By How much data do you need in France? A breakdown by activity
Not all activities use the same amount of data. The table below shows approximately how much mobile data each task consumes per hour: a useful reference before using the calculator further down.
| Activity | Approx. data per hour | Tips to save data |
|---|---|---|
| Google Maps / navigation | 3–5 MB | Download offline maps on Wi-Fi before you go |
| Web browsing / email | ~50 MB | Avoid auto-loading videos on news sites |
| Music streaming (Spotify, Deezer) | 40–150 MB | Download playlists on Wi-Fi for offline listening |
| Social media - text & photos (Facebook, X) | ~300 MB | Turn off autoplay for videos in app settings |
| Instagram / TikTok (video-heavy) | 1–2 GB | One of the biggest data drains on phones |
| Video calls (WhatsApp, FaceTime) | 0.5–1.5 GB | Lower video quality in call settings to save data |
| HD video streaming (Netflix, YouTube 1080p) | 1–3 GB | Use standard definition (480p) on mobile data |
| 4K video streaming | 7–15 GB | Avoid on mobile data - reserve for Wi-Fi |
Estimated values based on standard quality settings. Actual consumption varies with app settings, resolution and network conditions. Sources: Airalo, How much data do I need when I travel; NerdWallet, How much data do you need?; Ericsson Mobility Report, Mobile traffic trends 2020–2024.
💡 Go vs GB in France: what do Mo and Go mean on French mobile plans?
When comparing French mobile plans, you'll notice data is shown in Mo and Go instead of MB and GB. These are simply the French abbreviations: Mo (mégaoctet) = MB and Go (gigaoctet) = GB. A plan showing "100 Go" gives you exactly 100 GB of data: same unit, different label.
This matters when comparing an international eSIM (quoted in GB) with a local French plan (quoted in Go): they are identical units, no conversion needed. So 10 Go = 10 GB, 200 Go = 200 GB, and so on.
📖 Read also:
How much mobile data do I need per month? Use our calculator
The profiles above give a useful benchmark, but your actual data needs depend on your specific habits. Enter how much time you spend each week on streaming, browsing, social media and maps: the calculator will give you a realistic monthly GB estimate tailored to your usage.
* Navigation web :
* Streaming vidéo :
* Streaming audio :
* Réseaux sociaux :
* Jeux vidéo en ligne :
Les meilleurs forfaits selon votre conso :
Aucun forfait disponible pour cette consommation.
Non-exhaustive selection of offers, sorted by ascending price. Learn more about our scoring methodology.
How much data do I need for travel in France?
Mobile data needs for tourists and short stays
If you're visiting France for a holiday or short trip, your data needs will be well below a resident's monthly average. For most tourists, 2–5 GB per week comfortably covers navigation, messaging and casual social media. If you plan to stream video or work on the go, plan for 10–15 GB per week.
Use the calculator above to get a precise estimate based on your actual daily habits; it takes less than a minute.
For short stays, your two main options are:
- →Roam with your home SIM: works seamlessly within the EU at no extra charge (see below); may incur costs if you're coming from outside the EU ;
- →Activate an international eSIM: instant online activation, no physical SIM swap, ideal for tourists (see comparison table below).
👉 Our recommendation by length of stay
- →Under 2 weeks: an international eSIM (Airalo, Holafly, Saily) is the easiest option - activate online in minutes ;
- →1–3 months: a no-contract local SIM card gives better value per GB ;
- →3+ months / expat: a local postpaid plan (forfait sans engagement) is cheapest in the long run.
Data roaming in France: how to activate it and fix connection issues
Roaming in France works smoothly for most travellers, but you need to switch data roaming ON in your phone settings before your device connects outside your home network. Whether you come from the EU, the UK or further abroad, your data usage follows your operator's rules, not the French network. Your plan may include free roaming, a fair-use cap, or pay-as-you-go rates.
If your mobile data is not working in France, run through this checklist:
- →Data roaming switched ON in your phone settings (Settings → Mobile Data → Data Roaming) ;
- →Correct APN settings configured (check your operator's website for the official APN values) ;
- →Active mobile plan with remaining data allowance ;
- →Adequate 4G/5G network coverage in your location ;
- →No spending cap blocking your roaming (log into your operator's app to check).
⚠️ Watch out
Some non-EU operators block data roaming by default once a spending limit is reached. This is a common reason why data stops working suddenly in France: log into your account or app to check no cap is active before troubleshooting APN settings.
Mobile plans and eSIM data options in France
Local mobile plans for residents and expats
If you plan to stay in France for several months or more, a local mobile plan is usually the cheapest and most flexible solution. These plans bundle a monthly data allowance, unlimited calls and texts, and often include EU roaming data. France has one of the most competitive mobile markets in Europe: many plans offer 100–200 GB of data for under €15/month, and the four main operators (Orange, SFR, Bouygues and Free) all offer eSIM-compatible plans.
For expats, a contract-free SIM-only plan (forfait sans engagement) offers full flexibility with no long-term commitment. You can cancel or switch at any time.
Non-exhaustive selection of offers, sorted by ascending price. Learn more about our scoring methodology.
💡 Good to know
Signing up with a local French operator usually requires a French address and sometimes a bank account (RIB). Prepaid options are available for newcomers but cost slightly more per GB. Starting with a prepaid SIM and switching to a postpaid plan later is a common expat strategy.
Data-only eSIM for tourists in France
Tourists and short-term visitors can take advantage of French eSIM data-only plans from providers such as Airalo, Saily, Holafly, or Ubigi. These digital SIMs activate instantly; no store visit, no physical SIM swap required.
Most eSIM data-only plans are flexible in both data amount and duration. Some providers offer unlimited data under fair-use limits, ideal for streaming, navigation or remote work while travelling.
| Provider | Data | Duration | Price | Get it |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holafly | Unlimited ♾️ | 7 days | €26.90 EUR | SELECTRA -5% |
| GoMoWorld | 15 GB | 30 days | €10.99 EUR | |
| Ubigi | 10 GB | 30 days | €10 EUR | SELECTRA10 -10% |
| Saily | 10 GB | 30 days | $19.99 USD | SELECTRA5 -5% |
| Airalo | 10 GB | 30 days | €14.50 EUR | NEWTOAIRALO15 -15% AIRALOESIM10 -10% |
| Roamless | 10 GB | 30 days | $15.95 USD |
Equivalent offers used for comparison purposes. Information updated in april of 2026. Prices and data allowances may vary - check provider websites for current rates. Affiliate links - Selectra may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
💡 Good to know
Not all phones support eSIMs: double-check compatibility before purchasing. Some operators also cap video streaming speeds on "unlimited" plans, so read the fair-use terms carefully.
Frequently asked questions about mobile data in France
How much mobile data do I need per month in France? Read more Close
For most users in France, 10–50 GB per month is enough for social media, browsing and occasional streaming. Light users (maps, messages, email) need only 1–10 GB. Heavy users who stream HD video or use a mobile hotspot regularly should budget 50–100 GB or more. According to ARCEP, the average French 4G user consumed 18.7 GB per month in Q3 2025.
Is Go the same as GB in France? What do Mo and Go mean? Read more Close
Yes, Go (gigaoctet) is the French equivalent of GB (gigabyte), and Mo (mégaoctet) is the French equivalent of MB. They represent identical units of data - no conversion needed. A French mobile plan offering "100 Go" gives exactly 100 GB of data, just like an international eSIM labelled "100 GB".
Can I use my data in France with my home SIM? Read more Close
Yes - if your SIM is from an EU or EEA country, you can use your existing data plan in France at no extra charge under the "roam like at home" regulation. If you're from the UK, US or outside the EU, data roaming charges will depend on your operator's international rates. Always check with your provider before travelling.
Why is my mobile data not working in France? Read more Close
The most common reasons are: data roaming is switched off in your phone settings, incorrect APN settings, a spending cap set by your operator, or insufficient network coverage. Start by enabling data roaming (Settings → Mobile Data → Data Roaming), then check your APN configuration using your operator's official settings. If a spending limit was reached, you'll need to unblock roaming in your operator's app or by calling them.
How much data do I need for a week of travel in France? Read more Close
For a typical tourist week in France, 2–5 GB is enough for navigation, messaging, social media and light browsing. If you plan to stream video, make frequent video calls or work remotely, budget 10–15 GB for the week. Use the data calculator above to get a personalised estimate based on your habits.
Is 5 GB of data enough for a month in France? Read more Close
5 GB per month is enough if you mainly use your phone on Wi-Fi and only rely on mobile data for maps, messaging and occasional browsing. It will not be sufficient if you regularly stream video, use social media heavily or work from your phone without Wi-Fi. Most users who rely on mobile data for anything beyond basics will want at least 10–20 GB per month.