Complete Guide for Travelers · Updated 2026
Everything you need to know about buying a local SIM card in France. Compare 4 providers, find prepaid plans starting from $16 USD, and learn exactly where to buy and what documents you need.
Cheapest Plan
$16
Providers
4
Network
Currency
EUR
Any tabac (tobacco shop), supermarket, or carrier store. Airport vending machines also available.
Compare all 4 carriers offering prepaid SIM cards to tourists in France. Side-by-side comparison of coverage, speed, and pricing.
| Carrier | Type | Coverage | Speed | Cheapest Plan | Plans | Buy At |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Orange Best Coverage | Major | Excellent | Excellent | $22USD 20 GB / 14 days | 2plans | AirportCarrier StoreOnline |
SFR | Major | Good | Good | $16USD 10 GB / 14 days | 2plans | Carrier StoreOnline |
Free Mobile | Major | Good | Good | $22USD 100 GB / 30 days | 1plan | Carrier StoreOnlineVending Machine |
Bouygues | Major | Good | Good | $16USD 10 GB / 30 days | 1plan | Carrier StoreSupermarket |
Coverage and speed ratings per carrier
From
$22
20 GB / 14 days
| Plan | Data | Price | USD | Validity | Calls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holiday 20GB | 20 GB | 19.99 EUR | $22 | 14 days | 120 min international |
| Holiday 40GB | 40 GB | 39.99 EUR | $44 | 28 days | 120 min international |
From
$16
10 GB / 14 days
| Plan | Data | Price | USD | Validity | Calls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist 10GB | 10 GB | 14.99 EUR | $16 | 14 days | 60 min international |
| Tourist 25GB | 25 GB | 29.99 EUR | $33 | 30 days | 120 min international |
From
$22
100 GB / 30 days
| Plan | Data | Price | USD | Validity | Calls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist Forfait | 100 GB | 19.99 EUR | $22 | 30 days | Unlimited France |
From
$16
10 GB / 30 days
| Plan | Data | Price | USD | Validity | Calls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prepaid 10GB | 10 GB | 14.99 EUR | $16 | 30 days | 60 min |
Select providers to compare their plans directly
Select up to 3 providers to compare. 3/3 selected.
SFR
Tourist 10GB
14.99 EUR EUR
Orange
Holiday 20GB
19.99 EUR EUR
Free Mobile
Tourist Forfait
19.99 EUR EUR
SFR
Tourist 25GB
29.99 EUR EUR
Orange
Holiday 40GB
39.99 EUR EUR
Visual comparison of carrier pricing in France
Cheapest to most expensive plan (USD)
Cheapest available
$16
Find the best place to buy a prepaid SIM card in France, with details on hours, ease of purchase, and what to expect at each location type.
This is the easiest option for tourists arriving in France.
Carrier counters and kiosks in the arrivals hall. Staff speak English and handle registration on the spot.
Official brand stores with the widest plan selection. Staff can help with activation and troubleshooting.
European supermarkets (Carrefour, Tesco, ALDI) sell house-brand SIM cards at the best prices.
Order online before your trip and pick up at the airport, or have it delivered to your hotel.
France does not require identification for prepaid SIM purchases, making it one of the easiest countries to get connected.
France uses 4G LTE / 5G networks. Here is how each provider compares for coverage and speed across the country.
Coverage Map for France
Visit each carrier's website for their interactive coverage map
major carrier
Urban
Strong
Rural
Strong
major carrier
Urban
Strong
Rural
Moderate
major carrier
Urban
Strong
Rural
Moderate
major carrier
Urban
Strong
Rural
Moderate
France has minimal registration requirements. Follow these steps for a quick and smooth activation.
Prepare these before buying a SIM in France
Unlocked phoneRequired
Your phone must be SIM-unlocked to use a local SIM card
PassportOptional
Valid passport for SIM registration
SIM ejector toolRequired
Or use a paperclip to open the SIM tray
Cash in local currencyRequired
Some vendors do not accept credit cards
Photo ID (backup)Optional
A second form of ID in case your passport is needed elsewhere
major carrier
Step 1
Passport or EU ID
major carrier
Step 1
Passport or EU ID
major carrier
Step 1
EU bank card or French payment method
major carrier
Step 1
Passport or EU ID
Get a printable PDF with provider comparisons, activation steps, and APN settings for France.