Will my phone work in France?

You’ve packed your beret, booked your flight, planned where you’ll buy your first croissant when suddenly it hits you: “Will my phone work in France?” No need to worry… we’re here to provide you with all the information you need on how to use your phone in France, and give you tips and tricks to keep data roaming costs low.

Can I use my phone in France?

Oui…I mean, yes. Almost all modern smartphone carriers can be used in France. Most U.S. phone carriers have international roaming options that you can buy before or during your trip. Do some research beforehand because you’ll be surprised that some carriers have some pretty affordable options (wink, wink). When you arrive, phone carriers typically alert you of the costs of international calling and texting because using roaming data can get pretty expensive. Our advice would be to do some research on your carrier’s roaming options and compare it with local French carriers’ offerings to see what works best for your trip and your budget (ideally before you board). 

Will a French SIM card work in a U.S. phone? 

French SIM cards should work on most unlocked U.S. phones. When your phone is unlocked and ready to go, you can buy a prepaid physical SIM card or an eSIM data plan before your trip or upon arrival.

A benefit to using a French SIM is that it helps you avoid roaming feeds on calling, texts and data usage. And if your trip is partying all over Europe, French SIM cards work in any country in the European Union at no additional cost and no international roaming changes. 

A few things to note with a French SIM is that people won’t be able to reach you via your regular number. However, if your phone is dual-SIM compatible, you’ll be able to use your French SIM and keep your previous SIM card with your regular number. Also, heads up –  if the SIM is from a French carrier, it could change the language on your phone’s menu to French. So be careful if you’re not bilingual. 

If a French SIM card isn’t for you, but you still want the benefit of being able to move from country to country with ease, do some research into your carrier’s roaming offerings. Mint Mobile’s Minternational Pass works wherever you go, so you don’t need a new SIM card when you hop between countries. So check to see what countries come with your carrier’s international roaming offers before you jetset to France and beyond.

Tips for using a US cell phone in France

The best tip for minimizing your data? Plan ahead. Here are some things to keep in mind before heading out for that baguette. 

Utilize Wi-Fi: If you’re staying at a hotel or popping into a restaurant or museum, try to use their Wi-Fi to cut down on data usage. However, be aware that hackers tend to target high-tourism areas with Wi-Fi, so be sure to practice phone safety.

Enable Airplane Mode: This is a great way to avoid accidental data usage. You’ll still be able to connect to Wi-Fi and use any other phone functions that don’t require data. Default vacation mode = Airplane Mode.

Download content to use offline: If you’re wanting to access maps, guidebooks, or other media when you’re traveling, download it ahead of time. You’ll still be able to access it when you’re offline, and you won’t be using any data. 

Use Wi-Fi Calling: Most phone plans have Wi-Fi calling (including Mint Mobile) that allows you to make calls using Wi-Fi at no additional-cost. 

Pause auto downloads/background app refresh: Turning off push notifications, auto updates and more helps conserve data that would have otherwise been automatically used. 

Carry portable batteries and local adaptors: Your phone is your camera, navigation device and your translator, so make sure you have the right adaptor to charge your US phone safely when you’re in France.

Bon Voyage

With these tips and tricks, you’ll be ready for your French adventure. If you’re traveling to Italy, the UK or somewhere else in Europe, we’ve got their respective travel blogs here. And if you’re looking for affordable international roaming, our Minternational Pass options have talk, text and high-speed data for over 180+ countries. Wondering if your next destination is covered with Mint? Click below to find out. Au revoir, mes amis.