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Best eSIM for Paris: A complete buyer’s guide
Heading to the City of Love? You’ll need a way to stay connected and share all your updates and pictures from your trip. Here’s why you need an eSIM in Paris, and where you can buy one.
September 6, 2024
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Salut! Off to visit Paris? Lucky you! It’s sure to be the trip of a lifetime.
You’re likely already in planning mode—picking which sights you’ll see, where you’ll enjoy the best French delicacies, and how you’ll get around. But have you thought about how you’ll stay connected?
In this guide, we cover how you can secure a stable mobile internet connection in France, and where to buy the best eSIM for Paris that suits your needs.
Allons-y!
Unlimited data eSIM for Paris
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Where can I buy a Paris eSIM?
You can buy an eSIM for France whenever and wherever—be it weeks before your departure, right before takeoff, or after you land in Paris. Here are your options:
- You can find virtual SIM cards for Paris in online stores like Holafly. This way, you will have an internet connection from the moment you step on French soil.
- Local operators offer eSIM plans in physical stores throughout Paris. In this case, you may have additional requirements for verification purposes (proof of residence, photo ID, and more.)
Regardless of the purchasing method you choose, all you need for an eSIM to work is a compatible phone—which most newer smartphones are!
How to buy a tourist eSIM for Paris
Buying a tourist eSIM for Paris is the easiest way to use your cell phone in France. Start by choosing a provider and then decide whether to purchase online or from a physical store.
Most tourists prefer the simplicity of the online purchasing process. If you do too and want to shop digitally, follow these steps:
- Visit the Holafly online eSIM store
- Enter your destination (in this case, Paris)
- Select one of the available prepaid eSIM plans and complete the purchase
- Scan the QR code you receive via email and install your eSIM plan
- Activate your eSIM once you arrive in France
If you’re stuck on the last two steps and don’t know how to install and activate your eSIM for Paris, read on for a walkthrough.
Traveling alone to Paris? Read our guide to get tips on solo traveling for a safe trip to France!
How can I set up a Paris eSIM?
When comparing eSIMs and SIM cards, the simplicity of eSIM activation always comes on top. No need to exchange physical SIM cards or use any special tools—you just scan a QR code and you’re done!
For example, to buy and activate an Holafly eSIM card for Paris, you only need to follow these easy steps:
- Check if your phone is compatible with eSIMs.
- Select the Holafly eSIM Paris data plan on the Holafly website or app.
- Receive a QR code to install the prepaid eSIM data plan on your device.
- Scan the QR code with the device on which you will use the data plan.
- Give the eSIM a unique name to quickly tell it apart from your physical SIM card.
- Once you arrive in France, turn on data roaming on your device on that eSIM and turn off roaming on your physical SIM from home.
- You’re now connected to the internet and are good to share copious amounts of croissants to your social feeds.
We recommend you start the eSIM installation process in a place with a strong, stable, and safe WiFi connection.
Remember: You can install the data plan whenever you receive the QR code, but you can’t use the internet until you arrive in France.
While on the hunt for the best eSIM for your trip, don’t forget to plan your itinerary! Here are the best things to do in Paris in 2024!
Now that you know how simple it is to purchase and activate an eSIM, let’s have a look over the providers offering the best eSIMs for Paris and the data plans available for tourists visiting the capital of France.
What are the best Paris eSIMs?
Here are five of the best Paris eSIMs available on today’s market. We explore options from Holafly, WiFiMap, TravelSIM, Bouygues, and Orange.
1. Holafly eSIM card for Paris
Holafly is an online eSIM provider that features fully-customizable eSIM data plans for Paris and 200 other international destinations, such as Italy eSIM cards or the German eSIM.
Our offering also includes multi-country plans, like the European eSIM data plan, for travelers planning to tour the continent and visit different countries during the same trip.
The advantages of Holafly’s eSIM for Paris include:
- No need to change your SIM card.
- Keep your WhatsApp in your language.
- Keep your original phone number active.
- Easy installation and activation through QR code.
- 24/7 customer service team in more than five languages.
- Tethering / Hotspot 500 MB per day to share with friends and others.
- Unlimited data plans so you won’t run out of mobile data while traveling through Paris.
- High-speed data connection with 4G LTE/5G and network coverage supported by Orange.
How much does a Holafly virtual SIM card for Paris cost?
Holafly’s Paris eSIM is available with eight data plans to suit any vacation type—from a short five-day trip to a 90-day full-on cultural immersion.
With any of Holafly’s eSIM data plans for Paris, you will have unlimited data and 500 MB for data sharing per day.
Pricing ranges from $4.20 (USD) per day with the five-day plan to $1.50 per day with the 90-day plan.
Your prepaid French eSIM has you covered with data across all of France, so you can explore without worry.
2. WifiMap eSIM in Paris
Another online eSIM provider is WiFiMap. This provider has data plans for over 90 international destinations, including Paris.
Each of their plans comes with benefits such as:
- 30 days validity for eSIM
- Availability for other 90 destinations
- Mobile app download required for installation
- WiFi hotspots map documenting free Wi-Fi locations
WifiMap virtual SIM card price
WiFiMap doesn’t feature an unlimited data plan for France. They offer five eSIM Paris options with different amounts of data, ranging from 1 GB to 20 GB:
- Virtual SIM with 1 GB for 30 days at $4.99
- Virtual SIM with 3 GB for 30 days at $13.47
- VirtualSIM with 5 GB for 30 days at $19.95
- Virtual SIM with 10 GB for 30 days at $29.99
- Virtual SIM with 20 GB for 30 days at $49.80
WiFiMap doesn’t feature an unlimited data plan for France. They offer five eSIM Paris options with different amounts of data, ranging from 1 GB to 20 GB:
Please note that despite offering data packages, you will not be able to activate data tethering to share your mobile hotspot with other devices.
3. TravelSIM eSIM in Paris
TravelSIM initially offered only SIM card services but have recently added eSIMs to their portfolio.
With TravelSIM, you can enjoy benefits like:
- Adding credit to your eSIM for calls or messages
- Free local phone number
- Has offers for more than 130 destinations
- Compatible with Apple and Android phones
TravelSIM virtual SIM card price
TravelSIM features four data plans:
- Pay-as-you-go eSIM: starting at $6.00
- Digital SIM card with 5 GB: valid for 30 days, costs $18.00
- Digital SIM card with 25 GB: valid for 14 days, costs $39.00
- Digital SIM card with unlimited data: valid for 14 days, costs $54.00
The prices include a $6.00 fee that covers the eSIM; credit between 10 and 100 USD can be included with your eSIM for making calls while in France.
4. Bouygues Telecom eSIM in Paris
Bouygues Telecom is a French operator that offers affordable local eSIM data plans for tourists. As a local company, their primary focus is on long-term customers. However, they also have an option for travelers.
The benefits of using My European eSIM from Bouygues include:
- Data in Paris, nationwide, and other European destinations
- Data tethering with other devices (within daily limits)
- A tourist guide and travel tips in ten languages
- Unlimited calls and SMS within the city
You can buy a Bouygues Telecom virtual SIM card before you leave for France via their online store, or after your arrival from a physical store.
There are about 21 branches in the city and at any of them you will be asked for a valid ID and a compatible phone before purchasing your French eSIM.
Bouygues Telecom virtual SIM card price
The My European eSIM plan offered by Bouygues Telecom comes with 30 GB and a 30-day credit validity for €39.90 (approximately $42.41)
5. Orange Holiday Europe eSIM in Paris
Orange is a mobile network carrier that operates in several destinations in Europe, including France. You can buy the Orange France eSIM online or from a physical store in Paris.
With the Orange eSIM, you can enjoy benefits such as:
- Coverage in other European countries
- Minutes for calling from Europe
- A French phone number
- Data tethering
As for the presence of their physical stores in Paris, Orange has 20 stores you can look to buy your European eSIM from.
Orange Holiday Europe eSIM price
Orange offers multiple plans for France eSIMs, including:
- Holiday France 1 GB: €4.99 (approximately $5.5 USD), 7-day validity, calls not included
- Holiday France 12 GB: €15.99 (approximately $17.5 USD), 14-day validity, unlimited calls in France, 30 international minutes
- Holiday France 30 GB: €39.99 (approximately $44 USD), 14-day validity, unlimited calls in France, 120 international minutes
Oh là là! So many eSIM Paris options to choose from! Which one should you go for? Scroll for tips on how to decide.
Recommendations for choosing the best eSIM card for Paris
To make sure you’re choosing the best eSIM for your trip to France, we recommend you:
- Purchase an eSIM online through an online store like Holafly, which is much cheaper than those sold at the airport.
- Choose an eSIM with good coverage in Paris and with enough data for your day-to-day internet consumption.
- Purchase your eSIM before you leave for your trip to Paris.
- Read the instructions carefully when activating your eSIM.
- Keep an eye on your data usage if you don’t opt for an unlimited data eSIM.
If you’re unsure about whether to buy a SIM or an eSIM for your vacation in Paris, we help you decide in this final section.
Why go for an eSIM vs. a physical SIM card for Paris
An eSIM card is a more convenient option for people traveling internationally. There’s no question about it!
But, convenience is not all that’s to it. The advantages of buying an eSIM for Paris vs. a physical SIM card include:
- Easy purchase and activation process: you can purchase your eSIM from anywhere in the world. After you make your purchase, you will receive all the information you need for installing and activating your eSIM. It takes only a couple of minutes!
- No physical installation needed: an eSIM or virtual card is a device implanted in cell phones, so you won’t have to put in or take out this device physically.
- Eco-friendly: as an eSIM is a virtual card, it does not generate pollution in the environment
- No chance of loss or damage: the eSIM card is completely virtual, so you don’t have to worry about damaging or losing your ‘card.’
Check out our comprehensive Paris travel guide for ideas on places to visit, activities to take part in, dishes to try, things to wear, and a lot more!
Pack your bags, we’re going to Paris!
Cell phone providers and manufacturers are adopting eSIM technology as quick as you can say bonjour. Join the eSIM revolution with Holafly for your upcoming trip to the City of Love!
Our unlimited data plans will be by your side anytime you want to Facetime your loved ones to show them around Champs-Élysées, post your visit at the Louvre on your socials, or WhatsApp pictures of yourself holding the Eiffel Tower.
See you in Paris!
