Sachin Walls
If you're travelling to France, it's a good idea to get a French SIM card at the airport. This will allow you to stay connected without relying on unsecured public WiFi connections. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport offers Bouygues Telecom SIM cards with 30GB of data for all of Europe for €39.90 EUR ($40 USD). You can also order this SIM card online and have it ready as soon as your plane lands. Paris Orly Airport also has SIM card shops, and at all other major airports in France, you can buy prepaid SIM cards at Relay shops. While SIM cards at the airport are convenient, they tend to be more expensive than those found in phone stores in city centres. If you're looking for a cheaper option, consider buying an international SIM card that covers multiple countries or renting a Travel WiFi hotspot.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport | Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, Paris Orly Airport |
| Sim Card Providers | Bouygues Telecom, Orange, SFR, Free Mobile, Relay |
| Sim Card Types | Prepaid, eSIM, International |
| Sim Card Costs | €39.90 EUR ($40 USD) for 30 GB, £5 for 3 GB, £11 for 10 GB, £48 for unlimited |
| Other Benefits | English-speaking staff, no need to wait until you're in France, ability to order online |
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What You'll Learn
Buying a sim card at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is one of the busiest airports in Europe, serving millions of passengers each year. The airport has three terminals that are connected by a free train service. Terminal 1 is used by Air France and its codeshare partners, Terminal 2 is the biggest and most modern terminal, and Terminal 3 is the smallest and is used primarily for European flights.
If you're looking to buy a SIM card at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, there are several options available to you. The airport offers convenience and speed, with multilingual assistance from staff who often speak multiple languages. Here are some detailed instructions on buying a SIM card at the airport:
Where to Buy
You can purchase a SIM card at various locations within the airport, including:
- Relay Stores: These convenience stores are located in both the departures and arrivals terminals. They sell SIM cards for tourists and are open from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm.
- Tourism Information Desk: Located in Terminal 1, the Tourism Information Desk provides information on prepaid SIM cards available for tourists. They offer guidance in both French and English.
- Carrier Stores: You can also purchase SIM cards from specific carriers, such as Orange and Bouygues Telecom. These stores or kiosks are usually located within the airport terminals.
What to Prepare
To ensure a smooth SIM card purchase process at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, it is recommended to have the following items prepared:
- Passport: Your passport is required as identification when purchasing a SIM card. Some kiosks or retailers may also request a photocopy.
- Payment: While some vendors accept credit or debit cards, it is advisable to have euros in cash. SIM cards typically range from 10 to 20 euros for a basic prepaid option.
- Unlocked Phone: Ensure your phone is unlocked to accommodate any international SIM card.
- Preferred Network: Decide on your preferred carrier in advance, such as Orange, SFR, or Bouygues Telecom. Different kiosks specialize in different networks.
- Usage Needs: Consider your data, calling, and texting needs to choose the appropriate prepaid refill package.
By following these instructions, you can easily purchase a SIM card at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport and stay connected during your time in France.
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Buying a sim card at Paris Orly Airport
Paris has two international airports: Charles de Gaulle and Orly. If you are landing at Orly Airport, you can buy a SIM card at the airport.
Where to Buy a SIM Card at Orly Airport
You can buy a SIM card at the Relay shop at Orly Airport. The prepaid SIM cards are stored behind the cashier, so make sure you know which prepaid SIM card you want to buy before it's your turn. The information on the packets will be in French. Most SIMs come with initial credit, but the SIM does have to be registered to top it up and for data.
Buying a SIM Card in Paris City Centre
SIM cards at Paris Airport are more expensive than in the city centre, where you can find cheaper SIM card plans for tourists. If you are staying in Paris near the Philippe August Metro Station, you can visit a shop such as SFR, Orange, or The Phone Store, where they will register the SIM for you.
Buying a SIM Card Online
You can also buy a SIM card online and have it ready as soon as your plane lands. For example, you can order a Bouygues Telecom tourist SIM card for France with 30 GB of data in all of Europe as a physical SIM card or an eSIM. Orange SIM cards can also be bought online.
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Buying an international sim card for France
If you're travelling to France and want to stay connected, buying a local SIM card is a great option. Here's a guide to help you buy an international SIM card for France, specifically at the airport.
Where to Buy at the Airport
Paris, the most common entry point into France, has two international airports: Charles de Gaulle and Orly Airport. Both airports offer SIM cards for travellers. At Charles de Gaulle Airport, you can find SIM cards at the Tourist Information desks in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, as well as at Relay stores. Orly Airport also has Relay shops where you can purchase SIM cards.
Additionally, Orange, one of the major telecom operators in France, has a presence at Charles de Gaulle Airport. They offer SIM cards and services at a booth in Terminal 1 and also have a boutique in the airport.
Benefits of Buying at the Airport
Buying a SIM card at the airport is a convenient and quick way to get connected as soon as you land. The staff at the airport may also speak English, which can be helpful if you don't speak French. Additionally, if you need to use the internet right away, such as for navigation or communication, having a local SIM card ensures you don't have to rely on unsecured public WiFi networks.
Cost Considerations
While buying a SIM card at the airport is easy, it may be more expensive than purchasing one in the city centre. Prices for tourist SIM cards at the airport can vary, but as an example, a Bouygues Telecom prepaid SIM card with 30GB of data costs €39.90 EUR ($40 USD). If you're looking for a cheaper option, consider buying your SIM card in Paris or other French cities, where you can find more affordable plans.
International SIM Cards
If you're travelling to multiple countries in Europe, consider purchasing an international SIM card with global coverage. These cards can be used in France and other European countries, saving you the trouble of buying multiple SIM cards. You can also look into eSIM options, which can be purchased online before your trip and activated once you arrive in France.
Phone Compatibility
Before purchasing a SIM card in France, ensure that your phone is unlocked and compatible with French SIM cards. Some phones may be locked to a specific carrier, which can prevent you from using a different SIM card. Additionally, if you have an iPhone without a SIM card slot, check if your device supports eSIMs.
In summary, buying an international SIM card for France at the airport is a convenient option, but it may be more expensive than purchasing one in the city. Consider your travel plans and research the various SIM card options to find the best deal for your needs.
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Buying a sim card online before arriving in France
If you are travelling to France and want to buy a SIM card before you arrive, there are a few options available. Buying a SIM card online before you arrive in France is a good idea, as it can be busy at the airport, and there may be language barriers when trying to purchase a SIM card in the city centre.
Firstly, you can buy an international SIM card with global coverage. This is a good option if you are travelling to other countries in Europe after your visit to France. There are several international SIM cards available, such as the European Travel SIM, which offers 60 GB of high-speed data and unlimited calls within Europe for €34.99. This SIM card is valid for 30 days from activation.
You can also buy an eSIM before you arrive in France. eSIMs are convenient as they do not require a physical store visit or a change of SIM card. Orange offers an international eSIM with high-speed internet and a generous data allowance, unlimited calls, and/or SMS. This eSIM can be purchased instantly via email or through the Orange app.
If you are travelling to France from the UK, you can purchase a France SIM card before you leave. SimCorner offers a 12 GB SIM card for £19.
Another option is to purchase a SIM card online from Bouygues Telecom. This prepaid tourist SIM card for France offers 30 GB of data for €39.90 EUR ($40 USD). This SIM card can also be used in the rest of Europe and can be ordered as an eSIM.
It is important to note that your handset must be SIM card-unlocked to work with French SIM cards. If your phone is SIM-locked, you may need to purchase a new one.
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Buying a sim card in France's city centres
If you're looking to buy a SIM card in France's city centres, you'll find that the process is relatively straightforward. Each city in France has numerous phone stores located in the city centres, offering prepaid SIM cards for tourists. However, it's important to note that Orange and SFR prepaid SIM cards are not available in these phone stores. Instead, you'll need to visit tobacco shops or kiosks to purchase these particular SIM cards. While these shops are conveniently open on Sundays, don't expect to receive any customer service.
When purchasing a SIM card in France's city centres, you may be required to show your passport, provide a local address, and fill out some paperwork. Additionally, ensure that your phone is unlocked to be compatible with foreign SIM cards.
In terms of specific providers, Bouygues Telecom is a popular choice for tourists, offering both physical prepaid SIM cards and eSIMs. Their tourist SIM card with 30 GB of data costs €39.90 EUR ($40 USD) and can be purchased online or at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. Orange is another recommended option, known for its excellent 4G/5G network coverage in France. Their prepaid SIM card plans offer great value for tourists, and you can easily buy their SIM cards online before your trip.
If you're looking for an international SIM card that will work across multiple countries, consider ordering an eSIM through SimOptions. They offer amazing international eSIMs that allow calling and texting, and they have been tested and approved by travellers.
For short stays, Maya Mobile offers a £5 plan with 3 GB of data. This option provides excellent value for those who don't require a significant amount of data during their visit to France.
In summary, buying a SIM card in France's city centres is a convenient option, providing you with a range of choices to suit your specific needs. Whether you opt for a physical SIM card or an eSIM, you'll be able to stay connected during your travels and take advantage of translation apps and maps to enhance your overall experience.
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Frequently asked questions
You can buy a SIM card at France's international airports, such as Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) and Paris Orly Airport (ORY). You can also buy SIM cards at Nice Airport (NCE). SIM cards are available at Relay stores, Orange boutiques, and mobile operator kiosks.
Buying a SIM card at the airport ensures that you have a local SIM as soon as you arrive in France. Airport shops are also accustomed to foreign customers, so staff usually speak English.
To buy a SIM card at the airport, you will need your passport, an unlocked phone, and a payment method.
