Mobile Operators & SIM Cards in France

Mobile networks in France

Arcep's national dashboard puts the number of SIM cards in France (excluding M2M) at 84.72 million in March 2026. The regulator doesn't publish figures by operator; the network operators are:

Virtual operators (MVNOs) held 5.1% of SIM cards in mainland France in March 2026.

Buying a SIM card in France as a visitor

• Orange activates a new Mobicarte prepaid line only temporarily; it becomes permanent once the user completes identification on Orange's prepaid identification site.
• Orange reserves its Mobicarte prepaid offers for customers who live in mainland France or can show a stable link with it.
• Under SFR Discover's terms, the buyer gives their identity and a copy of an ID document when buying the kit.
• If an SFR Discover customer has not identified themselves within 15 days, SFR may restrict or suspend some services on the line.
• SFR Discover prepaid kits are sold only to adults who live in mainland France.
• Orange Holiday, Orange's prepaid offer for travelers, is sold online at travel.orange.com (eSIM only), in Orange stores in mainland France and in some Relay stores at airports and train stations.
• Orange asks Orange Holiday users to register the SIM in their name within 30 days of arrival; after that the line is suspended.
• Without identity verification, an Orange Travel eSIM works for an initial 31 days and is then deactivated automatically, whatever credit or top-ups remain.
• Orange Travel accepts a valid passport for its identity check.

Have your passport ready: Orange and SFR restrict or suspend prepaid lines whose user has not been identified, and Orange's travel eSIM accepts a valid passport for that check.

Prepaid offer examples

Prices from each operator's own website or announcements, checked on September 29, 2026. Offers change often, so confirm before you buy.

Using your US phone in France

Whether your US plan covers France, and at what cost, depends on the plan, so check your carrier's international page before you go. Our guide to using your US phone abroad covers roaming, Wi-Fi calling and bill surprises.

To call France from the US, dial 011 + 33 + the number: see how to call France and the France phone number format.

FAQ

Do I need ID to buy a prepaid SIM in France?

Under SFR Discover's terms, the buyer gives their identity and a copy of an ID document when buying the kit. If an SFR Discover customer has not identified themselves within 15 days, SFR may restrict or suspend some services on the line. Orange asks Orange Holiday users to register the SIM in their name within 30 days of arrival; after that the line is suspended. Orange Travel accepts a valid passport for its identity check.

Can a tourist buy any French prepaid SIM?

Not every prepaid range is open to visitors. Orange reserves its Mobicarte prepaid offers for customers who live in mainland France or can show a stable link with it. SFR Discover prepaid kits are sold only to adults who live in mainland France. Operators' travel products, such as Orange Holiday, are the ones aimed at visitors.

How many mobile lines are there in France?

France had 84.7 million SIM cards in service (excluding machine-to-machine cards) on March 31, 2026. Prepaid cards account for about 8% of SIM users in mainland France, against 13% in the overseas departments.

Which companies run France's mobile networks?

The mobile network operators with frequencies in mainland France are Bouygues Telecom, Free Mobile, Orange and SFR (Société Française du Radiotéléphone). Virtual operators (MVNOs) held 5.1% of SIM cards in mainland France in March 2026.

How long does an Orange travel eSIM work without an ID check?

Without identity verification, an Orange Travel eSIM works for an initial 31 days and is then deactivated automatically, whatever credit or top-ups remain. Verifying your identity extends an Orange Travel eSIM's lifetime by 6 months.