Best eSIM for France: Top Picks for Travelers
With its tourist attractions like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum, France is a popular destination for many. While enjoying the sights and culture, you want to stay connected to navigate through the country and share your experiences. That’s where eSIMs come in handy. They are convenient chips embedded in your phone, designed to make your travel hassle-free. In this article, we will list providers with the most proven track record for France eSIMs.
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Top 5 eSIM providers for travel – shortlist
- Orange Holiday – Versatile eSIM plans
- Holafly – Flexible France eSIM
- Saily – Great eSIM deals for France
- Airalo – Popular eSIM for Europe
- BNESIM – Cheap data plans for France
Top eSIM Providers for France
1. Orange Holiday — Versatile eSIM plans for France
| Supports cellular networks: | 4G LTE, 5G |
| Destinations: | 100+ |
Orange Holiday is a versatile eSIM provider covering 100+ countries worldwide. Call minutes are also included in some of their deals.
Coverage and network: As a telecom operator, they partner with over 30+ local providers to maintain decent coverage. Depending on the chosen plan, they offer different network types.
Plans and pricing: For France, Orange Holiday offers four different deals. Some of their deals include unlimited call minutes. However, they are quite costly and nonflexible. The cheapest plan costs $4.99 for 1 GB of data, valid for seven days.
How to activate Orange Holiday eSIM?
Register and complete the eKYC process. Then, scan the QR code to activate your Orange Holiday eSIM.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Available in 100+ countries | ➖ Plans that include phone calls and SMS are pricey |
| ✅ Some plans include phone calls and SMS | ➖ No unlimited data plans |
| ✅ Regional and global plans available | |
| ✅ 7/7 customer support | |
| ✅ Allows tethering |
2. Holafly — Flexible France eSIM
| Supports cellular networks: | 3G, 4G, LTE, 5G |
| Destinations: | 200+ |
Holafly offers flexible eSIM plans all over the globe, and its coverage map supports 200+ countries. You can customize your plans by selecting validity periods from one day up to 90 days.
Coverage and network: Coverage in France is especially good in cities such as Paris, Nice, and Marseilles. 3G, 4G, LTE, and 5G networks are available. However, the network speed may be slow due to the Fair Usage Policy (FUP). This policy is a restrictive method employed by some internet service and eSIM providers. It implies decreasing users’ internet speed when they reach a hidden limit.
Plans and pricing: Plans are customizable and offer flexible validity options for travelers. However, they only provide unlimited data plans. The cheapest plan for France starts at $6.90 and has unlimited data for one day.
How to activate Holafly eSIM?
To activate your eSIM, purchase a plan and scan the QR code. Then, you can choose when to start your plan and activate it.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Available in 200+ countries | ➖ Quite pricey |
| ✅ 24/7 customer support | ➖ No limited data plans |
| ✅ Customizable plans | |
| ✅ Offers unlimited data plans | |
| ✅ Regional and global plans available |
3. Saily — Pocket-friendly eSIM deals
| Supports Cellular Networks: | 3G, 4G LTE, 5G |
| Destinations: | 200+ |
Despite being a relatively new provider in the eSIM scene, Saily has pocket-friendly travel data plans for France, coupled with reliable connections. It covers 180+ countries worldwide, with an extensive coverage map.
Coverage and network: Saily’s coverage is exceptional in France, making it the best solution for the country. It supports reliable, high-speed connectivity from 3G to 4G up to 5G.
Plans and pricing: With Saily, you get cheap plans for your France visit without compromising the quality. They offer five deals for France, with different validity and data options. The most affordable plan starts at $3.99 for a GB, valid for seven days.
How to activate Saily eSIM?
To activate your eSIM, download the Saily app and scan the QR code. Without eKYC, start using your eSIM with no delays.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Available in 180+ countries | ➖ No unlimited data plans |
| ✅ Reliable 24/7 customer support | ➖ Doesn’t include traditional phone calls and SMS |
| ✅ Single-install eSIM | |
| ✅ Budget-friendly |
4. Airalo — Popular eSIM for France
| Supports cellular networks: | 3G, 4G, LTE, 5G |
| Destinations: | 200+ |
A popular eSIM provider among travelers, Airalo offers services in 200+ countries. Their eSIMs are affordable and convenient for everyone traveling worldwide. Read more about them in our Airalo review.
Coverage and network: Airalo has global coverage, with regional, global, and regional plans available. A local plan would be more suitable if your travel route includes only France. The network speed is average, and users typically get 4G networks. Depending on the chosen plan, it can go up to 5G connectivity.
Plans and pricing: Five different local plans are available for France. Data options range from 1 GB to 20 GB, with different validity periods. The cheapest plan starts at $4.50 per 1 GB and is valid for seven days.
How to activate Airalo eSIM?
Activating Airalo is easy. Scan a QR code, download the app, and install your eSIM profile on your device. Keep in mind that Airalo requires eKYC, meaning that you must provide your ID before purchasing an eSIM plan. While eKYC is good for security reasons, it is an extra step that users need to take in order to start using an eSIM plan.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Available in 200+ countries | ➖ Plans for France don’t include phone calls and SMS |
| ✅ Reliable 24/7 customer support | ➖ Users report issues with customer support |
| ✅ Unlimited data plans for some countries | |
| ✅ Wide selection of multi-country plans |
5. BNESIM — Cheap data plans for France
| Supports cellular networks: | 3G, 4G, and 5G |
| Destinations: | 200+ |
BNESIM is available in 200+ countries, and it offers subscriptions to data-only plans. Plans are delivered instantly, with no personal document requirement.
Coverage and network: The provider guarantees worldwide coverage with 3G, 4G, and 5G networks. The network type and its speed may vary depending on your exact location.
Plans and pricing: There are seven plans for France, and pricing starts at $1.50. However, all the plans are only valid for 30 days.
How to activate BNESIM?
Go to your phone settings and hit “Add eSIM.” Then, scan the QR code. Follow the on-screen instructions to activate your eSIM.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Available in 200+ countries | ➖ Doesn’t include traditional phone calls and texts |
| ✅ Reliable 24/7 customer support | ➖ Local plans don’t offer unlimited data |
| ✅ Budget-friendly | |
| ✅ Offers unlimited data, auto-renewal, and no-expiration plans |
Best eSIM for France: comparison
| Provider | Countries covered | Starting price | Starting validity | 24/7 customer support | Tethering | Unlimited data |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orange Holiday | 🌍 100+ | $4.99 (for 1 GB) | 🗓️ 7 days | ➖ No | ✔️ Yes | ➖ No |
| Holafly | 🌍 200+ | $6.90 (for unlimited data) | 🗓️ 1 day | ✔️ Yes | ✔️ Yes | ✔️ Yes |
| Saily | 🌍 180+ | $3.99 (for 1 GB) | 🗓️ 7 days | ✔️ Yes | ✔️ Yes | ➖ No |
| Airalo | 🌍 200+ | $4.50 (for 1 GB) | 🗓️ 7 days | ✔️ Yes | ✔️ Yes | ➖ No |
| BNESIM | 🌍 200+ | $1.50 (for 1 GB) | 🗓️ 30 days | ✔️ Yes | ✔️ Yes | ➖ No |
Why choose an eSIM for France?
If you are traveling to France, using eSIMs might provide you with several benefits. They save you the trouble of spotting and buying local SIMs upon your arrival. Since they often provide smooth connectivity, you don’t need physical SIM cards. This also eliminates the time you spend frustrated over swapping tiny chips.
Overall, eSIMs always guarantee the greatest coverage and costs by letting you plan easily and switch plans contactless.
Prepaid France eSIM data plan vs. international data plan
Is the prepaid eSIM data plan or your current provider’s international roaming option better for the internet in France? Before answering this question, there are a few things to consider. Each option has its benefits and drawbacks, and your specific needs and travel habits are influential, too.
Below is a comparison to help you make an informed decision:
Prepaid France eSIM data plan
- Cost: Typically more affordable with various plans tailored to different data needs and durations.
- Flexibility: Allows you to choose from multiple local providers, ensuring optimal coverage and rates.
- Convenience: Instant activation upon arrival without the need for a local physical SIM card.
- Data Speed: Often provides faster local data speeds compared to international roaming.
International data plan
- Cost: Can be significantly higher, especially for extensive data usage.
- Flexibility: Limited to your home carrier’s international partners, which may not offer the best coverage in all areas.
- Convenience: If your plan includes international roaming, you don’t have to swap SIMs.
- Data Speed: May experience slower speeds due to roaming agreements.
| Feature | Prepaid France eSIM Plan 🇫🇷 | International Plan 🌍 |
|---|---|---|
| 💰Cost | More affordable | Usually expensive |
| 🔄 Flexibility | High (multiple providers) | Limited (home carrier) |
| ⚡ Convenience | Instant activation, no physical SIM | Requires original SIM |
| 🚀 Data Speed | Generally faster | Often slower |
What to check before purchasing an eSIM for France
Before purchasing an eSIM for your trip to France, consider a few key factors to guarantee a smooth experience. Here is a short list of the said factors:
- Compatibility: Make sure your device supports eSIM functionality. You should also check whether it's compatible with your chosen eSIM provider.
- Coverage: The network coverage of your selected provider must be good in the areas you plan to visit in France. If you plan to add other European countries to your route, make sure to select the best eSIM for Europe instead.
- Data Plans: Always compare different data plans to find one that suits your needs and budget.
- Validity Period: Check the plan's duration to ensure that it covers your entire stay.
- Customer Support: Look for providers with reliable customer support, preferably 24/7 chat, if you encounter any issues.
- Additional Features: Consider any extra benefits, such as local phone numbers, hotspot allowance, or bundled minutes and texts.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, using eSIM in France is the most convenient way to use mobile data. Looking at the differences between prepaid eSIMs and international data roaming, we highlighted above that an affordable eSIM option seems more feasible for travelers.
We selected the top 5 eSIM providers for France based on coverage, data plans, pricing, and additional features. A detailed analysis of each option's pros and cons helps you choose the best option. Overall, eSIMs offer flexibility, cost savings, and seamless connectivity.
FAQ
1. What is the best eSIM card to use in France?
It depends. Choosing the best eSIM card rely on your personal requirements. All of the providers listed in this article offers unique features that will cater to different type of travel needs.
2. Which is the best eSIM for EU travel?
The best eSIM provider for Europe depends on your preferences and travel needs. However, providers like Saily and Holafly offer wide network coverage and high speeds, which makes them ideal for traveling to Europe.
3. Can I get a French phone number with eSIM?
It depends on the eSIM provider you choose. While some offer an additional local number, most eSIMs focus on data-only plans.
