France eSIM
data from $2.59.

Buy a France eSIM from $2.59 for data only, and you land connected on SFR, Bouygues, Free Mobile or Orange, the four main French networks. There is no local number and no roaming bill. It suits Paris breaks, the Riviera, ski resorts and wine regions. Install it before you fly and switch it on at the airport.

Choosing an eSIM for France

What matters most is that the eSIM runs on the main French networks, carries enough data for your trip, stays valid for your dates and supports hotspot sharing if you need it. You also want to install it before you travel, so you are not hunting for Wi-Fi to activate it when you arrive.

If you are asking yourself what is the best eSIM for France, start with coverage and data size rather than brand names. An eSIM that connects to SFR, Bouygues, Free Mobile or Orange will work across cities, coast and mountains. Check your phone is eSIM compatible before you buy, and follow the install guide so the profile is ready before you fly. Hotspot is included, so you can share your connection with a laptop or a second device. Validity starts when you first connect in France, not when you buy, so you can order ahead. Data only means no local calls or texts, but apps like WhatsApp and FaceTime work over data.

Plans and prices for France

You can pick from six data sizes and four validity periods, with prices starting at $2.59. The table below shows the options.

All plans are data only. The 180 day option is available for longer stays; check the live price for that duration. Prices are shown in US dollars and update in real time when you choose a plan.

Networks and coverage in France

Your eSIM connects automatically to SFR, Bouygues, Free Mobile or Orange, whichever is strongest where you are. You do not need to pick a network manually.

In Paris, the metro and central districts are well covered by all four networks. Along the Riviera, from Nice to Cannes and Marseille, coverage is good in towns and on the coast. In ski resorts such as Chamonix, Val d'Isère and the Three Valleys, signal can vary with altitude and valley shape, but the main networks reach the resort centres. Wine regions like Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne have reliable coverage in towns and along main roads. 5G is available on all four networks where they have deployed it. Your phone will use 5G when available and drop back to 4G otherwise.

How much data you need

Match the data size to your trip length and how much you will use maps, messaging and video. The plans are built around common trip types.

• One week: 1GB for 7 days, enough for light maps and messaging.
• Two weeks: 3GB for 15 days, good for regular browsing and some social media.
• One month: 3GB for 30 days, a light option for a longer stay with Wi-Fi most of the time.

If you use your phone for navigation, photo uploads or video calls, go up a size. A 5GB or 10GB plan gives more headroom for a week or two of active use. For heavy use, such as streaming or working remotely, choose 20GB or 50GB. Hotspot sharing uses the same data allowance, so factor that in if you tether a laptop. There is no unlimited option, so pick a size above your estimate. You can top up later if you run low.

Install it before you fly

Install the eSIM while you have reliable home Wi-Fi, then switch it on when you land in France. This avoids needing a data connection to download the profile at the airport.

The install steps are simple: buy the plan, scan the QR code or use the manual details, and label the eSIM so you can tell it apart from your home SIM. Our guide to installing an eSIM on iPhone and Android walks you through it: /guides/install-esim-iphone-android. Before you buy, check your phone supports eSIM: /guides/is-my-phone-esim-compatible. Keep your home SIM in the phone for calls and bank codes, and set the eSIM as your mobile data line. When you arrive, turn off data roaming on your home SIM so you do not incur charges, and enable the eSIM. The plan validity starts when you first connect in France, not at purchase. That means you can install it days or weeks before you travel.

Calls, texts and your home number

This is a data only eSIM, so there is no French phone number and no calls or SMS included. You can still make calls using apps that work over data, such as WhatsApp, FaceTime, Signal or Skype.

Your home SIM stays in the phone for calls and for receiving bank verification codes. Set the eSIM as your data line and keep your home SIM for voice and SMS. If you receive a call on your home number, answer it on your home SIM; roaming charges may apply depending on your home plan. For outgoing calls, use a data based app to avoid international rates. This setup is common for travellers who need to stay reachable on their own number while using local data in France.

Questions travellers ask about France

Here are answers to the most common questions about using a France eSIM.

Is this eSIM data only?

Yes, the France eSIM is data only. There is no local phone number and no calls or SMS. You can use WhatsApp, FaceTime and other apps that work over data for calls and messages.

Can I make calls and use WhatsApp?

You can make calls and send messages through apps like WhatsApp and FaceTime using the eSIM data. Traditional phone calls and SMS are not included. Keep your home SIM active for calls and bank codes.

Does the eSIM support hotspot?

Yes, hotspot sharing is included. You can share your data connection with a laptop, tablet or another phone. The data used by connected devices counts towards your plan allowance.

When does the plan start?

The plan validity starts when you first connect to a network in France, not when you buy or install it. You can install the eSIM before you travel and activate it on arrival.

Can I top up if I run out of data?

Yes, you can top up your France eSIM if you need more data. Top ups are available through your Slashtel account. The new data is added to your existing plan.

Which phones support eSIM?

Most modern phones support eSIM, including iPhone XS and later, Google Pixel 3 and later, and many Samsung Galaxy models. Check our compatibility guide at /guides/is-my-phone-esim-compatible before you buy.