Paris, Nice, Lyon, the Loire châteaux — France involves a lot of travel, and almost everything is booked online: trains, museums, restaurants. You need data already at Charles de Gaulle to get to your hotel.
Networks and coverage
France has four operators — Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom and Free. Paris and big cities have excellent 4G and 5G, and most metro stations have coverage. Rural areas and mountains are weaker.
eSIM, local SIM or roaming
A local SIM is bought on arrival, roaming without a package is expensive, while an eSIM takes a minute to buy from home: the QR code arrives instantly and your main number stays on for calls and texts. Worth knowing in France:
- TGV and museum tickets (the Louvre, Versailles) are easy to keep on your phone.
- Planning one or two more European countries? The regional “Europe” eSIM is better value.
- Free city Wi-Fi exists, but often with registration and time limits.
How to prepare before you fly
- Check eSIM support: dial
*#06#— if you see an EID line, you're good. - Install the eSIM at home over Wi-Fi. For most plans the clock starts at the first connection abroad; the exact rule is on the plan card.
- Set the eSIM as your mobile data line and turn on data roaming for it.
- Turn off data roaming on your main SIM so it doesn't spend money.
Step by step, with videos: How to install an eSIM on iPhone and Android.
Trip tips
- In Paris, G7, Uber and Bolt work for taxis.
- The RATP app or your phone's map helps with the metro.
- Download an offline map if you head to the Alps or Provence.
The ALO eSIM app also has a translator and a map: ask for directions, explain yourself at a pharmacy, find a café nearby.