The best eSIM for Reunion depends on how much data you need, but for a typical trip eSIM Ahora offers plans from $1.06, activated by QR code in about 30 seconds with no roaming from your home carrier. A 3 GB, 30-day plan costs $3.71. You connect, with top-ups available and nationwide coverage. Compatible with iPhone XS or newer, Samsung Galaxy S21+ and Google Pixel 3+.
Full-speed data every day; after the daily cap the speed is reduced.
Full speed up to 500 MB/day, then 512 Kbps.
Every eSIM can be installed within 180 days of purchase. Plan validity starts when you first connect.
Your eSIM picks between these networks on its own. If you see bars and nothing loads, you can pick one by hand.
Your Reunion eSIM runs on one network: Orange. Other local networks won't carry your data: if you see signal bars and nothing loads, turn off automatic network selection (iPhone: Settings → Cellular → your eSIM → Network Selection; Android: Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → your eSIM) and pick Orange by hand.
Orange Réunion, SFR Réunion and Free Réunion (subsidiaries of French metropolitan operators) are the main carriers. Excellent 4G+ across Saint-Denis (capital), Saint-Pierre, Saint-Paul, Saint-Gilles-les-Bains and Le Tampon. Good coverage in the cirques (Cilaos, Salazie, Mafate partial), Piton de la Fournaise volcano (coverage at entrances and parking, weak at the crater) and Piton des Neiges. Mafate (cirque accessible only on foot) has intermittent coverage. Key note: Réunion is a French department but NOT in the EU roam-like-at-home zone — your EU plan will hit expensive roaming. 5G since 2023 in Saint-Denis. Type C/E French plugs, 230V/50Hz.
Fly into Roland-Garros Saint-Denis (RUN) or Pierrefonds (ZSE); shuttle to Saint-Denis center ~8-12 EUR. Currency euro (EUR) — the only Indian Ocean territory using euro. More expensive than neighboring Mauritius: dinner 20-35 EUR, mid-range hotel 100-200 EUR. Active volcanic island with 3 UNESCO cirques (Cilaos, Salazie, Mafate) and Piton de la Fournaise (one of the world's most active volcanoes). Hiking is the top draw — GR R1 island loop, GR R2 north-south. West-coast beaches (Boucan Canot, Hermitage). Creole cuisine. French and Réunion Creole languages. No visa for EU, others vary.