Prepaid SIM / eSIM in Reunion: How to Buy a 4G Internet SIM Card?
Roaming fees
When traveling abroad, understanding roaming fees is essential to avoid unpleasant surprises. If you are a French traveler heading to Reunion, it’s important to know how these fees apply.
Reunion, like Martinique, Guadeloupe, and French Guiana, is an overseas department of France and part of the outermost regions of the European Union. However, the ‘Roam Like at Home’ policy introduced by the EU in 2017 does not always apply to overseas departments.
This means that even though you’re staying within French territory, using your mobile phone in Reunion could incur additional roaming charges, depending on your carrier and plan.
However, several French carriers include overseas departments in their plans, so you can use your phone in Reunion just like you would in mainland France, without extra fees. But not all carriers or plans offer this option.
It’s highly recommended to contact your carrier before your trip to understand exactly how roaming fees apply in Reunion.
Buying a SIM card for Reunion on Amazon
Click here to see available offers on Amazon
When planning a trip to Reunion, it’s wise to sort out your connectivity in advance to avoid unexpected roaming charges. In this context, getting a prepaid SIM card proves to be an effective solution to stay connected with peace of mind. Amazon, the undisputed leader in e-commerce, offers a purchase process that is both easy and reliable.
Amazon offers a wide range of prepaid SIM cards specifically designed for travelers heading to Reunion. These SIM cards are generally compatible with most unlocked phones and come with a data allowance for browsing, messaging, and making calls.
To get such a prepaid SIM card, you simply order it on Amazon like any other purchase. The SIM card will be shipped directly to your home, saving you from having to hunt for a SIM card retailer upon arrival in Reunion.
Once you’re in Reunion, activating your SIM card is usually a breeze. Just insert it into your phone. Depending on the SIM card’s operator, you might need to follow a few extra steps to activate it, like dialing a specific number or activating the data plan via a website. Once activated, your prepaid SIM gives you access to the internet and communication services.

Buying an eSIM valid for Reunion
Click here to see eSIM offers.You can get a 5% discount code by using this code at checkout: TOURDUMONDE5CONTINENTS
In this context, an eSIM can be a practical and reliable option for French travelers visiting Reunion.
Holafly, a company specializing in prepaid SIM cards and eSIMs, offers a solution tailored to the needs of international travelers heading to Reunion. With the Holafly eSIM, you can easily connect to the local mobile network without needing a traditional physical SIM card.
Before your departure to Reunion, you can order a Holafly eSIM and install it on your compatible phone. The eSIM is activated remotely, so you won’t have to find a local store to buy a SIM card upon arrival.
Buying a SIM card in town
If you’re planning to travel to Reunion, it might be handy to buy a local SIM card for mobile connectivity during your stay. Here are some tips for buying a SIM card in Reunion.
- Look for mobile operators: In Reunion, the main mobile operators are Orange, SFR, and Free Mobile. You can find their stores in urban areas, especially in larger towns like Saint-Denis or Saint-Pierre.
- Check out offers and plans: Before you travel, check operators’ websites for available deals in Reunion. Compare rates, data inclusions, international calls, etc., to pick the plan that best suits your needs.
- Buy a prepaid SIM card: In Reunion, you can buy prepaid SIM cards at operator stores or specific outlets. Make sure to check the SIM card’s validity period and included data.
- Prepare your documents: When purchasing a SIM card in Reunion, you may need to present a valid ID, such as a passport or national ID card. Have a copy of your ID with you when visiting a store.
- Activate and configure your SIM card: Once you’ve bought your SIM card, follow the instructions to activate and configure it on your phone. This might involve adjusting APN settings to access the internet.
- Test the SIM card: Before leaving the store, make sure your SIM card works by inserting it into your phone and making a test call, sending a message, and checking internet connectivity.
It’s important to note that buying a SIM card in Réunion may be subject to activation fees, monthly fees, and cancellation fees, depending on the plan you choose. Read the terms and conditions carefully before finalizing your purchase.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to buy a SIM card in Réunion and enjoy mobile connectivity during your stay. You’ll stay in touch with loved ones, access online services, and make the most of your travel experience on this beautiful island in the Indian Ocean.
Buying a SIM card at the airport
When you arrive in Réunion and want to buy a SIM card right at the airport, there are practical options to get one quickly and easily. Here are some tips for buying a SIM card at the airport in Réunion.
- Look for operator sales points: At Réunion’s main airports, such as Roland Garros Airport in Saint-Denis, you’ll often find stands or shops from major mobile operators like Orange, SFR, or Free Mobile. Check where these sales points are located before you arrive.
- Compare available offers: Before heading to a sales point at the airport, check operators’ websites to see the offers and plans available in Réunion. Each operator has different plans with varying rates, included mobile data, and extra services. Take the time to compare your options to pick the one that best fits your needs.
- Prepare your documents: When buying a SIM card at the airport, you may need to show a valid ID, like a passport or national ID card. Make sure you have a copy of your ID with you, along with any other required documents, to make the purchase process smoother.
- Ask for advice on site: Once you’ve found the operator’s sales point at the airport, don’t hesitate to ask staff for advice on the best plans for your needs. They can help you choose the right plan based on your stay length, planned data usage, and calling and texting needs. Take the chance to ask about rates, top-up options, and any extra services.
- Make the purchase and activation: Once you’ve picked a plan that suits you, go ahead and buy and activate your SIM card at the airport. The staff there will walk you through the process and give you all the info you need to set up your SIM on your phone.
- Test the SIM card before leaving: Before you leave the airport, make sure the SIM card works properly by inserting it into your phone and making a test call or trying an internet connection. Also, check the APN (Access Point Name) settings to ensure you can access the internet without issues.