Best SIM Card For France: Orange
One of the most frequently asked is: “for my upcoming trip, which prepaid SIM card for France should I get?” After extensive research, it came down to these two: Le French Mobile and Orange. But Le French Mobile no longer offers a SIM card, so the obvious choice is: Orange! Here’s what you need to know if staying connected is important to you when you travel in France.
[At all times I have paid for the Orange SIM using my own money]
Updated August 16, 2024 due to an announcement from Le French Mobile and Telus Mobility in Canada.
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Table of contents
1. Prepaid SIM Card For France
Having an unlocked cellphone is key to being able to use a local prepaid SIM card for France. Your cellphone provider can unlock your phone for you.
Nowadays, the SIM card will come in all three sizes to fit in your cellphone: mini, nano, and micro. The cost of the sim card is usually negligible or even free. It’s the cost of data and calls where companies make their money. If I can pay less than $120 for 30 days and beat my home provider’s price, it’s worth it.
2. French Mobile Phone Providers: who sells French SIM cards?
There are French network operators such as Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom, and Free Mobile and virtual mobile operators (MVNOs) like La Poste Mobile, Lebara, and Lycamobile. The MVNOs don’t own a network but obtain bulk access at wholesale prices, so they are basically resellers. Some are better than others.
Many of the plans are only available to French residents. If you’re just visiting France and not going to live there, you do NOT want the “forfait sans engagement”. It has a rolling contract and auto-renews each month. It often requires that you have a French bank account to get a French mobile phone and this type of plan. Prepaid plans are the best for travellers to France because they don’t lock you into ongoing monthly fees.
You might also like to read these posts:
–Taking French Immersion classes In France: 3 Schools
–Top 10 Helpful Hints When Travelling In France
–Why You’ll Need The Crit’Air Sticker When Driving In France
3. What To Consider When Getting A Local SIM Card
When comparing local SIM cards for France, here are five things to consider:
- Coverage: will it cover a broad area of France or the area you’ll be in?
- Validity period: Will your data last for 7 days? 14 days? 30 days? Longer?
- Costs
- Reliability of service
- Support: I am not alone in running into problems and needed to reach customer service. If customer service only speaks French, this could be a factor if you are not fluent.
Orange is very good but certainly not perfect (my biggest complaint about both: is customer service). The biggest problem usually lies with the user not putting in the correct APN settings and not turning on roaming.
4. Orange Holiday SIM
Orange is one of the biggest French cellphone providers. It is said to provide the best coverage throughout the country. The plan that is most popular for travellers (ie. visitors who are travelling in France and the EU for a few days to a few weeks) is the prepaid Orange Holiday SIM Plan. Sadly there is no plan that offers unlimited data when using an Orange Sim card in France but there are some good packages.
With the Orange SIM card, you can choose either a physical SIM card or an eSIM. Both provide you with data, unlimited calls and texts in Europe, a certain number of minutes for calls from Europe to Worldwide, and tethering to other devices (ie. tablets, laptops, other smartphones, etc.).
(a) Orange Holiday 30GB Plan
This is the plan that I recommend. The coverage is excellent in France. This SIM also covers you all over the European Union (4G/LTE).
- Coverage: excellent in France; this SIM also covers you all over the European Union (4G)
- Validity Period: 14 days
- Cost: 39.99 € gives you a French phone number, 30GB of data, 120 minutes of international calls and 1000 texts to the rest of the world and unlimited calls/texts within Europe.
- Holiday top-ups: (€20 or 40 € ) include data (5 GB or 20 GB respectively), plus the same international calls and texts and roaming throughout Europe, for an additional 2 weeks or 30 days.
- Requirements: an unlocked phone and some form of identity (ie. passport) to register your SIM
(b) Orange Holiday: Other Plans
- Orange Holiday Europe 50GB for 49.99 Euro and gives you a French phone number, 50GB of data, 120 minutes of international calls and 1000 texts to the rest of the world and unlimited calls/texts within Europe. The validity period is 28 days.
- Orange Holiday Europe 12GB for 19.99 € but is only data (4G). It does not include calls or texts. The validity period is 14 days.
- Orange Holiday Europe 1GB for 4.99 € but is only data (in 4G/LTE). It does not include calls or texts. The validity period is 7 days.
(c) Orange Holiday Top Ups
Orange Holiday SIM Card Top-ups are available online or you can get a top up card (voucher) at many convenience stores and some Orange stores.
Requirements: an unlocked phone and some form of identity (ie. passport) to register your SIM phone number IF you want to keep the phone number beyond 30 days.
- Top Up Holiday 12GB-is 19.99 € and includes 12GB data in Europe, 30 minutes of phone calls, and 200 texts. Validity period: 14 days.
- Top Up Holiday 30GB-is 39.99 € and includes 30GB data in Europe, 2 hours of phone calls, and 1000 texts. Validity period: 14 days.
- Top Up Max-100GB-is 44.90 € and includes 100GB data in Europe, unlimited phone calls and unlimited texts. Validity period: 30 days.
- Top Up Holiday World-is 31.90 € and includes up to 10GB data in Europe, but no phone calls or texts. Validity period: 14 days. (Note it says “up to” because the data amount varies depending what country you are in, starting at 50MB) so you really need to check what countries you might use the SIM card in. This plan might not be worth it.
- Top Up Internet-70GB in Europe-is 34.9 € and includes 70GB data but no phone calls or texts. Validity period: 30 days.
(d) Set-Up
Orange Boutique Stores: there are many locations and in most cases, the salesperson can install and set up your SIM for you (including changing your phone’s APN settings). Do this to ensure everything works before you leave. Hopefully, you’ll get someone who speaks English.
I went to the Orange boutique near Place de la Bastille in Paris and the salesperson set me up. I had to show him my passport. Because I might want to use the SIM card again (after the 30 day period), I sent in an image of my passport using their online registration form: https://travel.orange.com/en/sim-card-registration/ . Everything was confirmed quickly.
After the 2 weeks, you need to top up your plan. You can top up online (website is in English). Great news! There is NO LONGER a “service fee” of 3.4 € (which I thought was a rip-off for something that is online and not even delivered).
(e) Important Points
- Once your first phone call or text is made, your SIM card is activated and you can get your French phone number by texting “225”
- To find out how much remaining credit you have, dial into phone (not SMS): #123#
- The Holiday SIM card (& your French mobile number) expires after 6 months if not topped up. Set up an account via the Orange website and top up anytime before the 6 months ends. The SIM number will be active for another 6 months.
- You can tether your phone to other devices.
- Customer service: supposedly there are English-speaking phone customer service reps but from what I’ve read, when they can’t get their SIM card to work, many customers cannot get through and most of the web pages are in French.
- Website: Orange Holiday Support
5. Option: Use An e-Sim
You might prefer to use an e-Sim instead. Only certain phone can use an e-Sim so be sure to check that yours is compatible. With an e-Sim, you can’t “lose” or “damage” your card like a physical SIM card and you can keep your current SIM card in your phone while you use your e-Sim. Both allow you to make phone calls; however, some eSIms do NOT come with a phone number. On those plans, your calls use data, so you can make calls and send texts via WhatsApp, FaceTime, Skype, iMessage, Zoom, Facebook Messenger, or some other calling app.
In comparison, a physical SIM card has a phone number associated to it. There are steps you can take to use your phone number for calls and texts with an e-Sim; however, your carrier back home may still charge you for using your phone line. For most people, communicating via one of the calling apps is good enough. They just need the data.
If you would prefer to get an e-Sim, be sure your smartphone is compatible and able to use an e-Sim. There are two different eSIMS to consider:
- Orange eSIM: it’s the same as the physical Orange SIM AND allows you are given a French phone number and you can make unlimited phone calls and text messages in France and Europe. Check it out here:
- Airalo eSIm: is highly rated and provides you with data but not a phone number. Check it out here:
8. Calls/Data Using Your Home Cellphone Provider
Many people want to stay with their home cellular carrier when they travel but it can be costly if you roam or get one of their travel plans. If you “roam” and don’t get a travel plan, the charges can be outrageous. Here’s an example of the roaming charges: $1.50 per minute for a phone call and $5.00 per MB of data. If you usually use 1GB of data a month. that equates to $5000!!! (That’s why you should NEVER roam outside of your country if you don’t have a plan).
An alternative is to get an international plan from your home cellphone provider. It’s easy, it’s cheaper, you keep your phone number, and everything will work as if you were at home. The only difference, especially if you live in Canada, is the price of the international plan. The high price! The mobile network company I use is Telus and their two travel plans are pretty much the same as the other cellphone carriers:
Telus Easy Roam
$16 a day (effective May 23, 2024) where you use YOUR data from your monthly plan just like you would at home. Phone calls and texts however are unlimited. For example, if you have a monthly plan that gives you 3GB data and unlimited phone calls and texts, that’s what your plan will be when you are in France…for $16 a day. Going for 10 days? That’s $160. But it gets worse. Although Telus says the $16/day international fee will be capped at $400 per billing cycle (which is insane anyways), if you’re travelling for 30+ days, there’s likely a chance you’ll be in two billing cycles= $$$.
Telus Europe Travel Pass
This replaces what was known as the Roaming Pass and was introduced in August, 2024. On the surface it looks like a good deal, BUT, details are very limited. All I could find was this:
- you use your monthly rate plan, including unlimited talk and text when travelling in one of the eligible European destinations
- 14-Day Pass is $50 and you get 14 days of Easy Roam
- 30-Day Europe Travel Pass ($60) and you get 30 days of Easy Roam
- calls within France would likely be at long distance rates because you care calling from your Canadian phone number
- your data plan may limit how much you can really use your phone.
- once your 14 (or 30) day pass expires or is used up, it can get really costly. Telus states: “Once the pass expires or has been used, any subsequent roaming will be charged at the regular in-market rates” which means pay per use (ie. $2/minute calls, $0.75 per message sent, $5 per MB).
- I am unsure which French network your phone will use.
For now, I’m going to continue using Orange because:
- I often do make calls to French phone numbers and receive incoming calls from France, so having a French phone number makes it easy (and free) to call
- The Orange network is very reliable
- I don’t have to worry about data overages or using up a pass. If I need to, I can just top up my Orange plan. Based on Telus’ information, I assume you could get Easy Roam for $16/day. There is no indication that you can get another Europe Travel Pass.
Note: Prices are subject to change.
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Never, ever ever use Freemobile.fr. They are a horrible company and you will regret every second of their service. They will actively attempt to rob you. Look out at any of their reviews online. They are RUBBISH.
Hi Jan:
Have you had an experience with eSim card Here’s one from Orange. Orange Holiday Europe: all-inclusive card data & minutes, calls and texts in Europe are unlimited)
I’m researching for a future trip France/Italy for about 15 days. I might have to either activate the sim one day later or top up before 14 days expires (preferably the first option). My main question is do I still need to submit my passport information? Thanks
With regards to the Orange SIM-first, it’s only necessary to send in a copy of your passport if you want to keep the phone number after 30 days. Otherways, you can just discard the SIM after 30 days. BUT, as you already know, if you want to use the SIM after 14 days, you’ll need to top it up, so not starting it until one day after you arrive is certainly an option (and will save you money). This is in the Orange FAQ:
“Pay attention, do not confuse the validity of your line and the validity of your credit. Indeed your credit is valid for 14 days as soon as the activation of your SIM card. Your line is valid for 1 month without registration, if you register the validity period will be extended to 6 months.”
As for the e-sim with Orange, I did look into it, however, because I was so busy getting ready for my trip, I just didn’t want to spend the time figuring out what to do (ie. should I switch providers for phone calls? should I turn my Canadian SIM off entirely, etc).
I wanted to have a physical SIM in case I wanted to use it in a hotspot that I have. I’ve also read conflicting opinions about being able to put the e-sim in another device. Some say you can, some say you can’t. (and you definitely can’t download the esim for another time). And, for me, it wasn’t important to still be connected to my Canadian phone number. I preferred taking my Canadian SIM out of my phone, putting it in a safe place and then putting in the Orange or Le French Mobile SIM.
However, it is something I may consider for a future trip.
By the way, if you decide to go with a physical Orange SIM card, do NOT buy from Simoptions. I checked and although they sell it, the shipping costs are enormous! Such a rip off. I’d suggest waiting until you get to France, go into an Orange store and have them set it up. The guy at the Orange store near the Bastille was great. if you’re going to get the e-sim, you probably already know this but everything can be done online.
Thanks Jan. Sorry for the late reply. Simoptions’ shipping made me eliminate it from my choice right away.
e-Sim: I don’t want to use my Canadian plan in EU. I also have a fear that I’ll use my Canadian sim card by accident instead of my e-Sim for EU. I might just remove my Canadian sim card before flying out from Canada to be on the safe side. Also if I end up arriving on a Sun, it’s better for me to have e-sim before arrival and use the time to pick up the rental car at the airport (could be time consuming), then get some water, grocery before 12:30/1pm closure wherever I need to go. Of course I know Auchan at Aeroville has longer hours.
Thanks for your comment.
That was my fear: using my Canadian SIM by accident
Hi, you can also switch to eSIM data plans unless you need to make local calls. As you can use whatsapp or signal or else to make calls with eSIM. It’s super cheap, you don’t need to remove your own SIM so your phone number is still active. I know Ubigi is same company as LeFrenchMobile and has 5G coverage in France but best is to compare.
Yes, esims are another option. The biggest downside is that if you don’t want to use WhatsApp or another app to make phone calls, a regular SIM card is needed.
Hi Jan,
Thank you for making this information available.
I am a French/Australian… dinosaur when it comes to electronics!
I want a sim card for phone calls from Belgium to France, and data to Whatsapp Australia.
I will be there for 17days. and I don’t understand how to go about it!!
From previous experience, Orange was quite unhelpful !
I would very much appreciate some advice!
kind regards
Veronique
Hi Veronique
Technology is so confusing sometimes! You’re not alone.
Seeing that you only need a SIM card for data, you don’t need the physical Orange Holiday SIM that I talk about in my post. (That one includes phone calls). You just want a Data SIM card. As this is the case you could get an Orange data only e-SIM or an Airalo data e-Sim. There is no physical SIM card. You are simply given instructions to download the SIM card.
Many people speak favourably about the Airalo e-Sim.
It is the same as a physical SIM card but it is “loaded” onto your phone and you wait until you arrive in France to “activate” it. Unfortunately, I have not gotten one (as I like to have phone service).
Check the Airalo website (link is in the post). There are different plans for France. Some are only for 7 days but there are ones for 3, 5, 10, or 20 GB for 3o days. If you do a Google Search for Orange e-Sim, you’ll see that their 8GB or 20GB plans unfortunately are only for 14 days and then you have to top it up (which is a pain, seeing that you only need it for 17 days).
So my recommendation would be: look into the Airalo offers. They’ll explain how to activate their plan when you arrive. You basically download their app, choose a destination (France) and plan and install the e-SIM via a QR code or do it manually (instructions are given on the website). The validity period starts when the eSIM activates. Most eSIMs will activate when the installed eSIM connects to the supported network at the destination.
Hope this helps you out. Good luck!
Hi Jan
Thank you for this useful information.
Are there specific cell phone requirements for getting data only e-SIM for France?
I heard you need iPhone 12 or higher?
Thanks.
My understanding is that an iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, or later can take an e-SIM, so that includes an iPhone 12. I really need to do a post on using an e-SIM but it’s pretty straightforward. Even Orange has them and I’ve heard many people like Airalo or Ubigi. You’ll need to check the fine details, like whether you can tether your iPhone to other devices and whether you can use it in other countries in the EU. A lot of people also buy their e-SIM from the Airalo or Ubigi app and their websites can walk you through how to set it up.