How to buy a prepaid SIM card for France?

Connecting in France while traveling is great but priced right is important. Planning on how you’re going to communicate on your trip? If you would like to stay online, access must have tools, save on roaming charges then switching your UK SIM for France Sim card or eSIM card is a good way to do it.

Why is a Prepaid SIM Card in France so appealing?

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

• Avoid Extra Charges: UK plans don’t usually include international data and calls meaning that it can get very costly. With a local SIM card you don’t pay these fees.
• Reliable Connectivity: When you have a local SIM you have better network coverage and you’ll no longer rely on patchy Wi-Fi.
• Essential Tools On-the-Go: No matter where you are, stay in touch with maps, translation apps and local resources.

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

Cost of a SIM Card in France

In France prepaid SIM cards begin at a few euros. An example that SFR provides its package for €19.99 with 80 GB of data. For those that prefer eSIMs out there, 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 the SIM card, you have to bring your passport.
• Compatibility Check: Check to make sure your phone can be unlocked, and also that it’s compatible with foreign SIM cards.

How to buy a France SIM Card in the UK

If you’re a planner, you can buy a France SIM card before you cross the Channel. Here’s an 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. SIMs are available at kiosks, bookstores and businesses like Charles de Gaulle airport that have a tourist information desk.

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’s 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’re spending like a local too. For travelers, it’s 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’re planning a trip to France, there are alternatives and one of them is to swap the SIM card or eSIM you’re using in your device, in favor of a France SIM card.

You need to be able to stay connected whether you’ve got mountains of snow to ski off of, or if you’re 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.