📱 Why buy a SIM card when you’re a tourist in Paris?
When traveling in Paris, it’s essential to stay connected to find your way around the city, book a museum online, order an Uber or share your photos live on social networks. If you use your foreign SIM card directly, you risk paying very high roaming charges. That’s why the most practical and economical solution is to buy a local SIM card or eSIM. What’s more, you’ll be able to use a French number to make calls or send text messages without difficulty.
📶 Network coverage in Paris
Paris enjoys excellent mobile coverage. In fact, the capital is covered in 4G and 5G by the four main French operators: Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom and Free Mobile. Orange is renowned for being the most reliable, with very stable broadband, even in the metro. For its part, Bouygues Telecom also offers solid coverage, particularly around tourist areas such as the Eiffel Tower and the Champs-Élysées. As for SFR, its network performs well in most neighborhoods, while Free Mobile is especially attractive thanks to its generous data packages. In other words, wherever you are in Paris, you’ll have a good network, even in iconic places like the Louvre or Sacré-Coeur.
⚡ Internet speeds and connection quality
As far as speeds are concerned, 4G generally offers between 30 and 100 Mb/s, which is more than enough for browsing, video calls and streaming. On the other hand, if you want an ultra-fast connection, 5G offers speeds of between 200 and 800 Mb/s, depending on the operator. In concrete terms, this means you can watch high-definition videos, share large files and use Google Maps in real time without interruption. What’s more, Parisian monuments are located in very well-covered zones, so you can easily use your favorite applications in front of the Eiffel Tower, in Montmartre or in the Jardin des Tuileries.
🛂 What documents do I need?
To buy a SIM card in France, you’ll need to show proof of identity, such as a passport. In addition, you need to provide an address in France, but it’s usually sufficient to give that of your hotel or Airbnb accommodation. This rule exists for security reasons and applies to all operators. However, it’s important to note that when you buy an eSIM online, no supporting documents are required. So, if you want to avoid red tape, the eSIM option may be particularly interesting.
🏪 Where to buy a SIM card in Paris?
There are several ways to get a SIM card. Firstly, the Roissy-Charles-de-Gaulle and Orly airports have telecom kiosks and vending machines. There are also points of sale in main railway stations such as Gare du Nord, Gare de Lyon and Montparnasse. Official Orange, SFR, Bouygues and Free stores can be found all over Paris, including Châtelet, Opéra and the Champs-Élysées. What’s more, some prepaid SIM cards are available directly from tobacconists and supermarkets. Finally, if you want to save time, you can buy an eSIM online, for example via Orange Holiday Europe. With all these options, it’s easy to stay connected as soon as you arrive.
💶 SIM card prices for tourists
Prices vary depending on the operator and the package chosen. For example, the Orange Holiday Europe package costs around €39.99 for 20 GB of internet and unlimited calls in Europe. Bouygues Telecom, meanwhile, offers a 30 GB package for around €29.90. At SFR, prepaid cards start at €20, while Free Mobile sells a SIM card for €10 with the option of subscribing to a €19.99 package including 250 GB of internet in France. Finally, for those who prefer eSIM, services like Holafly or Airalo offer unlimited internet from €27 for 5 days. So, depending on the length of your stay and your data needs, you can find a suitable offer.
📱 Practical advice and personal experience
First and foremost, make sure your phone is de-locked, i.e. compatible with all operators. Then, if you’re a big data consumer, go for packages with lots of gigas so you can use YouTube, Netflix or Instagram without worry. And don’t forget to activate your geolocation so you can use Google Maps or Citymapper on the move. Last but not least, take advantage of the free Wi-Fi hotspots available in cafés, hotels, museums and train stations to complement your mobile connection. For example, during a trip with foreign friends, we bought a Free Mobile card from an automatic terminal at Châtelet. Activation was instantaneous, and we were able to share photos from the Eiffel Tower, book tickets online for the Louvre and order a VTC in Montmartre. In other words, a local SIM really does make our stay easier.
✨ Further information
In short, a SIM card or eSIM is the key to making the most of Paris without worrying about roaming charges. Thanks to excellent coverage and varied offers, you’ll stay connected in all circumstances. And if you’re planning your trip, don’t hesitate to consult our guide to getting around Paris easily, to combine mobility and connectivity.