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How to make calls in France with an eSIM card?
Are you traveling to France? Learn how to make calls with your eSIM card for France and enjoy your trip with no complications!
If you plan to travel to France and want to stay connected to the internet, it’s important to be aware of the latest technological alternatives. One of them is the eSIM, which has changed how we communicate. In the past, eSIM cards were mainly used to get international mobile data, but we’ll tell you how you can get the most out of them, not only to get internet in France but also to make calls.
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What is an eSIM?
An eSIM is a digital version of a traditional SIM card, offering enhanced convenience and flexibility for mobile users. Unlike physical SIM cards, which require manual installation and replacement, eSIMs are embedded within a device and can be activated remotely. This means you don’t have to mess around with swapping out physical cards, which is particularly advantageous for frequent travelers.
This technology facilitates a more streamlined process for purchasing mobile data plans. You can purchase and activate an eSIM directly from your devices or through online platforms without going to physical stores or carriers—no more waiting in line at the airport or hunting down a local SIM card.
Get an eSIM with calls to France
Need to stay connected while exploring France? An eSIM can be a game-changer.
But how do you make calls? There are a couple of possibilities, one more adapted for travelers and the other more common among local users. In summary, your options for calling with eSIM are as follows:
- First, you can get an eSIM plan with minutes. With this plan, you can call any number, just like with a regular SIM card. However, finding these plans in France can be tricky, and international call charges might apply.
- Second, use data-only eSIM plans. This means you rely on apps like WhatsApp or FaceTime for calls. While you can’t call traditional phone numbers, you can talk with anyone with the app. Data-only eSIMs are generally easier to find and offer more flexible data options.
How to call France using an eSIM with calling plans
When we talk about calls, we first think of dialing a number and talking to a person. We usually use minutes from our plan for this, but when traveling, it is different; roaming rates apply and are usually more expensive. If you are a frequent traveler, you can purchase an international calling plan with your carrier to reduce costs.
As we told you, the phone plans usually include local calls, so if you travel to France, another option is to buy a local eSIM. The problem in this case is the requirements and limitations each operator has for tourist customers. Likewise, if you use your operator’s eSIM or purchase an eSIM in France, the calling process is the same, which we will explain below.
Calling to landlines in France with eSIM
Calling a landline in France is similar to calling a landline at home. You just need to remember the country code and ensure you can make international calls with your eSIM without incurring high costs. You can read the steps below to do it without complications:
- Dial the international exit code: On mobile phones, it is “+” and on landlines, “00”.
- Enter French country code: For this destination, it is “33”
- Enter landline number: This is a unique combination of 10 digits where the first number indicates the area you are calling. We will explain more about this in the area codes.
French country code: +33.
French landline number: 01 23 45 58 99.
Example: +33 1 23 45 58 99. *The first 0 of the phone number is omitted as it is a call from outside France.
Calls to mobile numbers
In this case, the process is the same; the only difference is that the first digits of the phone number indicate which operator the line is from. They are no longer indicative of a zone in France. Beyond this information, you can dial in the same way you would dial a landline.
- Use the France country code (+33)
- Dial the mobile phone number: It is also a unique combination of 10 digits, to mobile phone services start with 06 or 07
Country code for France: +33.
France phone number: 06 23 45 58 99.
Example: +33 6 23 45 58 99. *We also omit the first 0 for calling outside France; the 6 indicates that it is a French phone number.
France area codes
Notably, any area code in France only indicates the region or city you are calling and does not affect how you dial a number. This happens in most European countries, so it may look familiar if you have already made calls with your eSIM to Germany or elsewhere.
Here are the area codes in France:
- Paris: 01
- Northwest France: 02
- Northeast France: 03
- Southeast France and Corsica: 04
- Southwest France: 05
Other numbers for mobile phone services may begin with 06 or 07. If they start with 08, they are special numbers for public, shared, and freephone services. Finally, 09 indicates virtual numbers for VoIP services.
Calling France using an eSIM with data plans
So far, you have seen how to call using plans with minutes, but if you find it complicated to contract one, don’t worry; there is another alternative. You can call using data thanks to applications such as WhatsApp or Skype, which have VoIP service. This acronym stands for voice over internet protocol, and basically, it uses an internet connection to make voice or video calls.
This means you can call France even if you do not have a French number. You just need to have one of these Apps installed, be connected to the internet, and make sure that the person you are calling has the same App as you. To clarify, here are some quick steps to call using data.
Steps to call France with data
- Install or open the App you will use to call (WhatsApp, FaceTime, Skype, etc).
- Add the mobile phone numbers you want to call to your contact list.
- Search for the contact you added to the VoIP app.
- Initiate the call with the Call button, usually a phone icon.
- Having an unlimited data plan is ideal for frequent calls.
Example of mobile number: +33 6 23 45 58 99
Holafly eSIM France with unlimited data for tourists
Using data with your local plan abroad also means incurring high roaming charges. This is where Holafly becomes relevant for travelers; thanks to its eSIM France, you can have unlimited data with easy tourist access.
Having unlimited data is especially good if you want unlimited calls to France. Using VoIP Apps, as long as you have data, you can make voice or video calls. Holafly packages for France range from 1 day to 90 days of use, with prices starting at $6.
Thanks to the network coverage of these eSIMs, you will have a good connection if you travel all over the country, with support from the best network, such as Orange, Altice, Iliad, or Free Mobile.
This combination of unlimited data and excellent coverage will keep you constantly connected during your trip. Regional solutions like the Europe eSIM offer the same benefits and more coverage even if you visit other countries on the continent.
What are the advantages of the Holafly France eSIM?
As we mentioned before, the Holafly prepaid eSIM card for France will let you enjoy numerous benefits that will improve your experience. In addition to browsing on your phone, you can share up to 500 MB per day with other devices through hotspots. When traveling in a group, this advantage is a lifesaver for those with you.
Holafly is dedicated to facilitating communication for travelers, which is evident in the simplicity and speed of its online store. The entire process of purchasing and installing an eSIM for France takes just minutes, and delivery is almost immediate. But that’s not all.
You’ll also enjoy 24/7 customer service to help you whenever needed. You can keep your WhatsApp number and browse at 4G/LTE/5G speeds, allowing you to enjoy a fast and excellent browsing experience.
Finally, you have many ways to pay, even if you are a tourist, including Pay By Bank for France, which is available on the Holafly mobile app.
>Keep calling while traveling to Europe with an eSIM<
Frequent questions
eSIM compatibility may vary depending on your device’s model and manufacturer. Many modern mobile phones support eSIM cards, but it’s essential to check your device’s specifications or check with your carrier to make sure you can use one.
They can usually be obtained through your mobile phone operator. You can visit a physical store or contact them to request an eSIM. There are also online options to purchase an eSIM from virtual operators or international mobile service providers.
Call roaming costs can range from $0.5/minute and up, while an eSIM with unlimited data starts at $6. The costs will depend on the plan and operator you choose. We recommend you compare the offers and prices of different operators to find the plan that fits your needs and budget.
To make calls with an eSIM, you don’t necessarily need an active mobile data connection. However, Internet calling (VoIP) services may require an Internet connection. Calling with data is an option that suits travelers, but you can also use roaming services for calls that do not require an Internet connection.
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Hi! Leoneska here, your guide to traveling connected. I'm a Venezuelan SEO content specialist with over four years of experience sharing tips and tricks for using mobile internet while traveling and making the most of your adventures. At Holafly, I take care of providing reliable and high-quality information to travelers like you. I hope you enjoy my content and find it useful!
