Using a mobile phone in France: how much does it cost? (Guide for Travelers)
France is one of the most visited countries in the world. So if you are going to travel to this country soon, you will surely want to know everything about it. From the touristic places, the food, the language and very important if you are going to be able to use your mobile in France.
Every country is different and has its own criteria for using a cell phone. That's why we're going to talk more about the requirements that your mobile must meet in order to work in France . Also, we will talk about all the alternatives to stay connected to the mobile internet in France.
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Can I use my mobile phone in France?
The first thing you should know about France is that this country uses GSM (Global System for Mobile) for telephone communication. So, to be able to use your phone in this country, it must be compatible with the above system.
Likewise, you should check the network frequencies available in France. Below is a table with the specifications. In order for your mobile phone to work, it must be compatible with the network frequencies of the country you are visiting, in this case France.
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technology bands
5G bands n1 (2100), n28a (700), n78 (3500)
4G bands B1 (2100), B3 (1800), B7 (2600), B20 (800), B28B (700), B28a (700)
3G bands B1 (2100), B8 (900)
2G bands B3 (1800), B8 (900)
Table 1: Network frequencies in France. Source: kimovil.com
Another factor to keep in mind and check is that your phone is unlocked from the factory, because if it's locked you won't be able to connect it to other operators' networks. Finally, we also recommend that you check and verify the network coverage of the operator you will be connecting to in France. Among the operators with the best coverage are Orange and Bouygues Telecom.
What are the options for using mobile phones in France?
These days there are many alternatives to stay connected to the internet and use your phone in France. Below we will talk about the most famous alternatives such as eSIM and SIM cards , international roaming, local operator services, pocket WiFi for France and even free internet . Read on to learn more about each alternative.
eSIM for traveling abroad
eSIMs are becoming increasingly popular because they are so easy to use, activate and, most importantly, purchase . They are basically virtual SIM cards that you can easily purchase through online stores like Holafly . Here you can find information about Holafly's eSIM data plans for France.
days of use amount of data Price
5 days Unlimited data €19.00
15 days Unlimited data €47.00
20 days Unlimited data €57.00
30 days Unlimited data €69.00
Table 2: Values of the eSIM data variant for France.
Source: Holafly
We would also like to tell you about the pros and cons of these eSIMs so that you can learn more about them.
Advantages:
As we mentioned earlier, the eSIM for France is a device that is gaining popularity among international travelers. These are the main advantages of this virtual SIM card :
You get a high-speed connection via 4G LTE networks.
You can keep your WhatsApp number in your own language.
In addition, the Holafly team is at your side 24 hours a day with advice and action.
You can easily configure this eSIM thanks to the QR code that you will receive in your email.
You can exchange data with other devices. That's good news if you're traveling with multiple people or have other devices like laptops.
Disadvantages:
After knowing the advantages of the eSIM for France to use your mobile in France, it is now necessary that you know the negative aspects of the eSIM:
It is not a rechargeable eSIM.
It has a specific expiry date and cannot be extended.
Also, it's an eSIM for cellular data only.
It does not have its own number, so it is not possible to make calls or SMS.
Not all phones are compatible with eSIMs. Here is the list of phones with virtual eSIM to have internet in France:
Huawei Mate 40 Pro. Google Pixel 3, 3a. Google Pixel 4, 4 XL, 4a, 5. Oppo Find X3 Pro, Reno 5A. Motorola Razr (2019). Motorola Razr 5G.iPhone XS, XR onwards, includes iPhone SE 2 (2020). Samsung Galaxy S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra forwards. Galaxy Fold, Fold 2 onwards. Samsung Galaxy Note 20 forwards. Samsung Galaxy Z flip forwards. Huawei P40, and P40 Pro.
International SIM card
Did you know that Holafly doesn't just sell eSIM cards? So, in case your mobile phone is not compatible with the eSIMs, I want to tell you that this virtual store offers a physical SIM card that delivers cellular data in France. Here are the prices and variants of this prepaid SIM card:
days of use amount of data Price
10 days Unlimited data €39.00
30 days Unlimited data €87.00
Table 3: Values of the data variants of the Holafly SIM card for France.
Source: Holafly
To know more about this SIM card for France, here are its pros and cons so you can compare it with other alternatives.
Advantages of the SIM card
If you prefer to buy a traditional SIM card for your trip, then Holafly has the solution for you. You can also easily buy such a card via the online shop. Here are the benefits:
In addition to France, this SIM card can be used in 47 other European countries.
It contains a phone number where you can receive calls.
Support and technical assistance 24 hours a day via online store chat. In addition, there is also support via WhatsApp and email.
You keep your WhatsApp number in your language without any inconvenience.
After landing, insert the SIM card, activate data roaming and you have internet!
In addition, you can exchange data with multiple cell phones, tablets or smartwatches.
Negative aspects of the SIM card
Although the Holafly SIM card for France offers some advantages, there are also some negative things that you should consider before buying this physical SIM card. Here are some of the points against them:
You cannot make calls or send text messages.
You can only use cellular data with this device.
In some areas of France, the connection speed may drop to 3G.
Pocket WiFi for France
Pocket WiFi devices are devices that you can rent to stay connected to the internet. While this is a great option for group travelers, it can also be very expensive. For France, you can spend up to $170 depending on the company you rent it from. In addition, if you lose the device, you will have to pay a heavy fine.
Free WiFi in France
It's no secret that free WiFi is common in many countries. Especially in European countries. Free WiFi is much more widespread as it can be found in hotels, restaurants, malls and many other places.
However, be aware that joining a free network is not necessarily the best idea. Problems can always arise in such networks. Therefore, if possible, try to establish your own connection from the beginning of your visit.
Can I use my phone service in France?
Another way to get internet in France is to use international roaming with your local service. To do this, you need to subscribe to your domestic operator or activate this service and keep using your SIM card in France. You can then activate data, send messages and make long-distance calls, but at a special tariff for each service.
The way you activate roaming for France depends on the specific operator. Here we are going to talk about how to use your phone in France with world famous operators if you are a user of one of these operators.
Use my cell phone in France with Telstra
First and foremost we have Telstra, an Australian telecommunications company. If you are a Telstra user, you should know that you can use international roaming activation to travel to France and use your mobile phone. Telstra charges you $3 per MB for data usage . This service can get a bit pricey if you're not careful with your data usage on your trip.
Use my cell phone in France with AT&T
AT&T is one of the most famous telecom companies in the world available in different countries. So if you're an AT&T user , you can also enjoy international roaming, which lets you use data, make calls, and send messages as if you were at home.
AT&T lets you use data at $2.05 per MB . However, if you use calls and messages, you will be charged for that as well.
Local mobile operators in France
This is still one of the most common ways to access the internet and use your mobile phone in another country. When you arrive in France, you can get a prepaid cellular data SIM card , which you can find in French operator stores. The most common telephone companies in France are SFR, Bouygues Telecom and Orange.
However, this option is not very practical if you want to use your mobile phone when you arrive in France, as you will have to wait until you buy your SIM card from an operator.
How much does it cost to use my cell phone in France?
To end this article, we would like to give you an overview of the costs you could incur for using your mobile phone with each of the alternatives already mentioned during your trip to France:
service Internet tariff in France
eSIM card France Unlimited data for 15 days 47.00€
SIM card France Unlimited data for 10 days 39.00€
Telstra roaming in France
$3/MB
AT&T roaming in France $2.05/MB
Pocket WiFi for France $45 to $190 USD for 10 days
Public WiFi in France Free
Table 4. Prices of different Internet access options in France
After examining each of the alternatives and comparing their pros and cons, we came to the conclusion that the best way to use your phone in France is with an eSIM or SIM card, which you can easily purchase from Holafly can. So if you are considering purchasing any of these services, don't think twice and visit Holafly's website today!
