Prepaid Reunion SIM Cards for Tourists: A-Z Guide

In this article, we’ll share helpful information about the best Reunion SIM cards for tourists in 2024. 

Buying a Reunion SIM card is important for visitors who want affordable cell service during their stay. This guide will help you choose the best prepaid SIM card options, where to buy them, and what you need to prepare for the purchase.

I. What are the Best Reunion SIM cards for Tourists?

The main providers are SFR Réunion, Orange Réunion, and Only Réunion. 

1. Orange

The Orange SIM card comes with €10 in credit for data, minutes, and SMS at standard rates.

• €14.99: 2 GB in Réunion and Europe, 2 hours of airtime to and from Réunion, Mayotte, France, French Overseas Departments, and Europe, and unlimited SMS to and from Réunion, Mayotte, France, French Overseas Departments, and Europe.

• €19.99: 30 GB in Réunion and Europe, 2 hours of airtime to and from Réunion, Mayotte, France, French Overseas Departments, and Europe, and unlimited SMS to and from Réunion, Mayotte, France, French Overseas Departments, and Europe.

• €29.99: 30 GB in Réunion and Europe, and unlimited calls and SMS to and from Réunion, Mayotte, France, French Overseas Departments, and Europe.

• €44.99: 70 GB in Réunion and Europe, and unlimited calls and SMS to and from Réunion, Mayotte, France, French Overseas Departments, and Europe.

• €59.99: 120 GB in Réunion and Europe, and unlimited calls and SMS to and from Réunion, Mayotte, France, French Overseas Departments, and Europe.

2. SFR

The following 4 monthly plans, called mobile packages, are available:

• €9.99: 100 MB, 2 hours of airtime off-net , and unlimited SMS off-net. 

• €24.99: 1 GB and unlimited calls and SMS off-net. 

• €29.99: 20 GB and unlimited calls and SMS off-net.

• €39.99: 60 GB, and unlimited calls and SMS off-net. 

3. Only 

You can buy an Only SIM card, called CARTE Only, for €15 at Only stores. This card comes with €10 in credit, plus an extra €5 if you top up within 7 days of activation.

There’s also the Carte ON, which costs the same, but has different rates for data, calls, and texts. With Carte ON, you pay €0.05 per MB (or €51.20 for 1 GB). With Carte Only, the rate is €0.10 per MB (or €102.40 for 1 GB). 

II. Where to Buy SIM Cards in Reunion for Tourists?

You can get a SIM card for your trip to Reunion in three ways:

• Buy an eSIM Online Before You Travel

• Buy a SIM Card at Local Stores

• Buy a SIM Card at Hotels and Tourist Areas

1. Buy an eSIM Online Before You Travel

You can purchase an eSIM online through trusted websites like Gigago. This way, you’ll have internet access as soon as you arrive. Just make sure your phone supports eSIMs and that you check the package details after buying.

Pros:

• Get connected right away upon arrival.

• Often cheaper than buying on the spot.

Cons:

• Your phone must support eSIM technology.

• You can’t change your plan while traveling.

2. Buy a SIM Card at Local Stores

Many local telecom stores sell tourist SIM cards. Look for “Carrefour Ste Clotilde” shopping center for provider stores like SFR, Free or Orange.

Pros:

• Easy to find stores in cities and towns.

• Good support if you encounter problems.

Cons:

• You’ll need identification to buy a SIM.

3. Buy a SIM Card at Hotels and Tourist Areas

Some hotels and restaurants offer SIM card services. You can ask the staff for help with purchasing and activating it.

Pros:

• Convenient since you can buy it where you’re staying.

• Easy to get help if something goes wrong.

Cons:

• Not all hotels provide this service, especially smaller ones.

► Recommendations:

• For Immediate Use: Buy a SIM at the airport, even if it’s a bit more expensive.
• If You Have Time: Get an eSIM online before your trip.
• For Cost-Effectiveness: Buy a local SIM at stores when you arrive in Reunion.
• Best for Quick Setup: Use an eSIM if your device supports it.

III. How Much is a Tourist Reunion SIM Card?

A tourist SIM card in Reunion typically costs around €15 to €20. Prices can vary based on the location and specific store, so it’s recommended to check the latest offers when you arrive.

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

There are two common types of SIM cards for travelers in Reunion, based on their form: Prepaid Physical SIM Card and Prepaid Tourist eSIM.

1. Prepaid Physical SIM Card

Where to Buy : You can easily buy physical prepaid SIM cards from various mobile network providers in Reunion. They are available at airports, convenience stores, vending machines, and official stores of local telecom companies.

What You Need : To get a physical prepaid SIM card, you’ll need to show your passport for identification. Make sure your phone is unlocked and compatible with the local network frequencies. After purchasing, follow the provider’s instructions to activate the SIM and use it as usual.

These prepaid SIM cards usually offer different internet data, calling, and messaging packages to suit your needs. You can compare options to find the most cost-effective data plan.

2. Prepaid Tourist eSIM

What is an eSIM? : An eSIM is a digital SIM embedded in your device, allowing you to activate a mobile plan without needing a physical card. Some local telecom providers offer eSIMs specifically for travelers.

Where to Buy : To get an eSIM in Reunion, check local websites for providers that cater to tourists. Make sure your phone can activate an eSIM before attempting to register.

If you’re unsure about the availability of eSIM services, ask local residents or guides. If it’s not convenient, a physical SIM card is easier to find.

Feature	Prepaid Physical SIM Card	Prepaid eSIM
Pros	– Easy to buy at airports and stores.	– No SIM slot needed; works on compatible devices.
	– Reliable high-speed internet.	– Flexible; can be activated remotely.
	– Easy to swap between devices.	– Convenient for internet and messaging.
Cons	– Requires in-person purchase and ID.	– Requires device compatibility for installation.
	– May cost more than an eSIM.	– Not all carriers offer eSIMs.
	– Potential issues with old SIM slots.

Both options provide good communication services for travelers in Reunion. Choose based on whether your phone supports eSIM connectivity.

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

Yes, getting a SIM card in Reunion is very convenient for your trip.

Buying a SIM card while traveling in Reunion provides easy access to calls, texts, and the internet. Local SIM cards are safer and more affordable than roaming charges or pocket Wi-Fi. You can purchase them online before your trip, at the airport, or at local stores.

Unlike free Wi-Fi, which can be unreliable and insecure, a local SIM card offers reliable and secure internet access. This makes it the best choice for staying connected during your travels.

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

To buy a prepaid SIM card in Reunion, you’ll need your passport for registration. The store will make a copy of your passport and register the SIM card in your name. This process takes about 5 minutes, so it’s best to buy from an official retail store instead of random shops.

You’ll get a SIM card with a new Reunion phone number. Insert it right away to make sure the data plan and voice packages are working before you leave the store. Ask the staff how to check your balance and data.

If you’d rather not register your SIM card, you can order an eSIM online. For this, you only need to provide your email address for verification.

VII. Reunion eSIM – alternative to Tourist SIM cards

A new option like eSIM has become a great alternative thanks to modern technology.

Here are some key benefits of using eSIM:

• Easy Installation : You only need a QR code to activate an eSIM. This means you won’t have to take apart your phone, reducing the chance of losing your main SIM card.

• Simple Network Switching : You can quickly switch between networks without changing SIM cards. An eSIM can hold up to five virtual SIM cards, so there’s no need for a SIM ejector tool.

• Multiple Numbers : eSIMs work like dual-SIM phones, allowing you to have two phone numbers on one device.

For Reunion, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 1 GB for 7 days with $10.50 . What is great about Gigago’s Reunion eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $10.50 . Thus, it does not matter how Internet users you are and how long your trip is in Reunion, there is always an option for you with Gigago.

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

In Reunion, a tourist SIM card typically comes with various validity periods from 7 to 30 days. For example:

• SFR offers a SIM card with a package lasting 30 days which includes data and minutes.

• Orange can also provide plans with similar 15 to 30-day validity depending on the specific package selected.

When purchasing, be sure to check the details of the specific plan to confirm the duration of validity.

IX. How to activate a SIM card in Reunion? 

Here’s how to activate a SIM Card in Reunion: 

1. Using Prepaid Tourist SIM Cards in Reunion

After you buy a SIM card in Reunion, follow these steps to activate and use it:

1. Turn off your phone and remove your old SIM card.

2. Insert the new Reunion SIM card into the correct slot.

3. Turn your phone back on and wait for it to connect to the network.

4. Complete any registration needed and start using the SIM. If you have any problems, contact the network provider for help.

2. Setting Up and Activating an eSIM in Reunion

To use an eSIM in Reunion, follow these steps:

1. Activate the eSIM : Go to your phone’s eSIM settings, download the QR code, and scan it. Follow the on-screen instructions to activate the eSIM.

2. Using the eSIM : Once activated, you can switch between different eSIM profiles on your device.

FAQs

In summary, getting a SIM card in Reunion is a smart choice for travelers. It helps you avoid expensive international roaming charges and high fees for Wi-Fi. You can purchase SIM cards online, at the airport, or from local telecom shops. Being prepared will make your trip smoother and keep you connected easily.