Stay connected from Paris to the Riviera with an eSIM that activates in minutes. No SIM swaps, no roaming bills.
Land in France already online
Imagine stepping off the train at Gare du Nord and your phone is already connected, maps loading, café reservations confirmed. With a France eSIM you skip the airport SIM queues and roaming shock entirely.
Why use an eSIM in France
An eSIM is a digital SIM you install before you fly. The moment you land, mobile data just works. No plastic card to lose, no swapping anything out, and your home number stays put for calls and texts.
France has excellent mobile infrastructure. The main carriers are Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom, and Free. Our eSIM connects to leading local networks for fast, reliable 4G/5G coverage.
Paris — dense 5G across the city and metro
Lyon — strong coverage in the centre and Part-Dieu
Marseille — reliable 4G/5G along the coast
Rural areas and mountain regions like the Alps are well served on 4G, though signal can dip in deep valleys.
How to get connected
1. Buy your France eSIM online and check out in seconds
2. Install by scanning the QR code we email you (Wi-Fi needed once)
3. Activate data roaming for the eSIM line when you arrive and you're online
How much data do you need
Light (maps, chat, email): 1–3 GB for a short city break
Medium (social, browsing, some video): 5–10 GB for a week
Heavy (streaming, hotspot, remote work): 20 GB or unlimited
French cafés, hotels and museums often have Wi-Fi, so a mid-size plan covers most travellers.
Good to know
Currency: Euro (EUR, €)
Capital: Paris
Language: French
Time zone: CET (UTC+1), CEST in summer
Don't miss: the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Mont-Saint-Michel
FAQ
Is my phone compatible?
Most recent phones support eSIM, including iPhone XS and later, Google Pixel 3 and later, and Samsung Galaxy S20 and later. Check Settings for an "Add eSIM" option.
When should I install it?
Install at home over Wi-Fi before you travel. You can set activation to start when you arrive in France, so no data is wasted early.
Can I keep WhatsApp and my number?
Yes. WhatsApp is tied to your phone number, not the eSIM. Keep your physical SIM active and WhatsApp works exactly as before, using eSIM data.
Yes. France fully supports eSIM technology with excellent coverage nationwide, so a HelloSIM eSIM gets you online as soon as you arrive.
Is my phone eSIM-compatible for France?
Phones like iPhone XS/XR and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, and Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer support eSIM. Your phone must also be carrier-unlocked; check your settings for an Add eSIM option.
Which networks does HelloSIM use in France?
HelloSIM connects through major French operators such as Orange, SFR and Bouygues Telecom via local partners, so your phone uses the strongest available signal.
How do I buy and set up a France eSIM?
Buy on HelloSIM and get a QR code by email. Open your cellular settings, choose Add eSIM, scan the code, and it installs within a minute.
How do I install the eSIM on an iPhone for France?
Go to Settings, then Cellular, then Add eSIM, then Use QR Code, scan the HelloSIM code, and select the line for your data.
How do I install the eSIM on an Android phone?
Open Settings, then Network and internet, then SIMs, then Add eSIM, scan the QR code and follow the on-screen steps. Wording varies slightly by brand.
Should I activate my eSIM before or after arriving in France?
Install it before you fly on Wi-Fi; many plans only start when they first connect to a French network, so you can land ready to go. Confirm the activation terms at checkout.
Will I have internet at Charles de Gaulle or Orly airport?
Yes. Paris airports CDG and ORY have strong 4G and 5G, so your eSIM should connect right after you turn off airplane mode and enable the line.
Is 5G available in France?
Yes, 5G covers Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Nice, Toulouse, Bordeaux and many other cities, with 4G LTE nearly everywhere else. HelloSIM uses 5G where your phone and location support it.
How much data do I need for a week in France?
Around 3 to 5 GB covers light use like maps and messaging, while 10 to 20 GB or an unlimited-style plan suits heavy streaming and daily navigation.
Does the eSIM work in the Paris Metro?
Yes, most Paris Metro stations and lines now have mobile coverage, though the signal can drop briefly in some tunnels between stations.
Can I use my France eSIM in other EU countries?
A Europe regional plan covers France plus much of the EU, which is great if you are also visiting Spain, Italy, Germany or Belgium. A France-only plan works within France only.
Does the eSIM cover Corsica?
Yes, mainland France plans generally cover Corsica since it is part of France; coverage is good in towns like Ajaccio and Bastia, with occasional gaps in the mountainous interior.
Does the France eSIM cover overseas territories like Guadeloupe or Martinique?
Usually not, because French overseas departments are treated separately. Check the coverage list; you may need a dedicated regional or Caribbean plan for those.
Does the France eSIM include calls and texts?
HelloSIM travel eSIMs are data-only, so use WhatsApp, FaceTime, Signal or similar apps for calls and messaging over data.
Can I keep my home number active in France?
Yes. Keep your home SIM or eSIM in the phone for calls and texts, and let the HelloSIM eSIM handle data. Turn off roaming on your home line to avoid fees.
Can I tether or use a hotspot in France?
Yes, hotspot and tethering are supported, so you can share data with a laptop or tablet. Tethered data counts toward your plan allowance.
Do I need to set the APN manually?
Usually not, because the APN configures automatically. If data will not connect, HelloSIM gives you the correct APN to enter under cellular settings.
Do I need data roaming turned on?
Yes, switch on data roaming for the HelloSIM line. It is needed to connect to French partner networks and does not add charges on your travel plan.
What if I run out of data in France?
Top up or buy a new bundle in your HelloSIM account and it applies to the same eSIM instantly, with no reinstall needed.
How do I top up my France eSIM?
Log in to HelloSIM, choose a top-up or new plan, and it activates on your existing eSIM without a new QR code.
How fast is mobile data in France?
On 4G you will typically get smooth streaming and video calls, and 5G in cities can exceed 100 Mbps, plenty for maps, social media and work.
Do I need to register or show ID for the eSIM?
No. HelloSIM eSIMs require no local registration or ID in France; just install and connect.
Can I install the France eSIM before leaving home?
Yes, install over Wi-Fi in advance so it is ready; it activates on first connection to a French network or on the start date shown at purchase.
What is the emergency number in France?
Dial 112 across France for any emergency; you can also use 15 for medical (SAMU), 17 for police and 18 for fire. 112 works even without an active plan.
Will the eSIM work on the TGV and regional trains?
Yes, you will generally have coverage on French trains, though high-speed TGV routes pass through rural stretches and tunnels where the signal may briefly drop.
Can I use Google Maps and rideshare apps in France?
Yes. Data works well for navigation, Uber, Bolt and public-transport apps across French cities and highways.
Is one eSIM enough for two people?
Each phone needs its own eSIM, but one person can share data with another via hotspot to cut costs on a trip.
What plan validity options are there for France?
Plans usually run from a few days up to 30 days; pick one matching your trip, as validity typically starts at activation.
Do leftover data and days carry over?
No. Unused data and validity do not roll over after a plan expires, so choose an allowance near your expected use and top up if needed.
Can I get a refund on an unused France eSIM?
If the eSIM was never installed or activated, HelloSIM can usually arrange a refund or replacement; activated plans are not refundable. Contact support with your order number.
Why does my eSIM say No Service in France?
Check that the HelloSIM line is on, data roaming is enabled and the plan has started; toggling airplane mode or manually selecting Orange or SFR usually restores service.
My France eSIM will not register. What should I do?
Restart the phone, confirm the correct line is set for data, and try manual network selection to pick a French operator. If it still fails, contact HelloSIM support.
Can I make regular phone calls to French numbers?
Not directly, since the eSIM is data-only; many hotels and restaurants accept WhatsApp or online bookings, or you can use a VoIP app with calling credit.
Does the eSIM work in Nice, Lyon, Marseille and Bordeaux?
Yes. All major French cities have strong 4G and 5G coverage on the networks HelloSIM uses.
Is coverage reliable in rural France and small villages?
Coverage is broadly good across the countryside, though remote mountain and forest areas such as the Alps, Pyrenees and Massif Central can have weaker signal, so offline maps help.
What should I expect to pay for a France data plan?
HelloSIM shows the price before purchase, scaling with data and validity; short-trip bundles are modest and larger allowances cost more, with no hidden roaming fees.
Is an eSIM better than airport Wi-Fi or a physical SIM in France?
Yes. An eSIM gives instant, secure connectivity the moment you land, with no queues at a SIM shop and no reliance on patchy public Wi-Fi.
Will my data slow down after heavy use?
Standard plans run at full speed until the allowance is used; some unlimited-style plans reduce speed after a fair-use limit, which is noted at checkout.
Can I use the eSIM for a Paris trip and a later French visit?
If the plan is still valid you can keep using it; otherwise buy a fresh bundle on the same installed eSIM without scanning a new QR code.
