French SIM card
 

Hi Fodorites,
Can anyone give me up to date information on SIM cards in France, any recommendations for value and ease of use and purchase??

I would also like some advice. I am no expert but the "Free" SIM network looks very appealing. The website is strictly in French but seems to say it is 4G LTE unlimited. Other research indicates there is no face to face customer service so a bit risky?

I looked at this Wiki when I was considered buying a French SIM card. Seems to have good info:

http://prepaid-data-sim-card.wikia.com/wiki/France

It looks like the best bet is to go into one of the official mobile stores to make sure you can get the SIM activated fairly quickly.

I wound up buying a Dutch Vodafone SIM on eBay before leaving the US - but I need a SIM to roam in other countries not just France. Hoping to find out in a few days whether that works in France (and Italy and Slovenia).

^^ I saw that and that is what attracted me to "Free". (Hate the name...try Googleing it and you get merde)

They really seem to have the cheapest data, IF you can get 4g LTE (I think my euro LG G3 will do it) IF you can find the stores and IF you can figure out how to pay for it and install it. Here is a fresh writeup on Yelp.

"If you're visiting France for a month or less, this is the perfect place to pick up a prepaid sim card. The sim cards are sold via automated kiosks, so you don't have to wait in line. Be prepared that the kiosks don't have an English interface; if your French is limited, than you may want to use Google translate or something similar if you have any questions. They also have attendants that roam around in case you need help, although again some French language skills will serve you well.

The location is excellent; it's located in the 8th (a very nice neighborhood, if you're unfamiliar), just a quick walk or metro ride away from everything. I walked from our hotel in the 1st.

One important thing to note is the network is somewhat limited; I don't think it supports roaming, so if you plan to go elsewhere in Europe you would be better served using a service like Lebara or Orange."

Locals..any help?

FREE sucks even if you speak good French. See if you can find a Lebara, or SFR, or a Lycaphone. You'll have to register and activate the phone. You'll need your passport to do that

Why do they suck? I'm only interested in central Paris.

Lyca would be second choice...

If you are going to France <b>and</b> to any of the surrounding countries <b>soon</b>, it is good to know that the roaming charges that will be eliminated throughout the EU in June are already being eliminated by both Orange and Free starting in mid-May