Country guide · EuropeLocal SIM Cards in Monaco: Carriers, Plans & Prices (2026)
Tourist SIM cards in Monaco start at $2 from Monaco Telecom. Buy at Use your existing EU SIM or buy at Monaco Telecom store in the city center. Most visitors enter from France and French SIMs work freely here.. For instant data without a store visit, a HelloRoam eSIM costs from $33.62 and activates in 2 minutes. See the comparison table below.
- Recommended
- HelloRoam eSIMfrom $33.62, instant activation
- Setup time
- Under 2 mininstall before your flight
- Physical SIM from
- $2 USDMonaco Telecom
- Network
- 4G LTE / 5GMonaco Telecom
Monaco occupies 2 square kilometers between France and the Mediterranean, making it the world's second smallest country. For most visitors, getting online requires zero planning. If you carry any EU SIM card from France, Italy, Spain, Germany, or any other EU country, it works in Monaco under EU roaming rules with no extra charges. You simply arrive and your phone connects. The only reason to buy a Monaco Telecom SIM is if you need a local +377 number, plan to live in the principality, or want guaranteed domestic rates for high-volume use. Monaco Telecom operates the only local network and has launched full 5G coverage across the entire territory.
Monaco is a 2 sq km principality bordered by France. EU roaming rules apply. Monaco Telecom is the sole domestic operator. French SIMs (Orange, Free, SFR) all work here.
eSIM for Monaco: 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.
For short visits, eSIM beats a local SIM. For EU residents, your existing SIM is free. Local SIM only makes sense for stays over 2 weeks.
HelloRoam Monaco eSIM: our tested pick
eSIM is ideal for Monaco day trips. No physical SIM needed, activates instantly.
Affiliate link. Commissions never affect our rankings or editorial findings.
| Provider | Data | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloRoamOur pick | 1 GB | 7 days | $33.62 |
| HelloRoam | 5 GB | 30 days | $12 |
eSIM provider comparison
| Provider | Price | Data | Validity | Activation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HelloRoamTop rated | $33.62 | 1 GB | 7 days | Instant | 8.9/10 |
| HelloRoamTop rated | $12 | 5 GB | 30 days | Instant | 8.9/10 |
Scores based on activation speed, network coverage, support response time, and pricing across 14 countries. HelloRoam (8.9/10, 31/31 activations) is the top-rated provider. All provider links marked as affiliate.
See full eSIM guide for Monaco →
eSIM vs physical SIM card in Monaco
Here is how a HelloRoam eSIM compares to buying a local SIM card in Monaco 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 | $33.62 USD | $2 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 Monaco
Monaco has 3 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monaco TelecomTop pick | major | 4G LTE / 5G | €15 / $16 | 3 | Carrier Store, Online |
| Orange France (roaming) | mvno | 4G LTE / 5G | €19.99 / $22 | 2 | Online |
| Free Mobile France (roaming) | mvno | 4G LTE / 5G | €2/mo / $2 | 2 | Online |
SIM card plans compared
Below are every available tourist plan across all providers in Monaco, sorted by price. Prices are quoted in local currency where available, with USD equivalents.
Monaco Telecom
| Plan | Data | Price | Validity | Calls | SMS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prepaid 1GBBest value | 1 GB | €15 | 7 days | 60 min local | 30 SMS |
| Prepaid 5GB | 5 GB | €30 | 30 days | Unlimited local | 100 SMS |
| Prepaid 10GB | 10 GB | €50 | 30 days | Unlimited local | Unlimited |
Orange France (roaming)
| Plan | Data | Price | Validity | Calls | SMS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holiday 10GB EUBest value | 10 GB | €19.99 | 30 days | 2h local | 100 SMS |
| Holiday 30GB EU | 30 GB | €29.99 | 30 days | Unlimited EU | Unlimited |
Free Mobile France (roaming)
| Plan | Data | Price | Validity | Calls | SMS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forfait Free 80GBBest value | 80 GB EU | €19.99/mo | 30 days | Unlimited EU | Unlimited |
| Forfait Free 2GB | 2 GB | €2/mo | 30 days | 1h EU | Limited |
Where to buy a SIM card in Monaco
The best place to buy is Use your existing EU SIM or buy at Monaco Telecom store in the city center. Most visitors enter from France and French SIMs work freely here.. Here is what each channel offers and what to expect.
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.
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
The Monaco Telecom store on Avenue de la Costa near Casino Square is the only place to buy a local SIM. Staff speak good English. The transaction is quick with passport ID. Prepaid plans are available but prices are significantly higher than equivalent French plans. Most visitors from outside the EU find eSIM the most practical option: buy before travel, activate on arrival, and avoid the single-store constraint of a country with almost no retail infrastructure outside the casino district.
Coverage & network in Monaco
Monaco operates on 4G LTE / 5G networks. Coverage quality varies by provider and region.
Coverage Map for Monaco
Visit each carrier's website for their interactive coverage map
Monaco Telecom
major carrier
Urban
Strong
Rural
Strong
Orange France (roaming)
mvno carrier
Urban
Strong
Rural
Strong
Free Mobile France (roaming)
mvno carrier
Urban
Strong
Rural
Moderate
Monaco Telecom 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
Signal quality in Monaco is genuinely excellent across the entire principality. The density of population in a tiny area means towers are everywhere. 5G from Monaco Telecom covers the port, Casino Square, the Old Town, and every hotel zone. French carrier roaming delivers consistent 4G at 50-100 Mbps. The only weak spots are deep underground parking garages below the casino and the lower levels of the Fontvieille port tunnels.
Our verdict on SIM cards in Monaco
Best for: Day trippers from France or Italy, Grand Prix visitors, Casino and yacht week visitors, Business travelers.
Cheaper than San Marino or Andorra for connectivity if you have an EU SIM. Monaco Telecom local plans are the priciest among European micro-states.
Activation & registration
Check your phone is unlocked
Your device must be carrier-unlocked to accept a Monaco 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 Monaco
Monaco is tiny. 2 square kilometers. Your existing French or Italian SIM will almost certainly work here under EU roaming rules at no extra charge.
If you plan to call local Monaco numbers (+377 prefix), a Monaco Telecom SIM is the only local option.
The Grand Prix, Casino Square, and Port Hercule are all within walking distance. You will not need mobile data for navigation.
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the Principality including the port and casino district.
Monaco Telecom 5G covers the entire principality. Signal strength is excellent everywhere.
Most visitors stay only a few hours or a day trip from Nice or Cannes. An eSIM is often the most practical option.
If arriving by train from Nice, the station area has Monaco Telecom signal immediately.
Top up Monaco Telecom at the store on Avenue Princesse Grace.
Common mistakes to avoid
Buying a Monaco Telecom SIM when your French or Italian SIM already works for free under EU roaming.
Expecting to find a SIM at the border. There is no checkpoint. Buy before arrival if needed.
Forgetting that Monaco uses +377 country code, not +33 (France).
Paying for a full 30-day plan for a day visit. Get a 7-day plan or use eSIM.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use my EU SIM card in Monaco?
Yes. EU roaming rules apply in Monaco for all EU/EEA SIM cards. French, Italian, Spanish, and other EU SIMs work at no extra cost for data and calls within your plan.
Do I need a special SIM for Monaco?
No. If you already have an EU SIM, it works in Monaco under roam-like-home rules. A Monaco Telecom SIM is only necessary if you need a local Monaco number or plan to stay long-term.
Which carrier has the best coverage in Monaco?
Monaco Telecom is the only domestic carrier and covers the entire principality with 5G. French carriers (Orange, SFR, Free) also have strong signal via roaming agreements.
Is 5G available in Monaco?
Yes. Monaco was among the first countries to launch 5G nationwide. Monaco Telecom operates full 5G coverage across the principality.
How much does a SIM card cost in Monaco?
Monaco Telecom prepaid SIMs start at €15 for 1 GB over 7 days. Most visitors use existing EU SIMs for free rather than buying local.
Can I get a SIM card at the Monaco train station?
No. Monaco Telecom only has one store in the city center. Buy at the Avenue de la Costa location or pick up a French SIM in Nice before arriving.
What is the internet speed like in Monaco?
Excellent. Monaco Telecom 5G delivers 200-400 Mbps in most locations. EU roaming via French carriers also delivers 50-150 Mbps 4G across the principality.
Do I need a passport to buy a SIM in Monaco?
Yes. Monaco Telecom requires a valid passport or EU national ID card for prepaid SIM purchases.
Which eSIM is best for Monaco?
HelloRoam connects to Monaco's 4G LTE / 5G network and plans start at $33.62 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 Monaco?
For short visits, eSIM beats a local SIM. For EU residents, your existing SIM is free. Local SIM only makes sense for stays over 2 weeks. A local SIM from Monaco Telecom starts at $2. 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
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