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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.
Buying a SIM card at Nice Airport (Côte d’Azur Airport – NCE) 2024: Travelers Guide
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Learn how to buy a SIM card at Nice Airport (Côte d’Azur Airport – NCE) with comprehensive guide for tourists.
Buying a SIM Card at Nice airport is essential if you want to stay connected instantly upon arrival in France. So what is the buying process, what do you need to prepare to be able to buy a SIM card at Nice airport. Find out all here!
In this article
I. Where to Buy a SIM Card at Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE)?
Tourists can buy a SIM card at some mobile operator’s kiosks or stores, including: Relay stores and FNAC stores. You can find two stores anywhere at terminal 1 and terminal 2.
Relay stores:
Terminal 1 – côté piste – Salle B:
- Location: After going through security Niveau 1, Salle B, Towards gate B41
- Opening hours: From 6:00 am to 10:00 pm
- Phone: +33 4 93 21 44 56
Terminal 1 – côté piste – Salle A:
- Location: After going through security Niveau 1, Salle A, Towards gate A33
- Opening hours: From 5:15 am to 10:00 pm
- Phone: +33 4 93 71 47 79
Terminal 1 – côté ville – départs:
- Location: Before going through security Niveau 0, Towards gate D3
- From 5:00 am to 9:00 pm
- Phone: +33 4 83 76 26 43
Terminal 2 – côté piste – Salle B:
- Location: After going through security Niveau 2, Salle A, Towards the gate A04
- Opening hours: From 5:30 am to 9:00 pm
Terminal 2 – côté piste – Salle A:
- Location: After going through security Niveau 2, Salle A, Towards the gate B22
- Opening hours: From 5:00 am to 9:00 pm
- Phone: +33 4 89 98 51 22
Terminal 2 côté ville:
- Location: Before going through security Niveau Floor 1
- Opening hours: From 7:00 am to 8:00 pm (9:00 pm on Friday and Sunday)
FNAC store:
Terminal 2 – côté piste – Salle A
- After going through security Niveau 2, Salle A, Towards the gate A15
- Phone: +33 04 83 76 29 14
- Opening Hours: From 6:00 am to 9:00 pm
Read more: Nice Airport Services
Notes:
- The lines at these stands can be long, especially during peak travel hours, so be prepared to wait for up to an hour at times!
- SIM card shops at NCE Airport generally do not stay open after midnight. While airport hours vary, most shops and services inside the airport close around 9 PM to midnight, including SIM card kiosks. This means if you arrive late at night, you might not be able to buy a SIM card from those stores.
II. What to Prepare for Getting a SIM Card at Nice Airport?
To get a trip to France, you have to prepare some important things, detailed: passport, ID card,…and follow registration process at Nice Airport.
1. Required Documents:
- Passport: You’ll need to present your passport to verify your identity and nationality.
- Unlocked phone: Ensure your phone is unlocked to accept a SIM card from a different carrier.
- Payment method: Have a credit card or cash to pay for the SIM card and plan.
2. Registration Process:
- Choose a provider and plan: Select a provider (Suggestion: Orange, SFR, Bouygues, Free Mobile) and a plan that suits your data needs.
- Purchase the SIM card: Visit stores such as Relay or Fnac request the desired plan.
- Provide your passport: Present your passport to the salesperson for registration. They’ll collect your personal details and may make a photocopy.
- Sign the contract (if applicable): Some plans may require you to sign a short contract.
- Insert and activate the SIM card: Follow the instructions to insert the new SIM card into your phone. Activation may happen automatically or require a code.
- Top up (if needed): If your plan doesn’t include credit, top up your account at the store or online.
Additional Information:
- Registration time: The process usually takes around 10-15 minutes.
- Language assistance: If you need help in English, most airport staff can assist you
- SIM card sizes: Most SIM cards come in multiple sizes (standard, micro, nano), so they'll fit most phones.
III. Compare Prepaid SIM card plans for tourists at Nice Côte d’Azur Airport – Quick Reviews
When arriving at Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, tourists have several options for prepaid SIM cards from major telecom providers such as Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom, and Free Mobile. Below is a comparison of the available plans to help you choose the most suitable one for your stay in France.
| Provider | Plan | Data | Other Features | Validity | Price (EUR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orange | Holiday Europe SIM Card | 10 GB in 80+ countries | – | 28 days | 29.99 |
| Mundo 5G Europe SIM Card | 20 GB in Europe | Unlimited calls/SMS, 120 international minutes | 28 days | 39.99 | |
| Go Europe SIM Card | 2 GB in Europe | Unlimited calls/SMS within France | 7 days | 10.00 | |
| SFR | Travel Multi SIM Card | 10 GB in Europe | Unlimited calls/SMS within France | 14 days | 29.99 |
| Travel Data SIM Card | 5 GB in Europe | – | 7 days | 20.00 | |
| Unlimited France SIM Card | Unlimited in France | Unlimited calls/SMS | 7 days | 25.00 | |
| Bouygues Telecom | Carte SIM Europe Travel 15 Go | 15 GB in Europe | Unlimited calls/SMS within France | 14 days | 29.99 |
| Carte SIM Europe Mini 7 Go | 7 GB in Europe | Unlimited calls/SMS within France | 7 days | 19.99 | |
| Carte SIM France illimitée SMS/Appels | 10 GB in France | Unlimited calls/SMS | 30 days | 19.99 | |
| Free Mobile | Europe SIM Card | 5 GB in Europe | Unlimited calls/SMS within France | 14 days | 20.00 |
| Série limitée France 4G 100 Go | 100 GB in France | – | 30 days | 19.99 | |
| Série limitée France 4G 10 Go | 10 GB in France | – | 7 days | 10.00 |
► Our recommendation: If you do not know which provider to choose, we recommend Bouygues because of its suitable price that many people believe to use.
IV. SIM Cards Price At Tourist Nice Airport
SIM card price at Nice airport based on several factors, including the provider, data allowance, additional features, and validity period.
When comparing the four providers, Orange’s plans range from 10.00 EUR to 39.99 EUR, SFR’s from 20.00 EUR to 29.99 EUR, Bouygues Telecom’s from 19.99 EUR to 29.99 EUR, and Free Mobile’s from 10.00 EUR to 20.00 EUR.
Therefore, travelers need to carefully choose a data plan from each provider that suits their travel itinerary and the needs of their family.
V. Buy SIM card online for pickup at Nice Airport
Here are the steps to buy a SIM card online for pickup at Nice Côte d’Azur Airport:
- Choose a Provider: Research and select a telecom provider that offers suitable prepaid SIM card plans for tourists.
- Visit the Provider’s Website: Go to the official website of your chosen provider.
- Select a Plan: Browse through available prepaid SIM card plans and choose the one that meets your data and usage needs.
- Purchase the SIM Card: Add the desired SIM card to your cart and proceed to checkout, providing necessary personal and payment information.
- Choose Pickup Location: During checkout, select the option to pick up your SIM card at Nice Côte d’Azur Airport.
- Receive Confirmation: After completing your purchase, you will receive a confirmation email with order details and pickup instructions.
- Pickup at the Airport: Upon arrival, go to the designated pickup location mentioned in your confirmation email, present your confirmation and valid ID to collect your SIM card.
- Activate Your SIM Card: Follow the activation instructions provided by the provider or ask airport staff for assistance.
By following these steps, you can easily buy a SIM card online and pick it up at the airport, ensuring you stay connected throughout your trip.
Ordering a SIM card online and picking it up at Nice Côte d’Azur Airport are convenient options for travelers. Here are the benefits compared to buying at the airport:
Buying Online:
- Better Deals: Often find more competitive prices.
- Detailed Information: Access to comprehensive details about different plans.
- Ready Upon Arrival: Assurance that your SIM card will be ready for pickup when you land.
Buying at the Airport:
- Immediate Availability: Purchase and activate your SIM card on the spot.
- Staff Assistance: Airport staff can help with activation and any immediate issues.
► Our recommendation: Given the potential for long lines at airport stands, particularly during peak flying hours, it is advisable to buy your SIM card online. This option provides better deals, more detailed information, and the convenience of having your SIM card ready for pickup upon arrival.
VI. How to active SIM card bought at Nice Airport
Activating your SIM card at Nice Côte d’Azur Airport is a straightforward process. Typically, the airport staff or clerks who sell you the SIM card will also handle the activation for you. If you encounter any issues, rest assured that the staff will be available to provide assistance and ensure your SIM card is correctly set up before you leave.
VII. France eSIM at Nice – an Alternative to Nice Airport SIM Card
Currently on the market, eSIM is extremely convenient and addresses the disadvantages of other connectivity options.
To buy eSIM, though major network carriers in France also offer eSIM services for tourists, they often require registration for activation (usually showing passport). Instead, you can buy eSIM from one of prestigious eSIM providers in the word.
We specifically suggest Gigago eSIM provider. For France, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, with prices ranging from $3.00 – $95.90 . Their minimum 1 GB/3 days starts at just $3.00 .
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 eSIM plan to fit your needs and budget.
You can visit France eSIM plan to see more details about how to buy, install and activate it.
VIII. FAQs
Can I use a foreign SIM card at CDG Airport or do I need to buy a local one?
Yes, you can use a foreign SIM card at CDG Airport. CDG Airport has Wi-Fi connectivity, so if your foreign SIM card allows for data roaming or you have an international data plan, you can connect to Wi-Fi and use your phone’s internet services.
Can I get assistance with setting up my SIM card at CDG Airport?
Yes, you can typically get assistance with setting up your SIM card at CDG Airport. Many SIM card vendors at the airport have staff members who can help you with the activation process and guide you through the setup steps.
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