Test & Reviews of Lebara: Prepaid SIM card for France and Europe
Back in France for one month (a month that will turn into several because of the Coronavirus), I do a little research to find the best solution to get a prepaid SIM card to be able to phone and use the internet
After studying several solutions, the solution with the best value for money seems to me Lebara.
In my mind, Lebara was a solution to be able to call to foreign countries at an affordable rate. This is still the case, but they now offer classic phone packages.
How to get a Lebara SIM card?
Having anticipated a little bit my need, I ordered a SIM card directly on the Lebara website. The advantage in this case is that it is 100% free, shipping included
If you need a SIM card instantly, you can find them in 40,000 points of sale in France. Relay points in train stations or airports as well as many newsagents, tobacconists, … it will then cost you about ten euros knowing that you get it back in the form of usable credit.
Prices of Lebara packages and passes
Lebara offers a multitude of packages and passes. In my context, two offers are particularly relevant:
- The monthly package at €10: 10 GB of data + unlimited calls to France and 43 countries + unlimited SMS. This package is renewed every 30 days but the automatic renewal is easily deactivated via the application. Valid for 30 days.
- The prepaid package at €4.99: 2 GB of data + unlimited calls and SMS to France. Valid for 30 days.
All Lebara’s offers can be used throughout the European Union at no extra cost
I find these rates very affordable for non-binding offers. For comparison, Free Mobile’s 2€/month plan only offers 50 MB of internet and 2 hours of phone.
Suitable for use in Europe
Lebara offers can be used in the European Union at no extra cost.
When you arrive in a new country, you receive an SMS that warns you as in this example when I arrive in Italy.
However, the roaming package is less important than the one you can use in France. This table below.
Lebara card configuration
To start using your SIM card, you need to insert it into your phone.
On my Android phone, however, the internet configuration was not automatic as it is usually the case.
I had to enter the APN configuration myself without too much difficulty thanks to the indications in the mail that came with my SIM.
Card Activation
Once you start using your SIM, you have 15 days to activate it by proving your identity.
You can do this online or by calling 2323.
The Lebara application
If it isn’t essential, I advise you to install the Lebara application which is very well done and which will allow you to :
- Reload your SIM in credit / package
- Track your internet data consumption
Credit refill
The credit can be topped up :
- Via the Lebara application
- On the website
- By buying a code from an authorized reseller (which unfortunately isn’t listed by Lebara on its website)
Lifetime of a Lebara SIM card
The Lebara SIM card will expire 90 days after your last recharge.
I didn’t have the opportunity to test but if you want to keep your SIM for the lowest possible price, the most interesting is probably to re-credit €5 (minimum amount) once every 90 days.
Internet speed
Lebara is a virtual operator that uses the Bouygues network, which has excellent coverage throughout France.
During this speedtest carried out in Paris in March 2020, I’m connected in 4G+, I measure a downlink of 25 mb/s and 5 mb/s when going up. I’ve seen much better but it’s more than enough for my needs.
