Leaving on a trip and unsure whether to keep your French plan, buy a SIM at the airport or use an eSIM? Each option has strengths and pitfalls. Here is an honest comparison so you can choose well.
At a glance
| Criterion | eSIM | Local SIM | FR roaming | Free WiFi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | €5–30 | €5–20 | €50–500+ | Free |
| Ease | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Availability | Immediate | On site | Immediate | Few spots |
| Network quality | Excellent | Excellent | Varies | Varies |
| Keep FR number | ✅ (dual SIM) | ❌ or ✅ with 2 phones | ✅ | ✅ |
| Security | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ Risky |
Option 1: Roaming with your French plan
How it works
Your French plan works abroad. In the EU/EEA (27+ countries) it is free (with data limits). Outside the EU, prices spike.
Roaming prices outside the EU
| Carrier | Data / day | Price / day | 2 weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orange | 1 GB included (some plans) | €0–5 | €0–70 |
| SFR | 100 MB (basic) | €0–5 | €0–70 |
| Bouygues | Varies | €3–10 | €42–140 |
| Free | 25 GB (in 110 destinations) | €0 | €0 |
Free Mobile is the outlier: the €19.99 plan includes 25 GB in 110 destinations. If you use Free and your destination is covered, it is often enough.
When roaming is enough
- ✅ Trips in the EU with a decent French plan
- ✅ You have Free €19.99 and your destination is covered
- ✅ Very light use (a few emails)
When to avoid roaming
- ❌ Outside the EU without Free
- ❌ Heavy use even in the EU (quota overruns)
- ❌ Destination not covered by your plan
Option 2: Local SIM card
How it works
You buy a prepaid SIM in the country (airport, carrier store, convenience store) and put it in your phone.
Pros
- Local prices: often the lowest rates
- Local number: handy for local services
- Native network: direct local carrier
Cons
- Queues: 15–60 minutes at the airport
- Passport required: in many countries (Japan, Thailand, India…)
- Language barrier: staff may not speak French
- Lose FR number: if your phone has only one SIM slot
- Handling: risk of losing your French nano-SIM
- No comparison: you take what they offer
Indicative local SIM prices
| Country | Local SIM (airport) | Similar eSIM |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | ¥3,000–5,000 (€20–33) | €5–15 |
| Thailand | ฿300–600 (€8–16) | €3–8 |
| United States | $30–50 (€28–47) | €5–15 |
| Turkey | ₺300–500 (€9–15) | €4–10 |
| Morocco | 50–100 MAD (€5–10) | €5–12 |
Option 3: eSIM
How it works
You buy an eSIM online, get a QR code by email, and scan it on your phone. Everything happens from home before you leave.
Pros
- Instant: purchase in ~2 minutes, activate before departure
- Dual SIM: keep your French number active
- No fiddling: no plastic SIM to swap
- Easy to compare: many providers online
- Promo codes: discounts (ESIMP, ESIMP15)
- Reusable: some profiles stay installed for next trips
Cons
- Compatibility: needs a recent smartphone (2018+)
- No local number: most eSIMs are data-only
- Needs internet: WiFi required for first install
Check my phone’s compatibility →
Verdict by destination
Europe (EU)
| Profile | Best pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| FR plan > 20 GB | Roaming | Free in EU |
| FR plan < 10 GB | eSIM | Extra data |
| Non-European visitor | eSIM | No free roaming |
Japan, USA, Thailand
eSIM wins every time: cheaper than local SIM, easier than roaming, no airport queue.
Japan eSIM → | USA eSIM → | Thailand eSIM →
Developing countries (Africa, South Asia)
Local SIM stays competitive where prepaid SIMs are very cheap (India, Vietnam, Indonesia). But eSIM skips paperwork hassle.
Final recommendation
| Situation | Advice |
|---|---|
| EU trip with a good plan | Keep your plan |
| Outside EU | eSIM (best ease/price ratio) |
| You have Free €19.99 | Check coverage; otherwise eSIM |
| Long stay (3+ months) | Local SIM + eSIM backup |
| Phone not eSIM-ready | Local SIM |
For 95% of travellers in 2026, eSIM is the best choice. Fast, affordable, simple, and you keep your French number.
Compare eSIM for your destination →
Last updated: February 2026.
Developer and digital nomad, I lived between Canada and the United States before continuing to explore the world. After struggling with internet connectivity abroad one too many times, I created eSIMPlanet to compare plans clearly and honestly. Every article is carefully written and reviewed to save you time and money.
