SIM card options in France

Willi, Two options you could consider.... (1) Buy a SIM card with a French cell network when you arrive there. I haven't checked recently on what might be available, and don't know how readily available data plans are for tourists. (2) Buy a SIM from one of the "travel phone" firms such as Roam Simple, Cellular Abroad, Call In Europe, Telestial, Mobal, EuroBuzz, BrightRoam or TruPhone. You'll have to check their respective websites to determine if the costs and features will fit your situation. I've been using a "travel SIM" from one of the above firms for a few years, and it's worked well so far. I'll be travelling with an iPhone on my next trip, so will be switching my plan to include data. Unfortunately, this will be somewhat more expensive. Happy travels!

You can go to a cell phone store, or the post office, and buy a sim card. You can also buy "top off" cards and recharge the phone as you need. Rates for calls within France aren't much different with the different companies, but hte length of time the card lasts is. I have no idea what company offers a better deal for calls back to the US. One other option is to look into Virgin Mobile. They allow online ordering, but I'm not sure if they'll ship to the US. Their rates are good. (In case you get sticker shock at how expensive cell phone calls are in France.)

This is great in theory but the reality is...unless you speak french you will have a hard time activating your card. The voice instructions will be in French so you will need assistance to get started. Also look into international and local dialing prefixes ahead of time so you understand how to call before you are in a hurry to do so.

Last fall in France I bought a Lebara FR sim . I had used a Lebara sim the year before in the UK with great prices and reliable results, In France I had a similarly good experience . Richard's point is well taken , but when I called to activate the card there was a prompt to enable me to english in order to proceed . Everyting else worked flawlessly throughout my 5 week stay in France . The price of the card was 7 euro which included 5 euro credit. Cheap enough to take a chance in any event . Good luck !

Thanks for the great feedback...especially the caution regarding activation en francaise. In my subsequent investigations I came across LeFrenchMobile,a prepaid mobile service managed by the group Transatel in the UK which bills itself as wireless services in France for english-speaking visitors. Has anyone used this vendor? THX again...this is a great community of travelers willing to share their knowledge!