Step 4
Power & Connectivity (SIM)
This information is as of 2026/08/11.
Connectivity may vary by region and season.
Voltage & Plug Types
Electrical standards and outlet shapes
⚡230V / 50Hz
🔌Type C / E(Round 2-pin (French-style with ground pin))
🔄Needed from Japan/US
💡Europlug (Type C) fits all French outlets. Power extremely reliable.
Buying a SIM Card
Where to buy, costs, and activation process
📱Orange, SFR, Bouygues, Free Mobile
🏪Airport carrier shops, tobacco shops (tabacs), carrier stores
📋Passport or ID required
💰Prepaid SIM from $10-30 for 7-30 days
💡Orange Holidays Europe SIM best for tourists; includes EU roaming.
eSIM & Mobile Wi-Fi
eSIM availability and portable Wi-Fi rental
📶Widely available
🏢Airalo, Holafly, Ubigi, Orange FR eSIM, SFR eSIM, Bouygues eSIM
💰$5-25 for 1-10GB / 7-30 days
💡Orange France eSIM ideal for tourists; EU roaming covers Monaco too.
Wi-Fi Availability
Public Wi-Fi coverage and security
📡Excellent — widely available across the country
🏨Fast and free in all hotels
☕Free in cafes, libraries, parks, and many public areas
💡Paris has free WiFi in parks and public areas; most cafes offer access.
Internet Restrictions & VPN
Blocked services and VPN recommendations
🔒None — unrestricted internet
🚫None — all services freely accessible
🛡️Not needed
💡France has free and open internet with strong net neutrality protections.
Useful Local Apps
Must-have apps for transport, translation, and maps
🚗Uber, Bolt, FreeNow, RATP/SNCF apps
🗺️Google Maps, CityMapper (Paris), RATP app
💬WhatsApp, Telegram, iMessage
💡CityMapper is the best app for Paris metro; SNCF app for train tickets.
International Calls
How to make international calls and alternatives
📞+33 (France)
🆘112 (Emergency), 17 (Police), 15 (Ambulance)
📲Dial 00 + country code + number for international calls
💡Drop the leading 0 from numbers when calling France from abroad.