For most trips to France, a fixed 5–20 GB plan is the practical choice. Pay for unlimited data only when you expect daily video, remote work or heavy tethering—and compare the hotspot and renewal rules before the headline price.
Quick verdict
- Best checked 20 GB price: Airalo at $23.50 for 30 days. Yesim was close at a promotional $24, while Saily displayed $26.99.
- Best checked seven-day unlimited price: Maya at $19.99. Its plan renews automatically while Travel Mode remains on, so switch that mode off after the trip.
- Best for disclosed French networks: Holafly names Orange, SFR, Bouygues Télécom and Free Mobile. Airalo names Orange as its primary network.
- Best for clear hotspot terms: Holafly publishes a 1 GB/day sharing limit. Saily states unlimited hotspot sharing, while Maya says hotspot is included.
France eSIM prices compared
| Provider | Useful verified plan | Network / speed | Hotspot | Condition to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airalo | 20 GB / 30 days — $23.50 | Orange France | Not verified | Fixed allowance; top up if eligible |
| Holafly | Unlimited / 7 days — $27.50 | Orange, SFR, Bouygues, Free; 5G/4G/LTE | 1 GB/day | Fair-use slowdown possible; threshold not stated |
| Saily | 20 GB / 30 days — $26.99 | Local partner not named, 3G–5G | Stated as unlimited | Activates automatically after a 30-day window if unused |
| Maya | Unlimited / 7 days — $19.99 | Strongest available local network, 5G/4G | Included | Auto-renews while Travel Mode is on |
| Yesim | 20 GB / 30 days — $24 promotional | Automatic partner selection, including 5G | Depends on operator | Promotional price; operator fair-use rules apply |
The table uses representative plans rather than every available duration. Airalo also displayed 1–50 GB packages. Saily listed 1–20 GB plus an unlimited selection, Holafly sold unlimited durations, and Yesim combined fixed and unlimited options. Recheck the final currency and price before paying.
Choose by how you will use data
For a short city break with maps, transport apps, messaging and restaurant searches, 3–5 GB is normally enough. Airalo displayed 3 GB for seven days at $7 and 5 GB at $9.50. Saily’s $3.99 entry plan includes only 1 GB, while Yesim’s $2.52 1 GB price was promotional.
For one to four weeks with daily browsing, photo uploads and occasional video, compare 10–20 GB. Airalo was the cheapest checked option at 20 GB/30 days. Yesim’s close second was a promotion; compare its live checkout price with Saily before buying.
For remote work, streaming or frequent laptop tethering, the unlimited label is only half the decision. Maya had the lowest checked seven-day price but auto-renews. Holafly limits sharing to 1 GB/day and may apply a temporary fair-use slowdown. Saily exposed an unlimited option, but its France page did not publish a numerical full-speed threshold in the checked text.
Networks, hotspot and calls
Named networks make comparison easier. Holafly lists four French operators, while Airalo lists Orange. Saily, Maya and Yesim describe automatic or strongest-network selection without naming the French carrier on their current destination pages.
These travel offers are primarily for data. Do not assume that you will receive a French mobile number for ordinary calls or SMS. Keep your normal SIM active for your number, use WhatsApp, FaceTime or another internet calling app, and disable data roaming on the home SIM to reduce accidental roaming charges.
Coverage can vary inside older buildings, on rural roads and in mountain areas. A provider with several partner networks may have more fallback options, but the exact network available to your phone can still depend on location and plan.
Install before landing
Check that the exact phone model supports eSIM and is carrier-unlocked. Install over reliable Wi-Fi before departure, save the QR code or manual installation details offline, and label the line “France” in your phone settings.
After arrival, select the travel eSIM for mobile data and enable data roaming on that line only. Airalo and Holafly begin validity when the eSIM connects to a supported French network. Saily can activate on arrival, but also states a 30-day activation window. Yesim allows activation within 180 days of purchase. Follow the app’s current confirmation screen rather than guessing.
FAQ
Can I keep my normal number in France?
Yes. Keep your primary SIM enabled for calls and messages and set the eSIM as the mobile-data line. Check what your home carrier charges for incoming calls and SMS abroad.
Is unlimited data really unlimited?
It can mean unlimited total data without guaranteeing unlimited full-speed data. Holafly and Yesim disclose possible fair-use restrictions without a numerical France threshold. Maya currently claims no caps or throttling; treat that as its published condition and verify it again at checkout.
How much data do I need for a week?
Allow roughly 3–5 GB for maps, messaging and light social use. Choose 10 GB or more if you upload many photos, watch video away from Wi-Fi or use your phone as a hotspot.
Planning another trip?
Compare our Japan eSIM guide, Thailand eSIM guide, or browse all published destinations. If this is your first digital SIM, start with what an eSIM is and check phone compatibility.