How to buy a prepaid SIM card for France?

Connecting in France while travelling is great, but pricing right is important. Planning on how you are going to communicate on your trip? If you want to stay online, access must-have tools, and save on roaming charges, switching your UK SIM for a France SIM card or eSIM card is a good way.

Why is a Prepaid SIM Card in France so appealing?

The best option for UK travellers is to use a France SIM card. Here is why:

• Avoid Extra Charges: UK plans do not usually include international data and calls, which can be very costly. You do not have to pay these fees with a local SIM card.
• Reliable Connectivity: When you have a local SIM, you have better network coverage and no longer rely on patchy Wi-Fi.
• Essential Tools On-the-Go: Stay in touch with maps, translation apps and local resources no matter where you are.

The good news is that if you do not want to change SIMs, UK providers such as VOXI and Virgin Mobile offer global roaming packages, while others like Tesco Mobile and Sky charge pay-as-you-go roaming rates.

Cost of a SIM Card in France

In France, prepaid SIM cards begin at a few euros. For example, SFR provides its package for €19.99 with 80 GB of data. For those who prefer eSIMs, Maya Mobile has plans starting at £5 per month for 3GB of data.

How to Buy a Prepaid SIM Card in France

Buying a SIM card in France is quite easy. Follow these steps:

• Where to Buy: Buy tickets from official operator stores, convenience stores or ‘tabac’ shops. Three of the top providers are SFR, Orange, and Bouygues Telecom.
• What You Need: When registering for a SIM card, you must bring your passport.
• Compatibility Check: Check to ensure your phone can be unlocked and compatible with foreign SIM cards.

How to buy a France SIM Card in the UK

If you are a planner, you can buy a France SIM card before you cross the Channel. For example, SimCorner has a 12 GB SIM for £19.

Is it possible to buy a SIM card at French airports?

Yes, you can purchase a SIM card on arrival in France. With a tourist information desk, SIMs are available at kiosks, bookstores and businesses like Charles de Gaulle Airport.

Best France Top Prepaid SIM Cards

Bouygues Telecom

• Price: Starting at €19.90 (15 GB, active 15 days).
• Larger Packages: €41.90 (60 GB) + €25 international calls credit (valid for 30 days), and the €39.90 (30 GB) with that credit, also valid for 30 days.

Orange

• Popular Package: Orange Holiday SIM for 12 GB data for €19.99, valid for 14 days.
• Budget Option: First 1 GB for €4.99, good for occasional use.

SFR

• Travel SIM: €34.99 (30-day validity) 60 GB data + unlimited Europe calls.
• France-Only Packages: 1GB and 2 hours cost €9.99 or 140GB with unlimited calls and texts for €24.99.

Best eSIM Options for France

Physical SIM cards have been replaced by eSIMs. This works great for road trips or sudden goings out, as you can activate them once you arrive there.

SFR

• It is the same package as the European Travel SIM (€34.99 for 60 GB).

Airalo

• 7-Day Plan: $4.50 for 1 GB of data.
• Monthly Plans: $3 for 3 GB, up to $36 for 20 GB.

Maya Mobile

• Short Stay: £5 for 3 GB (5-day validity).
• Unlimited Plans: France or Europe £48/token (30-day validity).

Wise Card, spend Smart in France

Staying connected with a local SIM should mean you are spending like a local too. For travellers, it is great to have a Wise card. For a one-time fee of £7, you can:

• Be able to spend and withdraw money at local rates in France and 150+ countries.
• You will pay directly for rentals or accommodations from the UK.

Conclusion

If you are planning a trip to France, there are alternatives, and one of them is to swap the SIM card or eSIM you are using in your device in favour of a France SIM card.

You need to stay connected whether you’ve got mountains of snow to ski off or if you are trying to navigate the streets of Paris or the French Riviera. Choose the best plan for you, pick your SIM or eSIM and go live in France without worrying about communication barriers.