Mobile internet

Will my phone work in France?

While your phone will work in France, you'll need the right plan. Learn how to use your cell phone in France in various ways including a travel eSIM.

Yes, you can use your phone in France. This said, you can take some smart steps to ensure you get reliable cell service and data in France from the moment you land, from making sure your device is unlocked to choosing the right international plan.

Learn more about choosing to roam with your home carrier, a local French SIM card, a pocket WiFi device, or a travel eSIM, and how to be fully prepped to use your cell phone abroad and in other countries.

In this article

Can I use my cell phone in France?

Whether your phone works depends on who your home carrier is and where you bought your phone. The answer is almost always yes, you can use your phone as normal in France, but there are two critical factors to double-check.

Make sure your phone is unlocked

While illegal in the UK, many US cell phones are carrier-locked. If your phone is carrier-locked (to your home carrier), you won’t be able to use a local SIM card, eSIM, or pocket WiFi. Anything besides international roaming with your home provider plan won’t work.

To unlock and use your cell phone in France:

iPhone: Go to Settings → General → About → Scroll down until you find Carrier Lock → If you see “SIM Locked” your iPhone is locked. If you see “No SIM restrictions”, your iPhone is unlocked and ready to use an eSIM.
Android: Go to Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → Network Operators → Turn off Select automatically to view available operators. If you only see your carrier name, your phone is locked, but if you see names of several providers different from yours, your Android is unlocked.

Check frequency band compatibility

4G in France uses bands such as B1, B3, B7, B20, B28, while 3G in France uses B1 and B8 bands. 5G in France operates on the n28 (700 MHz), n78 (3.8 GHz), and n1 (2.1 GHz) bands.

UK phones will work with European bands, including France. Newer US phones are compatible with a wider range of frequencies, so you’ll only need to check if you have an older model.

Here’s our cheat sheet, including whether major carriers in the US and UK work in France:

Home country	Carrier	Will my phone work in France?
United States	AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon	Yes, but check it is unlocked and have older models checked for frequency bands.
United Kingdom	EE, O2, Three, Vodafone UK	Yes, it will work on French networks, and all models sold after 2021 are carrier-unlocked.

Will my phone work in Paris?

Yes, if your device is unlocked and supports France’s frequency bands, it will work in Paris as anywhere else in the country.

After confirming your device is unlocked and compatible with the frequency bands, the next step is to consider one of the four main ways to use your cell phone and get mobile internet in France for travellers.

Top tip: If you have a US phone charger, carry a plug adaptor (type C or type E) to fit French outlets.

How to use your cell phone in France

As a traveller in France, the main ways you can use your phone include a travel eSIM, international roaming, French SIM cards, and a pocket WiFi. Each option offers different advantages, depending on your data usage, minutes, and coverage needs.

eSIM for France

The easiest and most modern way to use your mobile abroad is with an eSIM. You won’t have to worry about SIM swapping, losing your home number, or long registration processes. One of the best options for tourists and travellers is Holafly’s eSIM for France.

Here are some reasons why:

Unlimited data plans and high-speed coverage – perfect for data-heavy apps like Google Maps
Instant activation via a QR code
Avoid roaming charges and unexpected fees
Keep your original number

The best part about Holafly’s eSIM for France is the flexibility. You can match your eSIM plan to your vacation, and the more days you add, the cheaper the daily price becomes.

Roaming in France

If you prefer sticking with your current provider and domestic plan on an international trip, you can use your home carrier’s international roaming services. Your cell phone connects to a local French carrier’s network. However, you’ll still be billed through your home carrier for data roaming, international allowances, including text messages, unlimited voice allowance, or unlimited calls. Unless you’re on an eligible roaming plan.

Depending on whether you’re on a data roaming-inclusive monthly plan or have a roaming add-on with daily fees, you can connect as soon as you land. However, this can be quite pricey as you’ll have to pay extra for eligible plans or roaming passes.

Does your home carrier provide international roaming plans for France? Find out in our telecom-specific articles below.

For the US:

For the UK:

Physical France SIM card

Another preferred option to get cell service in France is to purchase a local France SIM card once you arrive in person. You can buy a physical SIM card from local providers like Orange, SFR, or Bouygues Telecom.

A French SIM card vs an eSIM may sound like a good way to get local rates and reliable coverage in France. However, this comes with disadvantages such as swapping your SIM cards, changing your cell phone number, and sacrificing vacation time to find local SIM stores.

Pocket WiFi for France

A pocket WiFi device is a favorite choice for larger traveling or tourist groups who want to use their cell phones in France. It’s a small, portable hotspot that allows multiple devices, such as phones, laptops, or tablets, to share one connection.

The biggest advantage of pocket WiFi in France is that it’s great for heavy data usage. However, you’ll need to charge and carry an extra device. Plus, costs can add up with rental fees, deposits, and insurance.

A way to avoid this AND enjoy the flexibility of pocket WiFi is to opt for Holafly Plans. This is Holafly’s digital version of a pocket WiFi device, meaning there is no physical device to carry or charge! Yet, you get all the benefits of a traditional pocket WiFi device plus a little extra for travel abroad. Holafly Plans offers unlimited internet plans for only $64.90 per month, including unlimited data and hotspot plans.

Will your phone work in France? The verdict

The answer is yes, as long as your cell phone is unlocked, compatible with French networks, and you’ve got an international data plan in place.

While each method has its advantages, it’s safe to say the most convenient and cost-effective option is the Holafly eSIM for France. You can get:

Unlimited plans
High-speed data
Instant setup before you arrive

Keep your original number for calls and texts while enjoying a data plan, never worry about daily fees or roaming charges, and manage your plan easily from the Holafly app.

It’s truly the most reliable and stress-free way to stay connected on your visit to France and when traveling internationally.

If you’d like to know more about using your phone on your next trip abroad, check out our blogs on:

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Mahnoor Bangush

SEO Content Writer

Born and raised in Queens, New York, I'm a Psychology graduate with a passion for writing that I've been nurturing since 2019. Over the years, I've enjoyed creating meaningful content across various niches, including sports, hospitality, and career development. At Holafly, I focus on crafting useful and inspiring pieces to make your adventures more effortless. One of the best perks of this role? Creating travel content always seems to inspire my next vacation destination!

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