How to Get a French SIM Card Without Overpaying
Using your US phone plan in France can get ridiculously expensive. Roaming fees add up fast, and many travelers don’t realize just how much they’re being charged until they see their next bill. The good news? Getting a local SIM card in France is cheap and easy – if you know where to look.
Here’s how to get a SIM card in France for as little as €10 without wasting money on overpriced options.
Why You Should Skip Airport SIM Cards
It’s tempting to buy a SIM card as soon as you land, especially with kiosks selling prepaid tourist SIMs at Charles de Gaulle, Orly, and other airports. But these are almost always overpriced.
A typical airport SIM costs €40 to €50 for a basic plan, while you can get the same (or better) data package for under €20 in regular phone stores or supermarkets. Unless you absolutely need data the moment you land, it’s better to wait until you get into the city.
Where to Buy a SIM Card in France
The easiest way to get a SIM card in France is by visiting a mobile carrier store. Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom, and Free Mobile all have physical locations where you can buy and activate a prepaid SIM. The staff can help set it up, though English may be limited in some stores.
Supermarkets like Carrefour, Auchan, Monoprix, and Leclerc also sell SIM cards, often at lower prices than carrier stores. Some have self-service kiosks where you can buy and activate a SIM without needing to talk to anyone. If you’re near one, it’s worth checking their prepaid options.
Small convenience stores, known as tabacs, often carry SIM cards as well. While their selection is more limited, they can be a quick and easy option if you don’t want to go to a larger store.
In Paris, one of the fastest ways to get a SIM card is through Free Mobile’s vending machines. These machines are found in Free Mobile stores and let you buy and activate a SIM in just a few minutes. It’s a straightforward option if you don’t want to deal with waiting in line or speaking French.
Best Cheap SIM Cards for €10 or Less
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly prepaid SIM, here are some of the best options:
1. SFR Prepaid SIM (€9.99)
SFR offers a €9.99 prepaid SIM that includes 1 GB of data, 120 minutes of calls, and 300 SMS, all valid for 30 days. This is a solid option if you need both calls and data at a low price.
2. Lycamobile (€10)
Lycamobile runs on Bouygues Telecom’s network and offers a €10 plan that includes unlimited calls and texts within France and 3 GB of data for 30 days. It’s a good option if you plan to make a lot of local calls.
3. Orange Mobicarte (€2.99 – €9.99)
Orange’s prepaid Mobicarte SIMs start at €2.99 to €9.99, usually with €5 of credit included. You can then top up with a data package as needed.
4. Free Mobile (€10.99)
Free Mobile has a €10.99 plan with 140 GB of data in France, 18 GB for EU roaming, and unlimited calls and texts. It’s one of the best data-heavy options, though coverage outside major cities can be patchy.
How to Activate Your French SIM Card
Once you have your SIM card, activation is usually simple. Most SIMs start working as soon as you insert them into your phone and restart it.
Some may require online registration, which might involve providing an ID and a French address.
If you buy your SIM from a carrier store, the staff can help with activation (though English may be limited). If you get a Free Mobile SIM from a vending machine, the process is self-explanatory and takes just a few minutes.
eSIM Options for Travelers
If your phone supports eSIMs, you don’t even need to buy a physical SIM card. You can set up an eSIM before arriving in France – very convenient for instant data.
Popular eSIM options include:
- Airalo (€15 for 5GB of data)
- Holafly (unlimited data starting at €29)
- Orange eSIMs (available via their website)
While eSIMs are easy to set up, physical SIM cards are usually cheaper if you’re staying in France for more than a few days.
Final Tips
Before you buy a SIM card, make sure your phone is unlocked. If it’s locked to a US carrier, a French SIM won’t work. Also, check whether your plan includes calls and texts if you need them, since some cheap SIMs are data-only.
Avoid overpriced airport kiosks and stick to carrier stores or supermarkets for better deals. With the right SIM, you’ll stay connected in France without overpaying or getting stuck with surprise roaming fees.