eSIM or Roaming: What to Choose for France?
Special case: French citizens in France
If you're French and staying in France, your French plan works normally. EU roaming only applies when traveling WITHIN the EU (outside France). You don't need an eSIM.
When an eSIM is recommended
France eSIM is mainly intended for international tourists:
- International tourists: visitors from Europe, America, Asia, etc.
- 1+ week stays: avoid international roaming fees
- Heavy usage: streaming, video calls, hotspot
- Plans without roaming: some international carriers charge expensive roaming in France
Network Coverage in France
France has excellent 4G/5G coverage (99%) thanks to four major carriers:
| Carrier |
Coverage |
5G |
Used by |
| Orange |
99% |
Yes |
GoMoWorld, Airalo |
| SFR |
98% |
Yes |
LinkeSIM |
| Bouygues Telecom |
97% |
Yes |
Saily |
| Free |
96% |
Yes |
Holafly |
Coverage by destination
- Paris, Île-de-France: perfect 4G/5G everywhere
- French Riviera (Nice, Cannes, Monaco): excellent, even on beaches
- Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux: optimal urban coverage
- Mont Saint-Michel, Alps, Provence: excellent in tourist areas
- Remote rural areas: variable in some isolated villages
How to Install Your France eSIM
- Purchase your plan (QR code received by email in 2 min)
- Install 24-48h before departure from your WiFi
- Activate upon arrival in France (timer starts)
- Keep your home SIM for calls and texts
Compatibility: iPhone XS+, Samsung S20+, Pixel 3+, Xiaomi 12+, OnePlus 8+
Best France eSIM 2026
<BlogSummaryTable
title="Top 5 France eSIM 2026"
countryCode="FR"
countrySlug="france"
plans={[
{
rank: 1,
providerId: "gomoworld",
data: "10 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$6.80",
highlight: "Best value for money",
promoCode: "ESIMP",
},
{
rank: 2,
providerId: "linkesim",
data: "5 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$4.50",
highlight: "Lowest price",
},
{
rank: 3,
providerId: "airalo",
data: "5 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$8.50",
highlight: "Global leader + 5G",
promoCode: "ESIMP15",
},
{
rank: 4,
providerId: "holafly",
data: "Unlimited",
duration: "5 days",
price: "$19",
highlight: "Unlimited data + hotspot",
},
{
rank: 5,
providerId: "saily",
data: "3 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$6.20",
highlight: "NordVPN included",
promoCode: "ESIMP",
},
]}
/>
Why these providers?
- GoMoWorld: Orange network (99%), code ESIMP (-10%)
- LinkeSIM: cheapest, perfect for budget travelers
- Airalo: global leader (8M+ users), code ESIMP15 (-15%)
- Holafly: unlimited + hotspot, ideal for families
- Saily: built-in NordVPN for public WiFi
Conclusion
For French citizens staying in France: your plan works normally, no eSIM needed.
For international tourists: GoMoWorld 10 GB at $6.80 with code ESIMP offers the best value to discover France.
For heavy users: Holafly unlimited eliminates any stress during your stay.
France eSIM FAQ