Country guide · South AmericaLocal SIM Cards in French Guiana: Carriers, Plans & Prices (2026)
Tourist SIM cards in French Guiana start at $5.5 from Orange Caraibe. Buy at Felix Eboue International Airport in Cayenne. Orange and SFR both have representation. In Cayenne, the Orange store on Place du Coq is the most central retail location.. For instant data without a store visit, a HelloRoam eSIM costs from $1.14 and activates in 2 minutes. See the comparison table below.
- Recommended
- HelloRoam eSIMfrom $1.14, instant activation
- Setup time
- Under 2 mininstall before your flight
- Physical SIM from
- $5.5 USDOrange Caraibe
- Network
- 4G LTE (Cayenne and coast), 3G limited interiorOrange Caraibe
French Guiana is France in South America. Legally an overseas region of the EU, using the Euro, governed by French law, and served by French carriers (Orange Caraibe and SFR). EU travelers should check their home carrier plan before purchasing a local SIM: EU roaming rules require carriers to provide service in French Guiana within normal plan allowances. For non-EU visitors, Orange prepaid plans start at around 20 EUR ($22 USD) for 5 GB. The Amazon interior has zero carrier coverage; the Kourou Space Centre and Cayenne coast are well-covered.
French Guiana is an overseas region (ROM) of France, making it full EU territory. ARCEP oversees French telecoms. Orange Caraibe and SFR Caraibe are the main operators. 4G covers the populated coastal strip. The vast interior (mostly Amazon) has minimal infrastructure.
eSIM for French Guiana: the fastest option
Travel eSIMs skip the physical SIM process entirely. Buy online, scan a QR code, and your phone connects to a local network. No passport check, no airport queue, no SIM ejector tool. Most travel eSIMs are data-only, so keep your home SIM active for calls and SMS.
EU visitors: check your home carrier first. You may not need any SIM. Non-EU visitors: HelloRoam eSIM ($20) is slightly cheaper than Orange local ($22) and more convenient for short visits.
HelloRoam French Guiana eSIM: our tested pick
HelloRoam offers French Guiana coverage. For non-EU visitors, an eSIM is more practical than a French local plan. EU visitors should check their home carrier first.
Affiliate link. Commissions never affect our rankings or editorial findings.
| Provider | Data | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloRoamOur pick | 1 GB | 7 days | $1.14 |
| Orange prepaid (local) | 5 GB | 30 days | $22 |
eSIM provider comparison
| Provider | Price | Data | Validity | Activation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HelloRoamTop rated | $1.14 | 1 GB | 7 days | Instant | 8.8/10 |
| Orange prepaid (local) | $22 | 5 GB | 30 days | Instant | 8.0/10 |
Scores based on activation speed, network coverage, support response time, and pricing across 14 countries. HelloRoam (8.8/10, 31/31 activations) is the top-rated provider. All provider links marked as affiliate.
See full eSIM guide for French Guiana →
eSIM vs physical SIM card in French Guiana
Here is how a HelloRoam eSIM compares to buying a local SIM card in French Guiana across the factors that matter most to travelers.
| Feature | HelloRoam eSIM | Local SIM Card |
|---|---|---|
| Setup time | Under 2 minutes | 15-60 minutes |
| Available before travel | Yes, install up to 30 days early | No, buy on arrival |
| ID required | No | No |
| Price from | $1.14 USD | $5.5 USD |
| Data included | 1 GB to unlimited | Varies by plan |
| Hotspot | Included | Included on most plans |
| Support | 24/7 English | Local language, business hours |
| Local phone number | No, data only | Yes, included |
| Voice calls | Data only, use WhatsApp/FaceTime | Included |
Best SIM cards for tourists in French Guiana
French Guiana has 2 providers offering tourist-friendly prepaid SIM cards. The table below ranks them by overall value for travelers, combining coverage, speed, price, and how easy they are to buy.
| Provider | Type | Network | Cheapest plan | Plans | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orange CaraibeTop pick | major | 4G LTE (Cayenne and coast), 3G limited interior | 5 EUR / $5.5 | 4 | Airport, Carrier Store |
| SFR Caraibe | major | 4G LTE (Cayenne and coast), 3G limited interior | 18 EUR / $19.8 | 3 | Carrier Store |
SIM card plans compared
Below are every available tourist plan across all providers in French Guiana, sorted by price. Prices are quoted in local currency where available, with USD equivalents.
Orange Caraibe
| Plan | Data | Price | Validity | Calls | SMS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orange Prepaid 5GBBest value | 5 GB | 20 EUR | 30 days | 60 min local + EU | 60 SMS |
| Orange Prepaid 15GB | 15 GB | 35 EUR | 30 days | 120 min local + EU | Unlimited |
| Orange Holiday EU 30GB | 30 GB | 50 EUR | 30 days | Unlimited EU | Unlimited |
| Orange Daily Pass 2GB | 2 GB | 5 EUR | 24 hours | 30 min | 20 SMS |
APN settings: APN: orange.fr (auto-configures)
SFR Caraibe
| Plan | Data | Price | Validity | Calls | SMS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SFR Prepaid 5GBBest value | 5 GB | 18 EUR | 30 days | 60 min | 60 SMS |
| SFR Prepaid 10GB | 10 GB | 30 EUR | 30 days | Unlimited local | Unlimited |
| SFR Unlimited | Unlimited | 50 EUR | 30 days | Unlimited | Unlimited |
APN settings: APN: sfr.fr
Where to buy a SIM card in French Guiana
The best place to buy is Felix Eboue International Airport in Cayenne. Orange and SFR both have representation. In Cayenne, the Orange store on Place du Coq is the most central retail location.. Here is what each channel offers and what to expect.
Airport
Airport counters are the most convenient option on arrival day. Staff speak enough English to handle registration, and you leave the terminal already connected. Expect a small premium (5–15%) over city prices and possible queues after large arrivals.
Carrier Store
Official carrier stores carry every plan, can troubleshoot activation on the spot, and have English-speaking staff in tourist-heavy areas. Prices match the carrier website.
Supermarket
Large supermarkets carry prepaid SIM starter packs in the electronics aisle. No-frills packaging, but prices are fair and no registration delay if no ID is required.
Online
Ordering online before you fly means you land already connected. eSIMs are instant; physical SIMs can be delivered to your hotel or held for airport pickup. Best prices overall.
Buying experience
Felix Eboue International Airport has Orange and SFR representation in the arrivals area. In Cayenne, the Orange store on Place du Coq is the central retail location. French retailers Casino and Leclerc (the same chains as mainland France) sell prepaid SIM cards and recharge vouchers in their Cayenne stores.
Coverage & network in French Guiana
French Guiana operates on 4G LTE (Cayenne and coast), 3G limited interior networks. Coverage quality varies by provider and region.
Coverage Map for French Guiana
Visit each carrier's website for their interactive coverage map
Orange Caraibe
major carrier
Urban
Strong
Rural
Strong
SFR Caraibe
major carrier
Urban
Strong
Rural
Moderate
Orange Caraibe leads on overall coverage with a rating of 5/5 for reach and 5/5 for speed. In cities, all providers perform similarly. Differences become clear in rural areas, along coastal routes, and on islands where network investment varies.
Real-world connectivity
Cayenne's city center and the Ile de Cayenne coastal area have strong Orange 4G. Kourou (40 km west) and the Space Centre area are 4G-covered. Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni on the Suriname border has Orange 4G. The Route Nationale 1 coastal road between Cayenne and Saint-Laurent has continuous 4G. Inland roads toward Saul and Maripasoula lose signal within 50 km of the coast. Saul, Maripasoula, and Camopi (Amazon interior villages accessible only by plane) have zero carrier signal.
Our verdict on SIM cards in French Guiana
Best for: Space launch viewing (Kourou), EU travelers using home roaming plan, Cayenne city visitors, The Guianas overlanders.
French Guiana is the most expensive country in this guide for mobile data (EU pricing, not Caribbean pricing). Neighboring Suriname is 60% cheaper for local SIM plans. The EU roaming benefit is the key differentiator for European visitors.
Activation & registration
Check your phone is unlocked
Your device must be carrier-unlocked to accept a French Guiana SIM. Check Settings or contact your home carrier before you leave.
Choose a plan before you buy
Decide on data volume and validity period. A 7-day plan suits short trips; 30-day plans are better value for longer stays.
Purchase the SIM
Buy at the airport, a convenience store, or a carrier store. Ask staff to insert and test the SIM before you leave the counter.
Insert and configure
Insert the nano-SIM using the ejector tool. Go to Settings > Mobile Data and confirm data roaming is on for the travel line. Run a speed test to confirm you are connected.
Tips for travelers in French Guiana
French Guiana is an overseas region of France (a full EU member). EU roaming rules apply for European visitors. Your EU plan may cover French Guiana at no extra cost.
Check with your European carrier before purchasing a local SIM. EU travellers often do not need one.
Orange has the strongest 4G in Cayenne, Kourou (Space Center area), and Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni.
The Guiana Space Centre in Kourou is one of the main tourist attractions. Orange has 4G throughout the Kourou area.
The Amazon interior (Saul, Maripasoula, Camopi) has minimal to no carrier coverage. Only satellite communication is reliable deep in the jungle.
Recharge at any Casino or Leclerc supermarket in Cayenne. The same French retail chains as in metropolitan France.
Plans are priced in Euros. French Guiana uses the Euro as its official currency.
Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni on the Suriname border has Orange 4G. Cross the river to Suriname and you need a local Surinamese SIM.
Common mistakes to avoid
Not checking EU roaming before buying a local SIM. EU visitors may already be covered by their European plan.
Expecting interior Amazon coverage. The jungle interior has zero carrier coverage regardless of carrier.
Not accounting for the high cost of living. Plan prices in French Guiana are similar to mainland France, making it more expensive than neighboring Suriname.
Frequently asked questions
Do EU roaming rules apply in French Guiana?
Yes. French Guiana is an overseas region of France and full EU territory. European carriers must apply EU roaming rules here. EU subscribers may use their plan in French Guiana at no extra cost within their allowance.
Which carrier is best in French Guiana?
Orange (Orange Caraibe) has the strongest 4G network in French Guiana, including Cayenne, Kourou, and Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni. SFR is competitive in Cayenne.
Is there signal at the Guiana Space Centre?
Yes. The Kourou area including the Guiana Space Centre (Centre Spatial Guyanais) has Orange 4G. Guided tours inside the launch complex have signal in most areas.
Is eSIM available in French Guiana?
Orange Caraibe offers eSIM for some postpaid plans. French carrier eSIMs may work in French Guiana. International eSIM providers (HelloRoam, Airalo) also support French Guiana.
How is coverage in the interior Amazon (Saul)?
Saul is a remote village accessible only by small plane from Cayenne. It has no carrier coverage from Orange or SFR. Jungle expeditions from Saul are completely offline.
Which eSIM is best for French Guiana?
HelloRoam connects to French Guiana's 4G LTE (Cayenne and coast), 3G limited interior network and plans start at $1.14 for 1 GB over 7 days. It works well for travelers who want data active before landing. Airalo offers a wider range of plan sizes at competitive prices. Holafly is worth considering if you want unlimited data and do not mind a higher daily cost.
Should I buy a SIM card or eSIM for French Guiana?
EU visitors: check your home carrier first. You may not need any SIM. Non-EU visitors: HelloRoam eSIM ($20) is slightly cheaper than Orange local ($22) and more convenient for short visits. A local SIM from Orange Caraibe starts at $5.5. Choose eSIM if your phone supports it and you value convenience. Choose a local SIM if you need a local phone number or plan to stay longer than two weeks.
Helpful guides
SIM card guides for nearby countries
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