Visiting Réunion soon? Make sure to know what to expect when it comes to purchasing a Reunion SIM card.
In this guide, we’ll explain where to buy a SIM card in Réunion in person and online. We’ll also discuss prepaid SIM cards and eSIMs if your mobile supports them.
Before you read this guide, you may wonder if you actually need a SIM card in Réunion.
If you don’t mind not having Internet, you’ll likely find free Wifi in restaurants, shopping malls, and hotels.
That said, if you need data to get around, call a cab, or translate French – you may want to get a SIM card for your travels in Réunion.
Best SIM Cards In Réunion
If you’re traveling in Réunion, we recommend using a SIM card from SFR, Orange, or Airalo. (I’ll get back to Airalo later on, so keep reading to learn more!)
That said, if you’re planning on visiting other countries during your trip to Africa, you might want to make sure to pick an option that offers coverage in other African countries.
How To Buy A SIM Card In Réunion
You can either buy a Réunion prepaid SIM card in person in some international airports, mobile provider stores, convenience stores, or online.
Usually, you can expect higher costs and low data offers at the airport, so we don’t recommend buying a SIM card at the airport.
That said, you won’t necessarily find SIM card shops in every airport, so it’s essential to keep this in mind. And, when you see a shop, you might also have limited options.
For this reason, I’d recommend buying a SIM card directly from the mobile provider store. Note that you may need your passport to buy one.
Although, this means you won’t get data right upon your arrival. So, if you prefer to be connected at all times, you could use an eSIM or purchase an African prepaid SIM card online.
Now, let’s take a look at the data plans offered by SFR and Orange.
SFR SIM Cards
SFR offers two different types of tourist plans:
- 1 GB, valid for 1 day for EUR 1 ($1.08)
- 5 GB, valid for 5 days for EUR 5 ($5.42)
Orange SIM Cards
Orange has two different prepaid plans available:
- 500 MB, valid for 7 days for EUR 5 ($5.42)
- 2 GB, valid for 15 days for EUR 15 ($16.27)
Overall, we think SFR is the best option if you plan to buy your SIM card in person.
That said, any would do if you can’t find their store!
How To Buy A Réunion Prepaid SIM Card Online
If you wish to have your SIM card ready for your arrival, you could purchase it online or on websites like Amazon.
You’ll find different plans on Amazon. For example, the OneSimCard works in more than 200+ countries and gives you data for $0.01 per MB. Réunion is included.
But there are many other options worth considering, so have a look and make sure the countries you plan on visiting are listed.
Finally, the last option is to buy an eSIM card for Réunion or, if you’re traveling to multiple countries, an eSIM plan for Africa.
How To Buy An eSIM Card For Réunion
eSIM is a new concept that allows you to have a virtual SIM card inside your phone.
If your mobile phone supports eSIM cards – it’s definitely one of the best options to get data in Réunion.
Curious? Learn more about eSIMs for travelers on eSIM Roamers.
I started using eSIM as soon as my mobile phone supported it. To buy eSIMs, I usually use Airalo, a reliable eSIM provider.
Keep reading to learn more about the best eSIMs for Réunion.
Airalo Réunion
If you want to buy an eSIM for Réunion, you could purchase one on Airalo.
This website offers many eSIM cards worldwide and special plans for Africa and Réunion.
I’ve been using Airalo for several months, and it works fine. Learn more by reading our Airalo review.
Here are the options available:
- 1 GB, valid for 7 days for $4.50
- 2 GB, valid for 15 days for $7.50
- 3 GB, valid for 30 days for $10
- 5 GB, valid for 30 days for $14
- 10 GB, valid for 30 days for $23
- 20 GB, valid for 30 days for $36
Holafly Réunion
Alternatively, you could look at your options on Holafly.
You can read our Holafly review to learn more about this eSIM store.
Here’s an overview of the plan for Réunion:
- Unlimited data, valid for 5 days for $29
- Unlimited data, valid for 7 days for $37
- Unlimited data, valid for 10 days for $44
- Unlimited data, valid for 15 days for $47
- Unlimited data, valid for 20 days for $59
Final Thoughts On SIM Cards In Réunion
As you can see, getting a prepaid SIM card in Réunion or even an eSIM for your travels in Réunion is pretty straightforward.
You’ll even be able to stay connected wherever you go in Africa without changing your SIM card, especially if you purchase an Africa or global plan.
I believe the eSIM card is the most convenient way to get data in Réunion if you wish to have data upon your arrival.
This way, you won’t need to go to a store to buy a SIM card.
Obviously, you need to make sure your mobile phone supports eSIM first.
Traveling to Africa soon? Read one of the following blog posts:
