France eSIM

Most flagship smartphones released since 2018-2019 support eSIM, including iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, and Samsung Galaxy S20 series and newer. Tablets, smartwatches and an increasing number of laptops also support eSIM. The fastest way to verify your specific device is to check Settings , if you see "Add eSIM" or "Add cellular plan" as an option, you're compatible.

eSIM compatibility is now standard across the high-end smartphone market and rapidly spreading into mid-range devices. eSIM Scout works with any unlocked, eSIM-capable device , no special configuration needed beyond scanning the QR code we send you.

iPhones with eSIM support

• iPhone XS, XS Max, XR (2018) , first iPhones with eSIM (one physical SIM + one eSIM).
• iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max (2019).
• iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max (2020).
• iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max (2021) , supports two active eSIMs simultaneously.
• iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max (2022) , US versions are eSIM-only (no physical SIM tray).
• iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, iPhone SE 3 and later , full eSIM support.

Google Pixel with eSIM support

• Pixel 3 / 3 XL and all later models (Pixel 4, 4a, 5, 5a, 6, 6 Pro, 6a, 7, 7 Pro, 7a, 8, 8 Pro, Pixel Fold).

Samsung Galaxy with eSIM support

• Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra, S20 FE (2020) , first Galaxy with eSIM.
• Galaxy S21 / S22 / S23 / S24 series (all variants except some regional versions).
• Galaxy Z Fold 2, 3, 4, 5 and Z Flip 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
• Galaxy Note 20, 20 Ultra.
• Note: Some regional Samsung variants (e.g., specific Hong Kong dual-SIM physical models) may not support eSIM. Check Settings → Connections → SIM Card Manager.

Other Android devices with eSIM

• Huawei: P40, P40 Pro, Mate 40 Pro and newer flagships.
• Motorola: Razr (2019+), Edge 30 series, ThinkPhone.
• Xiaomi: Mi 11 series and newer (international versions).
• OnePlus: OnePlus 11, 12 (verify region).
• Sony: Xperia 1 IV, 5 IV, 10 IV and newer.
• Nokia / HMD: G60, X30 5G.

How to verify eSIM support on your device

1. iPhone: Settings → Cellular → look for "Add eSIM" or "Add Cellular Plan". You can also dial *#06# , if you see an "EID" (32-digit number), your phone has eSIM hardware.
2. Android: Settings → Connections (or Network & Internet) → SIM Cards → look for "Download a SIM instead" or "Add eSIM".
3. EID check: most eSIM-capable Android phones show EID in Settings → About Phone → Status.

Tip: Even if your phone supports eSIM hardware, it must be unlocked (not carrier-locked) to use third-party eSIMs like eSIM Scout. Most phones bought outright are unlocked; phones from carrier instalment plans may require unlocking after the contract is paid off.

Almost every flagship smartphone released since 2019 supports eSIM, making it ideal for international travel. Compatible models include iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, plus a growing list of mid-range devices. If your phone has Settings → Cellular → "Add eSIM", you're ready to use a eSIM Scout plan abroad.

Travellers benefit most from eSIM because it eliminates the airport SIM-card queue, removes the need to swap your home SIM out, and lets you keep your usual phone number active for SMS verification. A eSIM Scout travel eSIM activates the moment you land , no shop visit required.

Best eSIM-compatible travel phones

• iPhone (2018+): XS, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 series and SE 3rd gen , all support Dual SIM with one physical SIM + one eSIM. iPhone 14/15/16 in the US is eSIM-only.
• Google Pixel (2018+): Pixel 3 through Pixel 9 , all support eSIM. Pixel 7 Pro and newer support multiple active eSIMs.
• Samsung Galaxy (2020+): S20, S21, S22, S23, S24, S25, Note 20, Fold and Flip series.
• Motorola: Razr (2019+), Edge 30/40, ThinkPhone , most newer flagships.
• OnePlus: OnePlus 11, 12 , varies by region.
• Sony: Xperia 1 IV / V, Xperia 10 IV / V.
• Xiaomi: Mi 11 international and newer flagships.
• Nokia/HMD: G60 5G, X30 5G.

What to check before buying a travel eSIM

1. eSIM hardware: dial *#06# , if an EID number appears, you're compatible.
2. Carrier unlock status: phones bought on instalment plans may be locked to your home carrier. Most outright purchases are unlocked.
3. iOS version: iOS 12.1 or newer for full eSIM support.
4. Android version: Android 9 or newer typically supports eSIM, though it depends on the manufacturer.
5. Region-specific variants: some Samsung models sold in Hong Kong or China are dual physical SIM with no eSIM , verify your specific model number.

Travel-friendly phones that don't support eSIM

• iPhones older than XS (iPhone X, 8, 7, 6 series).
• Most budget Android phones (entry-level Samsung A series before A53, Xiaomi Redmi entry models).
• Older Huawei devices without Google Services.
• Region-specific dual physical SIM variants (verify model number).

Tip: if your current phone doesn't support eSIM but you travel often, an unlocked, mid-range eSIM-capable phone (e.g., Pixel 7a, iPhone SE 3, Samsung Galaxy A55) makes an excellent secondary travel device , pair it with a eSIM Scout plan and you have a full mobile internet kit for any destination.

 Yes, you can! You can scan and install your eSIM before your flight. Your plan only starts when you connect to a French network, meaning you’ll have instant internet upon landing. 

 A France eSIM allows you to connect instantly to local French networks like Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom, and Free Mobile, without inserting a physical SIM card.
Simply purchase your data plan, scan the QR code, and your eSIM activates within seconds. Perfect for travelers arriving at Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Nice Côte d’Azur, or Lyon Airport who need fast internet immediately. 

 Most new smartphones support eSIM, including iPhone XS and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20+, and Google Pixel 4+. Ensure your phone is unlocked and eSIM-enabled before purchasing. 

 No. Your France eSIM connects directly to French mobile operators, so there are no roaming fees. You’ll enjoy full-speed 4G/LTE local data anywhere in France. 

Most eSIM plans are data-only, but you can easily make calls and send messages using WhatsApp, FaceTime, Skype, or Telegram. If you need a French number, you can use VoIP or virtual number services.

It depends. France is in the EU, so "Roam Like at Home" applies only to EU citizens.

• If you are from the UK (Post-Brexit): Most UK carriers (like O2, Vodafone, Three) have reintroduced daily roaming fees (e.g., £2-£5 per day).
• If you are from the USA/Canada: Your home carrier (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile) will likely charge you a $10-$14 daily pass.

A eSIM Scout eSIM is a one-time prepaid fee, making it significantly cheaper than all these daily roaming charges.

 This specific plan is valid only within France. This is crucial if you are on a European tour. If you take the Eurostar to London (UK) or a train to Barcelona (Spain) or Berlin (Germany), your connection will stop at the border. For a seamless multi-country trip, we highly recommend our Europe Regional eSIM, which covers all of France, Spain, Italy, Germany, and more with one single plan. 

Yes, absolutely. France has excellent infrastructure. You will have reliable 4G/LTE (and 5G) coverage inside the Paris Metro stations and tunnels. On the TGV (high-speed train), you will have a stable connection for most of the journey, though it may briefly drop in very remote countryside tunnels. It's perfect for watching movies or using SNCF Connect (the train app). 

 To give you the best speed and coverage, our eSIM connects to France’s premium Tier-1 networks, typically Orange, SFR, or Bouygues Telecom. Orange is widely considered the best network in the country, ensuring you have a reliable signal whether you are at the Eiffel Tower or hiking in the French Alps (Chamonix). 

Install it before you fly! Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) airport Wi-Fi can be slow and requires registration. We strongly recommend you install the eSIM at home (while you have Wi-Fi). The plan's validity only starts when you land in France. This way, you are connected the moment your plane lands, allowing you to order an Uber/Bolt or check Google Maps without searching for Wi-Fi or paying roaming fees. 

 Most modern phones do, but you must check our specific list here: eSIM Compatible Devices to be 100% sure before purchasing.