If you’ve ever scrambled at the airport trying to sort out a local SIM card or paid ridiculous roaming fees, you know the pain of staying connected on the go. Enter the world of international eSIMs—virtual SIM cards you can load right on your phone before you touch down. Services like Holafly, Airalo, and Saily have dominated the scene, letting travelers snag data plans for anywhere from a weekend getaway to a month-long adventure.
But starting now, there’s a new player in town: Bouygues Telecom. Yes, the major French carrier is shaking up the eSIM market with its very own offering, International SIM by Bouygues Telecom. You don’t even have to be a Bouygues subscriber to sign up, and the site supports multiple currencies and languages. Intrigued? Let’s break down what this means for your next trip abroad.
Why International eSIMs Are a Game-Changer
Say goodbye to juggling multiple SIM cards. With an eSIM, you simply scan a QR code or install a profile on your phone, and boom—you’re connected. No more fiddling with tiny SIM removal tools or hunting down a local shop as soon as you land.
Beyond convenience, these eSIMs often come with competitive rates compared to international roaming. Instead of paying your home carrier’s hefty fees, you pick a data package tailored to your destination. Whether you’re streaming music on a beach in Bali or uploading photos from the Eiffel Tower, you get data at a predictable rate.
Plus, eSIMs are eco-friendly. Less plastic waste since everything’s handled digitally. If you’re the type who cares about sustainability, opting for a virtual SIM is a nice bonus in addition to staying connected.
Bouygues Telecom’s International SIM Plans
Unlike some rivals who push unlimited data at a premium price, Bouygues Telecom offers a range of capped plans that last up to 30 days. They focus on longer trips rather than quick hops, so expect data allowances between 1 and 20 GB depending on how much you’re willing to spend.
Here’s a quick look at what’s on the menu:
1–5 GB: Ideal for light users who need basic navigation and messaging.
6–10 GB: Perfect for social media updates and streaming a few videos.
11–20 GB: For power users who want to upload tons of photos or attend video calls.
Prices vary by destination. For a 30-day stay in the United States, plans start at €4.50 for 1 GB and max out at €24.90 for 20 GB. Heading to China? Prices range from €4.50 up to €36.90. Morocco? From €4.50 to €71.90. All packages include unlimited calls back to France, and many cover Europe too, with up to 30 GB available on some tiers.
And don’t worry—you can buy your Bouygues eSIM even if you’re not a French resident. The checkout supports euros, dollars, pounds, and Canadian dollars, and the interface is fully translated into English.
How It Stacks Up Against the Competition
On paper, Bouygues Telecom’s International SIM sits somewhere between Holafly’s unlimited-but-costly offerings and Saily’s midrange plans. If you need a month-long connection and can forecast your data usage, it’s a solid option. But if you prefer truly unlimited data or ultra-flexible short-term plans, you might still lean toward other providers.
And don’t forget about French MVNOs like Red by SFR or Free Mobile. Red by SFR’s Special Travel bundle offers 35 GB in dozens of countries, while Free Mobile’s €19.99/month plan delivers 35 GB across 110+ destinations. Depending on your home plan, these alternatives could give you more data at similar rates.
That said, Bouygues Telecom’s entry is significant. It’s the first time a major French carrier has tackled the international eSIM market directly, and competition usually means better deals for travelers. Expect promotions, bonus data, or faster service as providers battle for your business.
Getting Started: Installation and Tips
Installing your Bouygues Telecom eSIM is a breeze. Once you complete your purchase online, you’ll receive an email with a QR code. On your phone, go to Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan, scan the code, and follow the prompts. In minutes, you’ll have a new service profile ready to roll.
Pro tip: Activate your eSIM just before you land or after you switch off airplane mode, so you don’t incur roaming charges on your primary carrier. And if you’re planning multiple trips, remember that some eSIM profiles let you switch between plans without reinstalling.
Lastly, keep an eye on your usage. Even with 20 GB, heavy video streaming or frequent video calls can drain data fast. Most eSIM apps and carrier dashboards let you monitor your consumption in real time.
Final Thoughts
The launch of International SIM by Bouygues Telecom marks a new chapter in the eSIM space. Whether you’re a casual traveler or a digital nomad, having more providers vying for your attention is always a win. Flexible 30-day plans, multilingual support, and competitive pricing make Bouygues’s eSIM worth a look.
Ready to ditch the stress of local SIM cards and surprise roaming fees? Give Bouygues Telecom’s new International SIM eSIM a try on your next trip. You might just find it’s the simplest way to stay connected, wherever your adventures take you.
