France: 15 Best eSIMs Compared + Discounts (2023)

France – known for the Eiffel Tower, food & culture.

It is also known for its considerable influence over the world, like many French-speaking African nations.

France is the largest country in the European Union and the second-largest in Europe (or actually the largest when overseas departments are included – French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte & Réunion).

Most will probably visit Paris when visiting the country. Others want to see the Alps. While many prefer to enjoy the beaches.

France has a lot to offer – too many to list here (but there are plenty of full-time travel bloggers who can give you amazing travel tips).

What I can offer you, however, is the most in-depth guide to French eSIMs (in English, at least).

So, how much do French (travel) eSIMs cost?

You can get an eSIM for France for as low as 5 USD up to 99 USD from Airalo, Holafly, Nomad & Ubigi, offering between 1 GB and truly unlimited data.

There are some mobile operators who will charge you 100 USD for only 100 MB of roaming data, so these travel eSIM offers are much better than most international roaming deals.

In this guide, I will go over the eSIM options offered by the French mobile operators (if available), Airalo, Holafly, Nomad & Ubigi. Let's get started.

Original publication: 6th of March 2023. Last updated: 14th of March 2023.

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Table of Contents

eSIMs offered by the French Mobile Operators

In order to get the best performance out there, it is often recommended to go directly with the local mobile operators because you will get a higher priority on the network compared to roaming.

Currently, Orange France, Bouygues Telecom & Free Mobile France offer eSIMs to prepaid customers.

Bouygues Telecom only offers eSIMs for its My European SIM Tourist (e)SIM offering.

Free Mobile France eSIMs can be a challenge to acquire as a traveler.

SFR France also has eSIMs, but only for postpaid customers.

Note that the French mobile operators require your identification (ID for EU/EEA travelers and passport for anyone else) for eSIMs and physical SIM cards as part of France's SIM card registration requirements.

And some travelers do not want to deal with any of that for privacy reasons.

Luckily, there is a way to avoid this registration scheme: by roaming (super expensive) or using a travel eSIM (affordable AND can be cheaper than local SIM cards in many countries).

Travel eSIM providers Airalo (with Bonbon Mobile), Holafly, Nomad & Ubigi offer attractive eSIMs for France, allowing them to be set up before arriving in France and activating them as soon as you land.

Very convenient, right? And I have used eSIMs from Airalo, Holafly & Nomad before, and I can assure you they work well!

So let's check out all the options, shall we?

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Airalo eSIMs for France (Bonbon Mobile)

Airalo eSIMs are my favorite travel eSIMs out there because they are always good value for money compared to other travel eSIM providers (especially travel eSIMs not mentioned in this guide).

And the same can be said for the Bonbon Mobile eSIM – 20 GB of data is available for only 36 USD.

Wait… you have no idea who or what Airalo is? I have an in-depth review explaining how Airalo works and all its options, based on four years of using Airalo eSIMs – you can read it now or later (I will briefly introduce Airalo anyway in this guide).

Anyway, the Bonbon Mobile eSIM uses the Orange France, Bouygues France & SFR France networks.

The Bonbon Mobile eSIM uses the Orange France network, which is the best overall French mobile operator (coverage and speed-wise).

You have six French Bonbon Mobile eSIM options:

1. France/Bonbon Mobile 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 4.50 USD
2. France/Bonbon Mobile 2 GB eSIM for 15 days (new), costing 7.50 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
3. France/Bonbon Mobile 3 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 10 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
4. France/Bonbon Mobile 5 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 14 USD
5. France/Bonbon Mobile 10 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 23 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
6. France/Bonbon Mobile 20 GB eSIM for 30 days (new), costing 36 USD

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in March based on data up to the 13^th of March (2023 data only)

Honestly, the Airalo Bonbon Mobile eSIM is not bad at all, especially considering its options and prices.

Let me review some of its pros and cons before you get a Bonbon Mobile eSIM (or continue exploring your other options mentioned in this guide).

Airalo Bonbon Mobile eSIM Pros

What are the main perks of Airalo's Bonbon Mobile eSIMs?

• You can avoid expensive international roaming fees
• You can purchase and set up your Bonbon Mobile eSIM before arriving in France (and activate it upon landing)
  • The eSIM will start once you have it enabled and are in France – not earlier (so you can pre-purchase your eSIM months in advance in peace – I do this often)
• You can skip France's SIM card registration requirements and any queues at the airport or in town
• You get full (up to 4G/LTE) access to the Orange France, Bouygues France & SFR France networks
• The eSIMs are affordable and have generous data allowances
• You can manage your eSIM easily on the Airalo website or its apps (Android and iOS)
  • If you need more data, top-ups are available (at the same prices as listed earlier – not at a markup)

Airalo Bonbon Mobile eSIM Cons

What are the main cons of Airalo's Bonbon Mobile eSIMs?

• You cannot call or text with the Bonbon Mobile eSIM – it is a data-only eSIM (so you do not get a (French) phone number either)
• While you get access to Orange France, Bouygues France & SFR France's networks, your speeds will not be as fast as going with Orange France, Bouygues France & SFR France themselves because you will be roaming on their networks (and not be a native customer)
• The French mobile operators have much more generous data allowances (while Bonbon Mobile's is capped at 20 GB, but top-ups are available)
• There are no unlimited data plans (unlike some other options mentioned in this guide)
• There is no 5G NR access with the Bonbon Mobile eSIM (but you will have 5G NR access with the Airalo Eurolink eSIM instead – more about it later)

Airalo Bonbon Mobile eSIM Overall Thoughts

I am a big fan of Airalo and its eSIMs in general, as mentioned in my Airalo review, including the Bonbon Mobile eSIM.

It offers reasonable data plans for low prices – even for French standards.

You get fast (up to 4G/LTE) speeds and access in France without standing in queues or dealing with SIM card registration bureaucracy.

But if making actual phone calls and sending real text messages are important to you (so not through an app like WhatsApp), you may want to buy a French SIM card instead (an in-depth guide).

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Holafly eSIMs for France

The second eSIM provider I recommend is Holafly.

It started something revolutionary in June 2022.

Holafly offers unlimited data plans for France, many other European Union member states & a few other countries.

No idea who or what Holafly is? I have an in-depth review explaining how Airalo works and all its options, based on two years of using Holafly eSIMs – you can read it now or later (I will briefly introduce Holafly anyway in this guide).

From what I know, Holafly is the first to offer unlimited data plans for so many countries WITHOUT a Fair-Use Policy.

That was what I was told initially.

A few weeks later, though, this paragraph was added to its “Can my connection speed be reduced?” FAQ:

[…] if the mobile operator estimates the usage of more than 90 GB of data in a month, it may temporarily reduce the speed to 256 Kbps – 1 Mbps to avoid affecting other users. This limitation is intended to prevent network saturation and will be removed within 24 hours.

One of Holafly's competitors tried to hit a daily fair-use limit.

It realized that speeds get throttled after using more than 2.5 GB to 3 GB daily.

Do with this information as you wish 😏.

Now, I have to say that Holafly's France unlimited data plans are more expensive than any eSIM mentioned in this guide.

But if you do not want to worry about data allowances, Holafly is the one to go for.

The Holafly eSIMs use the Orange France, SFR France, Bouygues Telecom & Free Mobile France networks.

You have the following seven options with Holafly:

• France unlimited data eSIM for 5 days, costing 19 USD/19 EUR/19 GBP/27 AUD/24 CAD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
• France unlimited data eSIM for 10 days, costing 34 USD/34 EUR/29 GBP/49 AUD/44 CAD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
• France unlimited data eSIM for 15 days, costing 47 USD/47 EUR/44 GBP/67 AUD/55 CAD
• France unlimited data eSIM for 20 days, costing 54 USD/57 EUR/49 GBP/84 AUD/74 CAD
• France unlimited data eSIM for 30 days, costing 64 USD/69 EUR/59 GBP/99 AUD/89 CAD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
• France unlimited data eSIM for 60 days, costing 84 USD/87 EUR/77 GBP/127 AUD/114 CAD
• France unlimited data eSIM for 90 days, costing 99 USD/99 EUR/87 GBP/144 AUD/129 CAD

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in March based on data up to the 7^th of March.

The best part is that you can get 5% off using code PHONETRAVELWIZ on each Holafly eSIM purchase!

Once again, let's see some pros and cons of the Holafly France eSIMs.

Holafly France eSIM Pros

What are the main perks of Holafly's France eSIMs?

• You can avoid expensive international roaming fees
• You can skip France's SIM card registration requirements
• You get full (up to 4G/LTE) access to Orange France, SFR France, Bouygues Telecom & Free Mobile France networks
• You do not have to deal with hard data caps because you get unlimited data (32 GB – here I come!)
• If you, somehow, experience any problems, Holafly's support team responds surprisingly quickly (even on weekends)

Holafly France eSIM eSIM Cons

What are the main cons of Holafly's France eSIMs?

• You cannot call or text with the Holafly France eSIM – it is a data-only eSIM (so you do not get a (French) phone number either)
• While you get access to Orange France, SFR France, Bouygues Telecom & Free Mobile France's networks, your speeds will not be as fast as going with Orange France, SFR France, Bouygues Telecom & Free Mobile France themselves because you will be roaming on their networks (and not be a native customer)
• The eSIM's validity, supposedly, starts as soon as you scan the QR code, not upon using it in France
  • I say supposedly because I have installed eSIMs literally months in advance and had no issues using them later, but I do not want you to experience this issue with your hard-earned money
• While you get “unlimited” data, the soft cap seems to be 2.5-3 GB/day and 90 GB per month (if you get the 30-, 60-, or 90-day eSIM)
  • I have not experienced this soft cap myself
• You cannot use your phone as a hotspot (tether) with any Holafly unlimited data eSIM
• There is no 5G NR access with the Holafly eSIM
• You cannot top-up your eSIM – you have to buy a new one (in case you stay in France for a bit longer than initially planned)
• Holafly is the most expensive eSIM provider in this guide for France-only eSIMs

Holafly France eSIM Overall Thoughts

I love that Holafly decided to innovate and offer unlimited data plans (although unlimited should be written as “unlimited” instead).

I was not a fan of Holafly when it had travel SIM cards (discontinued) because they were crazy expensive (I am talking about 20 USD for 1 GB of data in some Caribbean nation expensive).

Luckily that is not the case with its eSIMs, so I have used Holafly eSIMs in many countries and counting.

Be sure to use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for 5% off each Holafly purchase (yes, you can use it multiple times)!

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Nomad eSIMs for France

The last eSIM provider I recommend is Nomad.

And no, I am not talking about the (digital) Nomad lifestyle, but Nomad eSIMs! (Check out my Nomad review to learn more about all its options).

Previously, I implied that Nomad eSIMs, including the France ones, were mediocre.

And they used to be.

But since then, Nomad dropped its prices, switched to a better roaming partner & improved its overall service.

It may have been because I complained… but still 🤫.

For many European countries, Nomad partnered with Truphone – a global connectivity carrier.

For some reason, Truphone is secretive about the local network(s) it uses (and its partners are not allowed to disclose it either).

Unfortunately, I did not note it down when I was I was in France 🥲.

Anyway, I also wrote that Nomad used to be more expensive than Airalo.

It still is… slightly, but it has dropped its prices since, making it more competitive (compared to many of its competitors, not just Airalo or others mentioned in this guide).

So I am happy to not call Nomad mediocre anymore 🤣.

You have the following four options with Nomad:

1. France 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 6 USD/6 EUR/5 GBP/8.50 CAD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
2. France 3 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 12 USD/11.50 EUR/10 GBP/17 CAD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
3. France 5 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 14 USD/13.50 EUR/12 GBP/19.50 CAD
4. France 10 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 18 USD/17 EUR/15 GBP/25 CAD

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in February based on data up to the 7^th of February

And you know that I have a good deal waiting for you: use code ADU123 and get 3 USD/2.85 EUR/2.45 GBP/4.10 CAD off your first Nomad eSIM purchase!

Nomad France eSIM Pros

What are the main perks of Nomad's France eSIMs?

• You can avoid expensive international roaming fees
• You can skip France's SIM card registration requirements and any queues at the airport or in town
• You get full (up to 4G/LTE) access to (an) undisclosed French network(s)
• The eSIMs are affordable and have generous data allowances
• You can manage your eSIM easily on the Nomad website or its apps (Android and iOS)
  • If you need more data, top-ups are available (at the same prices as listed earlier – not at a markup)
• If you, somehow, experience any problems, Nomad's support team responds surprisingly quickly (even on weekends)

But it is not all good news with Nomad though – there are some disadvantages.

Nomad France eSIM Cons

What are the main cons of Nomad's France eSIMs?

• You cannot call or text with the Nomad France eSIM – it is a data-only eSIM (so you do not get a (French) phone number either)
• While you get access to (an) undisclosed French network(s), your speeds will not be as fast as going with the mobile operator(s) it-/themselves because you will be roaming on its/their network(s) (and not be a native customer)
• The eSIM's validity starts after 30 days of purchase, not upon using it in France
  • During select promotions, this gets extended (up to six months I have seen), but do not buy your eSIM too early, else it will self-activate after 30 days and simply expire
• The French mobile operators have much more generous data allowances (while Nomad's is capped at 10 GB, but top-ups are available)
• There are no unlimited data plans (although this may or may be coming soon… I know of nothing 🤫)
• There is no 5G NR access with the Nomad France eSIM

Nomad France eSIM Overall Thoughts

Generally, I am happy to have seen Nomad grow and become much better over the years.

This resulted in me using its eSIMs in more than 25 countries so far (and I share my experience in my Nomad review).

From becoming a mediocre option to one of the leading eSIM providers (especially for European eSIMs) within a year is quite an achievement.

Currently, Nomad has way more data options in Asia, Oceania, the United Kingdom & the United States.

I hope they can be added for France too because there is demand for it.

But besides that, the Nomad France eSIM is fine.

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Best eSIMs for in Europe & the World (including France)

So what if you plan to visit a neighboring European country?

Unfortunately, you cannot use your Airalo, Holafly, Nomad, or Ubigi eSIMs in any country than France.

Luckily, some of the eSIM providers mentioned so far do have eSIMs that can be used throughout most or all of Europe (+extras).

And there are also some global eSIMs with attractive prices that can be useful if you visit Europe and another continent or region.

I highly recommend these Europe or global eSIMs if you plan to visit multiple European countries to save money!

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Airalo Eurolink Europe eSIM (5G NR Access in France)

The Eurolink eSIM is the most popular Airalo eSIM, per Phone Travel Wiz readers.

Most readers tend to visit multiple European countries, so they would rather have a travel eSIM covering multiple countries than just one (like France).

The Eurolink eSIM can be used in 39 countries in Europe, including all nations in the European Union (EU).

The eSIM can be used from Iceland to Ukraine and Norway to Spain.

Below is a complete overview of countries the Eurolink eSIM works in:

I aim to use and try the Airalo Eurolink eSIM in all supported countries.

So far, I have used the eSIM in 12 countries, so I still have a long way to go!

• Check out my Airalo Eurolink eSIM review

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Holafly Europe eSIM

Holafly also has an eSIM for Europe.

And this eSIM is probably Holafly's best regional eSIM because it allows for unlimited data in 32 European countries.

Although Holafly's definition of Europe is basically the European Economic Area (except for Liechtenstein) + Switzerland, Ukraine & the United Kingdom.

Even then… unlimited data! 🤩

The Holafly Europe eSIM can be used in the following 32 countries:

And yes, you can still use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for 5% off!

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Nomad Europe eSIM

Another affordable eSIM for Europe is Nomad's Europe eSIM.

It can be used in 25 or 35 countries, depending on the plan you choose.

In Q3 or Q4, Nomad added several new countries to its Europe eSIM, making it more useful than before.

As expected, the eSIM covering 25 countries, which includes most but not all of the European Union (EU), is cheaper than the 35 countries eSIM, which covers all of the EU + others like Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

The Nomad Europe eSIM can be used in the following 25 or 35 countries:

¹ 25 countries variant
² 35 countries variant

Below is an overview of how much each Nomad Europe eSIM costs:

1. Europe 1 GB eSIM for 7 days (25 countries – new), costing 6 USD/6 EUR/5 GBP/8.50 CAD
2. Europe 1 GB eSIM for 7 days (35 countries), costing 8 USD/8 EUR/7 GBP/11.50 CAD
3. Europe 3 GB eSIM for 30 days (25 countries – new), costing 14 USD/13.50 EUR/12 GBP/19.50 CAD
4. Europe 3 GB eSIM for 30 days (35 countries), costing 13 USD/12.50 EUR/11 GBP/18 CAD
5. Europe 5 GB eSIM for 30 days (25 countries – new), costing 17 USD/16 EUR/14.50 GBP/23.50 CAD
6. Europe 5 GB eSIM for 30 days (35 countries), costing 15 USD/14.50 EUR/12.50 GBP/21 CAD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers (that was before the 25 countries options were added)
7. Europe 10 GB eSIM for 30 days (25 countries – new), costing 24 USD/23 EUR/20 GBP/33.50 CAD
8. Europe 10 GB eSIM for 30 days (35 countries), costing 25 USD/23.50 EUR/21 GBP/34.50 CAD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers (that was before the 25 countries options were added)

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in February based on data up to the 7^th of February.

You can still use code use code ADU123 and for 3 USD/2.85 EUR/2.45 GBP/4.10 CAD off your first Nomad purchase!

I aim to use and try the Nomad Europe eSIM in all supported countries.

So far, I have used the eSIM in eight countries, so I still have a long way to go!

• Check out my Nomad Euro eSIM review

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SimOptions Europe eSIMs (O2 Go Card, Orange Holiday Europe/Zen & Smart Comfort X)

SimOptions is probably the first travel SIM card company I started working with in 2019.

Mostly because it resold, and still resells, popular travel SIM cards that can be used worldwide at attractive prices.

The main issue I used to have with SimOptions SIM cards was the relatively high shipping costs.

The average delivery fee is more than 20 USD – that could be the cost of a second SIM card (or eSIM nowadays)!

But fear not – with the introduction of eSIMs, shipping costs are no more, while SimOptions can still sell its eSIMs at fair prices.

You need to know that SimOptions does not sell eSIMs for particular countries (France in this case).

Instead, it sells eSIMs for a particular region, like Europe, or for global use.

In this section, I will talk about SimOptions Europe offering because you have three eSIM providers with four options covering France:

• O2 (CZ) Go Card eSIM
• Orange (FR) Holiday Europe eSIM
• Orange (FR) Holiday Zen eSIM
• SimOptions Smart Comfort X eSIM

Unlike any other eSIM provider mentioned in this guide (so far and upcoming ones), SimOptions sells eSIMs with call and texting capabilities (the O2 and Orange eSIMs) 🥳.

The O2 Go Card eSIM, from the Czech Republic, comes with a Czech phone number (+420), while the Orange eSIMs come with a French phone number (+33).

Anyway, SimOptions' eSIMs can be used in 27- (Smart Comfort), 41- (O2 Card), or 43 countries (Orange Holiday):

¹ for SimOptions Smart Comfort
² for O2 Go Card
³ for Orange Holiday Europe & Zen

You have these four SimOptions Europe eSIMs:

1. SimOptions Smart Comfort X (27 countries) 5 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 17.90 USD
2. O2 (CZ) Go Card (41 countries) 10 GB eSIM for 30 days (with Europe-wide calling and texting), costing 24.90 USD
3. Orange (FR) Holiday Zen (43 countries) 8 GB eSIM for 30 days (with worldwide calling and texting), costing 29.90 USD
4. Orange (FR) Holiday Europe Zen (43 countries) 20 GB eSIM for 30 days (with worldwide calling and texting), costing 49.90 USD

• Check out my SimOptions eSIM reviews

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Ubigi Europe Plans (5G NR Access in France)

Ubigi is a relatively new player for me, but it has been selling eSIM plans for years.

And what I say new player, it means I did not start using its plans since I started Phone Travel Wiz – just later.

Unlike any eSIM provider mentioned in this guide, you only have to download a free Ubigi eSIM profile once, and can add plans to it (on its app – its webshop is coming soon).

Most eSIM providers require you to buy a new eSIM per country or region, which is somewhat unique to Ubigi.

The provider is backed by NTT DoCoMo from Japan, the largest mobile operator in the country.

As a result, Ubigi can leverage NTT DoComo's extensive roaming agreement library without going through a middleman (like most eSIM providers in this guide).

In return, you get free 5G NR access in many European countries.

For Europe, Ubigi has three plans:

• USA + Europe (29 countries – middle)
• EU27 + UK + Swiss (32 countries – cheapest)
• Europe Extended (52 countries – most expensive)

All plans listed above can be used in France.

And all use the same roaming partners (SFR France & Free Mobile France) and up to 5G NR access.

So it really depends on your travel plans to determine which Ubigi Europe Plan will be useful for you.

The Ubigi Europe plans can be used in the following 29, 32, or 52 countries:

¹ for USA + Europe plans
² for EU27 + UK + Swiss plans
³ for Europe Extended plans – note: residents from Germany cannot use these plans in Germany (but can use them in other destinations without restrictions)
⁴ with 5G NR access
⁵ with 3G access only

Below is an overview of how much each Ubigi Europe plan costs:

1. EU27 + UK + Swiss (32 countries) 500 MB plan for 1 day, costing 2 USD/2 EUR/2 GBP
2. Europe Extended (59 countries) 1 GB plan for 30 days, costing 8 USD/8 EUR/7 GBP
3. EU27 + UK + Swiss (32 countries) 3 GB plan for 30 days, costing 12 USD/12 EUR/10 GBP
4. USA + Europe (29 countries) 5 GB plan for 30 days (auto-renews) ¹, costing 12 USD/12 EUR/10 GBP/month
5. EU27 + UK + Swiss (32 countries) 5 GB plan for 30 days (auto-renews) ¹, costing 15 USD/15 EUR/12 GBP/month
6. EU27 + UK + Swiss (32 countries) 10 GB plan for 30 days, costing 24 USD/24 EUR/20 GBP
7. USA + Europe (29 countries) 10 GB plan for 30 days, costing 25 USD/25 EUR/22 GBP
8. EU27 + UK + Swiss (32 countries) 20 GB plan for 30 days (auto-renews) ¹, costing 29 USD/29 EUR/25 GBP/month
9. EU27 + UK + Swiss (32 countries) 2 GB/month (24 GB) plan for 12 months, costing 58 USD/58 EUR/51 GBP
10. Europe Extended (59 countries) 10 GB plan for 30 days, costing 59 USD/59 EUR52 GBP
11. EU27 + UK + Swiss (32 countries) 50 GB plan for 30 days, costing 88 USD/88 EUR/78 GBP

¹ these plans require a commitment of at least three months. After the first three months, the plan can be stopped at any time

Because Ubigi plans cannot be purchase on its website (yet) and only on its apps (Android and iOS), download your Ubigi profile here, create an account (preferably on mobile from the start) & use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for 10% off.

You are welcome 😜.

• Check out my Ubigi eSIM reviews

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Airalo Discover Global eSIM

Airalo was probably the first eSIM provider to introduce a global eSIM, called Discover Global.

This eSIM can be used in 85+ countries, including France, often offering up to 4G/LTE reception and speeds (also in France).

The Airalo Discover Global eSIM can be used in the following 85+ countries:

You have these five Airalo Discover Global eSIMs:

1. Discover Global 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 9 USD
2. Discover Global 3 GB eSIM for 15 days, costing 24 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
3. Discover Global 5 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 35 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
4. Discover Global 10 GB eSIM for 60 days, costing 59 USD
5. Discover Global 20 GB eSIM for 180 days, costing 89 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz reader

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in March based on data up to the 13^th of March (2023 data only)

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AIS eSIM2FLY Global eSIM (5G NR Access in France)

SimOptions also sells a global eSIM: AIS eSIM2FLY Global.

And it can be used in a total of 123 countries for 15 days – 50 of them with 5G NR access, including France.

The AIS eSIM2FLY Global eSIM can be used in the following countries:

¹ with 5G NR access

If you get this eSIM from SimOptions, which I recommend, you will pay 39.90 USD for it.

The main issue I have with the AIS eSIM2FLY Global eSIM is that it has a short validity.

Making it hard to call it an actual global eSIM… unless you can somehow visit 123 countries within 15 days 🧐.

Still, it is a relatively affordable global eSIM covering 120+ countries… with 5G NR access!

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Nomad Global eSIM

Besides Nomad's eSIM for France, it also has a global eSIM that can be used in France and a total of 110 countries (including most European ones).

Nomad's Global eSIM covers more countries than Airalo's Discover Global eSIM (110 vs. 85).

But it is also significantly more expensive than Airalo (but not the most costly global eSIM in this guide).

Even so, Phone Travel Wiz readers have shown interest in this eSIM and have had positive experiences with it.

Anyway, you have these three Nomad Global eSIMs:

1. Global 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 25 USD/24 EUR/21 GBP/34 CAD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
2. Global 3 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 40 USD/38 EUR/33.50 GBP/54.50 CAD
3. Global 5 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 45 USD/42.50 EUR/37.50 GBP/61.50 CAD – most popular with Pnone Travel Wiz readers

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in February based on data up to the 7^th of February

The Nomad Global eSIM can be used in the following 110 countries:

Remember to use code ADU123 and for 3 USD/2.85 EUR/2.45 GBP/4.10 CAD off your first Nomad purchase!

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Ubigi World Plan (5G NR Access in France)

Just as Ubigi has its Europe plans, it has a plan for the world too, covering 175+ countries – including France.

Yes, Ubigi has the most extensive global plan out there.

However, it also has the most expensive global plans 🗿.

You have these three Ubigi World plans:

• World 500 MB plan for 1 days, costing 12 USD/12 EUR/10 GBP
• World 500 MB plan for 30 days, costing 29 USD/29 EUR/25 GBP
• World 5 GB plan for 30 days (auto-renews) ¹, costing 68 USD/68 EUR/59 GBP/month

¹ this plan requires a commitment of at least three months. After the first three months, the plan can be stopped at any time

The Ubigi World Plan can be used in the following 175+ countries:

¹ on 3G only
² with 5G NR access

Remember, because Ubigi plans cannot be purchase on its website (yet) and only on its apps (Android and iOS), download your Ubigi profile here, create an account (preferably on mobile from the start) & use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for 10% off.

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Overview of the Best eSIMs for France

So, we reviewed some eSIMs that can be used in France.

I will give you a quick recap of each and link to their product pages in case you need more info or want to purchase an eSIM already (just remember the activation policies of Holafly, Nomad & SimOptions – do not buy their eSIMs too early):

• Airalo France eSIM with 5G NR access (best value for money)
• Holafly France eSIM (unlimited data eSIMs)
• Nomad France eSIM (best value for money… too)
• Airalo Eurolink eSIM with 5G NR access in France (best value for money for 39 European countries)
• Holafly Europe eSIM (unlimited data eSIMs for 32 European countries)
• Nomad Europe eSIM (the best of both worlds in terms of pricing and performance for 35 European countries)
• SimOptions Europe eSIMs (choice from multiple providers + calling & texting options (the only one in this list))
• Ubigi Europe Plans with 5G NR access in France (most extensive Europe coverage (52 countries), with a liberal definition of Europe in your favor)
• Airalo Discover Global eSIM (reasonable global coverage (85+ countries) at attractive prices)
• AIS eSIM2FLY Global eSIM through SimOptions with 5G NR access in France (eSIM with the most 5G NR supported countries (50/123) at a reasonable price but with a short validity)
• Nomad Global eSIM (extensive global coverage (110 countries) at high(er) prices)
• Ubigi World Plan with 5G NR access in France (most extensive global coverage (175+ countries) at the highest prices)

Remember to use code the relevant discount codes for (ADU123 (Nomad) or PHONETRAVELWIZ (others)).

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Buying a SIM Card in France

Want to just use a SIM card but not your current one because roaming will be criminally expensive?

Consider getting a French SIM card instead – local SIM cards are the cheapest way to stay connected abroad.