How to buy a SIM Card in France: prepaid expat & tourist options in 2025
Get the right French SIM, hassle-free
Our English-speaking advisors will help you choose the ideal plan for your stay. Fast, easy, 100% free of charge, and in plain English.
Get the right French SIM, hassle-free
Our call-center is currently closed. Ask for a free callback and our advisors will help you choose the ideal plan for your stay, all in plain English and free of charge.
The easiest way to stay connected in France is to buy a prepaid French SIM card. Prices start from €5, and you can get data, calls, and texts without a contract. Whether you’re a tourist, student, or expat, you can buy a SIM card in France at airports, phone shops, or online. This guide explains the best SIM card options in France, how to top up, and what to expect from French eSIMs.
*French overseas territories – Updated in october of 2025
🇫🇷 Just moved to France?
Let’s get your internet sorted: our English-speaking advisors can help you find and set up the right internet or mobile plan, 100% free of charge.
🇫🇷 Just moved to France?
Let’s get your internet sorted: our English-speaking advisors can help you find and set up the right internet or mobile plan, 100% free of charge.
How to get a SIM card in France
Where to buy a French SIM card
Getting a SIM card in France is quick and easy: you’ll just need an unlocked phone, a valid ID (such as your passport), and a French address (only for long-term or postpaid plans). You can buy a prepaid SIM in mobile shops, electronics stores (like FNAC or Darty), or tabacs (tobacconists). Most mobile providers offer both physical SIMs and eSIMs for compatible phones.
You can find prepaid SIM cards almost everywhere:
- Airports: convenient but slightly more expensive (Orange, Bouygues Telecom)
- Mobile operator stores: Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom, and Free
- Electronics shops: FNAC, Darty, Boulanger
- Tobacconists and supermarkets: cheapest but staff may speak limited English
- Online: on provider websites or international resellers (e.g. Amazon, Airalo for eSIMs)
💡 Tip: Buying directly from a mobile provider’s shop is often easier for English speakers, as staff can help with activation. Avoid second-hand marketplaces (like LeBonCoin): phones or SIMs may be locked or not valid.
How to activate and top up your SIM card
Once you insert your SIM, you can start calling and using data immediately after activation (which is often automatic). You’ll then need to add credit (recharge) to keep using your line.
How to recharge your credit:
- Buy top-up vouchers in tabacs or supermarkets (ask for your provider’s credit: "Recharge Orange / SFR / Bouygues…").
- Follow the instructions on the receipt or card: usually you call a short number and enter the code.
- You can also top up online via your provider’s website or app.
To check your remaining credit, call the free number given by your operator or wait for their automatic SMS alert when it runs low. Keep in mind that credit validity varies by provider (often 30 or 31 days).
💡 Tip: If you only need mobile data, you can also get data-only SIMs or eSIMs, perfect for tourists or digital nomads.
NEW IN FRANCE?
We’ve got you covered! Selectra helps you find a plan that fits your needs and get set up fast. It’s free, easy, and our English-speaking advisors are just a call away.
NEW IN FRANCE?
We’ve got you covered! Selectra helps you find a plan that fits your needs and get set up fast. It’s free, easy, and our English-speaking advisors are just a call away.
NEW IN FRANCE?
We’ve got you covered! Selectra helps you find a plan that fits your needs and get set up fast. It’s free, easy, and our English-speaking advisors are just a call away.
NEW IN FRANCE?
We’ve got you covered! Selectra helps you find a plan that fits your needs and get set up fast. It’s free, easy, and our English-speaking advisors are just a call away.
Why get a French SIM card while visiting France?
Getting a French phone number with a SIM card
A French phone number makes everyday life in France much easier. It allows you to make local calls at low rates and access essential services such as restaurant bookings, transport apps, and online payments. Many prepaid SIM cards also include mobile data and affordable international calling options, so you can stay connected wherever you are.
If you are living or working in France, having a local number is often required for common administrative tasks, such as:
- Opening a French bank account
- Registering for health insurance or social security
- Confirming deliveries or service appointments
- Setting up utilities (electricity, internet, etc.) Receiving verification codes for online forms or contracts
💡 Tip: Buying a cheap pay-as-you-go SIM card when you arrive is a quick and simple way to get a French number and make all these processes easier.
EU roaming rules with a French SIM card
Since 2017, the European Union has abolished roaming charges for mobile users traveling within the EU and EEA. This means that if you have a French SIM card, you can call, text, and use mobile data in other EU countries at no extra cost, just like at home.
However, your data allowance abroad may be lower than in France, so it’s always best to check your plan’s terms and conditions before you travel.
What’s included in EU roaming:
- Calls to France or any other EEA country
- Incoming calls from France or any EEA country (free of charge)
- Texts sent to France or any EEA country
- Mobile internet use across the EU/EEA
💡 Important: for the United Kingdom, check your operator’s terms. The UK is no longer part of the EU, but many French providers still apply EU roaming rules there.
Keep in mind that EU roaming is for short stays only. If you move abroad permanently, you’ll need to subscribe to a local phone plan in your new country of residence.
🚀 Staying in France for over 3 months?
If so, it's worth signing up for a postpaid mobile phone plan. In the long run, these are cheaper than pay-as-you-go and offer better allowances. Call us now to sign up for a French mobile plan easily!
Best SIM cards in France for tourists & short-term expats
Orange Holiday Europe SIM card
Orange’s Holiday Europe SIM is one of the most popular options for short stays in France. It can include up to 500 GB of 4G/5G data, unlimited calls and texts within Europe, and up to 360 minutes of international calls, ideal for tourists who want reliable coverage across the EU. Orange is one of France's largest operators and offers excellent mobile coverage.
Updated in october of 2025
📦 Moving to France? Consider switching to an Orange postpaid plan for your long-term stay.
SFR prepaid SIM cards
SFR offers prepaid plans under the "SFR La Carte" label, a good option for short-term stays if you’re already in France. However, unlike Orange or Bouygues, SFR doesn’t sell ready-to-use tourist SIM packs online.
To get started, you’ll need to buy a "SFR La Carte" SIM card first, available in SFR stores, Relay shops, or supermarkets. Then, you can add a prepaid top-up such as the Illimité 10 GB plan, which includes unlimited calls and texts within France and the EU, and 10 GB of data usable across Europe.
Updated in october of 2025
💡 Good to know: SFR’s former European Travel SIM is no longer available. The Illimité 10 GB prepaid pack is now the best alternative for tourists looking for short-term connectivity in France and across Europe.
📦 Moving to France? Consider switching to an SFR postpaid plan for your long-term stay.
Bouygues Telecom: My European eSIM
Bouygues offers five prepaid eSIM plans for short-term visitors and expats, with data from 15GB to 120GB, valid for a limited period. These plans work across Europe and are compatible with most unlocked eSIM phones.
They can be purchased online or in stores, and activated by scanning a QR code, making it convenient for tourists who want instant connectivity without handling a physical SIM card. These plans are ideal for short stays or temporary relocation but are not intended as long-term subscriptions.
Updated in october of 2025
📦 Moving to France? Consider switching to a Bouygues postpaid plan for your long-term stay.
Prepaid SIM Cards from MVNOs (La Poste Mobile, Lebara, Lycamobile)
MVNOs like La Poste Mobile, Lebara, and Lycamobile offer flexible prepaid SIM cards ideal for short-term stays in France. These plans provide a variety of data and calling options without long-term commitments, making them suitable for tourists and short-term expatriates.
You can purchase these SIM cards online or at various retail outlets, including La Poste, Relay, and Fnac stores. Activation is straightforward, often requiring a simple process via the operator’s website or customer service.
Updated in october of 2025
Does Free have prepaid SIM card Offers?
Yes, Free mobile now offers prepaid mobile plans under the Free Prépayé brand. However, it’s important to note that these prepaid offers are exclusively available to residents of mainland France or individuals with a stable link to mainland France, such as French nationals living abroad or expatriates with a permanent address in France.
To access these plans, one must first purchase a Free SIM card, which is available in Free stores and certain retail outlets. After obtaining the SIM card, users can select from various prepaid packages, including options like the Pass Free S, which offers 10 GB of data and unlimited calls/SMS for €4.99, valid for 30 days.
Travelling to Other Parts of Europe?Your French prepaid mobile phone will still work in most European countries, and you should be able to purchase credit with a partner provider to use on your French phone. Alternatively, if you are planning to travel for long periods of time across other countries, you may be better off investing in an international SIM card, as offered by companies such as Flexiroam.
📦 Moving to France? Consider switching to a Free postpaid plan for your long-term stay.
Should I Choose a prepaid SIM card for a long stay?
If you are visiting France for a few weeks, a prepaid pay-as-you-go SIM card is usually the easiest option. These SIMs are simple to activate, and you can top up credit at tabacs, supermarkets, or online. Many prepaid plans include data allowances and cheap international calls, making them practical for tourists and short-term stays.
However, if you plan to stay in France for 3 months or longer, a postpaid mobile plan is often more convenient and cost-effective. These plans usually offer higher data allowances, lower per-minute rates, and free calls to some international destinations, but you will need a French bank account to sign up. Many operators provide no-contract options, so you can end the plan at any time without penalty.
If you’re unsure about committing to a French SIM, there are several alternatives for staying connected without a local phone number:
- Using your smartphone on Wi-Fi: Apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Skype let you call and message without a French number. Make sure to disable roaming to avoid extra charges.
- International calling cards or roaming packages: Check if your home provider offers prepaid international plans that can be used in France.
- Phone rental services: Some travel concierge services allow short-term phone rentals. Search for “rent phone France” to compare options.
 Forfait B&You 120 Go 5G No contract |
Unlimited
Unlimited |
120 GB
5G |
See offer
Partner offer
|
|
|
Forfait B&You 200 Go 5G No contract |
Unlimited
Unlimited |
200 GB
5G |
See offer
Partner offer
|
|
 Forfait SFR 20 Go 5G No contract |
Unlimited
Unlimited |
20 GB
5G |
||
|
Forfait Bouygues 20Go 5G No contract |
Unlimited
Unlimited |
20 GB
5G |
See offer
Partner offer
|
|
|
Forfait SFR 80 Go 5G No contract |
Unlimited
Unlimited |
80 GB
5G |
||
 Série Spéciale Orange 20Go No contract |
Unlimited
Unlimited |
20 GB
4G |
See offer
Partner offer
|
|
|
Forfait B&You 300 Go 5G No contract |
Unlimited
Unlimited |
300 GB
5G |
See offer
Partner offer
|
|
 Forfait Free 350 Go 5G No contract |
Unlimited
Unlimited |
350 GB
5G |
See offer
Partner offer
|
|
|
Forfait SFR 200 Go 5G No contract |
Unlimited
Unlimited |
200 GB
5G |
||
|
Forfait Bouygues 130Go 5G No contract |
Unlimited
Unlimited |
130 GB
5G |
See offer
Partner offer
|
Non-exhaustive selection of mobile plans, sorted by lowest price first.
| French Phrase | English Definition | French Phrase | English Definition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Débloquer | Unlock (when referring to a phone) | Sans engagement | Phone plan without a contract, meaning you can end it at any time without penalty |
| Carte SIM | SIM card | Prépayé | Prepaid (pay-as-you-go) |
| Forfait | Phone plan | Sans engagement | Contract-free |
SIM card in France: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch from a prepaid SIM card to a postpaid plan in France?
Yes, many major French operators allow you to upgrade from a prepaid SIM to a no-contract (sans engagement) postpaid plan. You’ll typically need a French bank account and proof of identity/residence. Before switching, check whether your current number can be retained and whether any remaining credit or benefits from your prepaid plan will carry over.
Will my French prepaid SIM card work in other European countries?
If the plan includes EU roaming, you can use your French prepaid SIM card in other European countries. With a prepaid SIM from one of the main carriers, you can often make calls, send texts and use data in other EU/EEA countries at no extra charge. Always check your specific plan’s roaming terms and any data-use restrictions when abroad.
What should I do if my phone is locked or not compatible with French networks?
If your phone is brand-locked or lacks compatibility, you can buy a low-cost unlocked handset in France at electronics retailers or use a data-only eSIM until you obtain a compatible device.
How long can I keep a French prepaid SIM card if I leave the country?
Prepaid SIM cards often deactivate after a period of inactivity or when re-top-ups are not made. This period varies by provider (typically 3–6 months). If you plan to reuse the number later, keep topping up credit or switch to a plan that allows longer validity.