Réunion Travel Tips: Internet Access and Mobile Data Guide
Réunion Island, a French overseas department in the Indian Ocean, is an island like no other. With active volcanoes, rainforest-covered mountains, black-sand beaches, and world-class hiking trails, it’s an adventurer’s paradise with a European twist. Whether you're trekking the Cirque de Mafate, chilling in Saint-Gilles, or watching lava flow from Piton de la Fournaise, staying connected can help you navigate, book activities, and share the magic.
While Réunion is part of France and the EU, mobile coverage can be patchy in rural interior areas—and roaming charges can be brutal for non-EU visitors. A local SIM card or eSIM is your ticket to affordable, reliable internet while island-hopping and volcano-spotting.
Why You Need Mobile Internet in Réunion
Réunion is made for exploration—and mobile data makes your journey smoother:
✔ Navigate the island’s remote mountain roads and volcanic trails
✔ Check bus schedules and ferry services
✔ Book rental cars, paragliding tours, and seaside bungalows
✔ Use translation tools (French is widely spoken)
✔ Stay weather-aware—especially during cyclone season
✔ Share jaw-dropping scenery with your followers in real-time
📶 Mobile Network Coverage in Réunion
Mobile coverage in Réunion is strong in cities and along the coast, but less reliable in mountainous and interior zones like Cilaos or Salazie.
1. Orange Réunion
📶 Coverage: Best overall coverage, especially inland
📡 Network: 4G LTE across the island, 5G in urban areas
👍 Best For: Hikers and travelers venturing into the island’s cirques and volcano zones
2. SFR Réunion
📶 Coverage: Solid in towns and tourist hubs
📡 Network: 4G/5G in developed areas
👍 Best For: Urban travelers and casual users
3. Free Mobile Réunion
📶 Coverage: Decent in coastal zones, limited inland
📡 Network: 4G with growing 5G support
👍 Best For: Budget travelers sticking to Saint-Denis, Saint-Pierre, or the west coast
Where to Get a SIM Card in Réunion
✈️ 1. Roland Garros Airport (Saint-Denis)
📍 SIM cards are not always sold at the airport, so plan ahead
✅ Better to buy in town after landing
🏙️ 2. Telecom Shops in Saint-Denis, Saint-Pierre, or Saint-Gilles
📍 Orange, SFR, and Free stores can set up your SIM with ID
✅ Staff often speak some English; bring your passport for registration
🛍️ 3. Supermarkets & Tabacs
📍 Places like Carrefour, E.Leclerc, or Tabac stores sometimes sell prepaid SIMs
✅ Convenient, but may not offer help with setup
Best Prepaid SIM Plans for Travelers
🔶 Orange Holiday Réunion SIM
💰 Cost: €20–€40
📶 Data: 5GB–20GB + local call/text credit
📅 Validity: 14–30 days
✅ Best for coverage and multi-destination travelers (includes roaming in EU)
🔴 SFR La Carte Prepaid
💰 Cost: €10–€30
📶 Data: 3GB–15GB + call packages
📅 Validity: 7–30 days
✅ Great value if you're staying near coastal towns
🟣 Free Mobile Réunion Prepaid
💰 Cost: €10–€25
📶 Data: 10GB or unlimited (depending on speed cap)
📅 Validity: 30 days
✅ Ideal for digital nomads or heavy users in urban areas
eSIM Options in Réunion
Some local carriers support eSIM, but setup usually requires visiting a store.
📲 Local eSIM Support:
- Orange Réunion and SFR Réunion offer eSIMs at select retail locations
- Registration with ID/passport required
🌍 International eSIM Providers:
- Airalo – Réunion plans from $9 USD for 1GB (7 days)
- Holafly – Unlimited data eSIMs (France/Réunion-compatible) starting at $19 USD
- Nomad – Flexible plans for Réunion or France starting at $5 USD
💡 Pro Tip: Use an eSIM from a provider that connects to Orange for best interior and rural coverage.
Free Wi-Fi in Réunion
🛏️ Hotels & Guesthouses – Most offer free Wi-Fi, especially in tourist areas
☕ Cafés & Bakeries – Wi-Fi is common in chains and modern cafés
🚌 Public Spaces – Some parks and libraries offer free hotspots, but speed varies
Tips for Staying Connected in Réunion
✔ Buy your SIM in a town center for better service and setup help
✔ Use Google Maps offline if hiking or driving inland
✔ Keep your device on 4G—5G is limited in the wild zones
✔ Bring a power bank for long hikes into cirques or volcano areas
✔ WhatsApp and Signal are commonly used for communication
Tropical Peaks, European Signal 🌐🏔️
Réunion is a place of raw nature, dramatic cliffs, and cloud forests—yet still boasts modern French infrastructure. With the right SIM card or eSIM, you’ll stay connected from seaside cafés to volcanic ridgelines. Just don’t be surprised if you lose signal while chasing waterfalls—and love every second of it.
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