3 Best SIM Cards for France in 2024
For those of you planning a trip to France, have you decided how you will connect to the internet there? It is no exaggeration to say that smartphones are now the most important travel companions, allowing you to check local social media in real time to get local information, watch live broadcasts at your destination, and use the map function to find the best route to your destination. Once you arrive, you want to be able to communicate easily and comfortably right away. In this article, we will introduce the best SIM cards for traveling to France, how to choose them, and how to use them.
1. Communication quality, area coverage rate, and fees
Check the areas where it can be used
You can choose a SIM card that can be used in France (a so-called local SIM ). Some SIM cards can be used throughout Europe, but if you choose a local SIM card, you can rest assured that you will have stable communication.
Data capacity and communication speed
5G high-speed internet is becoming more and more popular in urban areas in France. However, the data communication speed and communication capacity vary depending on the plan you choose. Think about how you will use the internet during your trip and choose the best plan.
Pricing Plans
It is important to choose a plan that suits the length of your stay in France and the amount of data you need. There are various options available, such as daily plans for short periods and flat-rate plans for long periods.
2. Check the type and size of your SIM card
There are different types of SIM cards
In France, you can use physical SIMs such as standard SIMs , micro SIMs , and nano SIMs , as well as " eSIMs " that are built into compatible smartphones. Check the specifications of your smartphone in advance to choose the right SIM card.
3. Check the steps from purchase to receipt and start of use
How to purchase a SIM card
In France, you can purchase SIM cards at local airports, some convenience stores, local mobile phone shops, or in advance from online shops. When purchasing, it's a good idea to check the travel time, data volume, talk time, expiration date, and necessary documents in advance to ensure a smooth process.
Recommended! French SIM card
■ Orange SIM
Orange is the largest telecommunications operator in France, ranking first in both domestic market share and brand recognition. They are known for offering high-quality service and extensive network coverage, including their " Orange Holiday " plan, which is particularly popular with travelers.
■ SFR SIM
SFR is one of the major telecommunications operators in France and enjoys a strong brand recognition, offering competitive pricing, excellent network coverage, especially in urban areas, and a wide range of plans to cater to a diverse customer base.
■ Bouygues Telecom SIM
Bouygues Telecom is another major French operator, known for its good network coverage and affordable plans, especially its prepaid SIM card " B&You ", which is suitable for travelers and budget-conscious users who travel extensively within France.
Things to be aware of when using a SIM card in France
Find out how to get a SIM card in advance
Research in advance where you can buy a SIM card for France, whether you can use your own smartphone, and what documents are required to purchase one. After purchasing, activation may take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours depending on the network conditions and your provider. Also, some local SIM card purchases require cash, so prepare French currency ( EUR, € ) in advance at the airport, local banks, or currency exchanges, checking the exchange rate.
Choose your data plan carefully
Mobile data usage in France can be expensive when roaming abroad, so be sure to check your contract carefully before choosing a plan with limited data volume or speed restrictions.
Check the size of your SIM card
Many smartphones now use nano- SIMs , but you should always check which SIM card your phone supports, to ensure the SIM card you buy in France is the right size.
Check your phone's lock status
If your phone is locked to a specific carrier, you may not be able to use a SIM card in France. To avoid any hassle after you arrive, check your carrier's website before you travel to see if your phone can be unlocked or is unlocked.
Beware of language barriers
Some stores may not be able to speak English, so it's a good idea to remember some basic French phrases to make your trip more enjoyable.
By the way, " Bon Voyage", which is also the origin of " VOYAGEESIM ", is a French greeting that means "Have a good trip" or "Enjoy your trip". It literally means "Good ( Bon ) Voyage ( Voyage )". This phrase is used when someone is going on a trip, wishing them a safe and enjoyable journey. I'm sure you'll hear it a lot on this trip ^^ If you use the local language and communicate with the locals, you'll be able to experience the culture of the country and add another layer of enjoyment to your trip.
We recommend " eSIM " for traveling to France!
■If you're going to France, use " eSIM "
If you are traveling to France, we recommend an eSIM . Unlike traditional SIM cards, eSIMs do not require a physical SIM replacement and are already installed in your smartphone, so you can start communicating immediately by simply setting it up online. If you have been renting a Wi-Fi router, you can also avoid the hassle of charging and returning it.
■ The eSIM recommended for traveling to France is " VOYAGEESIM "
VOYAGEESIM FOR EUROPE
Click here for a list of products
You can choose from 10 days 5G , 15 days 10GB , 30 days 20GB , and 60 days 50GB plans.
No need to replace the SIM card you use in Japan! No need to line up to buy one, no need to wait! Just install and set up the eSIM in the airport Wi-Fi environment, and you can use data communications in 42 countries and regions in Europe with your smartphone.
*The communications service provided by this product is Vodafone Roaming Services S.à rl.
■VOYAGEESIM FOR Europe review
"I was able to use it smoothly in two countries. I used it for 15 days in Iceland and Finland. I basically only used Wi-Fi when I was in the hotel, but I used it all the time otherwise. I also stayed in the countryside of Finland for a long time, and it was easy to use and comfortable almost everywhere." - January 21, 2024 -
" I used it again this time because I was able to use it comfortably before. This time I used it in Paris. If you set it up when you depart, you can use it immediately by simply turning it on when you arrive at the local airport. I used it every day, just like in Japan, and the data volume was sufficient even during my six-day stay. (I used Wi-Fi at the hotel.) The communication speed was also fine, so I would like to use it again next time. " - January 8, 2024 -
"This was my first time using this service. I made a mistake when downloading the eSIM, so I contacted them and they responded quickly and I was able to resolve the issue.
The service was quick and polite, so I felt reassured that if I had any problems during my trip, they would be able to help me. Fortunately, I was able to use it without any problems during my trip and didn't need to contact them.
It's really convenient to be able to use my smartphone just like when I'm in Japan! The price is also very reasonable and the cost performance is excellent. I would like to use it on my next trip, so I hope that more countries will be supported in the future. I'm glad I found a good product. Thank you very much. -- January 2, 2024 --
Source: VOYAGE eSIM FOR EUROPE [Europe 42] eSIM 10 days/5GB
summary
When traveling to France, we recommend using an " eSIM " for your smartphone or tablet communication method, which can be purchased online instantly and set up easily. In this blog , we have explained in detail the types of SIM cards for France, recommended SIMs , how to obtain them, and points to keep in mind. In order to make the most of your trip, comfortable and secure communication is a must. We hope you will use the information in this article as a reference and enjoy your trip! Bon Voyage !
