Mobile internet in France: What is the best option?

Many people around the world dream of visiting France at least once. This European country is full of cities and wonders that many people want to see. So if you will be traveling to France soon, don’t forget that connecting to the internet is something extremely important, either to remain connected to work or simply to share your trip on social media. 

That is why we have decided to talk through this article about the best alternatives to having cellular internet in France. You will learn about each of them, their advantages and disadvantages, as well as their costs. We assure you that when you finish reading this article you will know which is the best option for your trip. 

Mobile internet in France

As we already mentioned, having an internet connection on your cellphone is something important for your trip. And thanks to the evolution of communications today, this is something very easy to achieve, but that will surely not come at a cheap price. 

But don’t worry, below we will be talking about several alternatives with different features, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. Among the options that we will be talking about are: 

• Prepaid SIM card 
• eSIM cards 
• International roaming 
• Pocket WiFi
• Free WiFi

France internet providers

Each of the above-mentioned alternatives you can find them with different internet providers, which will offer you services to connect to the internet once you are in the country you are traveling to, in this case, France. So below we will be talking about each of the alternatives you have to get cellular internet, as well as the different providers with which you can acquire it. 

Prepaid SIM Card for France

Buying a prepaid SIM card with data for France is one of the best options you can choose, especially if you buy SIM cards before arriving in France, as you will have data when you land and you won’t have to worry about the internet to communicate, locate yourself or ask for transport. You’ll be able to buy them through online stores and receive them before your trip starts. 

However, you will also be able to purchase a SIM card once you arrive in France, through the different local operator stores, which will allow you to choose between different options and prices. However, make sure your arrive at a time when the store is open, otherwise you’ll have to wait until opening time to purchase and install it in order to have internet. So we will now discuss where you can purchase a SIM card either from an online store or from local operators. 

Orange in France

This local operator from France offers the travelers some Welcome travelers packages, there are three packages for 30 days, each with 3GB, 6GB, and 10GB. With it, you’ll be able to use your data in different destinations in Europe. After acquiring one of their SIM cards, just insert it into your device and it will automatically connect to the best local network.

SFR in France

When you are in France, you can find different SFR physical stores where you will be able to acquire a prepaid SIM card. They have the best 3G and 4G coverage. You’ll find different types of SIM cards, with different prices and amount of data. But something good about this shop is that you can top up the SIM cards. 

Holafly’s SIM card for France

In case you prefer acquiring your SIM card before starting your trip, Holafly has a physical SIM card that provides cellular data in France. Here are the prices and different plans of this prepaid SIM card:

Now, we will now inform you about the advantages and disadvantages of the SIM card in France.

Advantages of the Holafly SIM card for France

• In addition to France, this SIM card is suitable for use in 47 other countries in Europe.
• It includes a phone number, and you can use this number to receive calls.
• Support and technical help 24 hours a day through the online store chat.
• You can insert the SIM card upon landing, activate data roaming, and have internet. 
• You will be able to share cellular data with more cell phones, tablets, or smartwatches.

Disadvantages of the Holafly France SIM card

• You cannot make calls or send SMS.
• You’ll only use cellular data with this device.
• In some areas of France, the connection speed may drop to 3G.

International eSIM for traveling to France

Now, one of the cellular Internet alternatives that are gaining momentum among travelers is this new option, the eSIM for France. This new digital SIM card has changed the rules of the game completely and in a good way. The data eSIM does not need to be physically inserted into your phone. Just scan it and you are ready to use it and enjoy all that it has to offer to those who purchase the service.

The eSIM or virtual SIM card is usually sold in digital stores specializing in international cards. One of the best places to buy this type of SIM card is Holafly’s online store

Holafy’s eSIM for France

This online store is a pioneer of eSIMs. Their data eSIM is pretty good and offers a quality service, coupled with the rest of their benefits. Its eSIM for data in France has the following plans and prices:

Now that you know the prices and plans of the eSIM France to connect to the internet in this country, we will now tell you the advantages and disadvantages that you will get with this device.

Advantages of the Holafly eSIM for France

• You can easily configure this eSIM, thanks to the QR code that arrives in your email.
• High-speed connection on 4G LTE networks.
• You’ll receive help and technical assistance 24 hours a day from the Holafly team, whenever you need it.
• You can share data with more devices. 
• You’ll be able to use your eSIM and SIM at the same time. 

Some disadvantages of Holafly’s eSIM France

• It is an eSIM for cellularvdata only.
• It’s not a toppable eSIM.
• It has a specific expiration date, not extendable.
• Not all cell phones are compatible with eSIM technology.
• It does not have its own number, so it is not possible to make calls or SMS.

Roaming in France with your local operator

In case you prefer to have a connection you have already been connected to, like at home, let us tell you that this is quite possible thanks to international roaming. With this option, you will be able to keep cellular internet with your domestic operator. 

While this is one of the options that many travelers still prefer, you should know that it tends to be one of the most expensive alternatives, because depending on your operator, and the plan you have with them, you will have different benefits and usage costs. Below we will tell you a little about three operators that offer the option of international roaming. 

Telstra

This is a company based in Australia that allows its users to maintain an internet connection on their trips. You can choose from different plans and packages, but the most common one is the pay-as-you-go plan, the price of which varies depending on the destination but it is usually around $3 USD per MB. 

AT&T USA 

AT&T offers its users some ways for international roaming. The most common one is the pay-per-use data plan, with this plan you could have data usage at a price of $2.05 USD per MB. On the other hand, with AT&T International Day Pass, you can have unlimited high-speed data, make calls, and send and receive text messages. The price of this plan is $10 per day.

Vodafone

In the case of Vodafone, this operator also offers the same fee as you have in the UK if you have one of the Xtra Airtime Plans. But if your plan is unlimited and does not offer to roam in Europe, they will limit your data depending on the plan you have. But you could roam from $1.12 to $2.24 USD a day with their European roaming passes. 

Pocket Wifi for Internet in France

To have internet in France, there is another option that you can take everywhere. The pocket WiFi is a portable device to have an internet connection and is able to share cellular data with other devices. However, buying or renting a pocket WiFi is quite expensive. Moreover, it is impractical because you will have to carry this electronic device with you at all times.

Travelers WiFi is a Swiss-born company and you can purchase their service for around $80,23 USD, for a whole week. One of the company’s great features is the price of deliveries. With prices ranging from $5,69 to $34,03 USD. Finally, it is important to remember that the company charges a penalty of 159,32 dollars in the event of losing one of its devices. 

Cello Mobile is the company of choice for Americans who want to travel and keep a Pocket Wi-Fi with them in France. The price for a one-week rental of the Pocket Wi-Fi is $104.93 plus $30 for shipping. The last thing a person should know before signing up for the Cello Mobile service is that they will have to pay a penalty in case of loss. If the equipment is lost before it is returned, the penalty will be $75.

Free WiFi

This is the best-known option compared to the others, so it is not necessary to go into a deeper explanation. A free WiFi hotspot will allow you to access the Internet without having to spend a dime, the problem occurs when connecting, the quality and speed are not always the best.

Also, France is a country very well connected to the Internet from its town squares, libraries, museums, and more, it will not be difficult to find a free wifi hotspot. However, while some WiFi hotspots may be better than others, none of them promise you security and privacy.