Buying a SIM card at Paris Airport (Charles de Gaulle – CDG) 2024: Best Plans + Updated Price

William Jones

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Latest update: May 2024

You can buy a France SIM card at Paris airport (Charles de Gaulle – CDG) in person, in carrier stores, Relay stores, or online.

If you’re a traveler looking to stay connected during your time in France, you’ve come to the right place. Here we guide on buying a SIM card at CDG airport, from where to buy, what to prepare, which network operator to go for to alternative to Paris airport SIM Card. Let’s get started!

I. Can I Buy a SIM Card In Paris Airport?

Yes. You can buy a SIM card at Frankfurt Airport (FRA).

This way has soem advantages for tourists, such as: convenience, immediate connectivity, multilin

• Convenience and Speed: Buying a SIM card at the airport is incredibly easy and quick.
• Immediate Connectivity: You can start using your phone right away without the hassle of searching for a store in an unfamiliar city.
• Multilingual Assistance: Airport staff often speak several languages, which is a great help for international travelers.

However, the selection of plans and providers at the airport tends to be limited and might not meet all your requirements. Prices are typically higher than what you’d find in local stores, making it a pricier option. Additionally, the service quality and data allowances might not be as competitive as those available outside the airport.

II. Where to buy a SIM card at CDG Airport?

You can buy a SIM card at CDG Airport, details: relay bookshops and tourism information desk.

1. Relay Bookshops

Relay Stores are convenience stores located in airports and railway stations across France. They have several locations within Charles de Gaulle Airport. The Relay Stores in CDG Airport can be found in both the departures and arrivals terminals. Here are the specific locations within Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 where you can find Relay Stores:

Terminal 1:

• Hall A, Level 1, Store n°A-101
• Hall A, Level 2, Store n°A-202
• Hall A, Level 3, Store n°A-301
• Hall A, Level 4, Store n°A-401

Terminal 2:

• Hall D, Level 1, Store n°D-101
• Hall D, Level 2, Store n°D-202
• Hall D, Level 3, Store n°D-301
• Hall D, Level 4, Store n°D-401

2. Tourism Information Desk

Terminals 2 and 3 do not sell prepaid SIM cards for tourists. In Terminals 2 and 3, the Tourism Information desk will redirect you to the Relay shops. However, in Terminal 1, the Tourist Information desk should be able to provide you with information about the prepaid SIM cards available for tourists.

► Our recommendation: If you do not know which provider to choose, we recommend Orange mobile operator. Because of its popular and better price than others, so many people believe this operator.

III. Do SIM Card Shops At CDG Airport Open After Midnight? 

No, SIM card shops at CDG Airport generally do not stay open after midnight. While airport hours vary, most shops and services inside the airport close around 8 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.

IV. CDG Airport SIM Cards Price

Below is Orange’s data plan that is very popular with many people.

Here are some of the most popular prepaid SIM card packages for tourists at Paris Airport. You can consider which is the best for you:

Note: Prices may vary depending on the retailer and the SIM card provider.

V. Registration Process When Buying a SIM Card at CDG Airport – What to Prepare

Tourist must prepare some important things such as: passport, ID card,…to process the procedure before buying a SIM at CDG Airport. Follow some steps below:

• Bring your valid passport for identification. This is required for SIM registration.
• Find a store selling SIM cards from major French providers like Orange or Bouygues.
• Choose a plan that fits your data, calling, and texting needs and your duration trip as well.
• Provide your passport and personal details to the staff for registration. Fill out any required forms accurately.
• Pay for your chosen SIM plan and activation fees.
• Have the staff support you to activate your new SIM card in your phone.

This procedure may be complex for tourists who are reluctant to share personal information. So, using an eSIM is a effective method for tourist.

VI. France eSIM – an Alternative to Prepaid SIM Card at Paris Airport

Currently on the market, eSIM, is extremely convenient and can overcome the disadvantages of other connectivity options. In particular, it is superior to the physical SIM line in many aspects. Let’s see what those aspects are: 

• Convenience: you don’t need to physically insert or remove a SIM card from your device. It’s a digital SIM that can be downloaded and activated wirelessly

• Flexibility: eSIM allows you to switch between different mobile network operators without changing physical SIM cards. 

• Dual SIM Capability: you can have the benefits of dual SIM functionality without occupying a physical SIM slot. This means you can use two different numbers or plans simultaneously

Upon choosing eSIM for Paris, we recommend Gigago eSIM. This is a reliable eSIM provider offering eSIM plans for more than 200 countries and territories in the world, including France.

Gigago offers multiple data plan options for France, with prices ranging from $3.00 – $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 France eSIM plan to fit your needs and budget.

Besides multiple plans and affordable price, Gigago eSIM also has other advantages:

• Easy Activation: Purchase online and activate instantly by scanning a QR code or entering a code.
• Reliable Coverage: Uses major French networks like Orange, SFR, and Bouygues.
• Instant Delivery: Get eSIM details directly via email for immediate access.
• 24/7 Support: Get help promptly with any questions or issues.

VII. Can I Buy a SIM card Outside Paris Airport?

Yes, you can buy a SIM card outside of Paris Airport, there are several convenient options available in the city. Here are some places where you can purchase a SIM card:

1. Telecom Stores

• Orange: Look for Orange boutiques, which are widely available throughout Paris.
• SFR: SFR stores can also be found in many locations across the city.
• Bouygues Telecom: Another major provider with numerous stores in Paris.
• Free Mobile: Free Mobile stores are good options for affordable plans.

2. Electronics Stores

• Fnac: A well-known electronics and book retailer that often sells SIM cards.
• Darty: Another electronics store where you can find SIM cards and mobile accessories.

3. Supermarkets and Hypermarkets

• Carrefour: Many Carrefour locations offer SIM cards at their customer service desks.
• Auchan: You can also find SIM cards in Auchan stores.

4. Convenience Stores

• Tabacs: Small tobacco shops (tabacs) often sell prepaid SIM cards and top-up vouchers.

5. Shopping Centers and Malls

• Les Halles: A major shopping center in the heart of Paris with various telecom stores.
• Galeries Lafayette: This famous department store also has sections where you can purchase SIM cards.

By exploring these options, you can find a suitable SIM card that meets your needs without having to rely on the often more expensive and limited options available at the airport.

VIII. FAQs