What is an eSIM? How does it work?

An eSIM is a digital SIM that simplifies staying connected while traveling abroad, eliminating the need to swap physical SIM cards. More importantly, it means you can avoid expensive roaming charges. Simply download a plan and connect in a few taps!

Is my phone compatible with eSIM?

Most smartphones today support eSIM technology, but there are still a few models that do not. Easily check if your smartphone or tablet is eSIM-compatible using our compatibility checker.

Why choose Sim Local?

Sim Local connects you to trusted local networks in 150+ countries. With a plan from a local provider, you can ditch slow and expensive roaming products and unlock the fastest possible internet speeds.

How to activate an eSIM

An eSIM can be installed with a few changes in your phone settings—no physical SIM card swapping required! Check out our quick guides for installing on iOS and Android.

How long does it take to activate an eSIM?

The fastest way to install an eSIM is through the Sim Local app. Download a plan and get online in a couple of minutes!

Getting an eSIM is super easy! Simply purchase a plan online and follow guided instructions in the app (or email sent to your inbox).

How many eSIMs can I have on my phone?

You can have multiple active plans (usually up to 10) on your phone and instantly switch between as you travel from country to country. Some devices will limit the number of eSIMs you can store on your phone, so you may need to remove an old eSIM to activate a new one.

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Best eSIM for French Polynesia (Bora Bora, Tahiti & beyond)

17 February 2026

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French Polynesia is the kind of trip where you want your phone to work without any drama. You are island hopping, checking ferry times, finding your guesthouse, and inevitably posting a “look at this water” story. The easiest way to stay connected is a travel eSIM you can install before you fly.

If you are visiting Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea or anywhere else in French Polynesia, here is the best option based on the plan in the image you shared, plus exactly why an eSIM beats roaming, public WiFi, and pocket WiFi.

THE BEST ESIM PLAN FOR FRENCH POLYNESIA🥇

(ding, ding, ding - we have a winner!🏆)

Sim Local French Polynesia eSIM (Orange)

Data: 20 GB
Validity: 31 days
Network: Orange
Speed: 4G
Includes: Data, Calls, SMS

This is a strong all round choice for most trips because 20 GB lasts well for maps, WhatsApp, ride pickups, bookings, music, and plenty of social posting, and the 31 day duration covers most holidays comfortably.

Option	Cost	Setup	How reliable is it for travel days	Best for	Watch outs
eSIM	Usually predictable, pay once	Install in minutes	High (works when you land)	Most travellers, island hopping, couples, solo trips	Your phone must be eSIM compatible
Roaming	Often the most expensive	No setup	Medium	Emergencies only	Bill shock, daily fees, slower speeds depending on plan
Public WiFi	Free	Easy when available	Low	Quick check ins at cafes and hotels	Patchy coverage, security risk, not useful on the move
Pocket WiFi	Can add up (rental + deposit)	Collect, charge, carry	Medium	Groups sharing one connection	Extra device, battery anxiety, return logistics

Bottom line: an eSIM is usually the sweet spot. It is more convenient than pocket WiFi, more dependable than public WiFi, and far kinder to your wallet than roaming.

Why an eSIM is the essential for French Polynesia travel

1) No roaming bill shock

French Polynesia is remote, and roaming costs can be brutal. An eSIM gives you a clear price upfront, so you are not nervously checking your bill mid trip.

2) You land connected

After a long flight, the last thing you want is to hunt for a SIM shop or beg the airport WiFi to load. With an eSIM, you can connect as soon as you land and get straight to “where is baggage claim” and “where is my transfer”.

3) Public WiFi is not a real travel plan

Hotel WiFi can be fine, until it is not. Cafes are hit and miss. On smaller islands, options can be limited. An eSIM keeps maps, messages and bookings working wherever you are.

4) Pocket WiFi is one more thing to babysit

Pocket WiFi sounds handy, but it is another device to charge, carry, and potentially lose. An eSIM lives in your phone, so your connection is always with you.

How much data do you actually need in French Polynesia?

Here is a rough guide for a 7 to 14 day trip:

Light user (5 to 10 GB): maps, messages, emails, a few photos
Regular user (10 to 20 GB): lots of maps, WhatsApp calls, daily social posting
Heavy user (20 GB+): frequent video, hotspotting, work tasks

For most people, 20 GB for 31 days is a comfortable “I do not want to think about it” option.

How to set up your French Polynesia eSIM (so it actually works)

Check your phone supports eSIM
Most newer iPhones and many Androids do, but it is worth confirming.
Install before you travel
Install on WiFi at home or at your hotel before you head out.
Turn on the eSIM when you land
Enable the eSIM line, then switch on Data Roaming for the eSIM (this is normal for travel eSIMs and does not mean roaming charges from your home provider).

French Polynesia travel tips that are better with data

Google Maps offline is good, live maps is better for ferry ports, drive times, and finding your accommodation
WhatsApp is your best friend for hosts, tours, and restaurant bookings
Screenshots save lives but having data saves your mood
Weather checks help with lagoon tours and boat days

Your French Polynesia eSIM FAQs, Answered

Q. Do I need to turn on data roaming for the eSIM to work?

A. Yes. That setting helps the eSIM connect properly. It does not mean you are using paid roaming from your home network if the eSIM is set as the line for mobile data. Turn off data roaming for your home SIM and make sure you have data switching turned off.

Q. When should I install it?

A. Install it before you travel while you have stable WiFi, then switch it on when you land.

Q. Will it work across islands like Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora?

A. Yes. Coverage strength can vary by island and terrain, but a local network plan is designed for use across all of French Polynesia, not just in one resort area.

Q. Can I hotspot my laptop or share data with friends?

A. Yes, if your phone allows personal hotspot. Just remember that hotspot use can burn through data faster, especially for video calls and laptop browsing.

Our Final Advice For A French Polynesia eSIM

If you want the simplest, most travel friendly way to stay connected in French Polynesia, go with the 20 GB, 31 day Orange eSIM for €30. It keeps you online from the moment you land, avoids roaming surprises, and saves you from relying on patchy public WiFi or carrying a pocket WiFi brick everywhere.