Whether you’re strolling along the Seine, capturing the Eiffel Tower at golden hour, or hopping between art museums and sidewalk cafés, staying online in Paris is essential. From digital maps and translation apps to restaurant bookings and social media updates, reliable mobile internet can elevate your travel experience. That’s where eSIMs come in, offering instant, hassle-free connectivity without the need to swap physical SIM cards or deal with expensive roaming fees. But with so many options available, how do you choose the right one? In this guide, we’ll explore the best eSIMs for Paris, tailored to different types of travelers, so you can enjoy the magic of the city while staying seamlessly connected.
Before choosing an eSIM
Before purchasing an eSIM for your trip to Paris, it’s important to take a moment and evaluate a few key things: how long you’ll be staying, which apps you’ll be using most, and what type of traveler you are. Are you visiting for a romantic weekend, a week of sightseeing, a month-long workation, or as a student? Your data needs will vary depending on your plans.
If you mostly use your phone for maps, messaging, and light browsing, a small data package may be enough. But if you’re planning to stream videos, work remotely, or stay active on social media, you’ll need a plan with more generous data or even unlimited options. By understanding your usage habits and travel style up front, you can choose an eSIM that perfectly suits your needs, avoiding overpaying or running out of data in the middle of your Parisian adventure
Top 5 eSIMs for Paris
It’s time to find the perfect eSIM for your trip to Paris. Whether you’re a weekend tourist, a digital nomad, a business traveler, or a content creator, there’s a plan that matches your needs and budget. Below, we’ve selected the top 5 eSIM options for Paris, each offering reliable coverage, easy setup, and competitive pricing. Most importantly, we’ll help you identify which traveler profile each eSIM is best suited for, so you can stay connected in the City of Light without worry.
1. SIMSOLO: a good option for every traveler
Perfect for: Tourists, business travelers, influencers, and short/mid-term stays
Why Simsolo ranks #1:
Simsolo is ideal for travelers looking for a fast, hassle-free eSIM with excellent coverage in Paris. Their plans are competitively priced, easy to activate, and optimized for reliability. Whether you’re visiting for a long weekend or a quick business trip, Simsolo provides great value with generous fixed or unlimited data packages and instant QR code activation.
Features:
- Plans for France starting at just $4.99
- Coverage on top-tier local networks like Orange France and SFR
- 1 day to 30-day packages with up to 40GB
- Offers unlimited data plans
- Hotspot support
- Fast eSIM installation via QR code
- No passport or ID required
- eSIM APP Friendly
Why it’s best for most travelers:
Simsolo combines affordability, speed, and coverage, making it a perfect match for most tourists and business travelers. Their 7-day 5GB plan is ideal for sightseeing and navigation, while higher-tier options support remote work and video calls.
Example:
You’re in Paris for five days, using Google Maps, WhatsApp, and Instagra, Simsolo’s 5GB plan has you covered without overpaying or worrying about roaming fees.
2. Holafly
Perfect for: Influencers, heavy streamers, and long-term tourists. If you know you’ll be uploading reels from Montmartre, streaming live from the Louvre, or Zoom-calling from your Airbnb, Holafly’s unlimited data plans are the good option. While a bit pricier, they eliminate the stress of running out of data.
Features:
- Unlimited data plans from $6.90 for 1 day
- Instant activation with QR code
- 24/7 multilingual customer support
- eSIM installation via app or email
- Strong coverage on top French networks
Best for high-data travelers:
This eSIM is great for digital creators, remote workers, and travelers who don’t want to monitor usage. Just keep in mind that speeds may throttle after excessive usage based on fair use policies.
Tip: Holafly doesn’t support tethering in most plans, so it’s not ideal for sharing your connection.
3. Nomad
Perfect for: Flexible travelers, digital workers and short stay travelers.
Nomad’s eSIMs for France are known for transparent pricing, flexibility, and support for multi-network coverage. It’s ideal if you’re staying in Paris for several weeks or want to top up as you go.
Features:
- Plans starting at $6 for 1GB
- Valid for 7 to 30 days
- Partner networks: Orange, SFR, Bouygues
- Supports hotspot
- Data tracking via app
- Multi-country Europe options available
Why it works for nomads:
Nomad is built for flexibility. You can top up or switch plans in seconds through the app. Plus, the ability to connect with multiple carriers helps maintain a stable connection if one network underperforms.
Example scenario:
You’re working remotely from Paris for three weeks. Nomad lets you start with a 10GB plan and add more data only if needed, saving you money and ensuring you’re never disconnected during work hours.
4. Airalo
Perfect for: Students, backpackers, and light users
Airalo’s strength is in its affordability and global reach. Their France eSIMs are some of the cheapest available, perfect for short visits or travelers who mostly rely on public Wi-Fi.
Features:
- France plans from $4.50 for 1GB (7 days)
- Regional Europe plans also available
- Easy app setup and eSIM management
- Coverage on reliable French networks
- Tethering supported
Great for light data users:
If you’re mostly checking directions, making reservations, or messaging friends, Airalo’s entry-level plans offer unbeatable value. While it doesn’t offer unlimited data, it’s a smart choice for keeping costs low.
Example:
A student visiting Paris for 10 days could use a 3GB Airalo plan for $11 and rely on Wi-Fi at hostels or cafés to stretch usage.
5. Ubigi
Perfect for: Multi-country business trips, short visits, monthly and anual plans.
Ubigi offers eSIMs backed by Transatel, using Orange France’s infrastructure and offering excellent speed. It’s one of the few providers offering global and European-wide data plans, which is perfect if Paris is just one stop on your itinerary.
Features:
- France eSIMs from $7
- Europe-wide plans available
- Instant delivery and eSIM management via app
- Business-friendly support and billing
Why business travelers love it:
Ubigi provides stable coverage, professional support, and long-validity data, ideal for sales reps, consultants, and attendees of international conferences in Paris.
Example:
You’re attending a 3-day tech summit in Paris and then heading to Berlin, Ubigi’s Europe plan keeps you covered across borders without switching eSIMs.
How to install and use your eSIM in Paris
Using an eSIM in Paris is simple:
- Make sure your phone is unlocked and eSIM-compatible.
- Purchase the eSIM online from the provider of your choice.
- Scan the QR code or install via the app.
- Activate the eSIM on arrival or once you need service.
- Switch data to the eSIM profile and start using mobile internet immediately.
All top providers mentioned offer detailed setup instructions, and most installations take less than 5 minutes.
Final recommendations
- Install your eSIM before hand
Most providers (like Simsolo, Holafly, and Nomad) let you install the eSIM before your trip. This means you’ll be ready to activate it the moment you land, no need to rely on airport Wi-Fi or search for SIM vendors.
- Activate when you arrive
Wait to activate your eSIM until you’re in Paris unless the provider specifically tells you otherwise. This ensures your plan duration starts correctly and you don’t waste data coverage days before your trip even begins.
- Use Public Wi-Fi smartly
Paris has decent public Wi-Fi options in cafés, hotels, airports, and some metro stations. Use these to save data, but avoid logging into banking apps or sensitive accounts over unsecured networks. For safety, consider using a VPN.
- Turn Off background data usage
Some apps (like cloud backups, updates, or streaming services) run in the background and consume a surprising amount of data. Disable auto-updates and background refresh for apps unless connected to Wi-Fi.
- Download offline maps and content
Apps like Google Maps allow you to download Paris maps for offline use. You can also save translation files, metro maps, or entertainment content in advance to minimize mobile data usage. .
- Monitor Data Usage
Most eSIM providers offer usage tracking via app or email. Check your usage regularly to avoid running out of data. If you’re close to the limit, consider topping up early—some providers even send alerts.
