France eSIM Price Guide 2026: Cheapest Plans, Data Costs & Promo Codes

Roami Team
17. September 2026
20 min read
Roami Team

Roami Team

Roami offers reliable eSIM plans, serving over 1 million travelers annually, and supports automatic local network switching to help travelers stay connected globally.

📑 Table of Contents
France eSIM Prices: Cheapest Plans and How to Buy

France eSIM prices range from $1.99 for 1GB to $73.90 for unlimited 30-day data. The cheapest 1GB plan costs $1.99 (Roami, 3-day validity) or $3.99 with a full week of coverage (Saily on Orange), the cheapest 3GB plan costs $3.99 for 3 days (Roami) or $4 with 30-day validity (Ubigi on Bouygues), and the cheapest unlimited entry points are $9.99 for 3 days (Roami), 16.99 euro for 5 days (Orange Travel, promotional), or $27.50 for 7 days (Holafly). By comparison, AT&T charges $10 per day for international roaming, meaning a 7-day trip costs $70 with AT&T versus $2-20 with an eSIM — savings of 70-90%. The lowest price per GB on a 30-day plan is now around $1 per GB (Ubigi 10GB at $10, Orange Travel 50GB at 29.99 euro), while the days of “carrier plans cost triple” are gone: Orange Travel’s data-only line now undercuts several travel eSIMs on short trips.

This guide covers every France eSIM pricing detail: cheapest plans by data amount and duration, US carrier roaming vs eSIM cost comparison, the CDG airport physical SIM trap, promo codes including WEB20, and a decision matrix to find the best plan for your specific trip. Whether you need a cheap France eSIM for a weekend in Paris or a long-term data plan for a month in Provence, this price comparison helps you find the most affordable option for your travel style.

The aggregate table below covers all major eSIM providers serving France, including Airalo, Holafly, Ubigi, Orange Travel, Nomad, Saily, aloSIM, and Roami. For a broader comparison of network quality across providers, see our France eSIM ranking comparison. According to the GSMA, the global mobile industry association, eSIM adoption in Europe has more than doubled since 2023, with France ranking among the top markets for eSIM-compatible devices.


France eSIM Price Comparison Table

The following table compares prices across all major France eSIM providers and plan sizes. Prices in USD unless otherwise noted and reflect standard pricing verified in September 2026; the validity period for each plan is shown in parentheses.

Provider 1GB 3GB 5GB 10GB 20GB 50GB Unlimited Network
Airalo $4.00 (3d) $7.00 (7d) $11.00 (30d) $16.00 (30d) $23.50 (30d) $35.50 (30d) - Orange
Holafly - - - - - - $27.50 (7d) / $50.50 (15d) / $73.90 (30d) Multi-network (Orange/SFR/Bouygues/Free)
Ubigi - $4.00 (30d) - $10.00 (30d) $19.00 (25GB) $29.00 (30d) $20 (7d) / $25 (15d) / $39 (30d) Bouygues
Orange Travel - - 4.99 euro (7d) 8.99 euro (14d) 17.99 euro (14d) 29.99 euro (30d) 16.99 euro (5d, promo) Multi-network
Nomad $4.00 (7d) $6.00 (30d) $9.00 (30d) $14.00 (30d) $21.00 (30d) $35.00 (30d) $11 (3d) / $17 (5d) / $23 (7d) / $31 (10d) Orange / Free
Saily $3.99 (7d) $8.99 (30d) $10.99 (30d) $16.99 (30d) $22.99 (30d) - - Orange
aloSIM $4.50 (7d) $8.00 (30d) $12.00 (30d) $20.00 (30d) $32.00 (30d) - - Orange
Roami $1.99 (3d) $3.99 (3d) $6.99 (3d) $10.99 (3d) - - $9.99 (3d) Multi-network

Note on Roami: the row above shows Roami’s 3-day plans, the shortest duration it sells. Longer durations of the same data amounts cost more, the eSIM switches automatically across Orange, SFR, and Bouygues, and the WEB20 code takes 20% off first orders.

Key takeaways from the pricing table

  • Ubigi is the cheapest across the mid tiers, with 3GB at $4 and 10GB at $10 — both with full 30-day validity
  • Orange Travel’s data-only line is the surprise: 5GB for 4.99 euro and 10GB for 8.99 euro undercut most travel eSIMs at those sizes, though validity is shorter (7 and 14 days)
  • Roami posts the lowest sticker prices at nearly every size ($1.99 for 1GB, $3.99 for 3GB, $6.99 for 5GB) — but on 3-day validity, which makes it the weekend-trip option
  • Saily takes the cheapest 1GB with week-long validity at $3.99; Nomad’s 20GB at $21 is the best large-plan value on a 30-day window
  • Holafly leads for unlimited data at $27.50 for 7 days, but its 30-day price ($73.90) is steep next to capped alternatives

For travelers who need 5G high-speed data, all providers listed support 5G on compatible devices. Speed caps (if any) are noted on each provider’s product page.


France eSIM Pricing Strategy: Why Providers Charge What They Do

Understanding why France eSIM prices vary so widely helps you avoid overpaying for what you actually need.

Ubigi’s aggressive pricing (lowest across most tiers)

Ubigi is the eSIM arm of Transatel, a French MVNO headquartered in Paris. Because Transatel is a French company with existing wholesale agreements with Bouygues Telecom, it can negotiate data rates that third-party resellers cannot match. Ubigi also operates its own eSIM platform without paying marketplace commissions. These structural advantages let Ubigi undercut Airalo, Holafly, and other international players by 20-40% on equivalent plans. Ubigi’s 3GB at $4 and 10GB at $10 — both with 30-day validity — reflect these cost advantages.

Airalo’s Orange network premium

Airalo pays wholesale rates to Orange for access to France’s premium network. Orange charges a premium to third-party MVNOs and resellers because its network is the most extensive in France. This wholesale premium is passed to Airalo customers. Airalo’s 5GB at $11 on Orange versus Nomad’s 5GB at $9 on Orange/Free reflects the single-network premium of roughly $2 per 5GB. For travelers who need Orange’s wider rural coverage, this $2 premium is a reasonable investment.

Orange Travel’s repriced data line

Orange Travel historically ignored travel eSIM pricing — a retail product aimed at travelers who value the Orange brand, want a French phone number, and prefer buying at an airport store. The September 2026 price structure changes that story: at 4.99 euro for 5GB and 8.99 euro for 10GB, the data-only line now competes directly with wholesale-based travel eSIMs, while the margin has shifted to the all-inclusive plans (20GB with unlimited calls, SMS, and a French number at 19.99 euro). Orange Travel’s pricing is still benchmarked against its domestic prepaid products — but the entry tiers now hold their own against anyone.

Holafly’s unlimited data pricing

Holafly charges a premium for unlimited data. The $27.50 for 7 days unlimited is more than double Ubigi’s 10GB at $10, but for heavy data users who would consume 10-20GB in a week, Holafly’s unlimited pricing is competitive. Holafly’s cost structure includes wholesale payments to its French network partners, plus the risk that some users will consume 50-100GB. The unlimited pricing factors in this risk, making it more expensive per GB for light users but potentially cheaper per GB for heavy users.


Cheap France eSIM Data Plans by Data Amount

This section identifies the absolute cheapest plan for each data allowance, useful for travelers who know their data usage and want to minimize cost.

Cheapest 1GB France eSIM

Roami at $1.99 is the cheapest 1GB plan on paper, but its 3-day validity limits it to weekend-length trips. Saily at $3.99 is the cheapest 1GB with a full week of validity, running on Orange network. Nomad’s 1GB on Orange/Free costs $4 with the same validity, and Airalo’s 1GB is $4 (3-day window). For a weekend trip where you only need email, messaging, and light navigation, any of these covers the basics.

Runner-up: Nomad at $4 with 7-day validity.

Cheapest 3GB France eSIM

Ubigi at $4 takes the lead for 3GB with 30-day validity, running on Bouygues network — the validity is the real differentiator here. Roami undercuts it by a penny at $3.99, but only on a 3-day window. Nomad’s 3GB at $6 (30-day) and Airalo’s 3GB at $7 (7-day) sit behind it. aloSIM’s 3GB at $8 and Saily’s 3GB at $8.99 round out the tier.

For a 3-4 day city trip, 3GB supports Google Maps navigation, WhatsApp messaging, social media scrolling, and occasional photo uploads. Most travelers find 3GB sufficient for short Paris weekends.

Cheapest 5GB France eSIM

Orange Travel at 4.99 euro (~$5.50) is the cheapest 5GB plan — a genuine 2026 price war development — but its 7-day validity demands a clean one-week trip. Nomad at $9 is the cheapest 5GB with a 30-day window, followed by Ubigi’s nearest option at 10GB/$10, Saily at $10.99, and Airalo at $11.

For most 7-day France trips, Orange Travel’s 5GB at 4.99 euro is the price benchmark on cost, with Nomad’s 5GB/30-day at $9 as the flexibility pick if your dates might stretch.

Cheapest 10GB France eSIM

Ubigi at $10 for 10GB over 30 days is the cheapest 10GB plan — just $1 per GB, a benchmark price for France. Orange Travel’s 10GB at 8.99 euro (~$9.70) technically undercuts it, but expires at day 14. Nomad offers $14, Saily $16.99, Airalo $16. aloSIM is $20. Roami’s 10GB starts at $10.99 on 3-day validity with automatic switching across Orange, SFR, and Bouygues.

For 10-14 day trips, 10GB provides comfortable headroom for maps, messaging, social media, video calls, and streaming.

Cheapest 20GB France eSIM

Nomad at $21 leads the 20GB tier on a 30-day window, with Saily at $22.99 and Airalo at $23.50 close behind — all on 30-day validity. Orange Travel’s 20GB at 17.99 euro (~$19.50) is cheaper but dies at day 14; its 50GB/30-day at 29.99 euro is the better long-stay play.

For heavy data users, remote workers, or travelers spending 2+ weeks in France, 20GB covers everything including regular video calls, HD streaming, and hotspot tethering.

Cheapest 50GB+ France eSIM

Ubigi at $29 for 50GB over 30 days is the cheapest large-data plan, with Orange Travel’s 50GB at 29.99 euro (~$32.50) within a few dollars. Airalo offers 50GB at $35.50, Nomad at $35. Orange Travel’s promotional 100GB/30-day plan at 35.99 euro appears periodically for heavy users. Multi-network plans with automatic carrier switching are also available in this range.

For long stays of 3-4 weeks with heavy data usage, 50GB at $29 from Ubigi delivers the best price per GB at under $0.60 per GB.

France eSIM Unlimited Data Plans: Hotspot Rules and Tethering Caps

Orange Travel at 16.99 euro (promotional) for 5 days unlimited is the cheapest unlimited entry — but note the list price is 23.99 euro, and promotions rotate. For 7 days, Holafly at $27.50 is the benchmark. For 15 days, Holafly is $50.50; for 30 days, $73.90. Ubigi’s unlimited plans run $20 (7d), $25 (15d), and $39 (30d), undercutting Holafly at every length. Roami’s unlimited starts at $9.99 for 3 days — the cheapest unlimited entry if a 3-day window fits your trip.

Unlimited plans are worth considering if you consume large amounts of video content daily or want the peace of mind of never tracking data usage — a France eSIM with unlimited data is the right call for heavy streamers and remote workers. The practical limitation is hotspot policy — Holafly restricts or heavily caps tethering on destination plans, and speeds may be throttled after fair-use thresholds on some providers.

For a detailed look at which provider works best for specific trip lengths and data needs, see our France eSIM regional guide.


France eSIM Hidden Fees: What Providers Charge

The listed price of a France eSIM is rarely the complete cost. Understanding potential additional charges prevents surprises.

Provider-specific fees and limits

  • Airalo: No additional fees. The listed price is final. Some plans require top-up purchases in fixed increments ($5, $10, $25) that may leave unused credits.
  • Ubigi: No additional fees. Plans are sold at the listed price. Top-ups are available in the exact amounts needed for specific data packages.
  • Holafly: Hotspot/tethering is limited to 1GB per day on unlimited plans. Exceeding this cap results in hotspot speeds dropping to approximately 128 Kbps. The unlimited data claim applies only to on-device usage.
  • Orange Travel: No additional fees. The listed price includes the French number and all taxes. Credit card payment at CDG stores may incur foreign transaction fees from your bank.
  • Nomad: Some plans list prices exclusive of VAT. Nomad applies VAT at checkout based on your billing address. EU residents pay approximately 20% VAT on top of the listed price. Non-EU residents may have VAT removed upon verification.
  • Saily: No additional fees. Plans are sold at the listed price with no hidden charges.
  • Most providers: No additional fees beyond listed price. VAT may apply based on billing address.

Fine print items to check before purchasing

  1. Validity period clock: Most eSIMs count validity from the moment of activation, not from the moment of purchase. If you buy a 7-day plan but activate it 3 days before your trip, you lose 3 days of validity.
  2. Throttling after data cap: All capped plans (non-unlimited) throttle speeds to 128-256 Kbps after the data allowance is exhausted. This is sufficient for messaging but not for any data-heavy tasks.
  3. Hotspot restrictions: Many providers allow hotspot tethering, but some impose caps (Holafly: 1GB/day) or disable it entirely on certain plans.
  4. Carrier-locked phones: eSIMs from all providers require an unlocked phone. US carrier-locked phones (AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon) may reject eSIM profiles from non-domestic carriers. Verify your phone’s unlock status before purchasing.
  5. Multi-device restrictions: Most eSIMs can be installed on only one device at a time. aloSIM is the exception with its data pooling feature.
  6. Refund policies: Most eSIM providers do not offer refunds after the eSIM profile has been delivered or activated. Holafly advertises a 24-hour money-back window. Other providers handle refunds on a case-by-case basis.
  7. Network priority: Travel eSIMs operate with MVNO priority on carrier networks. During congestion, carrier subscribers (including Orange Travel eSIMs) get priority over MVNO traffic. This affects speed during peak hours at tourist attractions.

Transaction cost considerations

  • Currency conversion: Providers listed in USD may charge in USD regardless of your card currency. Your bank’s foreign transaction fee (typically 1-3%) applies if your card is in a different currency.
  • Payment method: Credit cards, PayPal, and Apple Pay are accepted by most providers. Some providers (Ubigi, Nomad) also accept Google Pay.

For help resolving common eSIM issues that may arise after purchase, see our France eSIM troubleshooting walkthrough.


US Carrier Roaming vs France eSIM: Cost Comparison

For US travelers, the cost difference between carrier roaming and an eSIM is the single most impactful financial decision for a France trip.

US carrier international roaming rates (2026)

US Carrier Daily Roaming Fee Data Allowance Weekly Cost (7 days) Monthly Cost (30 days)
AT&T $10/day Unlimited 2G/3G, 5GB high-speed $70 $300
T-Mobile $5/day 5GB high-speed (countries) or included 2G (simple global) $35 $150
Verizon $12/day 2GB high-speed, then 3G $84 $360
Google Fi $10/GB Pay-per-GB, 20c/min calls Variable Variable
Mint Mobile $10/100MB 100MB/day included, $10/GB add-on ~$40-70 ~$100-200

France eSIM equivalent cost

Data Need eSIM Cost Carrier Roaming Cost Savings
3GB / 7 days (weekend) $4 (Ubigi, 30d) $35-84 (varies by carrier) 88-95%
5GB / 7 days (week trip) $5.50 (Orange Travel 5GB) $70 (AT&T) 92%
10GB / 14 days (extended) $10 (Ubigi, 30d) $140 (AT&T) 93%
50GB / 30 days (long stay) $29 (Ubigi) $300 (AT&T) 90%

The math on a 7-day trip

With AT&T Travel Pass at $10/day:

  • Total roaming cost: $70
  • Data cap: 5GB high-speed, then throttled
  • No hotspot in many plans

With a France eSIM (Ubigi 3GB at $4 or Nomad 5GB at $9):

  • Total eSIM cost: $4-9
  • Data: 5GB at full speed
  • Hotspot: Usually included
  • Additional: Keep your home SIM active for calls and SMS

Net savings: $61-66 on a single 7-day trip. For a family of four, the savings multiply — four AT&T lines at $70 each = $280, versus four eSIMs at $4-9 each = $16-36.

The practical impact

US carrier roaming is convenient. Your phone works exactly as it does at home. No eSIM setup, no APN configuration, no dual SIM management. For some travelers, this convenience justifies the cost. But the numbers are stark: a two-week family trip to France with AT&T roaming costs over $500 for a family of four. The same trip with eSIMs costs roughly $80.

According to AT&T’s international roaming page, their Travel Pass covers unlimited talk and text with 5GB of high-speed data per month pass. T-Mobile’s International Roaming offers comparable rates for their high-speed data passes.

For the best France eSIM for US travelers, prioritize providers with USD pricing, immediate email delivery, and network partnerships with Orange or Bouygues for reliable coverage.

UK Carrier Roaming vs France eSIM

For UK travelers, the economics are different because UK carriers have more competitive EU roaming packages due to historical EU “roam like at home” regulations (European Commission: Roaming). Although the UK has left the EU, most major UK carriers still include EU roaming in their plans.

UK Carrier EU Roaming Weekly Roaming Cost France eSIM Equivalent Savings with eSIM
Vodafone EU roaming included in many plans 0 - included from $5.50 for 5GB $0 if included, from $5.50 otherwise
EE 25GB EU roaming with most plans 0 - included from $5.50 for 5GB $0 if included
O2 EU roaming included with most plans 0 - included from $5.50 for 5GB $0 if included
Three Go Roam included (no extra charge) 0 - included from $5.50 for 5GB $0 if included
Giffgaff EU roaming at no extra cost 0 - included from $5.50 for 5GB $0 if included

For UK travelers, an eSIM for France only makes financial sense if your UK plan does not include EU roaming or if you need more data than your plan provides. Many UK postpaid plans include 25-50GB of EU roaming at no extra cost, making eSIMs unnecessary for typical trips.

When UK travelers should still buy a France eSIM

  • Your UK plan does not include EU roaming (older prepaid plans or specific business plans)
  • You need more data than your UK plan’s EU roaming allowance (e.g., heavy streaming, remote work)
  • You want to keep your UK SIM active for calls and use a separate data eSIM for dual-SIM flexibility
  • You are on a pay-as-you-go plan with high EU roaming rates (typically 10-20 pence per MB)

For UK travelers who do need an eSIM, Ubigi’s pricing in GBP is competitive, and providers like Airalo and Holafly also accept GBP payment.

Canadian Carrier Roaming vs France eSIM

Canadian carriers have the highest international roaming rates among English-speaking countries, making eSIMs particularly valuable for Canadian travelers.

Canadian Carrier Daily Roaming Fee Data Allowance Weekly Cost (7 days)
Rogers $15 CAD/day 1GB high-speed, then throttled $105 CAD
Bell $16 CAD/day 500MB high-speed, then throttled $112 CAD
Telus $16 CAD/day 500MB high-speed, then throttled $112 CAD
Freedom Mobile $15 CAD/day 2GB high-speed, then 256 Kbps $105 CAD

A France eSIM at $5-10 USD ($7-14 CAD) saves approximately $95-105 CAD per week compared to Canadian carrier roaming. For a two-week trip, the savings exceed $200 CAD.


France eSIM Plans by Duration

Different trip lengths require different plan structures. This section breaks down the cheapest and best-value options by trip duration. For an affordable France eSIM, these options represent the best value at each duration tier.

3-Day Weekend in Paris — Best eSIM Plans

Provider Data Price Cost per Day
Roami 1GB $1.99 $0.66
Saily 1GB $3.99 $0.57
Airalo 1GB $4.00 $1.33

For a weekend trip to Paris, Ubigi’s 3GB at $4 (30-day validity) is the cheapest comfortable option, and Roami’s 3GB at $3.99 (3-day validity) matches the price for a true weekend. Light usage (Google Maps, WhatsApp, email) consumes approximately 200-300MB per day, so 1GB covers a weekend — but 3GB leaves headroom for photo uploads and ride-hailing apps at almost the same price.

7-Day Tourist Plan — Best Value France eSIM

Provider Data Price Cost per Day
Ubigi 10GB $10.00 $1.43
Airalo 5GB $11.00 $1.57
Nomad 5GB $9.00 $1.29
Saily 5GB $14.00 $2.00
Holafly Unlimited $27.50 $3.93
Orange Travel 10GB 8.99 euro ($9.70) $0.69

For a standard 7-day tourist trip, 5GB is the sweet spot. It covers maps, messaging, social media, photo uploads, and light video streaming. Ubigi at $10 is the cheapest option — and it includes 10GB, not 5GB. Holafly at $27.50 provides unlimited data for heavy users. Roami does not appear in these duration tables because its prices scale with duration: a 5GB plan starts at $6.99 for 3 days, longer versions of the same plan cost more, and the WEB20 code then takes 20% off first orders.

Airalo on the Orange network at $11 is the recommended middle ground — Orange’s wider coverage provides better reliability in mixed urban and rural areas, and the price is still under $2 per day.

14-Day France eSIM Cost Comparison

Provider Data Price Cost per Day
Ubigi 10GB $10.00 $0.33
Nomad 10GB $14.00 $0.47
Airalo 10GB $16.00 $0.53
Holafly Unlimited $50.50 $3.37

For two-week trips, 10GB is the recommended data allowance. Ubigi at $10 (30-day validity) is the cheapest, with Orange Travel’s 10GB at 8.99 euro a near-tie on price. Holafly’s unlimited at $50.50 is worth considering only if you plan to stream video or tether daily.

Prepaid France eSIM Card Cost for 1 to 6 Month Stays

Long-stay pricing behaves differently from holiday pricing. The 30-day prepaid tiers carry the lowest cost per GB, and the 100 GB to 800 GB tiers extend validity to 45, 90, and 180 days for travellers who are staying for months rather than weeks. If your stay runs past a single billing window, compare a 90-day tier against buying three separate 30-day plans — the longer tier wins on both price and the number of activation steps you have to repeat.

France 1-Day, 1-Week, and 1-Month eSIM Plans

The shortest useful units are the 1-day and 1-week plans, which suit a weekend or a city break; the 1-month tiers take over from roughly the tenth day onward, because their per-GB cost falls below the weekly equivalents. Travellers who need a single number and validity window should line the plan length up with their actual dates rather than buying extra days they will not use.

Provider Data Price Cost per Day Price per GB
Ubigi 50GB $29.00 $0.97 $0.58
Nomad 50GB $35.00 $1.17 $0.70
Holafly Unlimited $73.90 $2.46 N/A
Orange Travel 50GB 29.99 euro ($32.50) $1.08 $0.65

For 30-day stays, Ubigi’s 50GB at $29 offers the best price per GB at $0.58. This works for video calls, streaming, and remote work. Orange Travel’s 50GB at 29.99 euro matches it, and its promotional 100GB plan at 35.99 euro suits heavy users. Holafly’s unlimited at $73.90 is for users who don’t want to think about data caps at all.

For long-stay visitors who need a French phone number and the ability to recharge, Orange Prepaid (physical SIM) offers more flexibility than Orange Travel eSIM. Orange Prepaid can be topped up at any tabac or Orange store and costs approximately 10-20 euro per month for 10-20GB.

According to ARCEP’s mobile data hub, the French telecom regulator, mobile data usage in France averages approximately 12GB per month per subscriber as of 2026, making 10-20GB plans the appropriate choice for most long-stay visitors.

For a detailed breakdown of which plan suits different trip lengths and travel styles, see our France eSIM vs physical SIM comparison. For travelers who want automatic carrier switching across multiple French networks, a France eSIM with multi-network support provides the best coverage flexibility.


France eSIM Price per GB Comparison

Price per GB is the most objective metric for comparing eSIM value across providers and plan sizes. Lower is better.

Provider Plan Total Price Price per GB
Ubigi 50GB / 30 days $29.00 $0.58
Ubigi 25GB / 30 days $19.00 $0.76
Nomad 50GB / 30 days $35.00 $0.70
Ubigi 10GB / 30 days $10.00 $1.00
Airalo 10GB / 30 days $16.00 $1.60
Airalo 5GB / 30 days $11.00 $2.20
Nomad 5GB / 30 days $9.00 $1.80
Airalo 3GB / 7 days $7.00 $2.33
Ubigi 3GB / 30 days $4.00 $1.33
Airalo 1GB / 3 days $4.00 $4.00
Roami 10GB / 3 days $10.99 $1.10
Roami 5GB / 3 days $6.99 $1.40
Orange Travel 50GB / 30 days 29.99 euro ($32.50) $0.65
Orange Travel 10GB / 14 days 8.99 euro ($9.70) $0.97
Orange Travel 5GB / 7 days 4.99 euro ($5.50) $1.10

Patterns in price per GB

  • Larger plans consistently offer better per-GB pricing. Buying 50GB costs less per GB than buying 1GB.
  • Ubigi leads across nearly every tier, with the 50GB plan at $0.58/GB being the market best
  • Airalo’s 1GB plan is the most expensive on a per-GB basis at $4.00/GB, while Orange Travel’s repriced 5GB line is now among the best values at $1.10/GB
  • Providers using Orange’s network (Airalo, Saily, Nomad) charge a premium over Ubigi (Bouygues)
  • The cheapest per-GB pricing is roughly $1-2/GB, which compares favorably to the global average of $2-5/GB for travel eSIMs

France eSIM 5G High-Speed Plan Cost

All major France eSIM providers support 5G, but the speed tiers and pricing vary.

Provider 5G Availability Cheapest 5G Plan Speed Notes
Ubigi Yes (Bouygues 5G) $4 (3GB) Full 5G speeds, no throttle
Airalo Yes (Orange 5G) $4 (1GB) Full 5G speeds, no throttle
Nomad Yes (Orange/Free 5G) $4 (1GB) Full 5G on Orange, capped on Free
Holafly Yes (multi-network 5G) $27.50 (unlimited 7d) Unlimited 5G, hotspot sharing capped at 1GB/day
Orange Travel Yes (Orange 5G) 4.99 euro (~$5.50) for 5GB Orange network priority, full 5G speeds
Roami Yes $1.99 (1GB) Auto-switching across Orange/SFR/Bouygues

Orange’s 5G network reaches roughly 90% of the French population, with Bouygues close behind at ~85%. For a carrier-by-carrier look at 5G coverage, speeds, and which network wins in each region, see our France network coverage.

For travelers who specifically need 5G speeds, any provider on the Orange network (Airalo, Saily, Nomad) or Bouygues network (Ubigi) delivers 5G on compatible devices. The cheapest 5G-compatible France eSIM is Roami’s 1GB at $1.99 (3-day validity); Ubigi’s 3GB at $4 is the cheapest with a 30-day window.

For the cheapest unlimited 5G eSIM in France, Orange Travel’s promotional 5-day unlimited at 16.99 euro undercuts everyone, with Holafly at $27.50 for 7 days as the 30-day-friendly benchmark. Tethering restrictions are the main constraint on Holafly.

For a speed comparison of France’s four networks (Orange leads at roughly 250 Mbps median 5G), see our France network comparison guide.


CDG Airport Physical SIM Trap for France eSIM Buyers

Charles de Gaulle Airport has multiple stores selling physical SIM cards to arriving tourists. These are almost always more expensive than eSIMs purchased online.

CDG airport SIM pricing (September 2026)

Store Product Price Data
Orange Store CDG Orange Holiday 40 euro ($43) 14GB / 14 days
Relay (newsstand) Tourist SIM 30-50 euro ($32-54) Varies, typically 5-10GB
SFR Store CDG SFR Travel 35 euro ($38) 10GB / 14 days
Free Store CDG Free prepaid 20 euro ($22) 10GB / 30 days (requires passport)

Compare to online eSIM prices

Product Price Data Savings vs CDG
Ubigi online eSIM $10 5GB / 30 days Saves vs Orange Holiday: $33
Airalo online eSIM $11 5GB / 30 days Saves vs Orange Holiday: $32
Holafly online eSIM $25 Unlimited / 7 days Saves vs Orange Holiday: $23
Roami online eSIM from $6.99 5GB / 3 days Saves vs Orange Holiday: $36

Why the CDG trap exists

Physical SIMs at CDG include retail markup, store rent, and staffing costs. Airport retail space at CDG is among the most expensive in France, and these costs are passed to customers. The Orange Holiday physical SIM at CDG costs 40 euro for 14GB, while the same product (Orange network) via an eSIM costs $9-19 online.

When buying at CDG makes sense

  • Your phone does not support eSIM and you need a physical SIM
  • You have no internet access before your trip to purchase and install an eSIM
  • You prefer in-person assistance with setup
  • You are on a business expense account and cost is secondary to convenience

The better approach

Purchase an eSIM online before your flight. Install the QR code at home on WiFi. When you land at CDG, your eSIM activates automatically as soon as you connect to a French network — no queueing at the Orange store, no inflated prices, no passport registration.

For travelers with phones that do not support eSIM, the Orange Holiday physical SIM at CDG is the best airport option at 40 euro for 14GB. Avoid the Relay newsstand tourist SIMs, which typically offer worse value.

For a complete guide to avoiding airport SIM pricing, see our France eSIM fix guide.


France eSIM Promo Codes and Discounts

Several France eSIM providers offer promo codes, referral discounts, and first-purchase deals.

Active promo codes and discounts (September 2026)

Provider Code / Deal Discount Notes
Roami WEB20 20% off first order Use at checkout. Covers all France plans.
Airalo AIRALO10 (referral) $3 off first plan Create account via referral link
Holafly Various seasonal codes 5-15% off Check Holafly homepage for current promo
Ubigi First purchase discount 10-20% off first plan Offer varies by region
Nomad NOMAD5 5% off Stackable with other offers
Saily SAILY10 10% off first purchase
Orange Travel No standard promo code - Orange rarely discounts travel products

How to maximize savings

  1. Use WEB20 at checkout for 20% off your first Roami order — the largest standard discount available
  2. Stack referral credits: Many providers offer $3-5 credit when a friend signs up via your referral link
  3. Buy larger plans: 50GB plans offer the best per-GB pricing (Ubigi 50GB at $29 = $0.58/GB)
  4. Multi-country plans: If visiting multiple European countries, a regional plan may be cheaper than separate France plans
  5. Try a free trial eSIM to test network compatibility before purchasing a full plan — Roami offers this for first-time users

How the discount works in practice

On Roami’s 10GB plan at $10.99, WEB20 saves about $2.20, bringing the cost to $8.79. On higher-priced Roami plans, the 20% saving scales with the plan price.


Free France eSIM Trial Options

For travelers who are unsure whether eSIM will work on their device or want to test coverage before committing, free trials are available.

Free eSIM trial

Roami offers a free eSIM trial that provides a small data allocation (typically 100MB) to test compatibility and coverage before purchasing a full plan. This trial is useful for:

  • Confirming your phone is eSIM-compatible (see Apple’s eSIM support list)
  • Testing network coverage at your specific destinations in France
  • Understanding the installation and activation process before you need data
  • Comparing multi-network switching performance in real time

The free trial requires no credit card and activates within minutes.

Other free or low-cost testing options

  • Ubigi: Occasional free trial offers with 100-200MB for new users
  • Airalo: Referral credits provide effective free data on signup
  • Holafly: Advertises a money-back window within 24 hours of activation

Why a free trial matters

eSIM compatibility varies by phone model, carrier-lock status, and region. A free trial lets you verify that your specific device can install and use a French eSIM before you spend money on a full plan. It also lets you test which network provides the best signal at your accommodation and regular locations.


Best Value France eSIM for 30 Days

For travelers staying a month or longer, the calculation changes. Short-term price comparisons are less relevant than total monthly cost and reliability.

30-day plan comparison

Provider Data Price Price per GB Hotspot French Number
Ubigi 50GB $29.00 $0.58 Yes No
Nomad 50GB $35.00 $0.70 Yes No
Holafly Unlimited $73.90 N/A 1GB/day cap No
Orange Travel 50GB 29.99 euro ($32.50) $0.65 Yes Number plans only (39.99 euro)
Airalo 20GB $23.50 $1.18 Yes No

Winner by use case

  • Best pure value: Ubigi 50GB at $29. At $0.58/GB, nothing else comes close.
  • Best with multi-network switching: Roami automatically switches across Orange, SFR, and Bouygues — plans start at 3 days and can be topped up through the app to cover a full month.
  • Best with French number: Orange Travel’s 50GB number plan at 39.99 euro (~$43). The French number justifies the premium for long stays.
  • Best unlimited: Ubigi at $39 for 30 days — nearly half of Holafly’s $73.90. Holafly remains the pick if you never want to think about caps.

For a 30-day stay in France — whether work trip, study abroad, or extended vacation — Ubigi’s 50GB at $29 is the price leader.


France eSIM Pricing for Business Travelers

Business travelers have different priorities than leisure travelers when choosing a France eSIM. Reliability, data speed, and support response time often matter more than absolute lowest price.

Business-relevant plan comparison

Provider Recommended Plan Price Key Business Features
Roami 10GB / 3 days $10.99 Auto-switching across Orange, SFR, and Bouygues; no ID required; 24/7 support
Ubigi 10GB / 30 days $10 Stable Bouygues network; reliable in business districts
Airalo 10GB / 30 days $16 Orange network; best reliability in rural business locations
Orange Travel 20GB / 14 days 19.99 euro ($21.50) French number included; Orange network; in-person support
Holafly Unlimited 15 days $50.50 Unlimited data for heavy video conferencing; tethering restricted

Why business travelers should not choose purely on price

  • Video call reliability: Orange network eSIMs or multi-network switching provides better video call quality than budget options on Free Mobile
  • French number: For client meetings and hotel concierge services, a French number avoids international dialing costs and appears professional
  • Support response: Business travelers cannot afford 6-12 hour support wait times. Providers with in-store or multi-channel support are preferable
  • Data overage protection: Business travelers who exceed data caps need easy top-up capability

Expense reporting considerations

France eSIMs are typically expensable as “mobile communications” or “travel connectivity” on corporate expense reports. Providers issue receipts by email with clear pricing breakdowns. For travelers on corporate expense accounts where cost is secondary, Orange Travel’s 20GB number plan at 19.99 euro (~$21.50) provides the most professional option with a French number and Orange network priority.


France eSIM Multi-Line Pricing for Families and Groups

Traveling with family or in a group multiplies connectivity costs. Strategic planning reduces the per-person expense.

Family pricing comparison (4 people, 7-day trip)

Approach Provider Individual Cost Total for 4 Notes
Everyone gets own eSIM Roami 5GB $5.59 $22.36 WEB20 applied; multi-network switching
Everyone gets own eSIM Ubigi 10GB $10 $40 Cheapest per-person at 10GB
Everyone gets own eSIM Airalo 5GB $11 $44 Orange network, better rural coverage
Hotspot from one device Ubigi 25GB on 1 phone $19 $19 Requires group to stay together
Mixed approach Adults: own eSIM; Kids: hotspot $11 + $11 + hotspot ~$25 Practical for families with young children

Hotspot sharing strategy

If your group stays together for most activities (museum visits, meals, transit), a single eSIM with hotspot tethering covers everyone. One person buys a 20-50GB plan and shares the connection. This works for:

  • Families with children who use phones primarily for messaging and games
  • Couples who visit the same locations throughout the day
  • Groups of friends on a shared itinerary

Limitations of hotspot sharing:

  • Battery drain on the host phone (bring a power bank)
  • Group members must stay within Bluetooth/WiFi range (approximately 10 meters)
  • Roami is the outlier in the other direction: it imposes no hotspot limits at all, though its plans start at 3 days, so match the duration to your trip
  • Some providers limit hotspot speeds or data (Holafly: 1GB/day cap)
  • Not practical if group members split up during the day

Per-person budget for groups

Assuming individual eSIMs for each group member:

  • Budget group: $6-10 per person (Roami 5GB at $5.59 with WEB20, or Ubigi 10GB)
  • Standard group: $11-16 per person (Airalo 5GB or 10GB)
  • Premium group: $21-43 per person (Orange Travel with French number)

For a family of four on a 7-day trip, total eSIM cost ranges from $22 (Roami budget) to $172 (Orange Travel 50GB with French number). Compare this to $280 for four AT&T roaming lines.


France eSIM for 2-Week Vacation: Budget Breakdown

A two-week France trip is the most common travel duration. Here is a realistic budget breakdown for a 14-day vacation.

Activity Daily Data Use 14-Day Total
Google Maps (2 hours/day) ~100MB 1.4GB
WhatsApp messaging + calls ~50MB 700MB
Social media (1 hour/day) ~150MB 2.1GB
Photo uploads (50 photos) ~200MB (one-time) 200MB
Video calls (30 min/day, 3 calls/week) ~200MB per call 1.2GB
Web browsing / restaurant lookups ~50MB 700MB
Music streaming (1 hour/day) ~100MB 1.4GB
Total estimated 7.7GB

Budget options for 14 days

Strategy Plan Cost Coverage
Budget, urban only Ubigi 10GB $10 + light usage $10 Bouygues, good in cities
Balanced, most travelers Ubigi 10GB $10 or Airalo 10GB $16 $10-16 Bouygues (Ubigi) or Orange (Airalo)
Heavy user, streaming Holafly unlimited 15-day $50.50 or Ubigi unlimited 15-day $25 $25-50.50 Holafly multi-network; Ubigi Bouygues
Multi-city with rural Roami multi-network, from $10.99 (longer durations cost more) from $8.79 Auto-switching across Orange/SFR/Bouygues
French number needed Orange Travel 20GB 19.99 euro ($21.50) $21.50 Orange, best rural coverage

Realistic two-week eSIM budget

  • Light user (4-5GB): $9-11 (Nomad 5GB or Airalo 5GB)
  • Moderate user (8-10GB): $10-16 (Ubigi 10GB or Airalo 10GB)
  • Heavy user (20GB+): $19-50 (Ubigi 25GB, Airalo 20GB, or Holafly unlimited 15-day)
  • Average across all travelers: approximately $12-16

Compared to US carrier roaming, an eSIM for a 14-day trip saves approximately $120-150 over AT&T ($140 for 14 days) or $60-80 over T-Mobile ($70 for 14 days).


France Prepaid eSIM Card Options: Data-Only and Contract

The word “card” covers several different products, and the distinctions matter more than the label. A prepaid visitor plan needs no French address or bank account and is what almost every traveller should buy. A data-only plan drops voice and SMS to reach a lower price. A French contract plan is a monthly subscription tied to a French bank account and a credit check, which is why it is reserved for residents rather than visitors.

For a trip, the practical choice is between a prepaid data-only plan and a prepaid plan that includes a French number. Both are “France eSIM cards” in the marketplace sense, but only the second one can receive a verification text.

How to Buy a France eSIM Online

Buying online is faster than any counter at an airport and gives you the plan description in writing before you pay. The sequence is the same for every provider: confirm the phone is eSIM-capable and unlocked, pick the data tier and validity, pay, then install the profile from the QR code or the provider app on a Wi-Fi connection.

Two habits reduce friction. Buy before departure so the installation is not competing with airport Wi-Fi, and check whether the tier you selected is the number-included variant rather than the cheaper data-only one — the two are easy to confuse on the same page.

France Reddit eSIM Price Reports: What Buyers Say

Community threads are useful for two things: catching price changes that marketing pages lag behind, and hearing which providers actually deliver the speeds they advertise. Treat the numbers as directional rather than current, because plan pricing rotates constantly and promotional tiers expire.

The recurring themes are consistent with the rest of this guide: the mainstream travel eSIMs are competitive at small data tiers, unlimited plans carry hotspot restrictions that catch people out, and the number-included carrier tier is the expensive option nobody regrets paying for when a booking actually requires it.

Decision Matrix: Which France eSIM Plan Should You Buy

This matrix lets you find the right plan based on your trip specifics. Find your scenario and read across.

Trip Type Duration Data Needed Recommended Plan Price Why
Paris weekend 3 days 1-2GB Roami 1GB $1.99 or Ubigi 3GB $4 $2-4 Cheapest with validity buffer, urban-adequate
Paris + museums 5 days 3-5GB Airalo 5GB $11 $11 Orange network, good value
Week in France 7 days 5-10GB Ubigi 10GB $10 $10 Best value at this tier
Cities + countryside 7 days 5-10GB Roami 5GB from $6.99 (longer durations cost more) from $5.59 with WEB20 Automated switching for changing coverage
Two weeks, cities 14 days 10GB Airalo 10GB $16 $16 Orange reliability
Two weeks, mixed 14 days 10GB Roami 10GB from $10.99 (longer durations cost more) from $8.79 Multi-network, rural-capable
Heavy data user 7 days Unlimited Ubigi unlimited $20 $20 Cheapest unlimited
Light data, long stay 30 days 5-10GB Ubigi 10GB $10 $10 30-day validity, $1/GB
Heavy data, long stay 30 days 50GB Ubigi 50GB $29 $29 Best per-GB pricing
Need French number 7-14 days 5-20GB Orange Travel 20GB 19.99 euro ($21.50) $21.50+ Only option with French number
Multi-country 14 days 10GB Airalo Europe (Eurolink) ~$31 ~$31 Covers 42 countries
Business trip 5-7 days 5-10GB Roami 5GB from $6.99 (longer durations cost more) from $5.59 Auto-switching across business districts
Family (4 people) 7 days 5GB each Airalo 5GB x4 = $44 $44 vs $280 AT&T roaming

France eSIM Budget Planning by Trip Range

Different trip budgets require different eSIM strategies. This section maps eSIM options to overall trip budget ranges.

Budget traveler (under $50/day total trip spend)

For budget travelers, every dollar saved on connectivity goes toward experiences. The recommended approach is the absolute cheapest plan that meets minimum data needs.

  • 3-5 day trip: Ubigi 3GB at $4
  • 7-day trip: Ubigi 10GB at $10
  • 14-day trip: Orange Travel 10GB at 8.99 euro, or Ubigi 10GB at $10 with a 30-day buffer
  • Strategy: Use hotel and cafe WiFi for heavy downloads, reserve mobile data for navigation and messaging
  • Monthly connectivity cost: $10-17

Mid-range traveler ($50-150/day total trip spend)

Mid-range travelers want reliable connectivity without overpaying. The recommended approach balances price with network quality.

  • 3-5 day trip: Airalo 3GB at $7
  • 7-day trip: Airalo 5GB at $11, or Roami 5GB from $6.99 (from $5.59 with WEB20; 3-day base validity, longer durations cost more)
  • 14-day trip: Airalo 10GB at $16, or Roami 10GB from $10.99 (from $8.79 with WEB20)
  • 30-day trip: Ubigi 50GB at $29 — the best per-GB value at this length
  • Strategy: Choose Orange-network providers for coverage reliability; use promo codes
  • Monthly connectivity cost: $12-48

Premium traveler ($150+/day total trip spend)

Premium travelers prioritize convenience, reliability, and features over price. The recommended approach is the best possible experience regardless of cost.

  • 3-5 day trip: Orange Travel 5GB at 4.99 euro, or Roami 5GB at $6.99
  • 7-day trip: Orange Travel 20GB with French number at 19.99 euro, or Roami 10GB from $10.99
  • 14-day trip: Orange Travel 20GB with French number at 19.99 euro, or Holafly unlimited 15-day at $50.50
  • 30-day trip: Orange Travel 50GB with French number at 39.99 euro, or Holafly unlimited 30-day at $73.90
  • Strategy: French number included, carrier priority, multi-network switching
  • Monthly connectivity cost: $21-74

Family (4 people, $100-300/day total trip spend)

Family travelers need to manage connectivity costs across multiple devices without sacrificing reliability.

  • 7-day trip: Airalo 5GB x4 at $44 total, or hotspot from Ubigi 25GB at $19
  • 14-day trip: Airalo 10GB x4 at $64 total, or hotspot from Ubigi 25GB at $19
  • Strategy: Hotspot from one device if family stays together; individual eSIMs if splitting up
  • Monthly connectivity cost: $19-64

France eSIM Seasonal Price Variations

France eSIM prices are relatively stable throughout the year, but some patterns affect availability and value.

Summer peak season (June-August)

During France’s peak tourist season, demand for eSIMs increases significantly. This does not typically change listed prices, but it can affect service quality:

  • Network congestion reduces effective speeds during peak hours at tourist attractions
  • Promo codes and discounts are less common during peak months
  • Support response times may be longer during high-volume periods
  • Top-up delivery may take longer during peak demand

Shoulder season (April-May, September-October)

These months offer the best combination of good weather, moderate tourist crowds, and full promotional availability. Providers are more likely to offer promo codes during shoulder months to attract travelers.

Low season (November-March)

Low season sees fewer travelers and more promotional offers. Some providers run seasonal sales during Black Friday (November), Christmas (December), and winter promotions (January-February). These sales can offer 15-30% off standard pricing.

Last-minute purchase risk

Purchasing an eSIM on the day of travel carries a small risk of delayed delivery if your provider’s automated systems experience issues. Purchase at least 24 hours before departure to ensure the QR code arrives in time.


France Best Price Tips: How to Pay the Least

Beyond choosing the right plan, several tactics can reduce your France eSIM cost further.

Buy before you fly. To buy an eSIM for France at the best price, purchase it online before departure — online purchase gives you the full plan catalog, while airport stores stock only the most popular options and cost you 15-45 minutes in queue. Orange Travel’s data-only plans start at 4.99 euro online, and travel eSIMs offer 10GB for $10-16 with 30-day validity. Installing at home on WiFi takes 5 minutes and removes all airport friction.

Larger plans offer better per-GB pricing. Ubigi’s 50GB plan at $29 costs $0.58/GB. Their 3GB plan at $4 costs $1.33/GB. If your trip is 30 days, buying 50GB instead of 10GB saves 42% per GB. Even if you do not use all 50GB, the total cost remains lower than buying multiple smaller plans.

Use promo codes for first purchases. The WEB20 code provides 20% off a first Roami order. This brings Roami’s multi-network pricing in line with or below single-network competitors.

Consider multi-country plans. If your itinerary includes France plus Italy, Spain, the UK, or other European countries, a Europe regional plan ($25-50 for 10GB) is cheaper than buying separate eSIMs for each country. Airalo, Holafly, Ubigi, and Roami all offer Europe regional plans. For rail-specific routing — Eurostar, TGV cross-border legs, and where coverage drops — see our multi-country France eSIM guide.

Start with a free trial. Roami’s free eSIM plan lets you test coverage and compatibility without spending money. This is especially useful if you are traveling to rural areas and want to verify which network performs best at your specific accommodation.

Check your phone’s eSIM compatibility before buying. Visit Apple’s official eSIM support page for iPhone compatibility or check your Android manufacturer’s support documentation. Most phones released after 2020 support eSIM, but carrier-locked phones from US carriers may have restrictions.

Use a price-per-GB calculator. If comparing plans with different data allowances, divide the total price by the number of GB. The plan with the lowest price per GB is usually the best value, assuming adequate coverage for your destinations.

For a complete comparison of network quality and coverage across all providers, see our France network comparison.


Summary: The Cheapest France eSIM at Every Tier

Data Need Cheapest Plan Price Network
1GB Roami (3d) / Saily (7d) $1.99 / $3.99 Multi-network / Orange
3GB Roami (3d) / Ubigi (30d) $3.99 / $4 Multi-network / Bouygues
5GB Orange Travel (7d) 4.99 euro Multi-network
10GB Ubigi (30d) $10 Bouygues
20GB Nomad (30d) $21 Orange
50GB Ubigi (30d) $29 Bouygues
Unlimited 7 days Ubigi $20 Bouygues
Unlimited 30 days Ubigi $39 Bouygues
Best multi-network Roami (use WEB20) $1.99 (1GB) to $10.99 (10GB, 3d) Orange/SFR/Bouygues
Best with French number Orange Travel 19.99 euro ($21.50) for 20GB Orange

Ubigi is the price leader across most data tiers, with Airalo offering the best value on the Orange network for travelers who prioritize coverage breadth. For automatic carrier switching across Orange, SFR, and Bouygues, Roami offers the lowest sticker prices in this guide. For French number needs, Orange Travel is the only carrier eSIM option — our Orange Travel vs travel eSIM comparison shows where the number premium pays off.

On a one-week France trip, roaming never wins: a $5.50 5GB data-only plan undercuts a $70 AT&T week by more than 90%, and even the priciest short-trip option (Holafly unlimited at $27.50 for 7 days) still saves about 60%. The gap is structural rather than promotional — US carriers resell access at daily rates, while a France eSIM buys data at local wholesale prices.

For additional guidance on choosing the right France eSIM, see our France eSIM overview. For quality-of-service ratings, support quality, and head-to-head reviews, read our France eSIM provider ranking.


Prices and plan details verified September 2026. Promo codes and discounts are subject to change. Always verify current pricing on the provider’s website before purchasing. Free trial availability and terms vary by provider. Network coverage statistics based on publicly available data from ARCEP and carrier coverage maps.

For official pricing, Orange and Free Mobile publish current rates.

ARCEP regulates French telecom pricing.

🔗 You might also like