Bouygues is the third-largest cell data provider in France. The company offers mobile data, mobile Internet, SMS, and phone calls. Recently, the company introduced a new feature – eSIM plans for European trips. The company offers mobile Internet and phone calls across 50 European countries within one data plan. Plus, you don’t need a physical SIM card as the plan is activated digitally. Let’s see how Bouygues eSIM works and what customers say about its pros and cons.
Understanding eSIM Technology
eSIM has become a widespread substitution for physical SIM cards. Using compatible phones (check if yours is on the list), the technology connects to the Internet and cell data digitally. This technology offers plenty of advantages:
- don’t pay for roaming, even abroad;
- switch between different plans;
- buy a single data tariff for several countries.
Bouygues focuses specifically on European connection. As a French provider, it primarily works for French citizens who want to stay connected during European trips. Yet, customers from other countries can also buy and connect to its European eSIM plans.
How Do eSIM Plans by Bouygues Work?
In 2024, the provider offers only 4 eSIM plans. This is rather a local company for Europeans than an international provider. Choose from 4 options:
The data plan | Covered destinations | Data volume | Duration | Price | Phone calls and SMS |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Travel basic “My European eSIM” | 50 European countries | 15 GB | 15 days | 19,90€ | Available (unlimited calls in Europe) |
Travel basic + | 50 European countries | 20 GB | 15 days | 21,90€ | Available (unlimited calls in Europe) |
My European eSIM 30 GB | 50 European countries | 30 GB | 30 days | 39,90€ | Available (unlimited calls in Europe) |
My European eSIM 60 GB | 50 European countries | 60 GB | 30 days | 41,90€ | Available (unlimited calls in Europe) |
To activate the plan, buy your eSIM online. Right after the purchase, Bouygues emails you installation details. The message contains a QR code. Scan it with your smartphone’s camera and install the plan.
Special Features
Apart from phone calls and the Internet, this provider has some special features:
- Unlimited tethering. You can share any amount of data with other devices;
- Unlimited phone calls. All phone calls in Europe are free and unlimited;
- Activate within 12 months. After purchasing the tariff, you can store the QR and postpone the activation for 12 months. After that period, the plan expires.
- Available top-ups. If you run out of data within your plan, visit the top-up page and select the needed amount of data/SMS/phone calls. You don’t need to activate the new plan.
Overall, Bouygues seems like a legit company for European trips. It offers large data volumes, straightforward activation, and covers 50 countries. The price per gigabyte varies from $0.7 to $1.3. Yet, this is quite a low price compared to other providers. Let’s see what real customers say about Bouygues eSIM, and whether low prices are worth possible complications.
Customer Reviews about Bouygues
According to Bouygues eSIM reviews from Amazon and Trustpilot, the provider’s key problem is poor support and complicated activation. In case the installation goes right, customers receive decent Internet. Clients mention that 5G is available in most countries.
Yet, clients often struggle with activation issues and refunds. The company’s services and newsletters are sent in French only, so you’ll need a translator.
Pros and Cons of Bouygues for International Trips
Advantages | Pitfalls |
---|---|
large data volumes;Long-term plans are available;Phone calls and SMS are included in the plan. | Only European countries (plus several overseas destinations);Complicated manual setup;The lack of customer support. |
Compared to traditional SIM cards, Bouygues eSIM card is a way better option. Provider’s eSIM plans cover all European countries. Pay once and use the Internet connection all over the continent. Plus, most data plans go with a French or UK phone number.
Alternative eSIM Providers for European Trips
If you need more options to choose from, consider alternative providers. Unlike Bouygues, these are international companies. Thus, you can buy eSIM options for more destinations.
eSIM Provider | Yesim | Holafly | Nomad eSIM |
---|---|---|---|
eSIM plans for Europe | eSIM Europe plus the UK | Europe eSIM | Europe regional plan |
The number of countries within the tariff | 33, including the UK | 40 | 35–36 depending on the tariff type |
Price | $2.30–$7.70 a day (for unlimited connection) or $1–$4 per 1 GB | From $1.50 to $5.90 per day (only unlimited connection) | From $1.5 to $5 per 1 GB |
Duration | From 1 to 180 days | From 1 to 90 days | From 7 to 30 days |
Phone calls | Not included, but available separately | Not available | Not included, but available separately |
Is eSIM by Bouygues Worth Your Attention?
The provider offers a great solution for trips across Europe. Within one data plan, customers receive access to 50 European countries, including the most popular tourist destination. Yet, it is a Europe-only solution. If you need more locations and countries, however, consider alternative options. Among European providers, Bouygues has great prices and connection speed. Although activation is complicated for some users, the company has generally positive reviews.
Data plans cover European countries: Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Poland, Italy, Greece, Denmark, and 42 more destinations.
No, the provider develops only European data plans. If you need more destinations, consider international providers like Yesim, Holafly, Nomad, etc.
The provider will send you a message with a QR code. Scan it with your camera and follow the on-screen instructions.