Mobile Internet in France for travelers: SIM card and other connection options

In this article, we will tell you which SIM cards in France are considered the best for mobile internet, as well as share information on how mobile internet for tourists in France works. You will find out what local telecom operators offer, where and under what conditions you can buy a SIM card. In addition, you will learn how convenient free pocket Wi-Fi and roaming services are in the country.

Internet in France: connection options for tourists

You can connect mobile internet during your stay in France in the following ways:

• SIM cards;
• roaming;
• pocket Wi-Fi;
• free Wi-Fi in public places.

Let's take a closer look at all the ways to get mobile internet in France.

Prepaid SIM cards in France

Both physical SIM cards and virtual eSIM cards are used in France. There are 4 major operators in the country:

• SFR;
• Orange;
• Free;
• Bouygues Telecom.

Their SIM cards can be purchased online on Amazon, eBay with delivery anywhere in the world. You can also buy a starter pack already after arrival.

We tell you where to buy a SIM card in France. Usually starter packs are sold:

• at airports or train stations;
• in mobile operators stores;
• in supermarkets, shopping centers;
• in all tabac stores;
• in post offices.

Mobile Internet services in France are provided on a prepaid basis or on a contractual basis upon signing a contract.

Prepaid SIM cards are available in retail outlets at prices ranging from 2 to 50 euros. The price of a card directly depends on the amount of Internet traffic, the number of SMS messages and the direction of calls. This option is more suitable for short-term stays in the country. If you plan to stay longer in France, it will be more profitable to sign a contract with the operator.

List of documents required to sign a contact:

• passport;
• address data;
• a copy of the bank account.

You can sign a contract online and in the office of a mobile operator. As a rule, contracts are signed for a period starting from 1 year. Payment for the service is made automatically — by a monthly debit from your account.

There is a more convenient and innovative method of connecting to the mobile Internet in France — eSIM technology. The virtual card has been available in the country since 2019. The service is activated through a QR code, so there is no need to open the smartphone case. The number of minutes, the volume of traffic and the period of connection are determined by subscribers themselves.

Let's consider in more detail what data plans are offered by providers and operators to tourists in the country.

1. Yesim

Using eSim technology is more profitable than roaming and more convenient than mobile Internet via SIM cards of French operators. Simply download the Yesim app, choose a tariff and recharge your account online, just like with any other mobile operator. The app is also convenient because it works all over the world and will definitely come in handy on other trips.

Rates for France:

3 GB for 5 days for 8 EUR: 5 GB for 7 days for 12 EUR; 10 GB for 10 days for 22 EUR; unlimited for 15 days for 37.5 EUR.

Before activating the service we recommend checking your smartphone for eSIM technology support on the special page of the service.

Read also: eSIM vs SIM: what's the difference

2.Orange

This operator offers travelers the following data plans:

• 120 GB for 19.99 EUR;
• 200 GB for 24.99 EUR;
• 240 GB for 49.99 EUR.

3.SFR

The offers of this French mobile operator for travelers are:

• 50 GB for 24.99 EUR;
• 60 GB for 39.99 EUR.

4.Free

The French mobile operator offers users the following tariffs:

• 50 MB for 2 EUR;
• 140 GB for 12.99 EUR;
• 250 GB for 19.99 EUR.

5. Bouygues Telecom

Operator's data plan offers:

• 100 GB for 10.99 EUR;
• 130 GB for 17.99 EUR;
• 150 GB for 20.99 EUR;
• 200 GB for 26.99 EUR.

Roaming in France

Roaming is the most expensive way to connect to the mobile internet in France. Regardless of the operator you use in your home country, you have to pay for every gigabyte.

Download the Yesim app, choose a suitable tariff and don't overpay for mobile internet roaming. We recommend checking the compatibility of your gadget with eSIM on the official page of the service.

Pocket Wi-Fi

Pocket mobile internet in France costs 6 euros per day. You can order the service online and get a router directly at the airport or, for example, order delivery to your hotel. You can return a router at any rental point, as well as leave it at the post office or even in a mailbox by prior arrangement.

The period of autonomous work of a router is up to 13 hours, which is not very convenient. In addition, the traffic will be only a couple of gigabytes.

Read also: How to Plan а Trip: 8 Steps

French Free Wi-Fi

How to use mobile internet in France for free? The easiest option is the major international fast food chains.

Free internet coverage will also be in the historic center of almost every city, in large shopping malls, business centers, in popular parks and even in many stores.

Free Wi-Fi in France is available in almost all crowded places. But it is worth remembering that it is through connection to free Wi-Fi that cyber fraudsters often hack users' accounts and steal personal data. Therefore, while using free internet, carefully monitor the security of your smartphone and install a VPN.

Read also: TОР 7 Most Secure VPN Services in 2023

Mobile Internet in Paris

Affordable mobile internet in Paris is offered by local internet cafes. The cost is from 4 euros per hour on the world wide web. In a hotel, the same service will be several times more expensive — from 12 euros per hour.

Looking for the easiest way to connect to the Internet in Paris? Free Wi-Fi is available in the historic center, in tourist offices, in many parks and even in stores. If you have time to search, and you only need to check social networks, messengers or read news on the Internet — this option will do. But be aware that it is not safe.

Each of the alternative ways of connecting to the mobile Internet in Paris has its own disadvantages: time and location limitations, too high cost or low security. The Yesim app will provide you with completely unlimited and inexpensive traffic in the French capital. Download and use excellent 4G without thinking about time, place and cost of spent gigabytes.

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