How to Get Internet and a SIM Card in France: Options 2026

Q: eSIM or physical SIM?

An **eSIM** is loaded digitally onto the phone without inserting a physical card. For the 1Go and 4Go packages, this is the only option; for 20Go and above, you can choose either SIM or eSIM. The practical advantage of an eSIM is that you can keep your physical card from Turkey in place. This makes it easier to plan access to messages coming to your Turkish number. The most important thing to check is whether your phone supports eSIM. Not every model supports eSIM, and some devices are carrier-

A practical guide covering Orange Holiday packages for mobile internet in France, the difference between eSIM and physical SIM, where to buy them, and the identity requirement, step by step.

The answer to how to get internet and a SIM card in France is: you can order an Orange Holiday package online before your trip, or buy one after landing at the airport, at Orange and Relay stores, or at tobacco shops. Identity may be requested when buying a physical SIM; since this requirement is based on an unofficial source, confirm it at the point of sale. There are also 7-day and 14-day eSIM packages for short stays.

In brief

You can order the Orange Holiday package online, or buy it in France at the airport, Orange stores, Relay stores and tobacco shops.
The 1Go and 4Go packages are eSIM only; 20Go and above are offered as SIM or eSIM.
The identity requirement is based on an unofficial source; carry your passport and confirm it at the point of sale.
If you'll also be visiting other countries such as Switzerland, check the package's coverage before ordering.

The gist of it: you connect in one of three ways

There are three ways to connect to mobile internet in France: using your Turkish line abroad, buying a prepaid package aimed at tourists, or relying on Wi-Fi at hotels and cafés. This article covers the Orange Holiday prepaid packages in detail. Other operators may offer their own packages; check their terms before purchasing.

You can order the Orange Holiday package online before your trip, or buy it physically after landing in France. Which one you choose depends on your arrival time, whether your phone supports eSIM, and the length of your stay.

Your Turkish operator's roaming tariff abroad is a separate matter. Coverage and cost vary by operator. We do not give figures here; as the line holder, check your operator's current roaming tariff and compare it with the prepaid package.

Hotel and café Wi-Fi is complementary. You'll often need maps, tickets and reservation codes out on the street. If you're travelling independently, especially outside a tour program, don't plan on Wi-Fi as your only solution. If your visa and documents are ready, the connectivity plan is the last practical step of the trip.

Orange Holiday packages and durations

Orange Holiday Europe packages differ by quota and duration. According to verified information, the options are as follows:

1Go (4G/LTE): offered as eSIM only, valid for 7 days.
4Go (4G/LTE): offered as eSIM only, valid for 14 days.
20Go (4G/LTE): SIM or eSIM, valid for 31 days. Includes unlimited calls and SMS within Europe, plus 30 minutes of calls and 200 SMS to France, Europe and the rest of the world.
50Go (4G/LTE): SIM or eSIM, valid for 31 days. Includes unlimited calls and SMS within Europe, plus 2 hours of calls and 1000 SMS.
100Go (5G): SIM or eSIM, valid for 31 days. Includes 2 hours of calls and 1000 SMS.
500Go (5G): SIM or eSIM, valid for 3 months. Includes 6 hours of calls and 3000 SMS.

When choosing a package, first look at the number of days of your stay: the 7-day and 14-day packages are meant for short stays, while the 31-day and 3-month packages are for longer ones. Then think about your daily usage: maps, messaging, video and hotspot use different amounts of data.

For current package prices and content changes, check Orange's own page; we do not give prices here.

eSIM or physical SIM?

An eSIM is loaded digitally onto the phone without inserting a physical card. For the 1Go and 4Go packages, this is the only option; for 20Go and above, you can choose either SIM or eSIM. The practical advantage of an eSIM is that you can keep your physical card from Turkey in place. This makes it easier to plan access to messages coming to your Turkish number.

The most important thing to check is whether your phone supports eSIM. Not every model supports eSIM, and some devices are carrier-locked. Before you leave, check your phone's settings for the option to add an eSIM and make sure the device is unlocked. If you're not sure, ask your operator.

A physical SIM is needed for phones without eSIM support. If you don't have a dual-SIM slot, swapping the card will temporarily disable your Turkish line. Keep your original card in a small box so you don't lose it.

Which should you choose?

If your phone supports eSIM and you want to keep access to your Turkish number: eSIM.
If your phone doesn't support eSIM: a physical SIM, i.e. the 20Go and above packages.
If your stay is 7 or 14 days: the 1Go or 4Go eSIM packages, provided your phone is compatible.

The deciding factor between the two methods is not data quota but device compatibility and length of stay.

Where to buy: online and in France

The Orange Holiday SIM card can be ordered online from travel.orange.com, from Orange stores in metropolitan France, and from certain Relay stores at airports and train stations. After landing in France, you can also buy it at the airport and at points of sale (Orange stores, Relay stores, tobacco shops).

The advantage of ordering online is that you can see the package and setup information before you travel. When and how to activate the eSIM depends on the instructions on the package and order page; read this step before arrival and save it for offline access.

The advantage of buying in France is that you can see the package in person and ask staff questions. The disadvantage is that there may be a queue at the point of sale, and you risk being without internet during the first hours after arrival. If you're landing late at night, whether stores are open matters; check opening hours from the store's own source. We do not give specific hours here.

If you're travelling with a group tour, the schedule may be tight, making it harder to find separate time to make a purchase. When looking at tours to France, take free time and arrival time into account and plan your connectivity accordingly.

Identity requirement, tracking, and common mistakes

According to a comparison site (Selectra), identity verification has been mandatory in France since 2017 both when buying a prepaid SIM card and with every top-up. Since this information does not come from an official source, confirm current practice at the point of sale. Carry your passport with you so you're prepared for whatever is requested.

You can track your usage with #123#. You'll get an SMS when 80% of your data has been used and when it runs out completely. According to Orange, there is no risk of extra charges beyond the package; however, this rule applies to Orange Holiday, not to your Turkish line's roaming settings.

Common mistakes

Finding out on arrival that the phone doesn't support eSIM or is carrier-locked.
Leaving your passport at the hotel and going to the point of sale without ID.
Not saving the setup instructions and confirmation email somewhere accessible offline.
Choosing a package duration without calculating it against the length of your stay.
Leaving data roaming open on your Turkish line without knowing it.

For the last point, check your line's data roaming settings for abroad before your trip; charges depend on your operator.

Step by step: from before departure to arrival

Check your phone. Find out eSIM support and carrier-lock status from the settings.
Choose a package based on your stay. Consider the number of days and your daily usage (maps, messaging, video, hotspot).
Decide online or on-site. If you're arriving late at night or need connectivity from the first hour, consider ordering online.
Place the order and save the confirmation. Keep the setup instructions, QR code if any, and support information somewhere accessible offline. Follow the instructions on the order page for activation steps.
If buying on-site, decide on the point of sale. Airport, Orange stores, Relay stores and tobacco shops are among the options.
Keep your passport ready. Identity may be requested at purchase and top-up.
Track usage with #123#. When you get the 80% warning, calculate your remaining days.
Keep your Turkish SIM safe. If you removed the physical card, remember to reinsert it when you return.

For other pre-flight preparations, you can also check the online check-in guide. Also check your airline's current rules.

Checklist before you leave

First, the visa: Turkish citizens need a Schengen visa for France. The right of stay is 90 days / 180 days; for application steps and current requirements, see the France visa page. The phone package only matters once your travel documents are in order.

Check off each item:

Passport is with you and valid.
Phone supports eSIM or the physical SIM slot works.
Phone is unlocked from carrier lock.
Package chosen according to the length of your stay.
Order confirmation, QR code and setup instructions saved offline.
Data roaming on your Turkish line consciously turned off or on.
A plan for how to access verification codes sent to your Turkish number.
Charger, European-type plug adapter and power bank in your bag.

For multi-country tours, also check which countries the package is valid in. For example, the Grand Quartet Benelux, France, Germany and Switzerland tour includes Switzerland. Whether the Orange Holiday Europe package is valid in Switzerland is not verified in this article; check the coverage on Orange's page before ordering. You can see other itineraries on the international tours page.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I buy a tourist SIM card in France?

You can order the Orange Holiday SIM online from travel.orange.com, or buy it from Orange stores in metropolitan France, or from certain Relay stores at airports and train stations. It can also be purchased at tobacco shops after landing in France. If you're arriving late at night, check store opening hours.

Do I need a passport to buy a SIM card in France?

According to the comparison site Selectra, identity verification has been mandatory in France since 2017 both when buying a prepaid SIM card and with every top-up. This information does not come from an official source, so confirm it at the point of sale. Carry your passport with you.

Is eSIM usable in France?

Yes. The Orange Holiday 1Go and 4Go packages are offered as eSIM only; for 20Go and above, you can choose SIM or eSIM. Make sure your phone supports eSIM and is not carrier-locked.

How many days is an Orange Holiday package valid?

The 1Go package is valid for 7 days, the 4Go package for 14 days. The 20Go, 50Go and 100Go packages are valid for 31 days, and the 500Go package for 3 months. Choose the one that fits the length of your stay.

How do I track my Orange Holiday quota?

You can track usage with #123#. You'll get an SMS when 80% of your data has been used and when it runs out completely. According to Orange, there is no risk of extra charges beyond the package.

Is Wi-Fi enough instead of a SIM card in France?

Hotel and café Wi-Fi may be enough for some tasks. For maps, tickets and reservations on the street, you'll need mobile data. If you're travelling independently, consider a prepaid SIM or eSIM together with Wi-Fi.

Is the Orange Holiday Europe package valid in Switzerland?

The verified information in this article does not cover Switzerland's coverage. If you'll be visiting Switzerland along with France, check the coverage on Orange's package page before ordering.