Internet in France: eSIM, local SIM or roaming?

In short: if your mobile plan comes from a European Union country, you probably need nothing: it works in France just like at home. If you come from elsewhere (UK, Switzerland, US, Canada, Africa…), a travel eSIM is the simplest solution for a short stay, and a French prepaid SIM may suit a longer stay better.

Here is how to choose for your situation.

Step 1: where does your plan come from?

A plan from the European Union

The EU “roam like at home” rules let you use your plan in other EU countries at no extra cost, on your home terms. They have been extended until 2032 [TO CHECK on the European Commission website]. Fair-use limits may apply to data, especially on unlimited plans: check your operator’s terms.

In that case, a travel eSIM is only useful if your plan has very little data.

A plan from outside the European Union

This is where the question really matters. Depending on your operator:

• Switzerland: not part of the European Union; roaming terms depend entirely on your operator and plan [TO CHECK with your operator].
• United Kingdom: since Brexit, some UK operators charge for roaming in Europe again [TO CHECK with your operator].
• US, Canada, Africa and other countries: roaming is often charged per day or per megabyte, which can get expensive.

If your operator has no good option, move on to step 2.

Step 2: compare the options

The travel eSIM

An eSIM is a digital SIM card installed by scanning a QR code or via an app. Its advantages:

• Internet on arrival, at the airport or station;
• your usual SIM stays active in the phone, for example to receive bank text messages;
• you choose the duration and data volume.

Its limits: your phone must be eSIM-compatible and unlocked, and most offers are data-only, without a French number. For calls, messaging apps do the job.

The French prepaid SIM

The main French operators (Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom, Free) offer prepaid or no-contract plans. Worth it if you stay several weeks, use a lot of data, or need a French number to book restaurants or receive calls.

Good to know:

• activation usually requires ID [TO CHECK with the operator];
• some no-contract plans are sold online and may require a French address or payment method [TO CHECK];
• your phone must be unlocked to take another SIM.

Wi-Fi

Most hotels, cafés, stations and many public places offer Wi-Fi. It’s a good complement but not enough on its own: it won’t be there when you need it most, in the street, to find your way. On public networks, avoid sensitive operations such as payments.

How much data do you need?

It depends on your usage. As a rough guide, without exact figures since apps change:

• Light use (maps, messaging, occasional searches): a small plan is usually enough for a week.
• Medium use (social media, sending photos, regular browsing): plan a mid-size volume.
• Heavy use (video, video calls, tethering a laptop or the whole family): choose a large volume or an unlimited offer if available for your destination.

Tip: check in your phone settings how much data you usually use in a week, then add a margin for GPS, which you’ll use more when travelling.

Calls and text messages

With a data-only eSIM, you don’t get a French number. In practice:

• messaging apps let you call and text over the Internet;
• your usual SIM can stay active to receive texts such as bank codes, but calls and texts may be charged by your operator when roaming;
• if you need to call French numbers often (restaurants, accommodation, taxis), a French prepaid SIM becomes more practical.

Visiting several countries?

If France is just one stop on a European trip, choose an offer valid in several European countries rather than France only. Check the list of countries covered, especially if you pass through Switzerland, the UK or Monaco, which are not in the European Union [TO CHECK in the offer’s terms].

Staying safe online while travelling

• On public Wi-Fi, avoid logging into your bank or paying online; use mobile data instead.
• Beware of Wi-Fi networks with overly generic names in stations and airports: ask for the exact name of the official network.
• Enable your SIM PIN code and phone lock to limit risks if your phone is stolen.

Our tips by traveller profile

• Short city break: a travel eSIM with a small data volume, or your EU plan.
• Road trip: plan more data for GPS and download offline maps, as some rural areas have little coverage. → Road trips
• With kids: one eSIM with tethering may be enough, if the offer allows it. → Travelling with kids
• Long stay, study or work: a French prepaid SIM is often better suited.

How to install an eSIM (step by step)

1. Check that your phone is eSIM-compatible and unlocked.
2. Buy a plan for France (or Europe if you’re visiting several countries).
3. Install the eSIM at home, on Wi-Fi, following the instructions you receive.
4. On arrival, switch mobile data to the eSIM line and enable data roaming on that line only.
5. Turn off data on your main SIM to avoid charges from your operator.

To plan the rest of your trip, read our complete guide to travelling in France and our eSIM comparison.