- Basics: Understanding Prepaid SIM Cards in France
- Official Operator Websites
- Availability – Where to Buy Prepaid SIM Cards
- Frequencies & Compatibility
- Coverage & Speed
- At a Glance: Comparison of France’s Major Prepaid SIM Cards
- Biometric User Registration
- Understanding Prepaid Roaming Charges
- Device Registration
- Understanding Prepaid SIM Validity Periods
- Operator Apps (with Download Links)
- SIM Card Prices in France
- eSIM in France
- Orange France
- Availability
- Orange’s Most Budget-Friendly Mobile Plans
- Orange Unlimited Internet Prepaid Plans
- Orange Data Feature Packages
- For Social Media, They Offer
- Orange Data-Only SIM
- Orange Prepaid Packages for International Visitors
- Orange Student Discount Prepaid Plans
- SFR France
- Availability
- SFR Most Budget-Friendly Mobile Plans
- SFR Mobile Data Feature Packages
- For Social Media, They Offer
- SFR Data-Only SIM
- SFR Prepaid Packages for International Visitors
- SFR Student Discount Plans
- Bouygues Télécom
- Availability
- Bouygues Télécom’s Most Budget-Friendly Mobile Plans
- Bouygues Télécom Unlimited Internet Prepaid Plans
- Bouygues Télécom Data Feature Packages
- For Social Media, They Offer
- Bouygues Télécom Data-Only SIM
- Bouygues Télécom Prepaid Packages for International Visitors
- Student Discounts
- Free Mobile
- Availability
- Free Mobile’s Most Budget-Friendly Mobile Plans
- Free Mobile Data Feature Packages
- For Social Media, They Offer
- Free Mobile Data-Only SIM
- Free Mobile Prepaid Packages for International Visitors
- Tourist SIM Options in France
- Additional Info
- Testing Your Prepaid Internet Speed
- Buy SIM Cards Online with Home Delivery
- International Calling Rates
- Business Prepaid Accounts
- Setting Up Voicemail
- Cross-Border Usage
- Activation
- Check Remaining Balance
- Top-Up Methods
- Helpline Numbers
- Final Tips Before Buying a Prepaid SIM in France
- Conclusion
Staying connected is essential — and the best way to do that affordably is by getting a prepaid SIM card in France. Whether you’re a tourist, student, or business traveler, this comprehensive guide covers availability, prices, eSIMs, top operators (Orange, SFR, Bouygues Télécom, Free Mobile), and everything you need to know before buying one.
Basics: Understanding Prepaid SIM Cards in France
France offers prepaid SIM cards (“carte SIM prépayée”) for anyone who wants a no-contract mobile service. You pay upfront for calls, texts, and data — no monthly billing or commitments.
All major French mobile operators — Orange, SFR, Bouygues Télécom, and Free Mobile — provide reliable prepaid plans with 4G/5G coverage nationwide.
Official Operator Websites
| Operator | Official Website |
|---|---|
| Orange France | www.orange.fr |
| SFR France | www.sfr.fr |
| Bouygues Télécom | www.bouyguestelecom.fr |
| Free Mobile | mobile.free.fr |
Availability – Where to Buy Prepaid SIM Cards
You can easily buy prepaid SIM cards in:
- Airports – Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Orly, Nice, Lyon, Marseille.
- Official operator stores – Orange, SFR, Bouygues, and Free Mobile shops in major cities.
- Supermarkets & convenience stores – Carrefour, Auchan, Leclerc, Relay.
- Online stores – Official websites or Amazon France.
- Tourist information centers and train stations.
Frequencies & Compatibility
| Network | 2G | 3G | 4G/LTE | 5G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orange | 900 / 1800 MHz | 900 / 2100 MHz | 800 / 1800 / 2600 MHz | 3.5 GHz |
| SFR | 900 / 1800 MHz | 900 / 2100 MHz | 800 / 2600 MHz | 3.5 GHz |
| Bouygues | 900 / 1800 MHz | 900 / 2100 MHz | 700 / 1800 / 2600 MHz | 3.5 GHz |
| Free Mobile | N/A | 900 / 2100 MHz | 700 / 2600 MHz | 3.5 GHz |
✅ Tip: Ensure your phone supports European LTE Bands (especially Bands 3, 7, and 20) for the best connectivity.
Coverage & Speed
- Orange: Best nationwide coverage and fastest 5G.
- SFR: Strong 4G coverage, especially in southern France.
- Bouygues Télécom: Excellent suburban and rural performance.
- Free Mobile: Great value, improving 4G/5G coverage rapidly.
Average download speeds range 35 to 200 Mbps on 5G, depending on location.
At a Glance: Comparison of France’s Major Prepaid SIM Cards
| Operator | Starting Price | Data Allowance | Validity | eSIM | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orange | €9.99 | 10GB | 14–30 days | ✅ | Excellent |
| SFR | €10 | 10GB | 30 days | ✅ | Very Good |
| Bouygues Télécom | €9.90 | 20GB | 30 days | ✅ | Very Good |
| Free Mobile | €19.99 | 250GB | 30 days | ✅ | Good |
Biometric User Registration
All SIM card purchases in France require valid ID (passport or EU ID card). Biometric registration is not mandatory, but personal identification is legally required for activation.
Understanding Prepaid Roaming Charges
French prepaid SIMs include free EU roaming — you can use your data and minutes in all EU/EEA countries at no extra charge.
Outside the EU, roaming charges apply depending on the operator’s international tariff.
Device Registration
No need to register your phone in France unless you plan to stay over 6 months. Make sure your device is unlocked before arrival.
Understanding Prepaid SIM Validity Periods
Most prepaid SIMs in France are valid for 30 days, but top-ups can extend this:
- Orange: 6–12 months with periodic top-up.
- SFR/Bouygues: 3–6 months after the last recharge.
- Free Mobile: renew every month for continuity.
Operator Apps (with Download Links)
| Operator | App Name | Download |
|---|---|---|
| Orange et moi | Play Store / App Store | |
| SFR & Moi | Play Store / App Store | |
| Espace Client Bouygues Télécom | Play Store / App Store | |
| Free Mobile – Mon Compte | Play Store / App Store |
SIM Card Prices in France
- Basic SIM kits: €9.90 – €19.99
- Tourist SIMs (with data): €25 – €40
- Top-up cards: Available from €5 upwards.
eSIM in France
All major networks (Orange, SFR, Bouygues, Free) now support eSIM activation.
You can activate eSIM directly through operator apps or by scanning a QR code online.
Orange France
Availability
Available at Orange stores, Relay kiosks, airports, and online.
Orange’s Most Budget-Friendly Mobile Plans
- Mobicarte Mini: €9.99 with 10GB data, valid 2 weeks.
- Orange Holiday Zen: €19.99 for 8GB + EU roaming.
Orange Unlimited Internet Prepaid Plans
- “Orange Holiday Europe”: €39.99 – 20GB high-speed, unlimited calls/texts in EU.
Orange Data Feature Packages
Extra 5GB – €10 | 10GB – €20 | 30GB – €35
For Social Media, They Offer
Unlimited access to WhatsApp, Facebook & Instagram (with Holiday Europe plan).
Orange Data-Only SIM
From €19.99 (valid 30 days, 20GB).
Orange Prepaid Packages for International Visitors
“Orange Holiday Europe” – ideal for tourists visiting multiple EU countries.
Orange Student Discount Prepaid Plans
Special 10% data bonus for students (ID required).
Customer Support: +33 9 69 39 39 00
SFR France
Availability
SFR SIMs are available in airports, official shops, and supermarkets.
SFR Most Budget-Friendly Mobile Plans
- “SFR La Carte” – €10 includes 10GB, valid 30 days.
SFR Mobile Data Feature Packages
- Add 5GB for €5, 20GB for €15.
For Social Media, They Offer
Unlimited messaging on Messenger, WhatsApp.
SFR Data-Only SIM
- 50GB data – €30 (4G/5G).
SFR Prepaid Packages for International Visitors
- “SFR Welcome Pass” – 20GB, 30 days, unlimited EU calls.
SFR Student Discount Plans
- €5 discount on selected data packages.
Customer Support: +33 6 10 00 10 23
Bouygues Télécom
Availability
Sold at Bouygues shops, Relay points, and online.
Bouygues Télécom’s Most Budget-Friendly Mobile Plans
- €9.90 for 20GB, 30 days.
Bouygues Télécom Unlimited Internet Prepaid Plans
- “My European SIM”: €35 for 30GB + unlimited EU calls.
Bouygues Télécom Data Feature Packages
5GB – €5, 15GB – €10, 30GB – €20.
For Social Media, They Offer
Unlimited social media access on selected plans.
Bouygues Télécom Data-Only SIM
€19.90 for 40GB (4G/5G).
Bouygues Télécom Prepaid Packages for International Visitors
“My European SIM” – perfect for tourists traveling across Europe.
Student Discounts
Special bonus data during academic registration months.
Customer Support: +33 660 614 614
Free Mobile
Availability
Free SIM dispensers (“bornes Free”) available across France, including airports and shopping malls.
Free Mobile’s Most Budget-Friendly Mobile Plans
- €2/month (basic) or €19.99/month for 250GB 5G data.
Free Mobile Data Feature Packages
Extra 5GB – €5.
For Social Media, They Offer
Unlimited Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger access on the full plan.
Free Mobile Data-Only SIM
€19.99 – 250GB, EU roaming included.
Free Mobile Prepaid Packages for International Visitors
Best for long-stay visitors needing massive data.
Customer Support: +33 1044
Tourist SIM Options in France
| Operator | Plan | Price | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orange Holiday Europe | €39.99 | 20GB | 14 days | |
| SFR Welcome Pass | €25 | 20GB | 30 days | |
| Bouygues My European SIM | €35 | 30GB | 30 days |
All include EU roaming and unlimited calls within Europe.
Additional Info
Testing Your Prepaid Internet Speed
Use Speedtest.net or Fast.com.
Buy SIM Cards Online with Home Delivery
You can order through Amazon.fr or operator sites before arrival.
International Calling Rates
Average €0.10–€0.30/min to EU/USA, depending on plan.
Business Prepaid Accounts
Available through Orange and SFR for multi-line prepaid management.
Setting Up Voicemail
Dial 123 for voicemail setup (all networks).
Cross-Border Usage
All major French prepaid SIMs include free EU roaming — ideal for multi-country trips.
Activation
Most SIMs activate automatically after insertion. Some require online activation through the operator app or SMS confirmation.
Check Remaining Balance
| Operator | Code / App |
|---|---|
| Orange | #123# |
| SFR | #123# |
| Bouygues | #111# |
| Free Mobile | via app or online account |
Top-Up Methods
- Recharge online via app or website
- Purchase top-up vouchers from supermarkets, Relay stores, or tobacconists
- Minimum top-up: €5
Helpline Numbers
| Operator | Customer Care |
|---|---|
| Orange | 3900 / +33 9 69 39 39 00 |
| SFR | 1023 / +33 6 10 00 10 23 |
| Bouygues Télécom | 614 / +33 660 614 614 |
| Free Mobile | 3244 / +33 1044 |
Final Tips Before Buying a Prepaid SIM in France
- Ensure your phone is unlocked for European SIMs.
- Compare coverage maps before choosing your operator.
- Top up before expiry to keep your number active.
- eSIM is convenient if your device supports it.
- For short trips, Orange Holiday Europe is the best all-rounder.
Conclusion
France offers some of Europe’s best prepaid SIM options — from Orange’s reliable coverage to Free Mobile’s massive data plans. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a semester, you’ll find a plan to fit your budget and travel style.
Choose wisely, activate easily, and enjoy seamless 4G/5G connectivity across France and the EU.