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Best eSIM For France
Nov
From Paris to Bordeaux, stay connected across France with the right eSIM for your adventure.
Finding the Perfect eSIM for Your France Trip
From the iconic landmarks of Paris to the sun-drenched vineyards of Bordeaux, France offers a travel experience like no other. But to share those moments, navigate city streets, and book reservations, you need a reliable internet connection.
Relying on spotty public wifi is a gamble, and using your home provider’s data roaming can lead to shocking roaming fees. While buying a local physical SIM card is an option, it often involves wasting precious vacation time in a store, navigating language barriers, and dealing with registration.
This is why savvy travelers are embracing esim solutions. An eSIM (or embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card built into your phone that lets you download a data plan and connect instantly upon arrival. It’s cheaper, faster, and far more convenient.
As travel tech experts, we’ve tested over 15 providers to find the best esims for your trip to France. While many options exist, one provider consistently stands out for its blend of performance, price, and premium features.
Our Top Pick: eSIM4
For the best all-around experience in France, we recommend eSIM4. It combines a top-tier network, transparent pricing, and powerful features that go beyond simple data access, ensuring you’re connected the moment you land.
Why eSIM4 is Our #1 Choice for France
- Premium Network: eSIM4 runs on the Orange network, one of France’s largest and most reliable carriers, ensuring you get strong 4G and 5G speeds in cities and countryside alike.
- Go Beyond Data: Unlike most data-only eSIMs, eSIM4 offers the Yabb app (owned by eSIM4) that transforms your service. You can make and receive phone calls and sms.
- Instant Connection: Receive your eSIM QR code by email instantly after purchase. You can install your esim at home before you fly, and it will esim automatically activate your plan when you land in France.
- No Hidden Fees & Big Savings: With clear, upfront pricing, you’ll never be surprised by a hidden fee, giving you peace of mind. Travelers can save up to 51% compared to traditional roaming.
- Trusted Service: With 24/7 support from their customer support team and a user base of over 100,000 global travelers, eSIM4 is a reliable and proven choice.
- Hotspot Included: Use your data to share connectivity with travel companions – hotspotting is allowed on all eSIM4 plans.
Quick Comparison: Top eSIM Providers for France
Snapshot of the leading eSIM options for France in 2025. Use this table to shortlist your go-to eSIM.
| Rank | Provider | Rating | Network Partner |
Plans Available |
Starting Price |
Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ⭐ eSIM4 | 4.9/5 | Orange | 6 options | $6.30 | Best overall value & calls |
| 2 | Saily | 4.7/5 | Major networks | 6 options | $3.79 | multiple european countries |
| 3 | Airalo | 4.7/5 | Orange | 6 options | $4.50 | Short stays |
| 4 | Jetpac | 4.6/5 | Major networks | 5 options | $1.00 | Budget / affordable data plans |
| 5 | aloSIM | 4.5/5 | Major networks | 6 options | $4.50 | Local calls/texts |
| 6 | Nomad | 4.4/5 | Orange / SFR | 5 options | $4.50 | Simplicity |
| 7 | Holafly | 4.2/5 | Major networks | Unlimited only | $6.90 | Unlimited data |
| 8 | GigSky | 4.1/5 | Major networks | 7 options | $3.74 | Plan variety |
| 9 | Roamless | 4.0/5 | Major networks | Pay-as-you-go | $3.95/GB | Non-expiring data |
| 10 | Instabridge | 4.0/5 | Major networks | 4 options | $2.00 | Wi-Fi map integration |
| 11 | BNESIM | 3.9/5 | Major networks | 5 options | $1.63 | All-in-one features |
How to Choose the Right eSIM for France
While eSIM4 is our top pick, we know every traveler is different. Based on our 2,400+ hours of testing, here are the key factors to consider when comparing any eSIM for data. These are all prepay plans, so you only pay for what you choose upfront.
Key Decision Factors
| Factor | What to Consider | Why This Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Data Amount | How much data do you really need? Browsing and maps use little, while streaming and hotspots use a lot. | It’s often better to overestimate slightly or choose a provider that lets you easily top up your esim if you run low. |
| Plan Validity | Match your plan’s validity period (e.g., 7, 15, or data for 30 days) to your travel duration. | A 30-day plan is useless if you’re only in Paris for a weekend. |
| Coverage | Check which local network the eSIM uses. A provider on the Orange or Bouygues network (like eSIM4) is a safe bet. | All providers work well in cities, but rural coverage varies. Orange has one of the best networks. |
| Price Per GB | Don’t just look at the total price. Calculate the cost per gigabyte to find the true value. | A $20 10gb of data plan ($2/GB) is a much better deal than a $10 3GB plan ($3.33/GB). |
| Calling & Texting | Most eSIMs are data-only. Do you need a real phone number to make local calls? | Only specialized providers like eSIM4 (with Yabb) or aloSIM offer local calling features. Others rely on apps like whatsapp. |
| Internet Speed | Look for an esim that provides 4G/LTE or 5G in France. | This ensures fast loading times and smooth navigation. |
Top eSIM Providers for France
Here is a detailed breakdown of our top picks for France, including our featured provider, eSIM4.
eSIM4
Best overall value & calls
For the best all-around experience in France, we recommend eSIM4. It combines a top-tier network, transparent pricing, and powerful features that go beyond simple data access, ensuring you’re connected the moment you land. It runs on the Orange network, one of France’s largest carriers, and includes call/SMS capability via the app (Yabb).
eSIM4 Plans for France
| Data | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | 7 Days | $8.10 $6.30 |
| 2 GB | 15 Days | $10.80 $8.40 |
| 3 GB | 30 Days | $12.60 $9.80 |
| 5 GB | 30 Days | $19.80 $15.40 |
| 10 GB | 30 Days | $28.80 $22.40 |
| 20 GB | 30 Days | $42.30 $32.90 |
How to Get Your eSIM & Connect in 3 Steps
1. Purchase Your eSIM Data Pack: Choose your plan and buy an esim from anywhere in the world. You’ll receive an email with your eSIM details instantly.
2. Receive Activation Details: You’ll get a QR code via email and WhatsApp (along with manual instructions) to activate your eSIM.
3. Install And Activate: Scan the QR code to set up your new esim before your trip. Once you land in France, simply enable the data plan in your phone’s settings to get online.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Runs on the premium Orange network
- Includes phone calls and sms via Yabb app
- Instant activation
- Save up to 51% vs. roaming
- 24/7 support
- Hotspot included
Cons
- Not the absolute cheapest starting price
- Requires app for calls/SMS
Saily
Best for Multi-Country European Trips
Saily is a reliable service that’s especially good if your trip isn’t just limited to France but covers multiple european countries. It offers a user-friendly app and includes privacy features like a virtual location. Its regional and global plans are flexible, though it doesn’t offer pay-as-you-go options.
Saily France Plans & Pricing
| Data | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | 7 Days | $3.79 |
| 3 GB | 30 Days | $8.54 |
| 5 GB | 30 Days | $11.39 |
| 10 GB | 30 Days | $18.99 |
| 20 GB | 30 Days | $30.39 |
| Unlimited | 15 Days | $47.49 |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Great for regional travel
- Budget-friendly
- Intuitive app
Cons
- No pay-as-you-go plans
- Data-only
Airalo
Best for Short Stays and Flexibility
Airalo is one of the most popular eSIM brands, known for affordable data plans and short-term options. It partners with Orange for 5G access in France. While most of its local plans are data-only, its “Discover+” global plans do support calls and texts, making it a flexible choice.
Airalo France Plans & Pricing
| Data | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | 7 Days | $4.50 |
| 2 GB | 15 Days | $6.00 |
| 3 GB | 30 Days | $7.50 |
| 5 GB | 30 Days | $10.00 |
| 10 GB | 30 Days | $16.00 |
| 20 GB | 30 Days | $23.50 |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Global plans offer calls/texts
- Wide regional coverage
- Easy setup
Cons
- Local French plans are data-only
- No unlimited data options
Jetpac
Best for Budget-Conscious Travelers
If your main goal is to get the most data for the lowest price, Jetpac is a fantastic choice. It often runs introductory offers for new users (like $1 for 1GB) and provides high-speed 5G access. It is a data-only service, so you’ll need to use apps for communication.
Jetpac France Plans & Pricing
| Data | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | 4 Days | $1.00 |
| 3 GB | 7 Days | $5.00 |
| 5 GB | 30 Days | $7.00 |
| 10 GB | 30 Days | $12.00 |
| 40 GB | 30 Days | $35.00 |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Extremely low-cost plans
- 5G support
- Simple activation
Cons
- Data-only (no calls/SMS)
- No unlimited options
aloSIM
Best for Local Calls & Texts
Like eSIM4, aloSIM is one of the few providers that offers call and text capabilities. Each plan comes with a free phone number (via its partner app, Hushed) and a small starting credit. If having a local number is critical for you, this is a strong alternative.
aloSIM France Plans & Pricing
| Data | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | 7 Days | $4.50 |
| 2 GB | 15 Days | $7.50 |
| 5 GB | 30 Days | $14.00 |
| 10 GB | 30 Days | $23.00 |
| 20 GB | 30 Days | $36.00 |
| Unlimited GB | 10 Days | $35.00 |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- All plans support calls/SMS
- 5G available
- Competitive pricing
Cons
- Requires a separate app (Hushed) for calls/texts
Nomad
Best for Simplicity and First-Time Users
Nomad offers a clean, simple, and user-friendly experience, making it great for anyone new to eSIMs. It partners with top French networks (Bouygues, Orange, SFR) for 5G. While it’s data-only, its plans are flexible and include daily options, though speeds are throttled after your daily high-speed limit is hit.
Nomad France Plans & Pricing
| Data | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | 7 Days | $4.50 |
| 3 GB | 30 Days | $9.00 |
| 5 GB | 30 Days | $12.50 |
| 10 GB | 30 Days | $16.00 |
| 20 GB | 30 Days | $20.00 |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Simple QR code activation
- Flexible daily and monthly plans
- 5G support
Cons
- Data-only
- No unlimited or true pay-as-you-go plans
Holafly
Best for Unlimited Data
If you’re a heavy data user who plans to stream, upload videos, or work, Holafly is your go-to. It offers unlimited data on all its plans, so you never have to worry about running out. The trade-off is that data sharing (hotspot) is limited to 500MB per day, and it’s data-only.
Holafly France Plans & Pricing
| Data | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unlimited | 1 Day | $6.90 |
| Unlimited | 3 Days | $12.90 |
| Unlimited | 10 Days | $36.90 |
| Unlimited | 30 Days | $74.90 |
| Unlimited | 90 Days | $139.90 |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- True unlimited data
- Plans from 1 to 90 days
- 5G support
Cons
- Hotspot/data sharing is very limited
- No calls/SMS
- More expensive
GigSky
Best for Plan Variety
GigSky offers an impressive range of plans, from small fixed-data options to unlimited plans. It even offers a free 100MB plan for new users to test the service. Its unlimited plans do slow down after 2.5GB of daily use, but unlike Holafly, there are no data-sharing limitations.
GigSky France Plans & Pricing
| Data | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | 7 Days | $4.99 |
| 3 GB | 15 Days | $9.34 |
| 5 GB | 30 Days | $14.02 |
| Unlimited | 1 Day | $3.74 |
| Unlimited | 7 Days | $21.74 |
| Unlimited | 30 Days | $56.24 |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Fixed and unlimited plans
- Free trial plan (100MB)
- Offers cruise/in-flight plans
Cons
- Unlimited plans are throttled after 2.5GB/day
- Data-only
Roamless
Best for Pay-As-You-Go
Roamless is perfect for the infrequent traveler or someone who wants ultimate flexibility. It’s a true pay-as-you-go service: you add credit to your wallet, and your data never expires. This is ideal if you’re not sure how much data you’ll need or if you visit Europe multiple times a year.
Roamless France Plans & Pricing
| Data | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 500MB | Doesn’t expire | Free (New Users) |
| 1 GB | Doesn’t expire | $3.95 |
| 5 GB | Doesn’t expire | $10.95 |
| 10 GB | Doesn’t expire | $17.45 |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Data never expires
- Pay only for what you use
- Supports in-app calls
- Free trial
Cons
- No unlimited data bundles
- In-app calls only
Instabridge
Best for Wi-Fi Map Integration
Instabridge offers both fixed data plans and pay-as-you-go options at competitive prices, with plans from 1gb to 50gb. Its standout feature is an integrated Wi-Fi map that helps you find free Wi-Fi hotspots, allowing you to save your mobile data usage. It’s a great two-in-one solution for staying connected.
Instabridge France Plans & Pricing
| Data | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | 7 Days | $2.00 |
| 3 GB | 15 Days | $4.50 |
| 10 GB | 30 Days | $12.00 |
| 50 GB | 7 Days | $16.00 |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Fixed and pay-as-you-go plans
- Built-in Wi-Fi map
- Simple one-click install
Cons
- Limited number of fixed plans
- No live chat support
- Data-only
BNESIM
Best for All-in-One Features
BNESIM is more than just an eSIM; it’s a full communications suite. Beyond its incredibly cheap data plans (both fixed and pay-as-you-go), it offers physical SIMs, international esim numbers, a built-in VPN, and even portable Wi-Fi devices.
BNESIM France Plans & Pricing
| Data | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | 30 Days | $1.63 |
| 3 GB | 30 Days | $4.71 |
| 5 GB | 30 Days | $7.65 |
| 10 GB | 30 Days | $14.65 |
| 20 GB | 30 Days | $28.64 |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Extremely affordable plans
- 30-day validity on all plans
- Tons of extra features (VPN, etc.)
Cons
- Can be overwhelming for new users
Best eSIM For France: My Verdict
While eSIM4 is my top pick, there are specific scenarios where other esim solutions might suit your needs better:
When to Choose Other Providers
- Budget Conscious: If you need absolute minimum spend, Instabridge at $2.00/GB or Jetpac at $1.00/1GB are the cheapest esim options.
- Phone Number Needed: If you require a phone number for phone calls and sms, aloSIM is the best esim card for france that includes this feature.
- Unlimited Data: For heavy streaming and unlimited browsing, Holafly esim offers specialized unlimited data plans.
- Non-Expiring Data: If you want good data to carry over between trips, Roamless offers the best esim option with data that never expires.
- Maximum Security: Saily provides premium security features if privacy is your top priority for your travel esim.
However, for the vast majority of travelers planning a trip to France, we recommend eSIM4. It delivers the perfect balance of high-speed data on a top-tier network, a wide range of plans, and the unique, powerful ability to add calls and SMS. You get the best esim functionality without compromising on speed, support, or value.
Get eSIM4 For France →Benefits of Using an eSIM In France
Using an eSIM card for france for your trip offers numerous advantages over traditional physical SIM cards and international roaming. Here are the key benefits that make eSIM the smart choice for travelers heading to France:
Why Choose eSIM for Your France Trip?
- Instant Activation: No need to buy or wait for a physical card. Activate your esim data plan instantly from anywhere before you land.
- Multiple Plans: Enjoy a variety of data plans for France with fixed data plans or unlimited options to suit your travel needs and data allowance.
- Cost Savings: Avoid expensive international roaming fees. eSIM4 and other esim providers offer significantly cheaper rates than home carrier roaming.
- Easy Switching: Manage your esims and switch between providers without changing physical cards. esim is easy to use and flexible.
- Local Coverage: Enjoy reliable connectivity in france with best coverage from Orange, SFR, and Bouygues through leading esim companies.
- Environmental Friendly: No plastic waste from physical SIM cards – eSIM is a sustainable travel esim option.
- Reliable Connection: Stay connected in France with reliable esim options that ensure you don’t run out of data mid-trip.
- 24/7 Support: Most esim providers offer round-the-clock customer support team help if you experience any issues.
How To Make Calls With eSIM In France
Most travel esim options like eSIM4 provide data-only plans, which means you’ll use internet-based calling apps like whatsapp to make phone calls while heading to France. However, there’s also a dedicated solution specifically designed for calling with your eSIM: Yabb.
Using Yabb for International Calls with Your eSIM
Yabb is owned by eSIM4 and provides a seamless way to make international calls using your eSIM data connection. With Yabb, you can:
Yabb Calling Features
- Pay As You Go: Purchase calling minutes as you need them with flexible calling packages.
- Clear Call Quality: Enjoy crystal-clear quality connections for your calls.
- Call Anywhere: Make calls using your data to friends and family on any landline or mobile, no matter where you are in France.
- Multiple Countries: Call to 200+ countries worldwide to stay in touch with family.
- No Hidden Fees: Transparent pricing with no surprise charges or contracts.
- Download the App: Available on both iPhone App Store and Google Play.
Yabb integrates perfectly with your eSIM4 data plan, allowing you to make calls using your data plan without relying solely on WhatsApp, FaceTime, or other apps. This is especially useful if you need to call local French numbers for bookings, reservations, or emergencies while travelling in France.
Learn More About Yabb Calling →How To Send Text Messages With eSIM
Sending text messages internationally is easy with eSIM, and if you’re using eSIM4, you have the option to use Yabb for SMS messaging as well. Most esim providers offer data-only plans, but Yabb provides a dedicated SMS service that works perfectly with your travel esim setup.
Yabb SMS Messaging Service
Yabb allows you to send and receive text messages to 200+ countries, making it ideal for staying in touch with family while you’re using data from your eSIM in France. Here’s what you need to know:
Yabb SMS Features
- Pay As You Go: Purchase different esim data packages as needed – from 100 SMS credits to 5000+ credits.
- Flexible Packages: Choose from various SMS credit options without committing to contracts.
- Global Coverage: Send text messages to friends and family across 200+ countries.
- Text Anywhere: Send and receive SMS messages from anywhere in France using your eSIM.
- No Hidden Fees: No hidden charges or surprise fees – what you buy is what you get.
- Receive Messages: Get text messages to your Yabb number included with your SMS credit package.
When you’re travelling in France with an eSIM4 data plan, having Yabb SMS as a backup ensures you can always reach out to friends, family, or make important reservations via text message. This combination of esim data and SMS service gives you complete connectivity without relying solely on data-dependent messaging apps.
Learn More About Yabb SMS →Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is an eSIM and how does it work?
An eSIM is a digital SIM card embedded directly into your phone. Instead of a physical chip, you receive a QR code (or in-app activation) that downloads a data plan onto your device. You can store multiple eSIM plans and manage your esims right from your phone’s settings.
Is my phone compatible with an eSIM?
Most modern smartphones released since 2018 are eSIM-compatible. This includes iPhone 11 and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, and Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer models. It’s always best to go to settings on your phone (look for “eSIM” or “Add Cellular Plan”) or consult your device manufacturer to be sure.
Can I keep my original phone number while using an eSIM?
Yes, absolutely. This is one of the biggest benefits of an eSIM. You can use your eSIM for mobile data in France while keeping your physical SIM (from your home provider) active for receiving calls and texts to your regular number. Just be sure to turn off “Data Roaming” on your home SIM to avoid charges.
What happens if I run out of data?
Most eSIM providers, including eSIM4, make it easy to top up your esim. You can typically purchase the plan or add data directly via the app or website, and it will be added to your existing eSIM profile.
Can I use my France eSIM in other European countries?
It depends on the plan. The local France plans (like the ones from eSIM4) are generally for France only. However, most providers in this list (like Saily, Airalo, and Nomad) also offer regional “Europe” plans that cover France and many multiple european countries. If you are visiting multiple european countries, a regional global esim plan is usually the most cost-effective choice.
