I'm going to France next month and I plan on using SFR ... can't remember where I got this from but take a read ...
Re: Prepaid French 3G micro-SIM for iPad - it's not a problem! 24 April 2012
I used the SFR prepaid data card (micro-SIM with a data allowance; known as 'Kit pret a surfer iPad'/'iPad ready to surf kit') in Paris in March of 2012 on the new iPad. While I was there, SFR said that the terms of the kit referenced above changed, and that now the kit comes with 100Mb of data, rather than unlimited data for one or two days. Not sure, because I purchased a 500Mb recharger in the SFR store and had them install it, and I recommend having them install your purchase of extra data allowance unless you speak French and can navigate issues which could arise. I had all of it working before I walked out of the store. Not all SFR stores have the same hours. The one on the Champs Elysees has longer operating hours than some. Be sure to arrive in sufficient time before closing to complete the 10-15 minute transaction plus wait time, because at closing time, their computers, required for the micro-SIM purchase, will lock you out of completing any transaction. Regardless of how long you've waited, and how close you are to completing your transaction, at closing time, it will be, "C'est la vie," as they say. I also purchased, prior to arriving, an app called "Data Usage," which monitored my--you guessed it--data usage, so that I knew how much data I had remaining at any time (the answer was always more than enough for my 600Mb of data over 5 days). The only problem I had with the SFR data service was that the iPad would not always find the data connection by itself when first turned on. I would have to go into Settings, Cellular Data, then turn off Cellular Data, then turn Cellular Data back on to have the iPad find the SFR connection, most every time that I was in a new location. If I lived there, I would find a better solution, but for five days, it was a fine workaround, and I mention it only in the event that you encounter a similar problem. For the micro-SIM card (which came with 100Mb of data), I paid 9.90 Euro, and the 500Mb additional data allowance was 25 Euros. 100Mb data allowance was available for 9 Euros, 200Mb for 15 Euros and 1Gb for 35 Euros. Be sure to save your original micro-SIM card when removed and replaced by the SFR micro-SIM. When I returned to the US, I just replaced the SFR micro-SIM with my original Verizon micro-SIM, and voila, I was back in business. The service in Paris was 3G rather than "4G." In hindsight, 300Mb of data would have been plenty for a week of email, maps, reviews, travel info, etc. That would have saved about $13.50, and one can weigh that against the cost of running out of data.
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Hi, I am in France at the moment and purchased the SFR 3G microsim and it works very well. I have just purchased a 200mb recharge voucher and, rather than try to do it over the phone, typing in the 10 digit code to the IPad sounds easier. So, can you please tell me where I need to type the code.
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On the iPad go to Settings, Cellular data, SIM Applications, Solde/recharge, Rchgt Coupon, Par texto. You are then presented with a screen entitled Code Coupon? Enter the 10-digit code and hit Send. A message pops us saying that your topup is in progress. Switch off cellular data in Settings then switch back on again. You should now be in business.
