Owais Crawford
If you're travelling to Paris and want to stay connected, you can buy a prepaid SIM card at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. There are two tourist SIM cards available at the airport: Orange and Bouygues Telecom. Both are available at Relay convenience stores and the Tourist Information desks. You can also order an Orange or Bouygues Telecom eSIM online before you arrive in Paris.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Availability of SIM cards at Paris Airport | Yes |
| Types of SIM cards available | Prepaid physical SIM cards and eSIMs |
| Places to buy SIM cards at Paris Airport | Relay stores, Tourist Information desks, carrier stores, and online |
| Popular SIM card providers at Paris Airport | Orange, Bouygues Telecom, SFR, Airalo |
| Cost of SIM cards | €39.90-€49.90 for 20-30 GB data, unlimited calls/texts, and international minutes |
| Store hours | Most SIM card shops close by midnight |
| Passport requirement | Yes, for registration |
| Activation process | Staff support available for physical SIM cards; eSIMs can be activated by scanning a QR code or entering a code |
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What You'll Learn
Where to buy SIM cards at Paris Airport
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) has two primary providers offering SIM cards: Orange and Bouygues Telecom. You can buy these SIM cards at Relay stores or the Tourist Information desks.
Relay is a chain of convenience stores found in airports and railway stations across France. They are open from early in the morning until late at night. You can find Relay stores at the following locations in Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport:
- Terminal 1: Hall A, Level 1, Store n°A-101
- Terminal 1: Hall A, Level 2, Store n°A-202
- Terminal 1: Hall A, Level 3, Store n°A-301
- Terminal 1: Hall A, Level 4, Store n°A-401
- Terminal 2: Hall D, Level 1, Store n°D-101
- Terminal 2: Hall D, Level 2, Store n°D-202
- Terminal 2: Hall D, Level 3, Store n°D-301
- Terminal 2: Hall D, Level 4, Store n°D-401
The Tourist Information desks are located in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. They are open from around 07:00 am to 09:00 pm.
SIM card shops at CDG Airport generally do not stay open after midnight. While airport hours vary, most shops and services inside the airport close around 8 pm to midnight, including SIM card kiosks. So, if you arrive late at night, you might not be able to buy a SIM card from those stores.
You can also buy a SIM card outside of Paris Airport, with several convenient options available in the city.
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SIM card costs
There are two prepaid SIM cards for tourists available at Paris Airport: Orange and Bouygues Telecom. Both cost €39.90 EUR ($40 USD), but there are differences in what they offer. The Orange SIM card provides 20 GB of data, unlimited calls in Europe, 120 international minutes, and 1,000 SMS for 14 days. The Bouygues Telecom SIM card, on the other hand, offers 30 GB of data and is valid for 30 days.
You can also buy an eSIM at Paris Airport, specifically at the Tourist Information desks. eSIMs are a more affordable option, with prices starting from just $1 USD. For example, Arialo eSIM offers a 10 GB package for $3.
If you are willing to go into the city, there are several convenient options for purchasing a SIM card. In the city centre, you can find mobile phone stores that sell prepaid SIM cards for around €20 EUR ($20 USD) with 200 GB of data. Some of the providers you can consider include Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom, Free Mobile, Fnac, Darty, Carrefour, and Auchan.
It is important to note that prices at the airport tend to be higher than in the city, so if you are looking for a more budget-friendly option, it may be better to purchase a SIM card outside of the airport.
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eSIMs vs physical SIM cards
Yes, you can buy a SIM card at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. There are two prepaid SIM cards for tourists available at the airport: Orange and Bouygues Telecom. These can be purchased at Relay stores or the Tourist Information desks. As of 2025, eSIMs are also available at the Tourist Information desks.
Now, let's compare eSIMs and physical SIM cards:
An eSIM is a virtual or digital version of a physical SIM card. It is embedded into your phone, so you can't physically remove it. eSIMs can be set up with a Wi-Fi connection and a compatible phone. They offer several advantages:
- Convenience: With an eSIM, you don't need to insert or remove a physical SIM card. You can switch networks or carriers quickly and easily through an app, without visiting a physical store.
- Dual-SIM functionality: Many eSIM phones allow you to use both the eSIM and a physical SIM slot simultaneously, giving you two numbers on one device.
- Security: eSIMs are embedded and cannot be removed, making it harder for thieves to remove your SIM and reset your phone.
- Eco-friendliness: eSIMs eliminate the need for plastic cards and shipping materials, reducing waste.
- Remote management: eSIMs can be managed and reprogrammed remotely, allowing businesses and individuals to change wireless services on multiple lines simultaneously.
- Travel-friendly: When travelling internationally, you can add an international eSIM plan to your device before your trip, avoiding the hassle of hunting for a physical SIM card upon arrival.
However, there are also some considerations:
- Network compatibility: Not all networks or carriers support eSIMs, especially smaller MVNOs.
- Device compatibility: While many new smartphones support eSIMs, not all models are compatible.
- Switching devices: Moving your eSIM to a new device may require additional steps, such as installing an app or entering instructions, which can be less convenient than simply swapping a physical SIM.
In conclusion, eSIMs offer enhanced convenience, security, and flexibility compared to physical SIM cards. However, it's essential to ensure your desired network and device are compatible with eSIM technology.
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Recommended SIM card providers
There are a few options for SIM card providers at Paris Airport, including Relay Stores, the Tourist Information desks, and online. Here are some recommended SIM card providers for travellers:
- Orange: This is a popular choice for travellers as it offers good value for money. You can buy an Orange SIM card at Relay Stores or online before your trip. The Holiday Europe SIM card costs €39.99 for 30 GB of data and unlimited calls/SMS in Europe for 14 days.
- Bouygues Telecom: This provider is also available at Relay Stores and Tourist Information desks. Their SIM card costs €39.90 for 30 GB of data and is valid for 30 days.
- Gigago eSIM: This provider offers affordable plans for France and is known for its easy activation, reliable coverage, instant delivery, and 24/7 support.
- Holafly: This eSIM provider is recommended by Monito for its convenience and competitive pricing.
- Local telecom carriers: If you prefer to buy a SIM card in person, there are local telecom carriers like NTT Docomo and KDDI available at Paris Airport.
It is important to note that SIM cards bought at the airport may be more expensive than those purchased in the city centre. Additionally, eSIMs may not be compatible with older phone models, so it is essential to check your device's compatibility before purchasing.
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SIM card activation
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport offers both physical SIM cards and eSIM cards for tourists. The physical SIM cards can be purchased at Relay convenience stores or the Tourist Information desks, while eSIM cards can be purchased at the Tourist Information desks or online before arrival.
Activating a SIM card typically involves following the instructions provided by the carrier or SIM card provider. Here are the general steps for activating a traditional SIM card and an eSIM:
Traditional SIM Card Activation:
- Provide Necessary Information: When purchasing a SIM card, you may be required to provide personal details and travel documents, such as your passport, for registration.
- Choose a Plan: Select a plan that suits your data, calling, and texting needs, considering the duration of your trip.
- Payment: Pay for the chosen SIM plan and any activation fees.
- Staff Assistance: The airport staff can assist you in activating the SIM card in your phone. They will guide you through the process and ensure your SIM card is functioning correctly.
ESIM Activation:
- Obtain an eSIM Profile: Purchase an eSIM plan from your chosen provider and obtain the eSIM profile. This can be done by scanning a QR code, receiving an activation code via email or SMS, or downloading the profile from the provider's website.
- Device Settings: Access the settings on your device and navigate to the eSIM or SIM card management section.
- Activation Process: Follow the guided steps provided by your device to install and activate the eSIM profile. This may involve tapping "Activate," "Add eSIM," or similar options.
- On-Screen Instructions: Pay attention to any on-screen instructions provided by your device during the activation process.
- Compatibility: Ensure that your device is compatible with the eSIM technology.
It is recommended to review the specific instructions provided by your SIM card carrier or the airport staff to ensure a smooth activation process. Additionally, consider the benefits of each option, as eSIMs offer convenience and flexibility, while physical SIM cards may be preferred for simplicity and immediate connectivity.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can buy a SIM card at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG).
You can buy a SIM card at Relay stores, carrier stores, or online. Relay is a chain of convenience stores found in airports and railway stations across France. You can also buy a SIM card at the Tourist Information desks.
There are two prepaid SIM cards for tourists available at Paris Airport: Orange and Bouygues Telecom. The Orange SIM card costs €39.99 EUR ($40 USD) and includes 20 GB of data in all of Europe, unlimited calls in Europe, 120 international minutes, and 1,000 SMS for 14 days. The Bouygues Telecom SIM card costs €39.90 EUR ($40 USD) and includes 30 GB of data, valid for 30 days.
Yes, eSIMs are available at Paris Airport, but only at the Tourist Information desks. eSIMs can also be purchased online before your trip and downloaded upon arrival.
Buying a SIM card at the airport is convenient and provides immediate connectivity. Airport staff often speak multiple languages, which is helpful for international travellers.
