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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.
How to Get Mobile Internet in France for Travelers: What Option to Choose?
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Traveler’s guide on mobile internet in France, from rates to best options to choose for staying connected while traveling in France.
Before preparing your trip to France, it is wise to read thoroughly this article because you can find useful information about cellular internet connections in France, different network operators, different alternatives, and rates for mobile internet in France.
In this article
I. Mobile Internet in France – Coverage and Speed
In France, there are 4 big operators which offer mobile networks for most parts of the country: Bouygues, Free Mobile, Orange, and SFR. Let’s explore the coverage and speed of 4 carriers.
1. France Mobile Internet Coverage by Network Operator
- Orange – Best overall coverage in France, especially in cities. Reliable calls and fast data speeds.
- Bouygues – Good urban coverage but weaker in rural areas. Still decent speeds.
- SFR – Similar to Free Mobile. Good urban coverage but can be spotty in remote areas. Expect occasional dropped calls.
- Free Mobile – On par with SFR for coverage. Reliable in cities but rural areas can be inconsistent.
▶ Our recommendation:
- Go with Orange or Bouygues if seamless connectivity is essential.
- SFR or Free Mobile are cheaper options if you don’t mind occasional coverage gaps outside major hubs.
Pro Tip: Compare carrier maps before making a decision. Test network's speed at your locations.
2. France Mobile Internet Speed
Nationwide Average Speeds:
- Download:
- Orange: 66.9 Mbps
- SFR: 51.8 Mbps
- Bouygues Telecom: 51.0 Mbps
- Free Mobile: 41.6 Mbps
- Upload:
- Orange: 8.2 Mbps
- SFR: 7.4 Mbps
- Bouygues Telecom: 8 Mbps
- Free Mobile: 5.6 Mbps
Regional Variations:
- Top Cities:
- Paris: Orange (59.42 Mbps), SFR (55.58 Mbps), Bouygues Telecom (53.14 Mbps), Free Mobile (42.15 Mbps)
- Lyon: Orange (54.36 Mbps), SFR (51.27 Mbps), Bouygues Telecom (49.10 Mbps), Free Mobile (40.08 Mbps)
- Marseille: Orange (51.87 Mbps), SFR (48.73 Mbps), Bouygues Telecom (46.25 Mbps), Free Mobile (39.12 Mbps)
- Rural Areas:
- Speeds generally lower than urban areas across all providers.
- Significant variation depending on specific location and network coverage.
▶ Our Recommendation: Orange maintains its lead in speed in urban areas. However, if you want to seek a budget-friendly operator, you can consider Free Mobile as it offers competitive prices, but speeds may be lower.
II. What are Connectivity Options for Tourists to France?
There are 03 common ways to connect to these four networks, including roaming, France international SIM Card and free Wifi. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. So let’s find the answer as to what is the best choice for tourists when coming to France:
| Feature | French SIM Card | Free Wi-Fi | Roaming |
| Cost | Affordable prepaid plans, even for short stays | Often free, but unreliable and limited | Expensive! Charges per call, text, and data |
| Convenience | Always connected, no hunting for Wi-Fi | Hit-or-miss availability, limited bandwidth | Can be tricky to set up, potential roaming fees |
| Accessibility | Use GPS offline, access local apps, make calls anywhere | Can be spotty outside urban areas, limited to specific locations | Relies on your home provider’s coverage and plan |
Language barrier buster | Translate signs, find restaurants, ask for directions in French | Often requires separate translation apps, limited features | May not work offline, relies on Wi-Fi |
| Peace of mind | Stay in touch with loved ones, avoid roaming surprises | Worry about finding Wi-Fi constantly, potential for missed calls/texts | Expensive data usage charges, potential connection breakdowns |
II. Mobile Internet Rates in France
| Option | Package | Cost |
| Bouygues | -24-hour unlimited voice & SMS pass: from $8.26 / 24h -24h Data Pass1GB: from $14.16 / 24h | |
| Free mobile | National Data Packages | Start around $2.36 for 1GB |
| Orange | World Zone Packages: | Expect prices starting around $20 for limited access in broader regions to over $118 for substantial allowances. |
| SFR | Europe Zone Packages: | From $11.80 |
| Prepaid SIM Card | Various packages | From $3.5, depending on your data you need or your trip length. |
| Free wifi | Free but unstable |
Note: Prices may vary, depending on your home country. Visit official websites of operators to check accurate cost.
Advice: As you can see, with affordable cost and various plans, Prepaid SIM Card is the best option for tourists. You just need some steps to activate your SIM Card and use it during your trip without any anxiety.
IV. Data SIM Card for Mobile Internet in France
We will list below the popular SIM Card packages of the four carriers:
Orange:
- Holiday Zen: €29.90, 10GB data, unlimited calls/texts within France, 120 minutes international calls.
- Holiday Europe: €49.90, 30GB data valid in all EU countries, unlimited calls/texts within France, 120 minutes international calls.
- Multisim Famille: €39.90, 40GB data shared between up to 5 SIM cards, valid in France and EU.
SFR:
- Carte SIM La Carte 10 Go: €19.99, 10GB data, 2 hours calls, 200 SMS.
- Carte SIM La Carte 20 Go: €29.99, 20GB data, unlimited calls/texts within France.
- Carte SIM Travel Europe: €49.99, 20GB data valid in all EU countries, unlimited calls/texts within France.
Free Mobile:
- Série Free: Starts at €9.99, variable data packages (2GB, 5GB, 100GB), unlimited calls/texts within France.
- Free 5G: €19.99, unlimited data, calls, and texts within France (capped at 50GB in EU).
- Free Flex: €15.99, 100GB data, unlimited calls/texts within France.
Bouygues Telecom:
- Kart Internet Voyage Europe: €39.90, 20GB data valid in all EU countries, unlimited calls/texts within France.
- Essentiel 20 Go: €19.99, 20GB data, unlimited calls/texts within France.
- B&YOU 40 Go: €13.99, 40GB data, unlimited calls/texts within France.
Note: This information may change over time. Please visit the official websites of these distributors or the Gigago website for accurate information about each package.
IV. Data eSIM for France- Best Option to Get Mobile Internet for Tourists
Benefits of using a prepaid France eSIM:
- No damage/loss risk – eSIMs are inside your phone so can’t get lost or damaged like physical SIM cards. More reliable signal.
- Flexibility – eSIMs can store multiple plans for easy switching when traveling abroad.
- Enhanced security – eSIMs are not easily removable, helping prevent SIM swap fraud and identity theft.
- Dual SIM compatible – eSIMs work alongside physical SIMs on dual SIM phones. Allows switching between SIMs for better signal.
As a specific suggestion on eSIM provider for France, we would like to recommend Gigago, an eSIM provider for more than 200 countries and territories in the world, including France.
Gigago offers multiple data plan options for France, with prices ranging from $3.50 – $126.00 . Their minimum 1 GB/3 days starts at just $3.50 . With this range 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 France eSIM plan to fit your needs and budget.
In addition, Gigago also 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.
Important Note: eSIMs only work on unlocked and eSIM-supported mobile device. Learn how to check if your phone supports eSIM by yourself or refer our checklist for quick answer
V. FAQs
Do I need to create an account to use Orange service?
Yes you need to create an account to buy an eSIM, a SIM card or a top-up.
What are the different payment methods offered?
You can pay with a visa or Mastercard. Products may be sold in euros. Your bank may apply conversion fees if your credit or debit card is set for payments in another currency. Please check it directly with your bank.
Having a memorable trip to France with a seamless connection experience is not difficult if you grasp all the tips on getting mobile internet in France for travelers given above. If you have any questions, please contact us via the official website or the websites of French carriers for timely support. Wish you have a nice trip!
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