Best eSIM for French Polynesia in 2025

French Polynesia is breaking tourism records in 2025, with new cruise terminals in Tahiti fueling growth across its five archipelagos. Over a third of visitors now arrive by sea, adding to more than a quarter-million travelers island-hopping this Pacific paradise each year. 

When you’re hopping between scattered atolls, reliable internet isn’t just convenient, it’s essential. That’s why we tested six top eSIM providers: Holafly, Maya, Ubigi, Nomad, Voye Global, GigSky, and Saily, comparing coverage, data plans, prices, and real traveler feedback. 

Among them, Holafly stands out with stress-free unlimited data, Maya appeals for its straightforward availability across devices, and Ubigi proves valuable with flexible, reusable packages ideal for frequent travelers.

Comparison of best eSIMs for French Polynesia

Below you’ll find a side-by-side comparison of the most popular options so you can quickly see which one fits your trip best.

The best eSIM for French Polynesia

According to our research, here are the top eSIM providers for French Polynesia in 2025, compared on price, coverage, reviews, and features.

1. Holafly: Best for Stress Free Unlimited Data

• Rating: 4.5/5 (based on 62,000+ Trustpilot reviews)
• Pricing: from $58.90 for 1 GB valid for 5 days
• Coverage: Works in 200+ destinations worldwide
• Calls/SMS: data-only, but VoIP apps like WhatsApp/Skype work perfectly

Holafly is a strong choice for staying connected in French Polynesia, giving travelers an easy way to get online without hunting for a local SIM card. Setup is simple, and Vodafone’s local network ensures steady speeds for everything from navigation to video calls.

While Holafly’s plans are capped and more expensive than competitors, they deliver something many travelers value even more: zero stress. The eSIM activates the moment you land, backed by Vodafone’s stable local network. 

And unlike rivals where support is slower or refunds are restrictive, Holafly’s 24/7 live chat and straightforward refund policy mean you won’t be left stranded if your device isn’t compatible or your plans change.

Pros

• Strong local network coverage
• Global availability in 200+ destinations
• 24/7 customer support
• Straightforward refund policy

Cons

• No traditional calls or SMS (data only)
  

2. Nomad: Best for Affordable Short Term Plans

• Rating: 4.4/5 (based on 21,500+ Trustpilot reviews)
• Pricing: typically from around $16–$20 for short regional plans
• Coverage: Works in 200+ countries worldwide
• Calls/SMS: Data-only, but supports VoIP apps like WhatsApp and Skype

Nomad is a popular travel eSIM provider that has built a strong reputation for affordable data bundles and easy activation. Users praise Nomad for its fast setup and reliable connections.

While it doesn’t always partner with every local carrier in French Polynesia, it still provides dependable coverage on the main islands such as Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora. 

Also, the customer support isn’t as responsive as Holafly’s 24/7 live chat, and Nomad doesn’t offer the same peace of mind refund guarantees. 

For light users, Nomad can be a good low-cost option, but for stress-free travel across multiple islands, it falls short of Holafly.

Pros

• Wide global coverage in 200+ countries
• Simple installation through the Nomad app
• Supports tethering and hotspot use

Cons

• Coverage weaker on outer islands than Holafly
• Customer support less responsive than Holafly
• Refund policy not as flexible
  

3. Ubigi: Best for Flexible and Reusable Packages

• Rating: 4.1/5 (based on 25,700+ Trustpilot reviews)
• Pricing: $25 for 3 GB valid for 15 days
• Coverage: Works in 200+ destinations worldwide
• Calls/SMS: Data-only (supports VoIP apps like WhatsApp, Skype, etc.)

Ubigi is a flexible eSIM solution known for affordable regional and global data plans. Travelers to French Polynesia can count on fast activation: once purchased, a QR code arrives by email, and the plan activates as soon as you land. 

Ubigi partners with Onati and Vodafone to provide reliable coverage across the main islands like Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora. The app allows quick recharges, even without Wi-Fi, and the eSIM can be reused across trips in more than 200 countries. 

Ubigi also supports tethering and data sharing, making it a practical choice for travelers juggling multiple devices. That said, coverage in very remote islands can be limited, and some users report that customer support is slower to respond.

Pros

• Coverage in 200+ destinations worldwide
• Easy top-ups via the Ubigi app
• Reusable eSIM across multiple trips
• Data sharing (tethering) allowed

Cons

• Only one plan option offered specifically for French Polynesia
• Customer support can be slow
• No traditional calls/SMS (data-only)
• Coverage weaker in very remote islands
  

4. Voye Global: Best for Budget Friendly Entry Plans

• Rating: 3.1/5 (based on 22 Trustpilot reviews)
• Pricing: from $15 for 3 GB valid for 7 days
• Coverage: Works in 100+ destinations worldwide
• Calls/SMS: Data-only (supports VoIP apps such as WhatsApp, Skype, etc.)

Voye Global is a newer player in the eSIM travel market, offering competitively priced plans for French Polynesia and beyond. The main appeal of Voye Global is affordable pricing and flexible plan sizes.

A standout perk is the Free 100 MB test option before traveling, which lets you check compatibility and coverage without committing to a full plan.

However, user reviews highlight inconsistent performance outside of major destinations, with some travelers reporting complete connection failures. 

Customer support is available via chat, email, and WhatsApp, but responses are often unhelpful, and with only a handful of Trustpilot reviews (3.1/5), Voye Global still lacks the track record of more established providers.

Pros

• Very competitive pricing 
• Multiple plan sizes (from 3 GB up to 15 GB)
• Free 100 MB test option before traveling

Cons

• Low Trustpilot score (3.1/5) with mixed reliability reports
• Customer support not as fast or consistent as Holafly’s 24/7 live chat
• Newer company with a smaller track record compared to larger providers
  

5. GigSky: Best for Established Global Coverage

• Rating: 3.3/5 (based on 415+ Trustpilot reviews)
• Pricing: from $15.99 for 512 MB
• Coverage: Works in 190+ countries worldwide, plus 200+ cruise ships
• Calls/SMS: Data-only (VoIP apps like WhatsApp/Skype supported)

GigSky is one of the most established names in the travel eSIM market, trusted by over one million users. For French Polynesia, GigSky provides a range of fixed data plans that can be activated easily through the GigSky app or delivered by email. 

Activation starts automatically when you land, making it convenient for travelers who want to get online quickly. Users appreciate GigSky’s wide global reach and fair pricing compared to traditional roaming.

However, reviews highlight coverage inconsistencies in certain regions, and reliability can be hit-or-miss depending on location. While customer support generally responds and refunds where necessary, it isn’t always as fast or comprehensive as premium providers like Holafly.

Pros

• Established global provider with 1M+ users
• Easy setup via GigSky app or QR code
• Supports hotspot/tethering

Cons

• Mixed reviews on coverage reliability in some regions, especially cruises and remote areas
• Customer support slower than Holafly’s 24/7 live chat
• No traditional calls/SMS
  

6. Saily: Best for Security Features and Affordable Capped Plans

• Rating: 4.7/5 (based on 10,000+ Trustpilot reviews)
• Pricing: from $15.99 for 1 GB valid for 7 days
• Coverage: Works in 200+ destinations worldwide, including French Polynesia
• Calls/SMS: Data-only (supports VoIP apps like WhatsApp, Skype, etc.)

Backed by NordVPN, Saily has quickly become one of the top-rated eSIM providers worldwide. Its app-based service makes setup seamless: buy your plan, scan the QR code, and the eSIM activates automatically upon arrival in French Polynesia. 

Saily partners with the best local networks, ensuring solid speeds (3G/4G/LTE/5G depending on area). A big plus is security: unlike most competitors, Saily adds features like blocking malicious URLs, reducing trackers/ads, and even allowing virtual locations for added privacy. 

That said, there are downsides. Some users report spotty coverage in certain regions, and Android setup can be trickier than on iPhone. Refund policies are also strict: once any data is logged as used, even if the connection fails, getting money back is difficult. 

According to Roami’s 2025 comparison of Saily vs Holafly, Holafly charges more upfront but offers longer refund eligibility and more consistent service in popular travel regions.

Pros

• Partners with local networks for 3G/4G/LTE/5G connectivity
• Security extras: blocks malicious URLs, reduces trackers/ads, offers virtual locations
• App alerts you at 80% usage and makes top-ups simple

Cons

• Coverage can be spotty in certain regions/islands
• Android setup may require more troubleshooting than iPhone
• Strict refund policy: once more than 1% of data is logged, refunds are denied

Things to consider when choosing an eSIM for French Polynesia

• Network coverage across islands: Some providers only connect well on Tahiti, while others also cover Bora Bora, Moorea, and the Tuamotus. Check if your eSIM partners with multiple local carriers for seamless roaming.
  
• Local calls & SMS: Not all travel eSIMs include a local number. If you’ll be booking tours, contacting hotels, or needing SMS verification, make sure your plan supports outgoing calls and texts within French Polynesia.
  
• Hotspot/tethering allowance: Some eSIMs block tethering, which can be frustrating if you want to share data with a laptop or tablet. Double-check this before buying.
  
• Activation flexibility : Can you install the eSIM before departure and activate it upon landing? This avoids scrambling for Wi-Fi at the airport.
  
• Validity and top-up options: Longer stays may need top-ups or extensions. Pick an eSIM provider that lets you add data without reinstalling a new profile.
  
• Emergency reliability: Coverage matters most when things go wrong. Choose an eSIM that can switch networks automatically to keep you connected in remote or rural areas.

Why do I need an eSIM in French Polynesia

• Island-hopping made easier: French Polynesia is scattered across 100+ islands. With an eSIM, you don’t need to hunt for new SIM cards every time you land in Bora Bora, Moorea, or Rangiroa.
  
• Better coverage through multi-network roaming: On some remote atolls, one carrier might have dead spots. The right eSIM can switch between Vini and Vodafone French Polynesia to keep you connected.
  
• Skip the Tahiti airport SIM queues: Papeete’s airport is tiny, and SIM card kiosks can be closed at odd hours. An eSIM lets you connect instantly on arrival, even if you land late at night.
  
• Stay in touch during lagoon excursions: Many tours (like diving in Fakarava or boat trips to Tetiaroa) require WhatsApp or SMS confirmations. With an eSIM, you avoid missing updates when you’re away from hotel Wi-Fi.
  
• Emergency reliability on outer islands : Hospitals and services are concentrated on Tahiti. If you’re on Huahine or the Tuamotus, having an eSIM with fallback connectivity can be a lifesaver.

Don’t miss the details: read our full guide to the eSIM boom through 2030 and learn how it will shape the future of travel and tech.

How we chose the best eSIM for French Polynesia

• Coverage quality across key islands: We confirmed via independent maps and local feedback which carriers provide solid 4G/5G service not just in Papeete/Tahiti, but also in more remote atolls.
  
• Transparency of costs vs hidden fees: We looked for eSIM plans with clear pricing (data amount, validity days), no surprise charges for activation or roaming, and fair data throttling policies.
  
• Data volume for realistic use: We assessed what a plan realistically offers and how that stacks up for a typical trip (camera uploads, video, updates).
  
• Activation ease & support: We tested how complicated the activation process was: QR code delivery by email, whether you can install the eSIM before arriving, whether you need extra documents, how reliable the customer support is, etc.
  
• Validity period and flexibility: It’s not just “how much data,” but “how long it lasts” and “how easily you can top up.” We preferred plans where you can stretch the duration if your stay changes, or buy add-ons, without redoing everything.
  
• Real user experience & local feedback: We read traveler reports about what works (or doesn’t) in specific islands: coverage drops, speed issues, signal dead zones. .

How do I know if my device is eSIM compatible 

For iPhone users

Apple makes it relatively easy to check for eSIM support. Follow these steps carefully:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap General, then select About.
3. This screen shows your device’s hardware information, such as model, software version, and serial numbers. Scroll down until you see the IMEI numbers.
   
   • If your iPhone supports eSIM, you will see a separate section labeled “Digital SIM” or “IMEI (eSIM).”
   • If that section exists, your iPhone can use eSIMs. If not, it is limited to physical SIM cards.

Starting with the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max (released in 2018), Apple has included eSIM capability. 

All later models (including the iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15) support eSIM. In fact, some iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 models in the United States no longer have a physical SIM slot at all.

For Android users

Since Android devices are made by different manufacturers, the steps may look a little different, but here’s the most reliable way to check:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Scroll until you find Connections (on Samsung devices) or Network & Internet (on Google Pixel and many others).
3. Inside this section, tap SIM Manager, Mobile Network, or Carrier Settings.
4. Look for options such as “Add eSIM,” “Download SIM,” or “eSIM Manager.”
   
   • If these appear, your phone can use eSIM.
   • If they don’t, your device is limited to physical SIM cards.

Most modern premium Android phones already support eSIM. For example, Google Pixel 3 and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold/Flip series, and many recent Huawei and Xiaomi models all include eSIM functionality. 

Still not sure about your phone?  Read the full guide on how to check if your iPhone or Android supports eSIM.

When to order and how to activate eSIM French Polynesia

Before your trip, the most convenient option is to buy an eSIM online ahead of time. This way, you can scan the QR code and connect as soon as you land, avoiding the small SIM kiosks.

If you’d prefer a local plan, French Polynesia’s main carriers (Vini and Vodafone French Polynesia) sell eSIMs at the airport in Papeete as well as in their retail stores across the islands. 

For longer stays, especially if you plan to live or work across several islands, it often makes sense to get a local carrier eSIM after you arrive. These plans usually offer better long-term value and more reliable coverage compared to international travel eSIM providers.

How to activate a French Polynesia eSIM on iPhone

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Cellular (or Mobile Data in some regions).
3. Tap Add eSIM / Add Cellular Plan.
4. Scan the QR code you received, or choose Enter Details Manually if your provider supplied activation codes.
5. Your iPhone will download the eSIM profile — follow the prompts to label it (for example, “French Polynesia Data”).
6. Set it as your Primary Data Line or keep it as a secondary line if you’re using dual SIM.
7. Once added, turn on Mobile Data and you should see the local network appear, either Vini or Vodafone.

How to activate a French Polynesia eSIM on Android

• Open Settings.
• Tap Connections (Samsung) or Network & Internet (Pixel and others).
• Select SIM Manager or Mobile Network.
• Tap Add eSIM / Download eSIM / Add Mobile Plan.
• Scan the QR code you received or enter the details manually.
• The eSIM profile installs automatically — choose if you want it as the default for data, calls, or both.
• Restart your device if the connection doesn’t start immediately.

Benefits of having a French Polynesia eSIM

1. Immediate internet access when you land: Skip the airport SIM kiosks and connect as soon as your plane touches down at Faa’a International Airport.
   
2. No need for a physical SIM card: You don’t have to hunt down a store in Papeete or worry about swapping tiny plastic SIMs. Everything is digital, so activation is quick.
   
3. Keep multiple profiles on one device: With an eSIM, you can keep your home number active for calls and SMS while using a local French Polynesia data plan for cheap internet.
   
4. Flexible coverage across islands: Whether you’re in Tahiti, Moorea, or Bora Bora, eSIM providers let you switch between plans or carriers without physically changing cards.
   
5. Safer and more eco-friendly: Since eSIMs are digital, there’s no risk of losing or damaging a SIM card while island-hopping, and you avoid contributing to the waste of plastic SIMs.

Best eSIM for French Polynesia: Which one to use

After comparing coverage, ease of use, pricing, and real traveler feedback, Holafly comes out as the best eSIM for French Polynesia in 2025. 

What makes it stand out isn’t just the simple QR code setup, but the fact that it partners with Vodafone French Polynesia, giving you reliable 4G/LTE service on Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Moorea (the islands most visitors actually explore).

Travelers also value peace of mind. Holafly backs every plan with 24/7 live chat support and a straightforward refund policy if your device isn’t compatible or your plans change. That’s a big deal when you’re far from home and can’t afford to waste time troubleshooting.

While providers like Saily and Nomad are cheaper upfront, they come with stricter refund rules and less responsive support. 

Holafly is also capped, but it stands apart as the premium-priced, zero-stress option thanks to instant activation, Vodafone-backed stability, and live support you can actually count on when you’re far from home.

Best eSIM for French Polynesia FAQ