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France: 10 Best Prepaid SIM Cards Buying Guide (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 SIM cards (in English, at least).

But having such a guide is necessary because you have more than ten different SIM cards to choose from when in France.

But why should you even consider a French SIM card? That is because international roaming can be expensive.

While French SIM cards are not the cheapest in Europe, the mobile data rates are low, and the prices are much lower than international roaming rates.

So, how much do SIM cards cost in France?

You can get a French SIM card for 2.99 EUR (3.30 EUR) or 14.90 EUR (16.55 USD) from Orange or 10 EUR (11.10 USD) from SFR, Bouygues Telecom & Free Mobile in their stores. Tourist SIM cards are also available at Relay stores, tobacco stores & various airports, including Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG).

Those prices are not too bad, right? At least you are not in New Caledonia, where SIM cards cost at least 30 USD 🤐 (check out my SIM card price look-up tool for comparisons).

In this guide, I will go over everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in France. Let's get started, shall we?

Buying a SIM Card in France Guide (logos of Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom, Free Mobile, La Poste Mobile, Lebara, Réglo Mobile, Lycamobile, Syma Mobile & Vectone Mobile)

Original publication: 26th of January 2022. Last updated: 3rd of June 2023.


Table of Contents

In This Guide Show

Can You Buy a SIM Card in France?

Anyone living in or visiting France can buy a French SIM card from Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom, Free Mobile & many MVNO with no restrictions.

You do have to comply with the SIM card registration regulations.

  • Find out which countries have SIM card registration regulations and what is required from you (lookup tool)
SIM Card Registration Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

Moreover, you need a phone that supports the frequencies used in the country (preferably all of them to have the most optimal experience while in France).

Furthermore, you need to have a SIM-lock-free device.

Where Can You Buy a SIM Card in France?

You can get a French SIM card in Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom & Free Mobile stores. Resellers, like kiosks and tobacco stores, also sell SIM cards (especially for the tourist SIM cards and the MVNOs). They are also available at several airports, including Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG).

You can buy a French SIM card in the following airports (in Relay stores):

  • Beauvais – Beauvais-Tillé Airport (BVA)
  • Biarritz – Biarritz Pays Basque Airport (BIQ)
  • Bordeaux – Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport (BOD)
  • Lille – Lille Airport (LIL)
  • Lyon – Lyon-Saint-Exupéry Airport (LYS)
  • Marseille – Marseille Provence Airport (MRS)
  • Mulhouse – EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg (MLH/BSL/EAP)
  • Nantes – Nantes Atlantique Airport (NTE)
  • Nice – Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE)
  • Paris – Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
  • Paris – Paris Orly Airport (ORY)
  • Strasbourg – Strasbourg Airport (SXB)
  • Toulon – Toulon-Hyères Airport (TLN)
  • Toulouse – Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS)

You can expect to pay the following for French SIM cards:

  • Orange France: 2.99 EUR & 14.90 EUR
  • SFR France: 9.99 EUR
  • Bouygues Telecom: 10 EUR
  • Free Mobile France: 10 EUR
  • MVNOs (like Lycamobile France): being added later

The following mobile operators also have SIM cards targetting tourists:

  • Orange France: 14.99 EUR (Mobicarte Vacances), 29.99 EUR (Mobicarte Vacances Monde) & 39.90 EUR (Orange Holiday)
  • SFR France: around 40 EUR (at airports)
  • Bouygues Telecom: 39.90 EUR (Bouygues Telecom My European SIM)

For up-to-date EUR:your currency (let's say GBP) exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.

  • Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
SIM Card Prices Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz
Support Me on Ko-Fi Orange

Can You Use Your Phone in France?

France uses GSM technology for mobile communications. CDMA phones will not work in France. If your phone has a SIM card slot, then it supports GSMA (99% of the phones do support GSM nowadays).

Traditional European frequencies are used in France, which are mostly used in ITU Regions 1 and 3 (Africa, Asia (including the Middle East), Europe & Oceania).

The Americas (North-, Central– & South America + the Caribbean – ITU Region 2) use American frequencies, which differ from the European ones.

ITU Regions Map by Phone Travel Wiz

If you bought your phone in Africa, Asia, Europe, or Oceania (ITU Regions 1 and 3), you should not experience any issues with using your phone in France.

If you purchased your phone in the Americas (ITU Region 2) and have a low/medium-end device (without Tri-Band or Quad-Band) support, then there is a possibility you cannot use your phone when in France or can only use slower networks (3G or 2G).

If you have a medium/high-end device with Tri-Band or Quad-Band support, you can use your phone in France (to some extent) – also on 4G/LTE and 5G NR.

Mobile Operators, Networks & Frequencies in France

France has four mobile operator and various Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs – being added later) offering prepaid services easily accessible to travelers:

  • Orange France
  • SFR France (Société Française du Radiotéléphone)
  • Bouygues Telecom
  • Free Mobile France

The following frequencies are used in France:

  • 2G: 900 MHz & 1800 MHz
  • 3G: 900 MHz & 2100 MHz
  • 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 28), 800 MHz (Band 20), 900 MHz (Band 8), 1800 MHz (Band 3), 2100 MHz (Band 1) & 2600 MHz (Band 7)
  • 5G NR: 700 MHz (n28), 2100 MHz (n1) & 3500 MHz (n78)

You can learn more about frequencies in the video below.

To check whether your phone will work in France, check out this page by Kimovil or this one by Will My Phone Work (outdated, unfortunately, but extremely user-friendly – useful for phones launched in or before 2019. It does not check for 5G NR compatibility).

Again, make sure your phone is unlocked. Otherwise, you will not be able to use any SIM card except the one from your home operator (meaning you have to roam internationally or buy another unlocked phone that does support the frequencies listed above).

If you want to learn how international roaming works, this guide explains it in-depth. If you wonder why it is often so expensive to roam, this article explains the hidden reason they do not want you to know.

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VoLTE & VoWiFi in France

Both VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G) – also known as HD Voice) and VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi – also known as WiFi calling) are available in France. All mobile operators in France offer VoLTE, but not VoWiFi.

This means that your phone does not have to downgrade to 2G or 3G when making a call in France (unlike mobile operators that do not support VoLTE).

The following mobile operators offer VoLTE and VoWiFi in France:

  • Orange France
  • SFR France
  • Bouygues Telecom

The following mobile operators offer VoLTE only in France:

  • Free Mobile France

VoWiFi is, as the name implies, calling on a WiFi connection as opposed to on a cellular network.

Free Mobile announced that it wants to finally (bring) VoWiFi to its customers.

However, it is unknown how long it will take before the feature is available.

Free Mobile France will be years behind its competitors because it believed (its) customers did not want/would not use VoWiFi.

5G NR in France

Commercial 5G NR has been available in France since December 2020. It is available on the Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom & Free Mobile networks. SFR and Free Mobile allow prepaid customers to use 5G NR – Orange and Bouygues Telecom do not. MVNOs do not have 5G NR access yet.

Best SIM Card in France

Support Me on Ko-Fi Orange

If you want to buy the best SIM card in France, I recommend going with Orange or Free Mobile. Orange has, overall, the best mobile operator, and its Mobicarte Vacances (Monde) and Orange Holiday tourist SIM cards are fantastic. Free Mobile is the cheapest mobile operator with 210 GB (!) for 20 EUR.

Phone Travel Wiz Approved Seal
Support Me on Ko-Fi Orange

Best eSIM in France

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

SFR France does not offer eSIMs to prepaid customers.

Bouygues Telecom only offers eSIM for its My European SIM tourist SIM (card) – this may also apply to Orange's tourist SIM cards.

Note that the French mobile operators require your identification (passport) for eSIMs and physical SIM cards (will be discussed later).

However, you can also get a travel eSIM from various eSIM providers.

The list below is not exhaustive – many more providers have eSIMs for France.

But these are the ones I have tried and had pleasant experiences with.

Moreover, they are reasonably priced, which I find very important (you will not see me recommending an eSIM I would not buy myself).

So here are the 15 best eSIMs for France:

Because this is the SIM card buying guide for France, I will not spend too much time about travel eSIMs here and throughout this guide (but I will still do here and there).

If you want to learn more about the best eSIMs for France, you better check out my France eSIM buying guide.

It is as helpful and comprehensive as this guide but about eSIMs instead 😜.

Buying an eSIM for France Guide (logos of Holafly, Bouygues Telecom, Ubigi, Nomad, AIS, SimOptions, Airalo, Eruolink, Free Mobile, Bonbon Mobile & Orange)

SIM Card Registration in France

SIM card registration with your passport information is required in France. It will be done at the point of purchase.

  • Find out which countries have SIM card registration regulations and what is required from you (lookup tool)
SIM Card Registration Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

EU Roaming in France

European Union (EU) & European Economic Area (EEA)

France is part of the European Union (EU).

Since June 2017, those with EU/EEA (European Economic Area) SIM cards can roam for free in other EU/EEA nations, including France.

This means that, in the majority of cases, you do not need to purchase a French SIM card if you already have an EU/EEA SIM card because you can roam without additional costs.

However, conditions do apply. Mobile operators in some countries may impose a roaming Fair Use Policy (FUP).

In countries where local mobile data rates are extremely low (such as in the Baltics and the Nordics), mobile operators may still charge you for roaming in the EU/EEA.

Be sure to head over to the international roaming page to learn whether your mobile operator offers free roaming while in France or if restrictions apply.

Roaming in the EU with French SIM Cards

EU Roaming Banner
© European Parliament

France and the French mobile operators have largely adopted the roam like at home regulations principles early on.

However, some plans have an EU/EEA roaming cap. But some mobile operators prohibit you from roaming (for) free.

These mobile operators are SFR France (only free voice and SMS roaming – no free data roaming) and Bouygues Telecom (no free roaming unless you get its tourist SIM card).

At least Orange France and Free Mobile France allow for proper EU/EEA roaming.

But remember – the standard Fair Use Policy applies where you should not be roaming over 50% of the time over a four-month period.

If you do so, EU roaming rates will apply. You are then better off buying local prepaid SIM cards in other EU nations.

Using French SIM Cards in French Guiana (Guyane), Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte, Réunion, St Martin & St Barts

French Guiana (Guyane – not Guyana), Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin & Saint Barthélemy are French Overseas Departments (Départements et Régions d'Outre-mer – DROM), making them fully part of France.

Officially, Saint Barthélemy and Saint Martin are Overseas Communities (Collectivités d’Outre-mer – COM), but I will call them DROM for the purpose of this section for simplification).

They have exactly the same status as mainland France's regions and departments, like the Seine Department covering Paris.

As a result, you can use your French SIM card, and any other EU/EEA SIM card, in those departments as if you were in Metropolitan France.

If you, for some thoughtless reason, claim those departments are not part of France, a French(wo)man will smack you with a bauguette 🥖🤪.

When looking at the EU/EEA country lists of the French mobile operators, they do not list French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin & Saint Barthélemy separately because… well… they are part of France.

And the same counts for some other EU/EEA mobile operators.

I do list them separately in my lists for completeness.

But… some EU/EEA mobile operators do not mention any of these departments in their lists.

That may be because, just like the French mobile operators, they see the departments as just France, or they conveniently is unknownenly forget they are part of France, and thus part of the EU/EEA.

So, what about French Polynesia, New Caledonia & Wallis and Futuna?

Those are overseas collectivities and not part of the EU/EEA.

Thus, you cannot roam for free there.

I understand I have simplified this section significantly and use the wrong terms for some regions – that was intentional (and may look foolish to the educated). There are whole Wikipedia pages, other articles & YouTube videos explaining France's situation in-depth. Me trying to explain it in full has no significance to this guide and just makes the page longer than it already is (and perhaps complexer than it should be). What matters is that you can use your French, EU & EEA SIM cards as if you were at home in French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin & Saint Barthélemy.

France Mobile Speeds, Mobile Internet Prices & Insights

Flag of France and Overseas France

France has one of the lowest mobile data rates in Europe – thanks to Free Mobile France, which disrupted the French telecommunications industry by having low prices for generous allowances.

As a result, the other mobile operators had to drop prices to stay competitive.

So, how inexpensive is mobile data in France?

The average price for 1 GB of data in France is 0.41 USD, below the European average of 2.50 USD. The world average is 4.07 USD.

Incredibly low, right!?

Moreover, France is one of the 53 countries where the average cost of 1 GB of data is less than 1 USD.

And only three countries in the European Union (France, Italy & Poland) have average mobile data rates below 1 USD.

Cable.co.uk split Europe into three territories: Western Europe, Eastern Europe & the Baltics.

The Western European average cost of 1 GB of data, using Cable.co.uk's definition, is 2.66 USD, which is just slightly more than the overall European average.

Let's talk about speed. No, not that other speed – speed as in being fast (I know what you were thinking about 🥸).

Are mobile data speeds fast in France? Yes, they are.

France's median mobile download speed is around 55 Mbps.

This is almost double the global mean of 30 Mbps.

Moreover, only 22 countries have a faster median download speed, and only ten in the EU/EEA (Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal & Sweden).

Moreover, mobile download speeds have improved significantly – mostly thanks to the introduction of 5G NR.

Okay, now it is time to know which mobile operator is the fastest in France.

That would be Orange France, with a speed score of 99.88. Followed by SFR France (61.56), Free Mobile France (59.51) & Bouygues Telecom (56.72).

The fastest mobile download speed can be found in Nice, with a median download speed of 88.39 Mbps.

Toulouse is doing well, with a median download speed of 79.57 Mbps.

Paris can boast its 64.87 Mbps median download speed.

Marseille and Lyon can enjoy a median download speed of 57.22 Mbps and 49.04 Mbps, respectively.

The mobile operator with the best 5G NR speeds is Orange France, with a median download speed of 342.29 Mbps (which you cannot enjoy as a prepaid customer… yet).

This is followed by SFR France (232.09 Mbps), Bouygues Telecom (149.89 Mbps) & Free Mobile France (119.69).

Currently, Orange France, Bouygues Telecom & Free Mobile France have the best 5G NR reach – SFR France is still lacking.

Regarding 5G NR availability, in the places where 5G NR should be available, Bouygues Telecom and Free Mobile France are winning the race – SFR France is still lacking.

So what about overall network performance by the French mobile operators?

Orange France beats its competitors in all ways – it is rather incredible.

Basically, you cannot go wrong with Orange France (except for the fact that it is pricey).

With average SIM card prices, extensive nationwide coverage, fast mobile download speeds, and incredibly low mobile data rates, you should have a smooth network experience in France.

Support Me on Ko-Fi Orange

Currency in France

France uses the Euro with the symbol EUR (which will be used throughout this guide).

However, prices are often listed as just . For example, 25 EUR = €25.

For reference, below are some exchange rates between EUR and USD (US Dollars):

  • 1 EUR = 1.10 USD
  • 10 EUR = 11.10 USD
  • 100 EUR = 111.05 USD

For up-to-date EUR:your currency (let's say GBP – (British) Pound (Sterling)) exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.

If your credit/debit card charges you foreign exchange fees, get yourself a Wise Borderless Account and Debit Card.

Their fees are MUCH lower than banks and credit card companies charge you (and Wise is transparent about their fees, unlike banks).

I have saved literal THOUSANDS of Australian Dollars and Euros, my main currencies, when using Wise abroad when traveling compared to my debit and credit cards.

Open a Wise account for FREE!

Wise Currency Exchange Banner
© Wise

French Prepaid SIM Cards

Below, I will guide you through Orange France, SFR France, Bouygues Telecom, Free Mobile France & many MVNOs that will be added later, and go through:

  • Background information
  • Mobile coverage
  • SIM card types, prices & availability
  • Recharge / top-up information
  • Combo plans, data plans & special packs (such as social media packs)

With that being said, let’s see what France has to offer to us.


Orange France

Orange Logo
© Orange

Orange France, just Orange, is the largest mobile operator in France.

It is also the mobile operator with the best network performance.

Orange, as a company, is active in other countries in Africa, the Caribbean, Europe & the Middle East.

Orange uses the following frequencies:

  • 2G: 900 MHz & 1800 MHz
  • 3G: 900 MHz & 2100 MHz
  • 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 28), 800 MHz (Band 20), 1800 MHz (Band 3), 2100 MHz (Band 1) & 2600 MHz (Band 7)
  • 5G NR: 2100 MHz (n1) & 3500 MHz (n78) – not for prepaid customers (yet)
  • VoLTE: Yes
  • VoWiFi: Yes

This is what you will learn about Orange:

* Coverage
* How to Get an Orange SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings

Coverage – Orange France

Orange has the best coverage throughout France.

This was also confirmed by Opensignal.

It also has the best 5G NR reach with Bouygues Telecom and Free Mobile France, but 5G NR is not available to prepaid customers (yet), so it is irrelevant.

Below is Orange's coverage map produced by Speedtest:

Orange France Coverage Map
Source

However, click here to see Orange's official coverage map.

SIM Card Price – Orange France

You can buy an Orange SIM card for 2.99 EUR with unlimited local minutes and unlimited local SMS between 21:00 and 0:00 (Mobicarte Mini) or for 14.90 EUR with 10 GB for 30 days (SIM Prépayée Prêt-à-Surfer – a data-only SIM card 1) in Orange stores. Orange Toursts SIM cards are also sold at airports, including Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport.

1 officially, this SIM card is not for smartphone use. If the salesperson asks you for what device you need it for, which they usually do not do because they cannot be bothered, tell them it is for a tablet or laptop with 4G/LTE connectivity

Short-term visitors and tourists can also get the Orange Tourist SIM cards – Mobicarte Vacances, Mobicarte Vacances Monde & Orange Holiday.

These SIM cards are available at Orange stores, but also from Relay stores (mostly at airports, like Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG), or busy subway/train stations, like Paris Gare du Nord) or some tobacco stores.

The following Orange tourist SIM cards are available:

PriceSIM CardDataLocal/EU MinutesInternational MinutesLocal/EU SMS 1Validity
14.99 EURMobicarte Vacances100 MB120 minutesN/AUnlimited14 days
29.99 EURMobicarte Vacances Monde10 GB 2N/AN/AUnlimited14 days
39.99 EUROrange Holiday20 GBUnlimited120 minutesUnlimited31 days

1 for calls/SMS within and to other EU/EEA member states and back to France (NOT from France to other EU/EEA member states)
2 for worldwide use, although the data allowance may be less in some countries (50 MB, 1 GB, or 5 GB)

Below is an overview of all Orange SIM cards:

PriceSIM CardDataLocal/EU Minutes 1International MinutesLocal/EU SMS 1Validity
2.99 EURMobicarte MiniN/AUnlimited 2N/AUnlimited 26 months
14.90 EURSIM Prépayée Prêt-à-Surfer 310 GBN/AN/AN/A1 month
14.99 EURMobicarte Vacances100 MB120 minutesN/AUnlimited 114 days
29.99 EURMobicarte Vacances Monde10 GB 4N/AN/AUnlimited14 days
39.99 EUROrange Holiday20 GBUnlimited120 minutesUnlimited31 days

1 for calls/SMS within and to other EU/EEA member states and back to France (NOT from France to other EU/EEA member states)
2 for between 21:00 and 00:00
3 officially, this SIM card is not for smartphone use. If the salesperson asks you for what device you need it for, which they usually do not do because they cannot be bothered, tell them it is for a tablet or laptop with 4G/LTE connectivity
4 for worldwide use, although the data allowance may be less in some countries (50 MB, 1 GB, or 5 GB)

Call 225 to hear your Orange phone number.

You have to make a call 225 to activate your Orange SIM card.

  • Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
SIM Card Prices Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

It is also possible to get an Orange eSIM for the same price as a regular SIM card.

Note that the French mobile operators require your identification (EU ID/passport) for eSIMs and physical SIM cards.

Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for France without personal detail capturing, you can get France Bonbon eSIMs from Airalo (six options):

France Bonbon Mobile eSIM Airalo
© Airalo
  1. 1 GB/7 daysvery popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  2. 2 GB/15 days (new) very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  3. 3 GB/30 days
  4. 5 GB/30 days
  5. 10 GB/30 daysmost popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  6. 20 GB/30 days (new)

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in May based on data up to the 17th of May (2023 data only).

No idea what or who Airalo is? Check out my Airalo review, where I share my hands-on experience after using its eSIMs in more than 25 countries over four years.

Airalo General Review & In-Depth Analysis by Phone Travel Wiz

If you plan on visiting other neighboring European nations, consider the Airalo Eurolink eSIM to be used in 39 European countries with six variants:

  1. 1 GB/7 days
  2. 3 GB/30 daysvery popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  3. 5 GB/30 daysmost popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  4. 10 GB/30 daysvery popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  5. 50 GB/90 days
  6. 100 GB/180 days

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in May based on data up to the 17th of May (2023 data only).

Airalo Eurolink eSIM Eligible Countries Map Infographic by Phone Travel Wiz (February 2023 Version)

Do you think the map above is nice, but you want a country list instead (because you do not recognize the countries on a map🗿)? You can find it in my Airalo review!

By the way, you get free 5G NR access in 22 of the 39 supported countries!

I have used the Airalo Eurolink eSIM in 11 countries so far, and my goal is to test it in all supported countries.

Airalo Eurolink eSIM Review by Phone Travel Wiz

Many more travel eSIMs will perform well in France.

You can read about them in my Best France eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison.

Buying an eSIM for France Guide (logos of Holafly, Bouygues Telecom, Ubigi, Nomad, AIS, SimOptions, Airalo, Eruolink, Free Mobile, Bonbon Mobile & Orange)

Note that Orange offers VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G)) if your phone supports it and you have enabled it in the settings.

Oh, you can also use VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi).

Support Me on Ko-Fi Orange

Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Orange France

Orange top-up vouchers are sold in Orange stores, grocery stores, corner shops & electronics shops throughout France.

The following (online) top-ups are available:

Top-UpCreditActive ValidityPassive Validity
5 EUR6 EUR6 days1 month
10 EUR12 EUR12 days6 months
15 EUR20 EUR20 days6 months
25 EUR33 EUR2 months6 months
35 EUR47 EUR3 months6 months
50 EUR70 EUR4 months6 months
75 EUR105 EUR6 months6 months
100 EUR150 EUR1 year6 months
Orange France Les Lecharges Mobicarte Top-Ups
© Orange France

To top up your Orange SIM card, dial #123# or call 224 and follow the instructions.

You can also tell the salesperson how much credit you want, your phone number, pay, and they will top up your SIM card with the POS system.

You can also recharge online with (international/EU) debit and credit cards.

Dial #123# to check your Orange balance.

You can also top up and check your balance on the Orange et moi France (Orange and me France) app (Android/iOS).

Orange France Orange et Moi France App
© Orange France

Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Orange France

Orange has four data-featured prepaid top-ups that act as plans:

Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.

Max Top-Ups/Plans – Orange France

The Max Top-Ups/Plans are combo plans/top-ups with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.

The following Max Top-Ups are available:

PriceDataLocal/EU Minutes 1Local/EU SMS 1Active ValidityPassive Validity
5 EUR20 MB120 minutesUnlimited7 days1 month
10 EUR500 MBUnlimitedUnlimited10 days6 months
20 EUR2 GBUnlimitedUnlimited31 days6 months
30 EUR10 GBUnlimitedUnlimited31 days6 months

1 for calls/SMS within and to other EU/EEA member states and back to France (NOT from France to other EU/EEA member states)

Orange France Max Top-Ups
© Orange France
Les Recharges Mobicarte – Orange France

Les Recharges Mobicarte are combo plans/top-ups with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.

The following Max Top-Ups are available:

Top-UpCreditActive ValidityPassive Validity
5 EUR1 EUR6 days1 month
10 EUR2 EUR12 days6 months
15 EUR5 EUR20 days6 months
25 EUR8 EUR2 months6 months
35 EUR12 EUR3 months6 months
50 EUR20 EUR4 months6 months
75 EUR30 EUR6 months6 months
100 EUR50 EUR1 year6 months
Orange France Les Recharges Mobicarte
Orange Holiday Top-Ups/Plans – Orange France

The Orange Holiday Top-Ups/Plans are combo plans/top-ups with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS for the Mobicarte Vacances Monde & Orange Holiday tourist SIM cards.

The following Orange Holiday Top-Ups are available:

PriceDataLocal/International MinutesLocal/International SMSActive ValidityPassive Validity
20 EUR5 GB60 minutes500 SMS14 days6 months
40 EUR20 GB60 minutes1000 SMS31 days6 months
Orange France Orange Holiday Top-Ups
© Orange France
Internet Mobile Top-Ups/Plans – Orange France

The Internet Mobile Top-Ups/Plans are data plans/top-ups (without 5G NR access).

The following Internet Mobile are available:

PriceDataLocal/EU MinutesLocal/EU SMSActive ValidityPassive Validity
5 EUR20 MB120 minutesUnlimited7 days1 month
10 EUR500 MBUnlimitedUnlimited10 days6 months
20 EUR2 GBUnlimitedUnlimited1 month6 months
30 EUR10 GBUnlimitedUnlimited1 month6 months
Orange France Internet Mobile Plans
© Orange France
Les Recharges Prêt-à-Surfer Top-Ups/Plans – Orange France

The Les Recharges Prêt-à-Surfer Top-Ups/Plans are data plans/top-ups (without 5G NR access) for the Prêt-à-Surfer data-only SIM card.

The following Les Recharges Prêt-à-Surfer Top-Ups are available:

PriceDataActive ValidityPassive Validity
10 EUR5 GB14 days12 months
25 EUR15 GB1 month12 months
40 EUR35 GB1 month12 months
Orange France Les Recharges Prêt-à-Surfer Top-Ups
© Orange France
EU Roaming – Orange France

You can use your Orange allowances in the following EU/EEA member states without paying roaming fees:

  • Åland Islands
  • Andorra
  • Austria
  • Azores
  • Balearic Islands
  • Belgium
  • Bulgaria
  • Canary Islands
  • Corfu
  • Crete
  • Croatia
  • Cyclades
  • Cyprus
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • French Guiana
  • Germany
  • Gibraltar
  • Greece
  • Guadeloupe
  • Guernsey
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • Ireland
  • Isle of Man
  • Italy
  • Jersey
  • Latvia
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Madeira
  • Malta
  • Martinique
  • Mayotte
  • Netherlands
  • Norway
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Réunion
  • Rhodes
  • Romania
  • Saint Barthélemy
  • Saint Martin
  • San Marino
  • Sardinia
  • Sicily
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Tenerife

As Orange does not have dedicated EU/EEA roaming allowances, you can use your full allowance without restrictions in other EU/EEA member states.

APN/Internet Settings – Orange France

  • Name: Orange France
  • APN: orange OR orange.fr

Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.

Jump back to the Table of Contents.


SFR France (Société Française du Radiotéléphone)

SFR Logo
© SFR

SFR France (Société française du radiotéléphone), just SFR, is the second-largest mobile operator in France.

SFR is also active in Belgium, the Caribbean (French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Barthélemy & Saint Martin), Luxembourg, Mayotte & Réunion.

SFR uses the following frequencies:

  • 2G: 900 MHz & 1800 MHz
  • 3G: 900 MHz & 2100 MHz
  • 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 28), 800 MHz (Band 20), 1800 MHz (Band 3), 2100 MHz (Band 1) & 2600 MHz (Band 7)
  • 5G NR: 2100 MHz (n1) & 3500 MHz (n78)
  • VoLTE: Yes
  • VoWiFi: Yes

This is what you will learn about SFR:

* Coverage
* How to Get an SFR SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings

Coverage – SFR France

SFR has, together with Orange France and Bouygues Telecom, the best 4G/LTE availability in France.

4G/LTE is available anywhere in populated areas.

Below is SFR's coverage map produced by Speedtest:

However, click here to see SFR's official coverage map.

SIM Card Price – SFR France

You can buy an SFR SIM card, called Carte Prépayée SFR, for 9.99 EUR with 5 EUR credit and 50 MB for 30 days in SFR stores. SFR SIM cards are also sold at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) at higher prices.

Back in 2015, the SFR SIM card at the airport cost 40 EUR and gave you 2 GB of data and some other perks I forgot about 💀.

In 2018, you got 5 GB, 60 local/international minutes, and some local/international SMS for 14 days, costing 35 EUR.

In 2022, I assume the price and benefits changed again, but I do not know what it is. You can let me know though.

Moving on… Call 963 to activate your SFR SIM card.

  • Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
SIM Card Prices Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

While SFR has eSIMs, they are (currently) not offered to prepaid customers.

Note that the French mobile operators require your identification (passport) for eSIMs and for physical SIM card.

Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for France without personal detail capturing, you can get unlimited data eSIMs from Holafly (six options):

  1. Unlimited/5 daysmost popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  2. Unlimited/7 days
  3. Unlimited/10 daysvery popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  4. Unlimited/15 days
  5. Unlimited/20 days
  6. Unlimited/30 daysvery popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in May based on data up to the 17th of May (2023 data only).

Phone Travel Wiz x Holafly Banner

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

No idea what or who Holafly is? Check out my Holafly review, where I share my hands-on experience after using its eSIMs in more than ten countries over two years.

Holafly General Review & In-Depth Analysis by Phone Travel Wiz

If you plan on visiting other neighboring European nations, consider the Holafly Europe eSIM to be used in 33 European countries, also with unlimited data, with seven variants:

  1. Unlimited/5 daysmost popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  2. Unlimited/7 days
  3. Unlimited/10 daysvery popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  4. Unlimited/15 daysvery popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  5. Unlimited/20 days
  6. Unlimited/30 days
  7. Unlimited/60 days

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in May based on data up to the 17th of May (2023 data only).

Holafly Europe eSIM Eligible Countries Map Infographic by Phone Travel Wiz (February 2023 Version)

Do you think the map above is nice, but you want a country list instead (because you do not recognize the countries on a map🗿)? You can find it in my Holafly review!

Remember to use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for 5% off each Holafly purchase!

Many more travel eSIMs will perform well in France.

You can read about them in my Best France eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison.

Buying an eSIM for France Guide (logos of Holafly, Bouygues Telecom, Ubigi, Nomad, AIS, SimOptions, Airalo, Eruolink, Free Mobile, Bonbon Mobile & Orange)

Note that SFR offers VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G)) if your phone supports it and you have enabled it in the settings.

Oh, you can also use VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi).

Support Me on Ko-Fi Orange

Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – SFR France

SFR top-up vouchers are sold in SFR stores, grocery stores, corner shops & electronics shops throughout France.

The following (online) top-ups are available:

Top-UpDataValidity
5 EURN/A5 days
10 EURN/A14 days
20 EUR10 GB30 days
SFR France Top-Up Cards
© SFR France

To top up your SFR SIM card, text the VoucherCode to 952 or call 952 and follow the instructions.

For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would text 123456 to 952.

You can also tell the salesperson how much credit you want, your phone number, pay, and they will top up your SIM card with the POS system.

You can also recharge online with (international/EU) debit and credit cards.

Call 950 to check your SFR balance.

You can also top up and check your balance on the SFR & Moi (SFR & Me) app (Android/iOS).

SFR France SFR & Moi App
© SFR France

Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – SFR France

SFR has three data-featured prepaid plans:

All SFR plans can be activated by texting the Activation Code to 987.

Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.

Monde (World) Plans – SFR France

The Monde (World) Plans are combo bundles with data (without 5G NR access) and minutes.

Text the Activation Code to 987 to activate Monde Plans:

PriceDataLocal/International MinutesValidityActivation Code
5 EUR300 MB50 minutes5 daysMONDE5
10 EUR500 MB100 minutes14 daysMONDE10
20 EUR4 GB200 minutes30 daysMONDE20
Illimité (Unlimited) Plans – SFR France

The Illimité (Unlimited) Plans are combo bundles with data (with 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.

Text the Activation Code to 987 to activate Illimité plans:

PriceDataLocal/EU Minutes 1Local/EU SMS 1ValidityActivation Code
5 EUR2 GB60 minutesUnlimited7 daysILLI5
10 EUR10 GBUnlimitedUnlimited10 daysILLI10
20 EUR50 GBUnlimitedUnlimited30 daysILLI20
30 EUR80 GBUnlimitedUnlimited30 daysILLI30
40 EUR100 GB 2UnlimitedUnlimited30 daysILLI40

1 for calls/SMS within and to other EU/EEA member states and back to France (NOT from France to other EU/EEA member states)
2 5G NR access

Internet Plans – SFR France

The Internet Plans are, as the name implies, data bundles (without 5G NR access).

Text the Activation Code to 987 to activate Internet Plans:

PriceDataValidityActivation Code
5 EUR300 MB5 daysWEB5
10 EUR2 GB8 daysWEB10
25 EUR20 GB30 daysWEB25
35 EUR70 GB30 daysWEB35
EU Roaming – SFR France

You can use your SFR call and SMS allowances (NO free data roaming) in the following EU/EEA member states without paying roaming fees:

  • Åland Islands
  • Austria
  • Azores
  • Balearic Islands
  • Belgium
  • Bulgaria
  • Canary Islands
  • Corfu
  • Crete
  • Croatia
  • Cyclades
  • Cyprus
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • French Guiana
  • Germany
  • Gibraltar
  • Greece
  • Guadeloupe
  • Guernsey
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • Ireland
  • Isle of Man
  • Italy
  • Jersey
  • Latvia
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Madeira
  • Malta
  • Martinique
  • Mayotte
  • Netherlands
  • Norway
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Réunion
  • Rhodes
  • Romania
  • Saint Barthélemy
  • Saint Martin
  • Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  • San Marino
  • Sardinia
  • Sicily
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • United Kingdom
  • Vatican City

As SFR does not have dedicated EU/EEA call and SMS roaming allowances, you can use your full allowance without restrictions in other EU/EEA member states.

APN/Internet Settings – SFR France

  • Name: SFR webphone
  • APN: sl2sfr

Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.

Jump back to the Table of Contents.

Support Me on Ko-Fi Orange


Bouygues Telecom

Bouygues Telecom France Logo
© Bouygues Telecom

Bouygues Telecom is the third-largest mobile operator in France.

It currently has the best 5G NR network performance (but not the fastest speeds – that title belongs to Orange France).

But… you cannot use it anyway as a prepaid customer (yet) 😖.

Bouygues Telecom uses the following frequencies:

  • 2G: 900 MHz
  • 3G: 900 MHz & 2100 MHz
  • 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 28), 800 MHz (Band 20), 900 MHz (Band 8), 1800 MHz (Band 3), 2100 MHz (Band 1) & 2600 MHz (Band 7)
  • 5G NR: 2100 MHz (n1) & 3500 MHz (n78) – not for prepaid customers (yet)
  • VoLTE: Yes
  • VoWiFi: Yes

This is what you will learn about Bouygues Telecom:

* Coverage
* How to Get a Bouygues Telecom SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings

Coverage – Bouygues Telecom

Bouygues Telecom has, together with Orange France and SFR France, the best 4G/LTE availability in France.

4G/LTE is available anywhere in populated areas.

Below is Bouygues Telecom's coverage map produced by Speedtest:

However, click here to see Bouygues Telecom's official coverage map.

SIM Card Price – Bouygues Telecom

You can buy a Bouygues Telecom SIM card, called Carte XL, for 10 EUR with 4 EUR credit in Bouygues Telecom stores. Bouygues Telecom tourist SIM card, the My European SIM, is also sold at Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG).

The Bouygues Telecom My European SIM card costs 39.90 EUR with 20 GB, unlimited local/EU minutes, unlimited local/EU SMS, 25 EUR international call credit to French Overseas Departments for 30 days.

Bouygues Telecom France My European SIM Card
© Bouygues Telecom

The eligible French Overseas Departments are French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte, Réunion, Saint Barthélemy & Saint Martin.

Moreover, unlike the Bouygues Telecom Carte XL SIM card, the My Europe SIM can be used in the EU/EEA for data roaming instead of only voice and text roaming.

Oh yeah, you have to call 654 to activate your Bouygues Telecom SIM card.

Bouygues Telecom France My European SIM Card Benefits
  • Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
SIM Card Prices Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

Furthermore, the My Europe SIM is also available as an eSIM (the regular Bouygues Telecom Carte XL is not).

Note that the French mobile operators require your identification (passport) for eSIMs and for physical SIM card.

Note that the French mobile operators require your identification (passport) for eSIMs and physical SIM cards.

Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for France without personal detail capturing, you can get eSIMs from Nomad (ten options):

  1. 1 GB/7 days (powered by two different providers with different prices) – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  2. 3 GB/30 daysmost popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  3. 3 GB/15 days
  4. 5 GB/15 days
  5. 5 GB/30 days
  6. 10 GB/30 days (powered by two different providers with different prices)
  7. 15 GB/30 days
  8. 20 GB/30 days

The best part is that you can get 3 USD/2.70 EUR/2.40 GBP/4.05 CAD off using code ADU123 on your first Nomad eSIM purchase!

No idea what or who Nomad is? Check out my Nomad review, where I share my hands-on experience after using its eSIMs in more than 25 countries over two years.

Nomad General Review & In-Depth Analysis by Phone Travel Wiz

If you plan on visiting other neighboring European nations, consider the Nomad Europe eSIM to be used in 25 or 35 European countries, depending on the plan, with eight variants:

  1. 1 GB/7 days (30 countries – new)
  2. 1 GB/7 days (35 countries)
  3. 3 GB/30 days (30 countries – new)
  4. 3 GB/30 days (35 countries)
  5. 5 GB/30 days (30 countries – new)
  6. 5 GB/30 days (35 countries) – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers (that was before the 25 countries options were added)
  7. 10 GB/30 days (30 countries – new)
  8. 10 GB/30 days (35 countries) – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers (that was before the 25 countries options were added)
Nomad Europe eSIM Eligible Countries Map Infographic by Phone Travel Wiz (February 2023 Version)

Remember to use code ADU123 for 3 USD/2.70 EUR/2.40 GBP/4.05 CAD off your first Nomad purchase!

I have used the Nomad Europe eSIM in eight countries so far, and my goal is to test it in all supported countries.

Nomad Europe eSIM Review by Phone Travel Wiz

Many more travel eSIMs will perform well in France.

You can read about them in my Best France eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison.

Buying an eSIM for France Guide (logos of Holafly, Bouygues Telecom, Ubigi, Nomad, AIS, SimOptions, Airalo, Eruolink, Free Mobile, Bonbon Mobile & Orange)

Note that Bouygues Telecom offers VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G)) if your phone supports it and you have enabled it in the settings.

Oh, you can also use VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi).

Support Me on Ko-Fi Orange

Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Bouygues Telecom

Bouygues Telecom top-up vouchers are sold in Bouygues Telecom stores, grocery stores, corner shops & electronics shops throughout France.

The following (online) top-ups are available:

Top-UpValidity
5 EUR1 month
10 EUR2 months
20 EUR3 months
40 EUR6 months
Bouygues Telecom France Cartes Prépayées Classiques pour des Communications Longue Durée Top-Ups

You can top up your Bouygues Telecom SIM card online with (international/EU) debit and credit cards or on the Espace Client (Bouygues Telecom) app (Android/iOS).

Bouygues Telecom France Espace Client App
© Bouygues Telecom

Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Bouygues Telecom

Bouygues Telecom has only one data-featured prepaid plan: Cartes Prépayées XL pour des Communications en Illimité (XL Prepaid Cards for Unlimited Communications). It is a combo plan with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.

Note that Bouygues Telecom does not allow for free EU/EEA roaming for prepaid customers (the tourist SIM card does allow for EU roaming).

You may want to consider the Bouygues Telecom My European SIM (e)SIM (card) for EU/EEA roaming (or another mobile operator).

I will list all the prices in EUR (Euro).

To convert EUR to your currency (let's say EUR – Euro) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.

Wise Currency Exchange Banner
© Wise

Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.

The My European SIM does provide better value than the most expensive Cartes Prépayées XL pour des Communications en Illimité plan.

Anyway, the following Cartes Prépayées XL pour des Communications en Illimité are available:

PriceDataLocal MinutesInternational CreditLocal SMSValidity
5 EUR500 MBUnlimited3 EURUnlimited3 days
10 EUR1 GBUnlimited5 EURUnlimited10 days
20 EUR2 GBUnlimited10 EURUnlimited1 month
40 EUR5 GBUnlimited25 EURUnlimited2 months
Bouygues Telecom France Cartes Prépayées XL pour des Communications en Illimité Top-Ups
Cartes prépayées classiques pour des communications longue durée – Bouygues Telecom

Cartes prépayées classiques pour des communications longue durée/Plans are combo plans/top-ups with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.

The following Cartes prépayées classiques pour des communications longue durée are available:

Top-UpLocal/EU MinutesLocal/EU SMSValidity
5 EUR13 minutes55 SMS1 month
10 EUR26 minutesUnlimited2 months
20 EUR52 minutesUnlimited3 months
40 EUR105 minutesUnlimited6 months
Bouygues Telecom France Carte Prépayée Classiques
EU Roaming – Bouygues Telecom

You can use your Bouygues Telecom My European SIM card (tourist SIM card) in the following EU/EEA member states without paying roaming fees:

  • Åland Islands
  • Andorra
  • Austria
  • Azores
  • Balearic Islands
  • Belgium
  • Bulgaria
  • Canary Islands
  • Corfu
  • Crete
  • Croatia
  • Cyclades
  • Cyprus
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • French Guiana
  • French Guiana
  • Germany
  • Gibraltar
  • Greece
  • Guadeloupe
  • Guernsey
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • Ireland
  • Isle of Man
  • Italy
  • Jersey
  • Latvia
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Madeira
  • Malta
  • Martinique
  • Mayotte
  • Netherlands
  • Norway
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Réunion
  • Rhodes
  • Romania
  • Saint Barthélemy
  • Saint Martin
  • San Marino
  • Sardinia
  • Sicily
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Tenerife

As the Bouygues Telecom My European SIM card does not have dedicated EU/EEA roaming allowances, you can use your full allowance without restrictions in other EU/EEA member states.

APN/Internet Settings – Bouygues Telecom

  • Name: Bouygues Telecom
  • APN: mmsbouygtel.com

Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.

Jump back to the Table of Contents.

Support Me on Ko-Fi Orange


Free Mobile France

Free Mobile France Logo
© Free Mobile France

Free Mobile France, just Free Mobile, is the smallest mobile operator in France.

However, it is the cheapest option out there (of the Big Four).

Free Mobile basically singlehandedly managed to drop telecommunication prices in France by around half due to its pricing strategy (19.99 EUR for the most expensive plan).

Not only has that plan remained at 19.99 EUR since 2013 (based on the founder's tweet from that time), it has also added more features to that plan.

It went from 20 GB of data included to 210 GB nowadays – and much more.

Moreover, it may have been the first mobile operator to allow free 4G/LTE access, but it certainly was the first allowing 5G NR access for free and to prepaid customers too.

If you understand French, this tweet is apparently funny – but my French is a bit too basic to laugh at it 🥲.

Anyway, while Free Mobile is the cheapest, its coverage still lacks behind the competitors (will be discussed later), so does its speed (including 5G NR).

But you will not have any issues with Free Mobile in most cases.

Free Mobile uses the following frequencies:

  • 2G: N/A – never had it
  • 3G: 900 MHz & 2100 MHz
  • 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 28), 1800 MHz (Band 3) & 2600 MHz (Band 7)
  • 5G NR: 700 MHz (n28) & 3500 MHz (n78)
  • VoLTE: Yes
  • VoWiFi: No – being worked on (since late 2021)

This is what you will learn about Free Mobile:

* Coverage
* How to Get a Free Mobile SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings

Coverage – Free Mobile France

Free Mobile has the worst coverage in France.

However, it still has extensive coverage throughout the country.

Below is Free Mobile's coverage map produced by Speedtest:

However, click here to see Free Mobile's official coverage map.

SIM Card Price – Free Mobile France

You can buy a Free Mobile SIM card for 10 EUR at Free machines in Free Mobile stores.

Although some call the Free machines vending machines, they look like the image below – not the typical vending machine I think of when I hear the word vending machine.

Free France Self-Service Machines
© Free Mobile France

The machines are in French, but they display easy-to-understand graphics.

You may ask a staff member to help you out… but they usually do not want to.

I will make a video on using the machine when I revisit France 🇫🇷🥳.

Unlike the other mobile operators of the Big Four, Free Mobile SIM cards are activated instantly upon purchase (no wait needed), and you do not need to call or send an SMS to activate it on the network either.

  • Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
SIM Card Prices Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

It is also possible to get a Free Mobile eSIM for the same price as a regular SIM card.

Note that the French mobile operators require your identification (passport) for eSIMs and physical SIM cards.

Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for France without personal detail capturing, you can get France Bonbon eSIMs from Airalo (six options):

France Bonbon Mobile eSIM Airalo
© Airalo
  1. 1 GB/7 daysvery popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  2. 2 GB/15 days (new) very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  3. 3 GB/30 days
  4. 5 GB/30 days
  5. 10 GB/30 daysmost popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  6. 20 GB/30 days (new)

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in May based on data up to the 17th of May (2023 data only).

No idea what or who Airalo is? Check out my Airalo review, where I share my hands-on experience after using its eSIMs in more than 25 countries over four years.

Airalo General Review & In-Depth Analysis by Phone Travel Wiz

If you plan on visiting other countries in Europe and others in other regions or continents, consider the Airalo Discover Global eSIM to be used in 85+ countries worldwide with five variants:

  1. 1 GB/7 days
  2. 3 GB/15 daysvery popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  3. 5 GB/30 daysmost popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  4. 10 GB/60 days
  5. 20 GB/180 daysvery popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in May based on data up to the 17th of May (2023 data only).

Airalo Discover Global eSIM Eligible Countries Map Infographic by Phone Travel Wiz (February 2023 Version)

Do you think the map above is nice, but you want a country list instead (because you do not recognize the countries on a map🗿)? You can find it in my Airalo review!

From 2023 on, my goal is to test this eSIM in all eligible countries.

Airalo Discover Global eSIM Review by Phone Travel Wiz

Many more travel eSIMs will perform well in France.

You can read about them in my Best France eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison.

Buying an eSIM for France Guide (logos of Holafly, Bouygues Telecom, Ubigi, Nomad, AIS, SimOptions, Airalo, Eruolink, Free Mobile, Bonbon Mobile & Orange)

Note that Free Mobile offers VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G)) if your phone supports it and you have enabled it in the settings but no VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi) yet.

After years delay, compared to its competitors, Free Mobile announced that it wants to finally (bring) VoWiFi to its customers.

However, it is unknown how long it will take before the feature is available.

Support Me on Ko-Fi Orange

Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Free Mobile France

Free Mobile top-ups are sold at Free machines in Free Mobile stores, kiosks & electronics shops throughout France.

To top-up your Free Mobile SIM card, follow the instructions given on the Free machine.

You can also recharge online with (international/EU) debit and credit cards.

You can also top up and check your balance on the Free Mobile – Mon Compte (Free Mobile – My Account) app (Android/iOS).

Free Mobile France Free Mobile - Mon Compte App
© Free Mobile France

Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Free Mobile France

Free Mobile has only one data-featured prepaid plan: Forfait Mobile Free. It is a combo plan with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.

It acts as prepaid and postpaid plans, depending on what type of SIM card you chose when you bought it at the Free Machine.

And make sure to select forfait sans engagement (non-binding agreement/contract) on the machine!

You can activate a plan on a Free Machine, online, or on the Free Mobile – Mon Compte app:

PricePlanDataEU/EEA DataLocal/EU Minutes 1Local/EU SMS 1Validity
2 EURForfait €250 MBShared with data allowance120 minutesUnlimited1 month
14.99 EURSérie Free 80 Go110 GB16 GBUnlimitedUnlimited1 month
19.99 EURForfait Free 5G210 GB 225 GB 3UnlimitedUnlimited1 month

1 for calls/SMS within and to other EU/EEA member states and back to France (NOT from France to other EU/EEA member states)
2 with 5G NR access
3 besides EU/EEA roaming, it can also be used in Australia, Canada, Israel, New Zealand, South Africa & the United States

Free France Plans
EU Roaming – Free Mobile France

You can use your Free Mobile allowances in the following EU/EEA member states without paying roaming fees:

  • Åland Islands
  • Andorra
  • Austria
  • Azores
  • Balearic Islands
  • Belgium
  • Bulgaria
  • Canary Islands
  • Corfu
  • Crete
  • Croatia
  • Cyclades
  • Cyprus
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • French Guiana
  • Germany
  • Gibraltar
  • Greece
  • Guadeloupe
  • Guernsey
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • Ireland
  • Isle of Man
  • Italy
  • Jersey
  • Latvia
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Madeira
  • Malta
  • Martinique
  • Mayotte
  • Netherlands
  • Norway
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Réunion
  • Rhodes
  • Romania
  • Saint Barthélemy
  • Saint Martin
  • San Marino
  • Sardinia
  • Sicily
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Tenerife

Be aware that, in some cases, the EU/EEA roaming allowance is lower than the domestic allowances.

APN/Internet Settings – Free Mobile France

  • Name: Free
  • APN: free

Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.

Jump back to the Table of Contents.

Support Me on Ko-Fi Orange

La Poste Mobile France

La Poste Mobile France Logo
© La Poste Mobile France

Coverage – La Poste Mobile France

La Poste Mobile is an SFR France MVNO, meaning La Poste Mobile uses the SFR France network and does not have its own mobile infrastructure.

To find out what to expect in terms of coverage with La Poste Mobile, jump to the SFR France Coverage section.

SIM Card Price – La Poste Mobile France

You can get a La Poste Mobile SIM Card for 9.90 EUR with 10 EUR credit in La Poste post offices. La Poste Mobile SIM cards are not sold at airports, such as Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG).

Registration can be done in La Poste post offices or online (1/2).

  • Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
SIM Card Prices Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

La Poste Mobile has no eSIMs.

Note that the French mobile operators require your identification (EU ID/passport) for (future) eSIMs and physical SIM cards.

Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for France without personal detail capturing, you can get unlimited data eSIMs from Holafly (six options):

  1. Unlimited/5 daysmost popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  2. Unlimited/7 days
  3. Unlimited/10 daysvery popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  4. Unlimited/15 days
  5. Unlimited/20 days
  6. Unlimited/30 daysvery popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in May based on data up to the 17th of May (2023 data only).

Phone Travel Wiz x Holafly Banner

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

No idea what or who Holafly is? Check out my Holafly review, where I share my hands-on experience after using its eSIMs in more than ten countries over two years.

Holafly General Review & In-Depth Analysis by Phone Travel Wiz

If you plan on visiting other countries in Europe and others in other regions or continents, consider the Nomad Global eSIM to be used in 110 countries worldwide with three variants:

  1. 1 GB/7 days
  2. 3 GB/30 days
  3. 5 GB/30 daysmost popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in April based on data up to the 20th of April .

Nomad Global eSIM Eligible Countries Map Infographic by Phone Travel Wiz (February 2023 Version)

Do you think the map above is nice, but you want a country list instead (because you do not recognize the countries on a map🗿)? You can find it in my Nomad review!

Remember to use code ADU123 for 3 USD/2.70 EUR/2.40 GBP/4.05 CAD off your first Nomad purchase!

Many more travel eSIMs will perform well in France.

You can read about them in my Best France eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison.

Buying an eSIM for France Guide (logos of Holafly, Bouygues Telecom, Ubigi, Nomad, AIS, SimOptions, Airalo, Eruolink, Free Mobile, Bonbon Mobile & Orange)

Note that La Poste Mobile offers VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G)) if your phone supports it and you have enabled it in the settings.

Oh, you can also use VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi).

Support Me on Ko-Fi Orange

Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – La Poste Mobile France

La Poste Mobile top-ups are sold in La Poste post offices, grocery stores, corner shops & electronics shops throughout France.

To top up your La Post Mobile SIM card, call 2525 and follow the instructions.

You can also recharge online with (international/EU) debit and credit cards.

Text ? or BALANCE to 950 to check your La Post Mobile balance.

Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – La Poste Mobile France

La Poste Mobile has only one data-featured prepaid plan: Recharge. It is a combo plan with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.

I will list all the prices in EUR (Euro).

To convert EUR to your currency (let's say GBP – (British) Pound (Sterling)) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.

Wise Currency Exchange Banner
© Wise

The following Recharges are available:

PriceDataLocal MinutesLocal SMSValidity
5 EUR100 MBUnlimitedUnlimited7 days
10 EUR500 MBUnlimitedUnlimited15 days
20 EUR2 GBUnlimitedUnlimited60 days
30 EUR4 GBUnlimitedUnlimited90 days
La Poste Mobile France Recharge Plans

APN/Internet Settings – La Poste Mobile

  • Name: Web La Poste Mobile
  • APN: sl2sfr

Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.

Jump back to the Table of Contents.

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Lebara France

Lebara Logo
© Lebara

Coverage – Lebara France

Lebara is an Orange France MVNO, meaning Lebara uses the Orange France network and does not have its own mobile infrastructure.

To find out what to expect in terms of coverage with Lebara, jump to the Orange France Coverage section.

SIM Card Price – Lebara France

You can get a Lebara SIM card for 5 EUR to 50 EUR with the same value in credit or with a plan from Lebara resellers, including grocery stores, gas stations & electronic shops.

Lebara France SIM Cards
© Lebara France

Registration can be done by the Lebara resellers or online.

  • Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
SIM Card Prices Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

Lebara has no eSIMs.

Note that the French mobile operators require your identification (EU ID/passport) for (future) eSIMs and physical SIM cards.

Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for France without personal detail capturing, you can get eSIMs from Nomad (ten options):

  1. 1 GB/7 days (powered by two different providers with different prices) – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  2. 3 GB/30 daysmost popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  3. 3 GB/15 days
  4. 5 GB/15 days
  5. 5 GB/30 days
  6. 10 GB/30 days (powered by two different providers with different prices)
  7. 15 GB/30 days
  8. 20 GB/30 days

The best part is that you can get 3 USD/2.70 EUR/2.40 GBP/4.05 CAD off using code ADU123 on your first Nomad eSIM purchase!

No idea what or who Nomad is? Check out my Nomad review, where I share my hands-on experience after using its eSIMs in more than 25 countries over two years.

Nomad General Review & In-Depth Analysis by Phone Travel Wiz

If you plan on visiting other neighboring European nations, consider the Airalo Eurolink eSIM to be used in 39 European countries with six variants:

  1. 1 GB/7 days
  2. 3 GB/30 daysvery popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  3. 5 GB/30 daysmost popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  4. 10 GB/30 daysvery popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  5. 50 GB/90 days
  6. 100 GB/180 days

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in May based on data up to the 17th of May (2023 data only).

Airalo Eurolink eSIM Eligible Countries Map Infographic by Phone Travel Wiz (February 2023 Version)

Do you think the map above is nice, but you want a country list instead (because you do not recognize the countries on a map🗿)? You can find it in my Airalo review!

By the way, you get free 5G NR access in 22 of the 39 supported countries!

I have used the Airalo Eurolink eSIM in 11 countries so far, and my goal is to test it in all supported countries.

Airalo Eurolink eSIM Review by Phone Travel Wiz

Many more travel eSIMs will perform well in France.

You can read about them in my Best France eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison.

Buying an eSIM for France Guide (logos of Holafly, Bouygues Telecom, Ubigi, Nomad, AIS, SimOptions, Airalo, Eruolink, Free Mobile, Bonbon Mobile & Orange)

Be aware that there is no VoLTE or VoWiFi with Lebara.

Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Lebara France

Lebara top-ups are sold by Lebara resellers, such as grocery stores, corner shops & electronics shops throughout France.

The following (online) Lebara top-ups are available:

  • 5 EUR
  • 10 EUR
  • 20 EUR
  • 30 EUR
Lebara France Top-Ups

To top up your Lebara SIM card, dial *133*VoucherCode#.

For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *133*123456#.

You can also recharge online with (international/EU) debit and credit cards.

Dial *133# to check your Lebara balance.

Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Lebara France

Lebara has two data-featured prepaid plans: Forfaits Mobile Mensuels (combo) & Pass Internet 4G+ (data).

I will list all the prices in EUR (Euro).

To convert EUR to your currency (let's say GBP – (British) Pound (Sterling)) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.

Wise Currency Exchange Banner
© Wise
Forfaits Mobile Mensuels (Monthly Mobile Plans) – Lebara France

The Forfaits Mobile Mensuels (Monthly Mobile Plans) are combo bundles with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.

Forfaits Mobile Mensuels can be activated online:

PriceDataLocal/EU Minutes 1Local/EU SMS 1International Minutes 2Validity
2 EURN/A120 minutesN/AN/A30 days
4.99 EUR1 GBUnlimitedUnlimitedN/A30 days
9.99 EUR10 GBUnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimited30 days
9.99 EUR40 GBUnlimitedUnlimitedN/A30 days
14.99 EUR90 GBUnlimitedUnlimited240 minutes30 days
19.99 EUR150 GBUnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimited30 days
24.99 EUR250 GBUnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimited30 days

1 for calls/SMS within and to other EU/EEA member states and back to France (NOT from France to other EU/EEA member states)
2 to Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, the Faroe Islands, Finland, French Guiana, Germany, Greece, Guadeloupe, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Martinique, Mayotte, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Réunion, Romania, Singapore, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, the United Kingdom & the United States

Lebara France Forfaits Mobile Mensuels
Pass Internet 4G+ Plans – Lebara France

The Pass Internet 4G+ plans are data bundles (without 5G NR access).

Text the Activation Code to 22241 to activate Pass Internet 4G+:

PricePlanDataEU/EEA DataValidityActivation CodeDeactivation Code
4.99 EURPass Internet XS1 GBShared with data allowance30 daysWEBXSWEBXS*STOP
9.99 EURPass Internet S3 GB2 GB30 daysWEBSMLWEBSML*STOP
19.99 EURPass Internet M10 GB5.1 GB30 daysWEBMEDWEBMED*STOP
29.99 EURPass Internet L20 GB5.6 GB30 daysWEBLRGWEBLRG*STOP
49.99 EURPass Internet XL40 GB9.7 GB30 daysWEBXLWEBXL*STOP

Pass Internet 4G+ auto-renew. To disable auto-renewal, text the Deactivation Code to 22241.

Lebara France Pass Internet 4G + Plans

APN/Internet Settings – Lebara France

  • Name: Lebara
  • APN: fr.lebara.mobi

Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.

Jump back to the Table of Contents.

Support Me on Ko-Fi Orange


Lycamobile France

Lycamobile Logo New 2021
© Lycamobile

Coverage – Lycamobile France

Lycamobile is a Bouygues Telecom MVNO, meaning Lycamobile uses the Bouygues Telecom network and does not have its own mobile infrastructure.

To find out what to expect in terms of coverage with Lycamobile, jump to the Bouygues Telecom Coverage section.

SIM Card Price – Lycamobile France

You can get a Lycamobile SIM card for 5 EUR to 50 EUR with the same value in credit or with a plan from Lycamobile resellers, including grocery stores, gas stations & electronic shops.

Lycamobile France Stores
© Lycamobile France

Registration can be done by the Lycamobile resellers or online.

  • Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
SIM Card Prices Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

Lycamobile has no eSIMs.

Note that the French mobile operators require your identification (EU ID/passport) for (future) eSIMs and physical SIM cards.

Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for France without personal detail capturing, you can get France Bonbon eSIMs from Airalo (six options):

France Bonbon Mobile eSIM Airalo
© Airalo
  1. 1 GB/7 daysvery popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  2. 2 GB/15 days (new) very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  3. 3 GB/30 days
  4. 5 GB/30 days
  5. 10 GB/30 daysmost popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  6. 20 GB/30 days (new)

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in May based on data up to the 17th of May (2023 data only).

No idea what or who Airalo is? Check out my Airalo review, where I share my hands-on experience after using its eSIMs in more than 25 countries over four years.

Airalo General Review & In-Depth Analysis by Phone Travel Wiz

If you plan on visiting other neighboring European nations, consider the Holafly Europe eSIM to be used in 33 European countries, also with unlimited data, with seven variants:

  1. Unlimited/5 daysmost popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  2. Unlimited/7 days
  3. Unlimited/10 days
  4. Unlimited/15 daysvery popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  5. Unlimited/20 days
  6. Unlimited/30 days
  7. Unlimited/60 days

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

Holafly Europe eSIM Eligible Countries Map Infographic by Phone Travel Wiz (February 2023 Version)

Do you think the map above is nice, but you want a country list instead (because you do not recognize the countries on a map🗿)? You can find it in my Holafly review!

Remember to use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for 5% off each Holafly purchase!

Many more travel eSIMs will perform well in France.

You can read about them in my Best France eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison.

Buying an eSIM for France Guide (logos of Holafly, Bouygues Telecom, Ubigi, Nomad, AIS, SimOptions, Airalo, Eruolink, Free Mobile, Bonbon Mobile & Orange)

Be aware that there is no VoLTE or VoWiFi with Lycamobile.

Support Me on Ko-Fi Orange

Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Lycamobile France

Lycamobile top-ups are sold by Lycamobile resellers, such as grocery stores, corner shops & electronics shops throughout France.

The following (online) Lycamobile top-ups are available:

  • 5 EUR
  • 10 EUR
  • 20 EUR
  • 30 EUR

To top up your Lycamobile SIM card, dial *131*VoucherCode# or call 321 and follow the instructions.

For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *131*123456#.

You can also recharge online with (international/EU) debit and credit cards.

Dial *131# or call 321 to check your Lycamobile balance.

Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Lycamobile France

Lycamobile has three data-featured prepaid plans:

  • Pass National (combo)
  • Forfaits (combo)
  • Data Bolt-Ons (data)

I will list all the prices in EUR (Euro).

To convert EUR to your currency (let's say GBP – (British) Pound (Sterling)) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.

Wise Currency Exchange Banner
© Wise

Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.

Pass National Plans – Lycamobile France

The Pass National plans are combo bundles with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.

Dial the Activation Code to activate Pass National:

PricePlanDataEU/EEA DataLocal/EU Minutes 1Local/EU SMS 1ValidityActivation Code
9.99 EURPass National S410 GB9.25 GBUnlimitedUnlimited30 days*139*4099#
14.99 EURPass National Bonanza35 GB13.9 GBUnlimitedUnlimited30 days*139*112#
19.99 EURPass National L Plus60 GB18.55 GBUnlimitedUnlimited30 days*139*3021#
24.99 EURPass National XL70 GB23.15 GBUnlimitedUnlimited30 days*139*3025#
29.99 EURPass National XXL80 GB27.8 GBUnlimitedUnlimited30 days*139*3030#
34.99 EURPass National XXL250 GB32.4 GBUnlimitedUnlimited30 days*139*3035#

1 for calls/SMS within and to other EU/EEA member states and back to France (NOT from France to other EU/EEA member states)

Lycamobile France Offline Plans
Forfaits (Plans) – Lycamobile France

The Forfaits (Plans) are combo bundles with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.

Forfaits can be activated online:

PricePlanDataEU/EEA DataLocal/EU Minutes 1Local/EU SMS 1International Minutes 2Validity
9.99 EURForfait Lyca S10 GB9.25 GBUnlimitedUnlimitedN/A30 days
9.99 EURForfait Lyca S Plus40 GB9.25 GBUnlimitedUnlimitedN/A30 days
14.99 EURForfait Lyca M50 GB13.9 GBUnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimited30 days
19.99 EURForfait Lyca L80 GB18.55 GBUnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimited30 days
24.99 EURForfait Lyca XL250 GB23.15 GBUnlimitedUnlimitedN/A30 days

1 for calls/SMS within and to other EU/EEA member states and back to France (NOT from France to other EU/EEA member states)
2 to Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, the Faroe Islands, Finland, France, Frenc Guiana, Germany, Greece, Guadeloupe, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Martinique, Mayotte, Mongolia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Réunion, Romania, Singapore, Slovenia, Slovakia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, the United Kingdom & the United States

Lycamobile France Forfaits
Data Bolt-Ons – Lycamobile France

The Data Bolt-Ons plans are, unlike the name implies, data bundles (without 5G NR access) that can be purchased as standalone plans (they are not add-ons).

Dial the Activation Code to activate Data Bold-Ons:

PriceDataEU/EEA DataValidityActivation Code
9.99 EUR10 GB9.25 GB30 days*139*5004#
19.99 EUR20 GB18.55 GB30 days*139*5006#
29.99 EUR30 GB27.8 GB30 days*139*5007#
49.99 EUR60 GB46.3 GB30 days*139*5008#
Lycamobile Portugal Data Only Plans

APN/Internet Settings – Lycamobile France

  • Name: Lycamobile
  • APN: data.lycamobile.fr
  • Username: lmfr
  • Password: plus

Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.

Jump back to the Table of Contents.

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Réglo Mobile France

To be written.

Réglo Mobile France Logo
© Réglo Mobile

Coverage – Réglo Mobile France

Réglo Mobile is an SFR France MVNO, meaning Réglo Mobile uses the SFR France network and does not have its own mobile infrastructure.

To find out what to expect in terms of coverage with Réglo Mobile, jump to the SFR France Coverage section.

SIM Card Price – Réglo Mobile France

You can get a Réglo Mobile SIM card for 10 EUR with 5 EUR credit in E.Leclerc stores.

Registration can be done in E.Leclerc stores.

  • Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
SIM Card Prices Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

Réglo Mobile has no eSIMs.

Note that the French mobile operators require your identification (EU ID/passport) for (future) eSIMs and physical SIM cards.

Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for France without personal detail capturing, you can get unlimited data eSIMs from Holafly (six options):

  1. Unlimited/5 daysmost popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  2. Unlimited/7 days
  3. Unlimited/10 daysvery popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  4. Unlimited/15 days
  5. Unlimited/20 days
  6. Unlimited/30 daysvery popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in May based on data up to the 17th of May (2023 data only).

Phone Travel Wiz x Holafly Banner

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

No idea what or who Holafly is? Check out my Holafly review, where I share my hands-on experience after using its eSIMs in more than ten countries over two years.

Holafly General Review & In-Depth Analysis by Phone Travel Wiz

If you plan on visiting other neighboring European nations, consider the Nomad Europe eSIM to be used in 25 or 35 European countries, depending on the plan, with eight variants:

  1. 1 GB/7 days (30 countries – new)
  2. 1 GB/7 days (35 countries)
  3. 3 GB/30 days (30 countries – new)
  4. 3 GB/30 days (35 countries)
  5. 5 GB/30 days (30 countries – new)
  6. 5 GB/30 days (35 countries) – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers (that was before the 25 countries options were added)
  7. 10 GB/30 days (30 countries – new)
  8. 10 GB/30 days (35 countries) – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers (that was before the 25 countries options were added)
Nomad Europe eSIM Eligible Countries Map Infographic by Phone Travel Wiz (February 2023 Version)

Remember to use code ADU123 for 3 USD/2.70 EUR/2.40 GBP/4.05 CAD off your first Nomad purchase!

I have used the Nomad Europe eSIM in eight countries so far, and my goal is to test it in all supported countries.

Nomad Europe eSIM Review by Phone Travel Wiz

Many more travel eSIMs will perform well in France.

You can read about them in my Best France eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison.

Buying an eSIM for France Guide (logos of Holafly, Bouygues Telecom, Ubigi, Nomad, AIS, SimOptions, Airalo, Eruolink, Free Mobile, Bonbon Mobile & Orange)
Support Me on Ko-Fi Orange

Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Réglo Mobile France

Réglo Mobile top-ups are sold in E.Leclerc stores.

To top up your Réglo Mobile SIM card, call 732 and follow the instructions.

You can also recharge online with (international/EU) debit and credit cards.

Call 950 to check your Syma Mobile balance.

Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Réglo Mobile France

Réglo Mobile has only one data-featured prepaid plan: Les Forfaits Illimités. It is a combo bundle with data (with 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.

I will list all the prices in EUR (Euro).

To convert EUR to your currency (let's say GBP – (British) Pound (Sterling)) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.

Wise Currency Exchange Banner
© Wise

Call 437 to activate Les Forfaits Illimités:

PriceDataEU/EEA DataLocal/EU Minutes 1Local/EU SMS 1Validity
4.95 EUR6 GB5 GBUnlimited“Unlimited”, 5000 SMS30 days
9.95 EUR60 GB10 GBUnlimited“Unlimited”, 5000 SMS30 days
14.95 EUR120 GB14 GBUnlimited“Unlimited”, 5000 SMS30 days
19.95 EUR150 GB 219 GBUnlimited“Unlimited”, 5000 SMS30 days

1 for calls/SMS within and to other EU/EEA member states and back to France (NOT from France to other EU/EEA member states)
2 with 5G NR access

Reglo Mobile France Les Forfaits Illimités

APN/Internet Settings – Réglo Mobile France

  • Name: Internet RegloMobile
  • APN: sl2sfr

Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.

Jump back to the Table of Contents.

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Syma Mobile

Syma Mobile France Logo
© Syma Mobile

Coverage – Syma Mobile

Syma Mobile is an SFR France MVNO, meaning Syma Mobile uses the SFR France network and does not have its own mobile infrastructure.

To find out what to expect in terms of coverage with Syma Mobile, jump to the SFR France Coverage section.

SIM Card Price – Syma Mobile

You can get a Syma Mobile SIM card for 10 EUR with 5 EUR credit from Syma (Mobile) stores.

Registration can be done in Syma Mobile stores or online (1/2).

  • Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
SIM Card Prices Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

Syma Mobile has no eSIMs.

Note that the French mobile operators require your identification (EU ID/passport) for (future) eSIMs and physical SIM cards.

Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for France without personal detail capturing, you can get eSIMs from Nomad (ten options):

  1. 1 GB/7 days (powered by two different providers with different prices) – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  2. 3 GB/30 daysmost popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  3. 3 GB/15 days
  4. 5 GB/15 days
  5. 5 GB/30 days
  6. 10 GB/30 days (powered by two different providers with different prices)
  7. 15 GB/30 days
  8. 20 GB/30 days

The best part is that you can get 3 USD/2.70 EUR/2.40 GBP/4.05 CAD off using code ADU123 on your first Nomad eSIM purchase!

No idea what or who Nomad is? Check out my Nomad review, where I share my hands-on experience after using its eSIMs in more than 25 countries over two years.

Nomad General Review & In-Depth Analysis by Phone Travel Wiz

If you plan on visiting other countries in Europe and others in other regions or continents, consider the Airalo Discover Global eSIM to be used in 85+ countries worldwide with five variants:

  1. 1 GB/7 days
  2. 3 GB/15 daysvery popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  3. 5 GB/30 daysmost popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  4. 10 GB/60 days
  5. 20 GB/180 daysvery popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in May based on data up to the 17th of May (2023 data only).

Airalo Discover Global eSIM Eligible Countries Map Infographic by Phone Travel Wiz (February 2023 Version)

Do you think the map above is nice, but you want a country list instead (because you do not recognize the countries on a map🗿)? You can find it in my Airalo review!

From 2023 on, my goal is to test this eSIM in all eligible countries.

Airalo Discover Global eSIM Review by Phone Travel Wiz

Many more travel eSIMs will perform well in France.

You can read about them in my Best France eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison.

Buying an eSIM for France Guide (logos of Holafly, Bouygues Telecom, Ubigi, Nomad, AIS, SimOptions, Airalo, Eruolink, Free Mobile, Bonbon Mobile & Orange)
Support Me on Ko-Fi Orange

Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Syma Mobile

Syma Mobile top-ups are sold in Syma Mobile stores.

The following (online) Syma Mobile top-ups are available:

Top-UpValidity
5 EUR30 days
10 EUR30 days
15 EUR30 days
20 EUR30 days
35 EUR30 days

To top up your Syma Mobile SIM card, text the VoucherCode to 20555, dial *148, or call 222 and follow the instructions.

For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would text 123456 to 20555.

Dial *148# to check your Syma Mobile balance.

Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Syma Mobile

Syma Mobile has only one data-featured prepaid plans: Internet Options. It is, as the name implies, a data plan (without 5G NR access).

I will list all the prices in EUR (Euro).

To convert EUR to your currency (let's say GBP – (British) Pound (Sterling)) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.

Wise Currency Exchange Banner
© Wise

Text the Activation Code to 20555 to activate Internet Options:

PriceDataValidityActivation Code
5 EUR5 GB30 days5G
10 EUR10 GB30 days10G
Syma Mobile France Prepaid Options Internet

APN/Internet Settings – Syma Mobile

  • Name: Symamobile
  • APN: symamobile.com

Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.

Jump back to the Table of Contents.

Support Me on Ko-Fi Orange


Vectone Mobile France

To be written.

Coverage – Vectone Mobile France

To be written.

SIM Card Price – Vectone Mobile France

To be written.

Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Vectone Mobile France

To be written.

Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Vectone Mobile France

Vectone Mobile has two data-featured prepaid plans: France Package (combo) & Mobile Internet Bundles (data).

I will list all the prices in EUR (Euro).

To convert EUR to your currency (let's say GBP – (British) Pound (Sterling)) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.

Wise Currency Exchange Banner
© Wise

Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.

France Package – Vectone Mobile Vectone Mobile France

The France Package are combo plans with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.

PriceDataEU/Roaming Data 1Local/EU MinutesInternational MinutesEU/Roaming Minutes 1Local/EU SMSEU/Roaming SMS 1ValidityActivation Code
0.99 EUR100 MB100 MB100 minutesN/A5 minutes100 minutes20 SMS30 days*8107#
2.99 EUR250 MB250 MB250 minutesN/A20 minutes250 minutes60 SMS30 days*8185#
4.99 EUR3 GB500 MB300 minutesN/A30 minutes300 minutes100 SMS30 days*8108#
7.99 EUR4 GB800 MB500 minutesN/A60 minutes“Unlimited”, 1000 SMS150 SMS30 days*8188#
9.99 EUR10 GB1 GB“Unlimited”, 3000 minutes100 minutes70 minutes“Unlimited”, 1000 SMS200 SMS30 days*8109#
Vectone Mobile France France Bundle
Mobile Internet Bundle – Vectone Mobile France

The Mobile Internet Bundle are combo plans with data (without 5G NR access).

PriceDataValidityActivation Code
0.99 EUR100 MB30 days*8102#
2.99 EUR500 MB30 days*8103#
3.99 EUR1 GB30 days*8104#
4.99 EUR2 GB30 days*8192#
9.99 EUR4 GB30 days*8106#
29.99 EUR10 GB30 days*8149#
Vectone Mobile France Mobile Internet Bundles

The Preferred Way to Stay Connected When Traveling in France

Getting a SIM card from Orange or Free Mobile would do you well when considering a French SIM card.


Next Steps to Enhance Your Travel Experiences

Looking for the next steps to enhance your phone travel experiences? Here is what to do:

Support Phone Travel Wiz

It takes a lot of time to analyze, translate & review the SIM card options worldwide (especially to test them out).

Your support helps me keep producing impartial content by eliminating the need to recommend international SIM cards as the best local SIM card (but some of them CAN be useful).

Every Ko-Fi donation, one-time or monthly, helps me to spend more time creating local SIM card buying guides.

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Check out my travel resources page for the best companies to use when you travel!

Save money with international SIM cards, on plane tickets, bus rides, cruises & accommodation.

Besides that, I also list services and items I use to make my life easier – and I believe they will help you too!

Start Your Own Online Business – Make Money While Traveling

Do you want to learn how I started an online business that allows me to generate income while traveling?

In my starting an online business guide, I tell you which tools, services & products I have for this site and my YouTube channel.

If I can start a business about something I am passionate about (phone travel), then you can do it too!

Learn About Your Phone Travel Options

You can buy local prepaid SIM cardsinternational SIM cardsmobile hotspots, or roam internationally.

Each of these options has its pros and cons. Learn more about them, and find the best option for you.

Phone Travel Tips, Tricks & Hacks

I have written many articles with tips and hacks to save money on mobile costs while abroad. You surely want to check them out!

Sign Up for the Phone Travel Wiz Newsletter

Get updates related to the newest guides, videos & recommended products and services.

Moreover, I send you many tips and tricks on saving money while traveling every now and then.

Let's Be Social

Did you know that I have a YouTube channel covering everything you need to know about traveling with your phone?

A lot of useful videos are uploaded multiple times a week, and you do not want to miss out on them!

Learn More About Who Adu Actually Is

Who is the guy behind Phone Travel Wiz? Well, find out on the Ernest Adu about page!