Roberta Aguirre
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is one of the busiest airports in Europe, serving millions of passengers each year. Many travellers opt to purchase a local SIM card upon arrival at the airport, as it is the easiest and fastest way to get online. While SIM cards are available at CDG Airport, they tend to be more expensive than those found in the city centre, and the selection of plans and providers may be limited. In this article, we will explore the different options for purchasing a SIM card at CDG Airport, as well as some alternative solutions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can I buy a SIM card at CDG Airport? | Yes |
| Where to buy | Relay Stores, Orange Kiosks, HelloPassenger office, carrier stores, bookshops, tourism information desk |
| Benefits | Convenience, immediate connectivity, multilingual assistance |
| Drawbacks | Limited selection of plans and providers, higher prices, potentially lower service quality and data allowances |
| Required documents | Passport, ID card |
| Top-up options | Available at mobile network provider stores or kiosks within the airport terminals |
| Alternatives | International SIM cards, eSIMs |
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What You'll Learn
- Buying a SIM card at CDG Airport is more expensive than in Paris city centre
- You can buy a SIM card at CDG Airport from Relay stores, Orange kiosks, or the HelloPassenger office.
- You can buy a Bouygues Telecom SIM card at CDG Airport for €39.90
- You can buy a SIM card at CDG Airport in person or online
- You need your passport to buy a SIM card at CDG Airport
Buying a SIM card at CDG Airport is more expensive than in Paris city centre
Yes, you can buy a SIM card at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG). However, buying a SIM card at CDG Airport is more expensive than in the Paris city centre.
At CDG Airport, you can purchase a SIM card from Orange or Bouygues Telecom. Orange offers 2 kiosks in Terminal 1 and 2E, which are open from 6:00 to 21:00. Relay Stores, which are convenience stores located in airports and railway stations across France, also sell SIM cards and can be found in both the departures and arrivals terminals at CDG Airport. The stores in the departures halls are open daily from 6 AM to 11 PM. The HelloPassenger office is another place to purchase SIM cards at CDG Airport.
SIM cards at CDG Airport tend to be pricier than those in local stores in the city centre. The main SIM options at CDG Airport are Orange and Bouygues Telecom, costing €39.99 and €39.90 (~$44 each), respectively. In contrast, an international SIM card for travelling in France, which is valid in multiple countries, can be purchased for as low as $1 USD.
Additionally, the selection of plans and providers at the airport might not meet all your requirements. The service quality and data allowances may also be less competitive than those available outside the airport. For instance, the Bouygues Telecom SIM card offered at CDG Airport provides 30 GB of data and costs €39.90, while the same SIM card purchased online costs $40 USD and offers data in all of Europe.
Therefore, if you are looking for a cheaper and more comprehensive SIM card plan, it is recommended to purchase one in the Paris city centre or consider an international or eSIM card.
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You can buy a SIM card at CDG Airport from Relay stores, Orange kiosks, or the HelloPassenger office.
Yes, you can buy a SIM card at Charles de Gaulle (CDG) Airport in Paris, France. There are several options for purchasing SIM cards at the airport, including convenience stores, French carrier kiosks, and tourism information desks.
Relay stores, which are located in both the departures and arrivals terminals, offer SIM cards from all the major French carriers. They can be found in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, and are open daily from 6 am to 11 pm.
Orange, one of the two primary providers offering SIM cards at CDG Airport, has two kiosks in the airport. One is in Terminal 1 and the other is in Terminal 2E. Both kiosks are open from 6 am to 9 pm. Orange is France's largest network and offers reliable SIM cards with a variety of data package sizes. They also accept passports for non-EU residents to activate SIM cards.
The HelloPassenger office at CDG Airport also offers SIM cards for sale for business or family use. They can be found in the departures area of all terminals and are open from 6 am to 11 pm.
It is important to note that SIM cards purchased at the airport may be more expensive and have more limited options compared to those found in local stores in the city center. Additionally, bringing a valid passport for identification is required for SIM card registration.
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You can buy a Bouygues Telecom SIM card at CDG Airport for €39.90
Yes, you can buy a SIM card at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG). This is the easiest and fastest way to get online when you arrive in Paris. However, it is worth noting that SIM cards at the airport are more expensive than in the city centre.
To buy a SIM card at CDG Airport, you will need to bring your passport for identification and SIM registration. You can buy SIM cards from Relay Stores, which are convenience stores located in airports and railway stations across France. There are several Relay Stores located within CDG Airport, in both the departures and arrivals terminals.
You can also buy SIM cards from the HelloPassenger office, which offers equipment purchase and rental at CDG Airport. Orange is another major provider of SIM cards at CDG Airport, with two kiosks located in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2E.
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You can buy a SIM card at CDG Airport in person or online
Yes, you can buy a SIM card at Charles de Gaulle (CDG) Airport in Paris, France, either in person or online.
In Person
If you're looking to buy a SIM card in person at CDG Airport, you can do so at Relay Stores, Orange Kiosks, Bouygues Telecom, HelloPassenger, or the tourism information desk. Relay Stores are convenience stores located in airports and railway stations across France. They have several locations within CDG Airport, in both the departures and arrivals terminals. Orange, one of the major SIM card providers in France, has two kiosks in CDG Airport: one in Terminal 1 and one in Terminal 2E. Both kiosks are open from 6:00 to 21:00. Bouygues Telecom is another major SIM card provider in France, offering cards with more data and longer validity than Orange. HelloPassenger, located in CDG Airport, also offers SIM cards for sale for business or family use. Finally, the tourism information desk in Terminal 2 Arrivals, Level 5, can provide guidance on purchasing a SIM card and may sell SIM cards as well.
Online
You can also purchase a SIM card online before your trip or upon arrival at CDG Airport through specific kiosks or QR codes. eSIM plans, which transmit your cellular profile directly to a compatible device digitally, are available for purchase online from various providers. This option is often quick and convenient, requiring just a QR code scan or a few details online.
Considerations
While buying a SIM card at CDG Airport is easy and provides immediate connectivity, prices tend to be higher than in local stores in the city center. Additionally, the selection of plans and providers at the airport may be limited and might not meet all your requirements. It's recommended to bring your passport for identification and SIM registration when purchasing a SIM card at the airport.
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You need your passport to buy a SIM card at CDG Airport
Yes, you can buy a SIM card at CDG Airport in Paris. There are several convenient options for purchasing SIM cards after passing through security at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport terminals, including convenience stores, French carrier kiosks, and tourism information.
French law requires retailers to take a copy of the buyer's passport as identification when selling prepaid SIMs. Be sure to have your passport ready to show staff to avoid any hassles purchasing a SIM. You will need to provide your full name, date of birth, and sometimes your home address for activation paperwork. You will also need to fill out any required forms accurately.
The Orange Kiosks located pre-security are well-suited for international travellers who have just arrived at the airport. They offer reliable SIM cards with a variety of data package sizes directly from France's largest network, Orange. The kiosks also conveniently accept passports for non-EU residents to activate SIM. Orange offers two kiosks in CDG Airport for travellers: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2E. Located throughout the terminals in departure areas, the Relay Stores provide a good option for visitors who have passed through security and are looking to purchase a Paris Airport SIM card for their stay in France.
Bouygues Telecom is another option, costing €39.90 for 30GB of data. This SIM card can also be ordered online and will be active as soon as the plane lands. Bouygues Telecom SIM is recommended as it offers more data (30GB vs 20GB) and longer validity (30 days vs 14 days) compared to Orange SIM. eSIM options are only available at Tourist Information centres, not Relay stores. Bouygues Telecom SIM can be purchased as an eSIM.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can buy a SIM card at Charles de Gaulle Airport.
You can buy a SIM card at Relay Stores, Orange Kiosks, HelloPassenger offices, or the Tourism Information desk.
You will need a valid passport for identification and SIM registration.
The main SIM options at CDG Airport are Orange and Bouygues Telecom. eSIM is another convenient option for tourists.
