I'm going to France in May and it seems that an e-sim is the way to go. (I have an iPhone 12 Pro from T-mobile which is unlocked.)

It seems that there are really two types of options: data only cards and 14-day cards from Orange which will come with a French phone number. I would prefer to have the phone number rather than just the data plan (although I assume I could use WhatsApp or some other service to make voice calls, though I don't know about receiving them), but I'm going to be in France 17 days, not 14. Can I solve that problem by topping up the Orange card after I get to France? Should I really not worry about having a phone number and just go with the data plan?

https://top-up.orange.com/faq-transp...iday-sim-card/

Scroll down to number 23 for top up info. Or just signup for a 30 day SIM for 40 E.

I thought T-Mobile had low-cost international plans? Might be worth checking out before going the new sim card route.

I have looked into that, and the data is 2G. From what I've read elsewhere, that's a pretty significant limitation. You can get a data upgrade from T-Mobile, but it's $50 per week. At that rate, an international SIM is cheaper. For just making an occasional call or text, the T-Mobile plan would probably be sufficient.

Thanks!

Ouch, $50 per week. I take your point!

We have T-mobile; I think it's called the One plan. Speeds are fine, not 5G, but fast enough that we can use google directions live. We've hit a few blank spots in very rural areas. Calls from our US number to a US number over wifi are free. Texts are free. Our other phone has a dual SIM, which we use to make calls to French phone numbers.