Top 7 best sim card for France: What is the best one?

Hey there, fellow travelers! Are you planning your dream trip to France? I feel you! The anticipation, the excitement, and of course the need for connection throughout your adventure. Now, let’s talk about something important – finding the best SIM card for France. Trust me, I’ve been there, and finding the best SIM card was a game changer for my journey.

So, join me as I share my insights and experiences in the quest for the perfect travel companion – the best SIM card that kept me connected as I explored the charming streets, historic landmarks, and interesting corners of France. Let’s dive in!

Is it necessary to buy a SIM card for France travel?

Yes, it is recommended to buy a SIM card for your trip to France. Purchasing a prepaid SIM card in France is a breeze, and you can find them at convenient spots like newsstands. The added perk is that all prepaid SIM cards in France come with free EU roaming, meaning you can use the same card in other European countries without worrying about extra fees. 

Consider factors like the availability of Wi-Fi and the benefits of local SIM cards, such as better coverage and faster data speeds. While it’s not necessary for short stays with minimal data usage, having a local SIM card can enhance your overall travel experience, providing a cost-effective and reliable way to use data, make calls, and send messages.

If you’re into hassle-free options, consider going for an eSIM – you can apply and register online before your adventure begins. Just a heads up, it’s always a good idea to check with your home carrier regarding roaming options and charges before jetting off. 

7 Best SIM card for France for your trip

Start a hassle-free journey in France with my curated list of the top 7 SIM cards, ensuring quick connectivity and value for your travel needs.

1. Bouygues Telecom

I opted for the Bouygues Telecom prepaid SIM card for my trip to France, and overall, it proved to be a convenient choice, especially for those who plan ahead. The initial activation needs to be done in France, but once that’s sorted, the card extends its services to other EU countries, which was a definite plus for my travel itinerary.

One notable feature is the generous data offering. In France, I had a substantial 20 GB at my disposal, and an additional 5 GB in other European countries, ensuring I stayed connected wherever my travels took me. The unlimited national calls and texts, coupled with 25 minutes of international calls within Europe, provided ample communication options.

I found the ability to hotspot in France particularly useful. It allowed me to share internet access with other devices, which came in handy during various situations.

While there aren’t specific top-up options, the comprehensive features included in the prepaid vacation plan made it hassle-free for my European travels. The option for global SIM card delivery also added to the accessibility, catering to travelers from around the world.

Additionally, I explored the My European eSIM by Bouygues Telecom, which offered 30GB of data, unlimited calls across Europe, all at a cost of 39.90€. This provided a convenient alternative for European travelers, ensuring they have ample data and communication capabilities throughout their journey.

What I like: 

• Bouygues Telecom prepaid SIM card provided a reliable and hassle-free experience, offering good value for the features included. 
• Broadcast capabilities in France, allowing Internet access to be shared with other devices.

What I don’t like: 

• While offering global delivery, Bouygues Telecom’s SIM cards may have limitations in terms of available SIM types, necessitating consideration based on user requirements.
• Bouygues Telecom’s 4G/LTE network primarily operates on the 1800 MHz frequency, potentially impacting coverage in certain areas.

2. Orange SIM Cards

I found the Orange Holiday SIM Card to be a solid choice for my recent trip to France. At a cost of €40 or $49.90 when purchased in the U.S. before the trip, it seemed like a good deal to me. The reliability and extensive coverage provided by Orange, akin to Verizon or AT&T in the U.S., made me feel confident about staying connected throughout my travels.

One of the standout features was the prepaid plan’s inclusion of 120 minutes of international calls, 1,000 SMS texts worldwide, and unlimited calls and texts within Europe. Additionally, the generous 20 GB of data could be used anywhere in Europe, ensuring I had ample connectivity for various needs.

Being a tourist, the convenience of purchasing the Orange Holiday SIM Card in advance online for $49.90 was a distinct advantage. This spared me the hassle of searching for a newsstand or telephone shop upon my arrival in Paris.

The only downside I encountered was the 14-day limit on the initial credit. However, the option to top it off at a newsstand or Orange store (“La Boutique”) provided a solution to extend the usability of the SIM card.

What impressed me most was the widespread presence of Orange stores in Paris, offering a reliable support system. In case of any issues with the SIM card, I felt reassured knowing that I could easily find assistance, and the fact that they spoke English was a bonus.

What I like: 

• Orange Holiday SIM is praised for being a top choice for international travel, offering good coverage and service quality.
• Orange Mundo SIM provides a single prepaid solution for multiple European countries, offering convenience for travelers.
• Orange Holiday Europe SIM provides competitive data plans, including high-speed internet and ample data allowances.

What I don’t like: 

• Orange Mundo SIM may have cons related to different languages, potentially causing challenges for users.

3. Pass SFR La Carte

I recently explored the Pass SFR La Carte, and I must say, it offers a range of flexible plans that cater to diverse needs. I opted for the eight-day mobile internet pass, which provided a reasonable 2 GB of data. It served my short-term data needs efficiently, and the flexibility of the plan was quite convenient.

For those with a longer stay or more extensive communication requirements, the World Pass, valid for 30 days, caught my attention. With unlimited worldwide calls and 2 GB of internet, it provided a well-rounded package for international travelers. The inclusion of global calls was a standout feature, ensuring seamless communication during my travels.

However, what truly stood out for me was the 5G-enabled pass, also valid for 30 days. This plan not only offered unlimited calls and texts within mainland France but also an impressive 150 GB of mobile data. As someone who heavily relies on data for various purposes, this plan exceeded my expectations and provided a robust solution for high data limits.

I appreciated the proactive system alerting me when my credits were running low. The nine top-up options tailored to my pass and remaining time ensured that I had the flexibility to manage my usage effectively without any disruptions.

In terms of pricing, the Pass SFR La Carte plans seemed reasonable for the features and data limits they offered. The 5G-enabled pass, in particular, provided excellent value for the substantial 150 GB of data included.

Overall, my experience with Pass SFR La Carte was positive, with reliable service, good data options, and a user-friendly system for managing credits. It’s a solid choice for those looking for flexibility and diverse plans to meet their specific communication needs.

What I like: 

• No subscription commitment; it operates on a prepaid basis, offering flexibility.
• Affordable pricing, making it a cost-effective option for users.
• Starter packs like “Kit SFR la Carte” available online or in stores.
• Different plan options, such as the Mobile Internet Pass and World Pass for data usage.

What I don’t like: 

• Limited information on specific features.

4. LycaMobile

LycaMobile is my next choice when it comes to the best sim card for France. They offer compelling options that cater to a variety of needs. What caught my attention was the inclusion of data for internet access in each plan, making it a well-rounded solution for communication during my stay.

All the plans I considered came with unlimited texting and calling for the specified duration, which was a great plus. The variations primarily revolved around the data offerings, ranging from 10 GB to an impressive 250 GB. This flexibility allowed me to choose a plan based on my data usage requirements, ensuring I had ample connectivity for my activities.

One highlight feature was the inclusion of unlimited national calls and texts within France, providing comprehensive communication options. I found this particularly useful for staying in touch with local contacts and making necessary arrangements.

The simplicity of the topping-up process was a convenience, especially for the lower-tier plan. For higher-tier plans, purchasing a new package each month sufficed, eliminating the need for frequent top-ups. This straightforward approach to managing the plan added to the user-friendly experience.

Additionally, the availability of data top-ups offered a practical solution for those who might need additional data before the 30-day cycle ends. This flexibility allowed me to adapt my plan based on my evolving data needs.

What I like: 

• International calls available on select plans, making it suitable for frequent travelers.
• Offers short-term plans, providing flexibility for users with varying needs.
• No contract or credit check required, simplifying the activation process.
• Plan purchase includes a free SIM card, reducing initial costs.

What I don’t like: 

• Limited international minutes compared to other providers.
• Lack of family plans, meaning no perks or discounts for multiple SIM cards.

5. La Poste

La Poste is an easy prepaid SIM card option, and I found it to be a convenient and budget-friendly choice. The 9,99€ SIM card provided me with unlimited texting and national calls, covering my basic communication needs without any hassle.

What appealed to me was the flexibility offered by La Poste in terms of data options. The additional top-up choices, ranging from 100 MB to 4 GB of internet data, allowed me to customize my plan based on my specific data requirements. This adaptability was particularly useful as it allowed me to stay within budget while ensuring I had sufficient data for my online activities.

La Poste also presented three one-month plans with unlimited texting and calling, each differing in data limits. I opted for the highest-tier plan, which not only included unlimited calls in Europe and DOM/TOM but also provided a substantial 120 GB of data. This proved to be more than enough for my data needs, offering great value for the price.

The option to top up my plan for extra data or calls was a convenient feature that catered to my evolving needs during the month. This flexibility allowed me to manage my usage efficiently without being tied to a fixed plan.

What I like: 

• La Poste Mobile offers prepaid SIM cards with various plans and costs, providing flexibility for users visiting France.
• Prepaid SIM cards, including La Poste, are suitable for short-term visitors, allowing them to control their expenses.

What I don’t like: 

• La Poste Mobile may not provide international roaming on prepaid cards, limiting their usability outside of France.
• Users have reported instances of La Poste Mobile SIM cards being deactivated if associated with a French bank account that is rejected.

6. Free Mobile SIM Cards

For just €19.99 per month, the plan offers an incredible 210 GB of data, unlimited calls and texts, and an additional 25 GB of data for use in 70 destinations worldwide. This package is a real gem for anyone planning a month-long stay in France.

The sheer amount of data provided by Free Mobile is impressive and well-suited for those who rely heavily on internet connectivity. Whether you’re streaming, working remotely, or simply staying connected on social media, the 210 GB allowance ensures you have more than enough data to meet your needs.

Unlimited calls and texts within France are standard inclusions, providing comprehensive communication options. What sets this plan apart is the bonus 25 GB of data for international use across 70 destinations. This feature was particularly useful for me as a traveler, ensuring I stayed connected even when venturing beyond France’s borders.

What I like: 

• Free mobile SIM cards are typically prepaid, offering cost-effectiveness as users only pay for the data they use.
• Free SIM cards provide flexibility as users can choose their preferred plans and change them as needed.
• Unlike pay monthly contracts, free SIM cards often come with no monthly commitments, giving users more control over their usage.

What I don’t like: 

• SIM cards have limited memory capacity compared to other devices, suitable primarily for storing phone-related data.
• One limitation is that each phone can have only one number, restricting the utilization of multi-line capabilities.

7. Syma Mobile

I recommended to my friends Syma Mobile for France trips, and I have to say, it turned out to be an excellent choice when looking the best sim card for France. The convenience of pre-purchasing the SIM card online for just 4.90€ and having it delivered to any address in France made the initial setup easy.

Registering the SIM card was straightforward, and I appreciated the flexibility of doing it either by calling (in French) or conveniently online when creating an account. The fact that the network operates on Syma Mobile’s 3G & 4G LTE added to the confidence in the reliability of the service.

SYMA’s 30-day basic plan, priced at 2.00€ after acquiring the SIM card, suited my needs perfectly. The option to top up online allowed me to add credit as needed for my preferred plan, providing a seamless and user-friendly experience. The inclusion of a modest amount of data in Europe, covering the EU zone, Liechtenstein, and Norway, was a practical addition for my travels within these regions.

What really stood out for me were the larger plans, which not only offered more data and features but also included unlimited international calls to over 100 countries and overseas territories. This feature added significant value, especially for someone like me who needed to make regular calls home during my stay.

What I like: 

• Registering the Syma Mobile SIM card was easy, offering flexibility.
• Syma Mobile operates on a dependable 3G & 4G LTE network, ensuring consistent and reliable connectivity.
• It offered a cost-effective solution for a month-long stay with the added flexibility of online top-ups.

What I don’t like: 

• None

Buying a SIM card in France: What’s to consider?

When buying a SIM card in France, there are several factors to consider for a smooth and tailored experience:

• Carrier options: Explore major carriers such as Orange, SFR, or Free Mobile. Each offers different plans, so choose one that aligns with your data, call, and text needs.
• Plan types: Opt for a prepaid plan for flexibility in managing your usage. Consider plans that include the right balance of data, calls, and texts based on your communication needs.
• Costs: Compare prices across carriers. Some, like Orange, provide affordable options starting at €2.99. Understanding pricing structures ensures a choice that fits your budget.
• Tourist options: Simplify the process with tourist-specific options like Holafly’s prepaid e-SIM. These cater to the needs of travelers with easy activation and user-friendly features.
• Types of SIM cards:In France, you’ll find different types of SIM cards, including prepaid (pay-as-you-go) and postpaid (monthly plans). Prepaid SIM cards are often more suitable for short-term stays or tourists, while postpaid plans may offer better value for longer stays.
• Coverage: Check the coverage maps of the mobile operators to ensure that you will have a reliable signal in the areas you plan to visit. Some remote or mountainous regions may have limited coverage.

By considering these factors, you will prepare yourself for a smoothy and connected experience during your time in France.

Where to buy a SIM card in France?

In France, you can buy a SIM card from various locations, including:

• Local mobile phone shops: Explore local mobile phone shops in the areas where you are staying. These shops often sell SIM cards and may provide assistance in setting up your phone.
• Major mobile operators: All major operators in France offer SIM cards; find them at their stores, authorized retailers, or vending machines.
• International airports: SIM cards are available for purchase at international airports. This option is particularly useful for travelers arriving in France, providing an easy way to get connected immediately upon landing.
• Supermarkets and hypermarkets: Some supermarkets and hypermarkets, such as Carrefour and Auchan, have dedicated sections for mobile phones and SIM cards. These stores may offer competitive pricing and a variety of options.
• Kiosks: Many kiosks in busy urban areas and transportation hubs sell SIM cards. These convenient locations are ideal for travelers looking to quickly get a SIM card upon arrival.
• Online: Consider purchasing a SIM card online before your trip. Some carriers or third-party sellers provide online ordering and delivery services, allowing you to have a SIM card ready before you even arrive in France.

FAQs

1. Can I buy a SIM card in France as a tourist?

Certainly! As a tourist in France, you can easily buy a SIM card at mobile network stores, electronics shops, airports, or authorized resellers. Remember to bring your passport for the registration process. Consider your needs, the duration of your stay, and carrier coverage in your chosen areas. Ensure your phone is unlocked, and once purchased, the activation process is quick, allowing you to stay connected during your visit.

2. Which is the best 5G SIM card for France?

The best 5G SIM card for France depends on various factors such as coverage, cost, and data plans. Consider your specific needs, such as data requirements and duration of stay, when choosing the best 5G SIM card for France.

3. Is it easy to get a SIM card in France?

Certainly! Obtaining a SIM card in France is a straightforward process. Visit a store of a major provider like Orange, SFR, or Bouygues Telecom, or authorized resellers. Bring your passport for identification, choose a plan that suits your needs, and complete a simple registration process. Once done, insert the activated SIM card into your phone, and you’re ready to use your new French number. 

4. What are the best alternatives for SIM cards in France?

In addition to traditional physical SIM cards, an alternative gaining popularity in France is the use of eSIMs (embedded SIMs). An eSIM is a digital SIM card embedded directly into your device, eliminating the need for a physical card. While not all devices may support eSIM, it provides a convenient and efficient option for those looking to avoid traditional SIM cards.

Wrap up

After exploring the various options available, it’s clear that finding the best SIM card for France depends on your specific needs and preferences. Each provider offers unique advantages, whether it’s affordable data plans, extensive coverage, or additional perks. It’s essential to consider factors like data allowances, international calling rates, and network reliability when making your decision.

If you’re planning your own French adventure, consider one of the options above to make your travel experience as smooth and connected as possible. Bon voyage!