	2 GB	Until plan expires

2. Orange

Orange has three data-featured prepaid plans:

• Les Recharges Max/Max Refills 

• Les Recharges Classiques/Classic Refills 

• Les Recharges Internet/Internet Refills

Les Recharges Max/Max Refills 

Price	Data	Local Minutes	Local SMS	Validity
10 EUR	500 MB	Unlimited	Unlimited	5 days
15 EUR	1 GB	Unlimited	Unlimited	7 days
20 EUR	2 GB	Unlimited	Unlimited	10 days

Les Recharges Classiques/Classic Refills 

Price	Data	Validity
3 EUR	500 MB	10 days
5 EUR	1 GB	10 days
15 EUR	3 GB	30 days
50 EUR	30 GB	60 days

Les Recharges Internet/Internet Refills

Price	Credit	(Bonus) Data	Validity
5 EUR	5 EUR	50 MB	6 days
10 EUR	10 EUR	200 MB	15 days
20 EUR	20 EUR	500 MB	45 days
30 EUR	30 EUR	1 GB	50 days
50 EUR	50 EUR	2 GB	90 days

3. SFR

SFR has one data-featured prepaid plan: Square Package. 

Price	Data	Local/EU Minutes	International Minutes	Local/EU SMS	Validity
5 EUR	10 GB	120 minutes	N/A	Unlimited	30 days
14.99 EUR	30 GB	360 minutes	N/A	Unlimited	30 days
24.99 EUR	150 GB	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	30 days
34.99 EUR	200 GB	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	30 days

II. Where to Buy SIM Cards in French Guiana for Tourists?

Tourists can buy a SIM card for French Guiana online before their trip, at the airports, or at local stores in the cities.

1. Buy a Prepaid French Guiana eSIM Online Before Departure

Tourists can purchase a prepaid eSIM online before arriving. The eSIM is activated through a QR code or mobile app, saving time when you get to French Guiana.

• Pros : Saves time. You don’t need to visit a store or wait for delivery. Your data package activates right away, allowing you to access the Internet as soon as you arrive.

• Cons : Your device must be eSIM compatible. You cannot change your data plan if you need more data during your trip.

• Tip : Check our list of eSIM-supported phones to see if your phone works with an eSIM.

2. Buy a Physical French Guiana SIM Card at Airports

You can choose a SIM card and package at kiosks or stores in major international airports like Cayenne – Félix Eboubé Airport (CAY).

• Pros : Convenient. If you’re short on time or unsure where to buy, you can get a physical SIM card right at the airport.

• Cons : Usually more expensive than other options. Limited choices compared to retail stores.

3. Buy a Physical French Guiana SIM Card Online

You can also buy a physical SIM card online before your trip. After purchasing, the SIM card will be shipped to your home, and you can activate it and choose your plan online.

• Pros : Many options for operators and plans. Easy to buy.

• Cons : Delivery may take time, and there may be additional shipping fees.

4. Buy a Physical French Guiana SIM Card in the Cities

Another option is to buy a SIM card at street-side stores or mobile phone shops in the cities. There are many SIM card stores throughout French Guiana.

• Pros : Widely available with many options and reasonable prices. You can get good advice on plans from store staff.

• Cons : It may take time to find a store. Language barriers might be challenging.

► Our Recommendation: For those with eSIM compatible devices: buying an eSIM online before arriving offers convenience and immediate activation.

III. How Much is a Tourist French Guiana SIM Card?

A SIM card in French Guiana typically costs between 9 EUR and 15 EUR. Smaller data plans start at around 9 EUR, while larger plans can be more expensive, depending on the data amount and the plan duration. The price of a prepaid SIM card varies based on the carrier and the package you choose.

IV. What types of French Guiana SIM cards are available for tourists?

There are two main types of SIM cards based on their forms and functions:

Forms:

1. Physical SIM : This is a physical card (standard, micro, or nano) used in both old and modern smartphones.
2. Virtual SIM (eSIM) : This is a digital chip embedded in some modern smartphones, replacing the need for a physical card.

Functions:

• Data-only SIM : Used only for data; it does not include a phone number.

• Voice and Data SIM : Used for both calls and data; it includes a phone number.

Most SIM cards for tourists in French Guiana offer prepaid packages, available as both physical SIMs and eSIMs. Here’s a comparison of the two options:

1. Prepaid Physical SIM Card

A prepaid physical SIM card is a tangible card with a set data plan that can be recharged. There are two types available for tourists:

• Data-only SIM

• Voice & Data SIM

2. Prepaid Tourist French Guiana eSIM

An eSIM is a virtual chip that cannot be removed or replaced. To activate it, you can use QR codes or mobile apps. For tourists, eSIMs are also available in two types:

• Data-only eSIM

• Voice & Data eSIM

Comparison of Physical SIM and eSIM for Tourists:

Feature	Prepaid French Guiana SIM Card	Prepaid eSIM for French Guiana
Pros	– Works with all smartphone models	– Can be purchased online
	– Easy to replace, widely available	– Activated through QR code or app
		– No risk of losing a physical SIM
Cons	– Requires physical handling	– Only compatible with some devices
	– High risk of losing the SIM	– Unlocked devices required

Our Recommendations:

• Choose a prepaid physical SIM card if you want to make traditional phone calls and send messages in French Guiana.

• Opt for a prepaid eSIM with a data-only plan if you only need to use online apps and access the Internet. Many tourists prefer this option for its convenience.

V. Do I Need to Buy a Sim Card for French Guiana travel?

Yes, buying a SIM card for travel to French Guiana is necessary for tourists. Here’s a comparison of using a SIM card versus other options like free WiFi and roaming:

	SIM Card	Free WiFi	Roaming
Price	Affordable	Free	Expensive
Convenience	Easy to purchase and use immediately	Depends on location	Requires activation and pre-planning
Availability	Widely available with various operators	Fixed locations only	Limited coverage and specific operators
Privacy	Private connection	Public network with security risks	Private connection

Based on these factors, getting a SIM card in French Guiana is the best choice for tourists. It is budget-friendly, widely available, easy to buy, secure, and reliable. A SIM card makes it simple to access the Internet and stay in touch during your trip.

VI. What to prepare when buying a SIM card in French Guiana? 

When buying a SIM card, you need to bring your passport or ID, as this is required for registration. You will also fill out some forms at the store, and the staff will help you with the registration and activation process.

For payment, you can use cash, a credit card, a debit card, or a prepaid travel card. Having different payment options will make the transaction smooth and easy.

VII. French Guiana eSIM – alternative to Tourist SIM cards

There are several ways for tourists to get Internet access and stay connected in French Guiana, such as roaming, pocket WiFi, free WiFi, and prepaid physical SIM cards. However, using an eSIM in French Guiana has several advantages over these options:

• Price : A French Guiana eSIM doesn’t have daily roaming charges or extra shipping fees. Everything can be done online.

• Availability : You can buy and activate a prepaid eSIM online, without needing a physical device or being in a specific location.

• Convenience : There’s no need to visit a store, and you won’t risk losing or damaging a SIM card.

• Coverage : An eSIM provides Internet connections everywhere and at all times, unlike WiFi, which has limited coverage.

• Privacy : A prepaid eSIM uses a private connection, making it more secure than free WiFi.

Considering these factors, a prepaid eSIM for tourists is the best choice for getting Internet access. It is more convenient, widely available, cost-effective, and secure compared to other options.

Among the eSIM providers, Gigago stands out for its attractive packages. Gigago offers data-only plans for tourists in French Guiana, making it convenient and cost-saving. Their tailored plans meet the diverse needs of tourists, ensuring a stable and reliable Internet connection throughout your trip.

For French Guiana, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 1 GB for 7 days with $9.50 . What is great about Gigago’s French Guiana eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $9.50 . Thus, it does not matter how Internet users you are and how long your trip is in French Guiana, there is always an option for you with Gigago.

VIII. How long does a tourist SIM card last in French Guiana?

Tourist SIM card plans in French Guiana usually last from a few days (1, 3, 5, or 7 days) to longer options like 15, 30 days, or even from 2 to 3 months. The duration depends on the plan you select and when you activate it. Most tourist SIM cards are prepaid with a set validity period.

The specific validity of your plan will be clearly indicated when you buy it or on the packaging. You can extend the validity by adding more credit before it expires, but this option may not be available for all plans.

IX. How to activate a SIM card in French Guiana? 

After choosing the best plan for your trip to French Guiana, here’s how to use your SIM card.

1. Using Prepaid French Guiana Tourist SIM Cards

First, you need to buy a physical SIM card. Then, follow these steps to insert and use it:

• Open the SIM tray on your phone and insert the SIM card.

• Turn on your device and follow the instructions in the welcome message to activate it.

• Set up your Internet settings by entering the APN provided by the network operator (if needed).

• Check your balance and plan by dialing the specific USSD codes for your operator.

• Once activated, your SIM card is ready to use.

2. Setting Up and Activating French Guiana eSIM

To use an eSIM in the French Guiana, follow these steps:

• Make sure your device is eSIM compatible.

• Purchase an eSIM and choose your plan from a provider. You will receive a QR code or activation details.

• Go to your device’s eSIM settings and scan the QR code or enter the activation details.

• Follow the instructions on your device to confirm the eSIM activation.

• Check your device settings to ensure your eSIM is active. Now your eSIM is ready to use.

FAQs

In short, using a French Guiana SIM card is the easiest way to stay connected. The three largest mobile network operators in French Guiana—Digicel, Orange and SFR—offer various packages for visitors. Make sure to consider your needs and preferences to choose the best SIM card for your trip.