Sorting out your phone is one of the first things you deal with when moving to a new country, and one of the least-prepared steps before departure. Many expats land with their French plan still active (billed at roaming prices), unaware that a €15 eSIM would have covered them for two weeks. This guide covers all the options available in 2026, with real costs and a clear strategy depending on your situation.

When you first arrive: the eSIM for your first days

What an eSIM is and why it matters from day one

An eSIM (embedded SIM) works like a physical SIM card but activates remotely via a QR code. No need to hunt for an operator shop straight out of the airport, no nano card to cut. You buy your plan from France before leaving, and you are covered the moment you land.

It has become the go-to solution for the first weeks of expatriation: while you open a local bank account, get a proof of address, and sign up for a permanent local plan.

Check that your phone supports eSIM (iPhone XS and later, most recent Samsung Galaxy S series, Google Pixel 3 and later) and that it is unlocked from any carrier.

The main eSIM providers in 2026

  • Airalo: the market reference, coverage in over 200 countries and destinations. Data plans from USD 4-5 for 1 GB (7 days). Simple interface, activation in minutes. Ideal for a fast start in almost any country.
  • Holafly: specialist in unlimited data plans (in covered countries), billed by duration (7, 15, 30 days). Handy for the first intensive weeks of navigation. Slightly more expensive than Airalo on limited data, but competitive on unlimited options.
  • eSIM DB: a useful comparison tool to find the best quantity-to-price ratio for your destination, without committing to a single provider.

Indicative eSIM costs (data only, 30 days):

  • Europe (regional coverage): €15-25 for 10-20 GB
  • Thailand: €10-20 for 10-20 GB
  • Bali / Indonesia: €12-22 for 10 GB
  • Portugal: included in European packs

Note that eSIMs generally provide data only. To make calls and receive SMS, you will need a complementary solution (see the virtual number section).

Local mobile plan: the essential next step

How to get one depending on the country

A local plan is almost always cheaper and better performing than an international plan or a long-term eSIM. Getting a SIM with a subscription (not prepaid) typically requires documentation you may not have on day one.

The process varies by destination:

In Europe (Portugal, Spain): a photo ID is enough for a prepaid SIM. For a monthly subscription, operators generally ask for a local IBAN or proof of address. In Portugal, operators NOS, MEO and Vodafone offer plans from €10-15/month (calls + 10-20 GB data).

In Thailand: a local SIM can be purchased at the airport with your passport, no paperwork required. AIS, DTAC and True Move offer very competitive prepaid plans (unlimited calls + 15-30 GB for 300-500 THB/month, roughly €8-14). A postpaid subscription requires a work permit or long-stay visa. For those settling in Bangkok or Chiang Mai, a rechargeable prepaid SIM is usually all you need.

In Bali: same logic as Thailand. Telkomsel and XL Axiata offer SIMs for a few euros with generous data. For those living in Bali as nomads or residents, a prepaid plan at IDR 80,000-150,000/month (€4-9) provides reliable data for daily use.

Prepaid vs subscription: which to choose

SituationRecommended option
Recently arrived, under 3 monthsPrepaid, no documentation required
Established residence, over 3 monthsMonthly subscription (cheaper)
Short or uncertain visaRechargeable prepaid
Multi-country nomadRegional eSIM + VoIP apps

Indicative costs by region (local mobile plan, 2026)

  • Western Europe: €10-25/month (calls + data)
  • South-East Asia (Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam): €5-15/month
  • Latin America: €8-20/month
  • Middle East (UAE, Qatar): €20-40/month

Keeping your French number

Why it matters

Your French number is often linked to bank accounts (SMS authentication), administrative services and your close contacts. Losing it can create real friction, particularly for two-factor authentication on your bank accounts or on government websites.

Three approaches let you keep it after you leave.

Option 1: keep a small French plan

Subscribing to a low-cost, no-commitment French SIM plan (€2-5/month) is enough to keep your number active. Several French operators offer this:

  • Free Mobile: 2h + SMS + 50 MB plan at €2/month, no commitment. Ideal for keeping the number active at minimal cost.
  • Sosh (Orange) and B&You: similar bare-bones plans around €5/month.

With this French SIM, you receive your security SMS and can keep the number live on your phone or on a dedicated old smartphone.

Option 2: French virtual number

A virtual (VoIP) number gives you a French number accessible via an app on your smartphone, without a physical SIM. You receive incoming calls and SMS on your device as long as you have an internet connection.

  • OnOff: French virtual number, monthly subscription around €3-5/month. Incoming SMS included.
  • Skype (Microsoft): French virtual number from ~€3/month. Outgoing calls billed per minute or on a bundle.
  • Google Voice: available for US numbers, less relevant for keeping a French number.

The main limitation is that some services reject VoIP numbers for verification SMS. For critical banking SMS, a physical SIM remains more reliable.

Option 3: WhatsApp, Signal and VoIP apps

For staying in touch with friends and family in France without spending on your plan, WhatsApp, Signal and FaceTime (if everyone is on Apple) cover 95% of everyday communication needs. The only real question is security SMS and two-factor authentication, which require a genuine phone number capable of receiving texts.

Home internet

Fibre and ADSL: realities by destination

Getting a fixed internet connection at home often takes longer than expected. Most operators require a lease agreement, a local bank account, and sometimes a local tax number (NIF in Portugal, RUN in Spain, TIN in Thailand). Installation lead times range from a few days to several weeks.

Portugal: fibre is very well rolled out in major cities (Lisbon, Porto). NOS, MEO and Vodafone offer plans at €25-40/month including installation. Typical lead time: 1-2 weeks. For expats in Portugal, this is one of the fastest and most affordable connections in Europe.

Thailand: fibre available in major cities (Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket), less reliable in rural areas. AIS Fibre and True Online offer 100-1000 Mbps plans for THB 400-900/month (€11-25). Installation: 1-3 days in urban areas.

Bali: connectivity is uneven by zone. Indihome (Telkom) is the main operator, fibre available in Seminyak, Canggu and Ubud. Installation wait can sometimes run 2-4 weeks depending on technician availability.

The alternative: 4G/5G router

While waiting for fibre to be installed, or if you are staying less than 3 months, a 4G/5G router with a local data SIM is often the most practical solution. Devices like the Huawei Mobile WiFi or similar let you share a mobile connection across multiple devices, for €30-60 to buy plus the cost of the data plan.

This option is particularly relevant for digital nomads who move between accommodation regularly.

Advice for nomads and multi-destination travellers

Data on the move

When travelling outside your country of residence, you have several options: activate roaming on your local plan (often limited outside the EU), buy a local eSIM for each destination, or use a multi-country regional eSIM (Airalo offers Asia, Europe packs and more).

Practical tip: activate a secondary eSIM on your phone while keeping your local SIM active. Your device automatically switches to the available connection, or you can configure which SIM handles data.

Hotspot and tethering

Sharing your smartphone’s connection works in most countries, but some local operators or eSIM offers prohibit or heavily throttle tethering. Check the terms of use before relying on this as your primary connection for your laptop.

Time zones and communication

If you work with clients or colleagues in France from Asia, a 5-7 hour time difference fundamentally changes your availability. Useful tools: World Time Buddy to plan your meetings, and out-of-office notifications in your inbox to set expectations around your working hours.

Overview: which solution for which need

Need Recommended solution Indicative cost
Immediate connection on arrival eSIM (Airalo, Holafly) activated before departure €10-25 / 30 days
Durable local mobile plan Local prepaid SIM then monthly subscription €5-25 / month depending on country
Keeping your French number Low-cost French SIM (Free €2) or VoIP number (OnOff) €2-5 / month
Fixed home internet Local fibre (country operator) €15-40 / month
Internet while waiting for fibre 4G/5G router with local data SIM €30-60 purchase + €10-20 / month
Multi-country nomad Multi-country regional eSIM + VoIP apps €15-30 / month

Frequently asked questions

Does my French plan work abroad?

Yes, via roaming, but often at prohibitive costs outside the European Union. Within the EU/EEA, European regulations require operators to include roaming in the same conditions as in France (with data limits on roaming depending on your plan). Outside the EU (Thailand, UAE, Morocco, Latin America…), roaming is billed separately and can reach €1-3 per MB of data. Always disable mobile data roaming outside the EU if you want to avoid a nasty bill.

Can I keep my French number by porting it to another operator?

Yes, through number portability. You can transfer your number from one operator to another without losing it. If you are still in France, porting to Free Mobile (€2/month) before leaving is a sound strategy: you keep your number on a very affordable plan. The process typically takes 1 to 10 business days.

Does an eSIM work for bank authentication SMS (OTP)?

It depends on the eSIM. Most travel eSIMs are data only: they cannot receive SMS or calls. For two-factor authentication SMS (bank, tax authority, etc.), you need an active phone number capable of receiving texts. Keep your French SIM active on a secondary phone, or use a reliable VoIP number.

Do I need a local number to rent a flat or open a bank account?

Often yes. Landlords and local banks regularly ask for a local phone number for contracts and account opening. In that case, getting a local prepaid SIM in the first few days is a priority, even if you do not yet need it for data.

Staying connected abroad is straightforward to manage once it is prepared before you leave. An eSIM for arrival, a local plan within the first week, and a small French plan to keep your number: that covers 90% of situations.

For the other steps not to overlook before you go, check our complete checklist for moving abroad.

Find all our practical guides for settling in well: living abroad.

For connectivity specifics by destination:

The costs and conditions in this guide are valid as of Q3 2026. Operator pricing changes regularly: always check current rates directly on official provider websites before subscribing.