Do I really need an eSIM in France if I have EU roaming?

EU roaming is possible in France, but many German plans cap the data volume abroad or slow your speed down after a certain allowance. With a Reisechip eSIM you surf on Orange's full network regardless of your German contract, which makes a noticeable difference on city breaks in Paris or longer stays on the Côte d'Azur.

Does the eSIM also work in rural regions such as Provence or Brittany?

Yes. Orange covers 99% of France's population, including rural regions such as Provence, Brittany, Alsace and the Pyrenees. Even in small villages and on mountain roads, reception is generally stable.

Does the eSIM also work on the Paris Métro?

Yes, many stations on the Paris Métro have mobile reception, and Orange is particularly well represented there. On main lines such as lines 1 and 14 you usually have continuous 4G reception even underground.

How much data do I need for a holiday in France?

For a one-week city break in Paris with navigation, social media and restaurant searches, we recommend at least 3–5 GB. For road trips through several regions, or if you want to stream a lot or download maps for offline use, a 10 GB plan is the better choice.

Do I need a plug adapter for my smartphone in France?

No. France uses plug types C and E, which are compatible with German plugs. You can use your charging cable directly, without an adapter.

How much does an eSIM for France cost?

eSIM data plans for France start at €1.09. You pay once for the data you choose — no contract, no monthly fee and no surprise roaming bill. Bigger data packs and longer validity cost more.

Which mobile networks does the eSIM use in France?

In France the eSIM connects automatically to local networks such as Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom, Free Mobile, on 4G/LTE and on 5G where it is available. Coverage in populated areas is around 99% of the population. Your phone always picks the strongest network nearby.

Will I keep my German phone number with an eSIM in France?

Yes. Your German SIM and number stay active, and the travel eSIM runs alongside it as a data-only plan. You stay reachable on WhatsApp, iMessage or over Wi-Fi while browsing on the local network. Normal calls and texts still go through your German number, where roaming charges may apply.

Can I top up or extend my France data plan?

Yes. When your data runs out or the plan expires, just buy another pack. The eSIM profile already on your phone stays in place, so there is nothing to reinstall and you stay online without a break.

Can I use the eSIM as a Wi-Fi hotspot in France?

Yes. You can share the connection with a laptop, tablet or a travel companion through your phone's personal hotspot. Hotspot use comes out of the same data allowance, so choose a slightly larger pack if you plan to tether.

Should I install the eSIM before I leave or after I arrive?

Install it at home over Wi-Fi before you travel. The data plan switches on automatically when your phone joins a network in France, so you are online the moment you land instead of hunting for airport Wi-Fi.

Will the eSIM work on my phone?

It works on any eSIM-capable phone, including iPhone XS and later, Samsung Galaxy S20 and later and Google Pixel 3 and later. The phone must also be unlocked (not tied to one network). To check yours, look for "Add eSIM" under Mobile Data or Connections in your settings.

eSIM plans for France

Instant delivery

France: your travel eSIM from €1.09 works as soon as you land and connects to Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom, Free Mobile (4G/LTE where available), network coverage 99% of the population. Install it by QR code before you leave Germany — no roaming charges, no SIM swap.

Your selection

Select a plan

Payment methods

Instant email delivery
30-day refund on unused eSIMs
Support in English
Visa · Mastercard · Maestro · Apple Pay · PayPal

eSIM for France at a glance

Price from: €1.09
Local networks: Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom, Free Mobile
Technology: 4G/LTE & 5G
Network coverage: 99% of the population
Activation: QR code — install before you leave
Suggested data: 1–3 GB light use · 5 GB with social media · 10 GB+ streaming

All eSIM plans for France

Data	Validity	Price
Unlimited	1 day	€1.09
Unlimited	3 days	€3.49
Unlimited	5 days	€5.99
Unlimited	7 days	€7.99
Unlimited	10 days	€10.99
Unlimited	15 days	€15.99
Unlimited	30 days	€30.99
1 GB	7 days	€1.99
2 GB	15 days	€2.49
3 GB	30 days	€2.99
5 GB	30 days	€4.49
10 GB	30 days	€7.49
20 GB	30 days	€10.99
50 GB	30 days	€23.49

France seduces with unmatched variety: the Eiffel Tower in the evening light, the lavender-scented fields of Provence, the elegant beaches of the Côte d'Azur and the vineyards of the Bordeaux valley. But whether you stroll through the Marais district in Paris, explore the cliffs of Normandy or look for a table in a little bistro in Lyon, dependable mobile data makes the difference. With a Reisechip eSIM you surf on the powerful Orange network and are online straight after you land. No SIM swap and no nasty surprises on your phone bill.

Flight time from Germany

about 1–1.5 hours

Time zone

UTC+1 (same as CET)

Best time to travel

June–September

Plug type

Type C/E (no adapter needed)

Why get an eSIM for France?

France is in the EU, which technically allows roaming on your German plan, but many providers cap the usable data volume abroad considerably or slow your speed down after a few gigabytes. On longer stays in France or with heavy use, a Reisechip eSIM of your own is worth having. Orange, France's largest network operator, offers nationwide 4G and a growing 5G network in Paris and the big cities, and even in rural regions such as Brittany or the Massif Central, 99% coverage is impressively stable. You find your way confidently through unfamiliar Paris arrondissements, upload your Provence photos to the cloud right away and book the next restaurant on the spur of the moment. Your German number stays active the whole time.

What is network coverage like in France?

Network operator

Orange

+ SFR

Technology

4G/LTE & 5G

Coverage

99% of the population

How do I install an eSIM for France?

1
Buy a plan
Pick the data plan for France that fits your trip and check out.
2
Scan the QR code
Open the email with your QR code and scan it with your phone's camera while you are still in Germany.
3
Add the eSIM
Follow the steps on your phone to add the eSIM as a data plan. Your German SIM stays in place.
4
Go online
Switch on the eSIM when you land in France and you are online straight away.

1
Buy a plan
Pick the data plan for France that fits your trip and check out.
2
Scan the QR code
Open the email with your QR code and scan it with your phone's camera while you are still in Germany.
3
Add the eSIM
Follow the steps on your phone to add the eSIM as a data plan. Your German SIM stays in place.
4
Go online
Switch on the eSIM when you land in France and you are online straight away.

Which eSIM plan suits me?

Holiday

Away for 1–2 weeks? A 3–5 GB plan covers maps, photos and messages.

Business trip

For video calls and email on the go, choose at least 5 GB or an unlimited plan.

Backpacking

On longer trips, a 10 GB+ plan or a regional plan for several countries pays off.

Family

With several devices, pick a plan with hotspot support and enough data for everyone.

eSIM vs. local SIM vs. Wi-Fi hotspot — what works best for France?

	eSIM	Local SIM card	Wi-Fi hotspot
Activation	Instant (QR code)	Buy on arrival	Pick-up or delivery
Setup	2 minutes	SIM swap needed	Extra device
Price	From €1.09	€5–30	€5–15 per day
Network	Local 4G/LTE	Local 4G/LTE	Local 4G/LTE
Devices	1 smartphone	1 smartphone	Up to 5 devices
Flexibility	Top up any time	Fixed allowance	Daily rental
Best for	Most travellers	Long stays	Groups and families

eSIM for France: frequently asked questions

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