Power & Connectivity (SIM)
Connectivity may vary by region and season.
Voltage & Plug Types
Electrical standards and outlet shapes
France uses 230V, 50Hz with the Type E plug (two round pins plus an earth pin). Standard Type C plugs also fit, so most European chargers work without an adapter.
- Voltage
- 230V, 50Hz
- Plug
- Type E (Type C also fits)
- Adapter
- Needed for US/UK/Asia plugs
- Most phone and laptop chargers are dual-voltage; just bring an adapter
Buying a SIM Card
Where to buy, costs, and activation process
The main carriers are Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom and Free Mobile. Prepaid SIMs (e.g. Orange Holiday) are sold in phone shops, supermarkets and some airports. EU roaming is included free within the EU/EEA.
- Carriers
- Orange, SFR, Bouygues, Free
- Where
- Phone shops, supermarkets, airport
- EU roaming
- Free across the EU/EEA
- An EU SIM can be used across other EU countries at no extra cost
eSIM & Mobile Wi-Fi
eSIM availability and portable Wi-Fi rental
eSIMs are a convenient option for compatible phones. French carriers offer eSIMs, and global providers like Airalo or Holafly sell France/Europe data plans you can set up before you arrive.
- Local eSIM
- Orange, SFR, Bouygues, Free
- Global eSIM
- Airalo, Holafly and similar
- Setup
- Activate before you land
- A Europe-wide eSIM covers France plus nearby countries
Wi-Fi Availability
Public Wi-Fi coverage and security
Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes and many public spaces. Paris offers free municipal Wi-Fi in parks and libraries. Coverage is good, but a SIM/eSIM is handy on the move.
- Where
- Hotels, cafes, public spaces
- Paris
- Free city Wi-Fi in many spots
- On the go
- SIM/eSIM still useful
- Use a VPN on open public Wi-Fi for better security
Internet Restrictions & VPN
Blocked services and VPN recommendations
The internet is open. Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, X and other global apps all work normally, and no VPN is needed. Use a VPN only for privacy on open public Wi-Fi.
- Access
- Open; no censorship
- Apps
- Google, WhatsApp, etc. work
- VPN
- Optional, for public Wi-Fi privacy
- Streaming may be geo-limited to your home account/region
Useful Local Apps
Must-have apps for transport, translation, and maps
Handy apps: Google Maps or Citymapper for navigation, SNCF Connect for trains, Bonjour RATP for Paris transit, Uber/Bolt/G7 for rides, and a translation app for menus and signs.
- Maps
- Google Maps, Citymapper
- Transport
- SNCF Connect, Bonjour RATP
- Rides
- Uber, Bolt, G7
- A translation app helps with French menus and signage
International Calls
How to make international calls and alternatives
France's country code is +33 and numbers have 10 digits starting with 0. When calling from abroad, drop the leading 0 (e.g. +33 1 ...). Emergencies: 112, 15, 17, 18.
- Country code
- +33
- Numbers
- 10 digits (drop leading 0 abroad)
- Emergency
- 112 / 15 / 17 / 18
- WhatsApp and similar apps are widely used for calls