How to get a mobile phone number and SIM card in France

If you’re an expat arriving in France, you’ll be pleased to know that you can easily stay connected in your new home.

France has extensive 4G coverage and a competitive mobile market. With many operators offering SIM and mobile options for expats and visitors alike, it’s simple to get a French mobile and cross off one of the items on your relocation checklist.

The increased competition in the French mobile market has pushed operators to create a range of affordable mobile services. But with all this choice, finding the right SIM in France can be confusing. Managing your finances across borders is another consideration when setting up services in a new country. Payment solutions like Wise can help simplify financial transactions when relocating.

To help you out, this guide to getting a mobile phone in France includes the following information:

The mobile network in France

France’s mobile network is now centered on 4G and 5G rather than the old GSM-versus-CDMA distinction. Most recent unlocked smartphones support the technologies used by French operators, but older 2G/3G-only devices may stop working as operators retire those networks. Arcep’s 2G/3G shutdown guidance sets out the operator-by-operator timetable.

4G coverage is widespread in France and 5G deployment is extensive, but coverage and service quality still vary by operator and location, especially indoors and in some rural areas. Do not rely on 3G as a long-term fallback: French operators are retiring 2G and 3G between 2026 and 2029. Before signing up, check your address and usual travel routes on Arcep’s Mon réseau mobile.

Wi-Fi connectivity in France

Public Wi-Fi is not widely available in France, although some of the larger cities have Wi-Fi hotspots where you can connect. Free Wi-Fi is often also available in some public buildings and institutions such as libraries, museums, and some public transport. If you’re looking to set up Wi-Fi at home, read our guide to setting up home phone, internet, and TV in France.

Can I use my mobile phone in France?

Most visitors and expats can use a recent unlocked smartphone in France if it supports the 4G/5G technologies and frequency bands used by the local operator. Older 2G/3G-only devices and carrier-locked phones may have problems, particularly as legacy networks are phased out. Check device compatibility, roaming costs, and any carrier lock with your operator before you travel.

One option is an eSIM, a digital alternative to a physical SIM card that lets compatible devices connect to mobile data without swapping a card. One eSIM provider offering service for France is GigSky.

If you can’t get your phone to connect to the French network, you could buy a low-cost unlocked handset or prepaid phone on arrival. Prices and features vary by retailer and by whether a handset is sold with a plan, so compare current offers rather than relying on a fixed price. Checking compatibility before you travel can also help you avoid buying another phone unnecessarily.

Visitors with an EU/EEA mobile plan can generally use calls, texts, and data in France at domestic rates under the EU’s Roam Like at Home rules, which have been extended until 2032. Fair-use limits can apply, particularly to data, so check your operator’s roaming allowance before you travel.

If you’re moving to France – or, at least, planning a longer-term stay – you’ll probably want to buy a French SIM card or even a brand-new phone. Getting a SIM card in France will be cheaper, although you may need to get your phone unlocked at a local phone shop. Thankfully, there are plenty of French mobile operators to choose from, each offering various deals depending on usage and budget. Some, including SFR and Orange, offer discounts if you bundle your mobile contract with home phone, internet, or TV.

When paying for French mobile services from your home country account, be mindful of currency conversion fees. Wise offers international transfers with transparent fees and the mid-market exchange rate that can be useful for managing expenses in France.

French mobile operators

The mobile sector in France is competitive, with a wide range of French mobile providers in the market. For new arrivals, this means there are plenty of choices, with operators offering different prices, data allowances, and contract terms. Because of this, it pays to shop around. It’s also a good idea to think about your other connections, such as home internet and TV, to see if you can save by combining the contracts.

Mobile operators in France include the following:

• Bouygues Telecom
• Coriolis
• Free Mobile
• La Poste Mobile
• Lebara Mobile
• Lycamobile
• Orange
• Prixtel
• Réglo Mobile
• SFR

France currently has four mobile network operators with their own radio networks: Bouygues Telecom, Free Mobile, Orange, and SFR. Other brands operate as mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) using one or more of these networks. Because coverage varies by place rather than simply by provider size, compare the networks where you live and travel before choosing a plan. The four network operators also sell home internet services, and some offer discounts when you combine services.

Besides these four network operators, there are numerous French mobile providers classed as MVNOs (mobile virtual network operators). MVNOs do not operate their own radio network; instead, they use one or more of the four host networks. Their radio coverage therefore depends mainly on the host network or networks, while access to features such as 5G, roaming, or particular service options can differ by plan. This means an MVNO is not automatically worse for coverage in rural or urban areas in France.

Comparing French mobile operators

Not sure which operator to go with? Fear not, because there are a few price comparison websites that are just waiting to help you out. These can give you a better idea of your options when it comes to choosing an operator. Some also offer deals for first-time subscribers. French comparison sites include:

• Edcom
• Je Change
• Que Choisir

Mobile phone coverage in France

Mobile coverage (couverture, réseaux) in France varies by operator and location, while 5G deployment continues across the country. Rural areas, indoor locations, and transport routes can still produce different results between networks. If you want to check coverage before signing up for a contract, visit NPerf or the official Arcep Mon réseau mobile map.

There is no single operator that is best everywhere in France. Coverage and quality can differ at a specific address, on transport routes, and indoors, so use local coverage data rather than assuming that the largest brand will perform best. If you choose an MVNO, also check which host network it uses.

Prepaid vs mobile contracts

Expats arriving in France have the choice between a prepaid SIM card and a mobile phone contract. Prepaid SIMs are generally the quickest and easiest option to get you connected. These will allow you to make calls, send text messages, and use mobile data. This is a good option if you simply need a French SIM card to get by, or if you don’t want to sign up for a lengthy contract.

However, you may prefer a monthly mobile plan if you expect to use your phone regularly. Plans can offer larger data allowances, bundle discounts, or handset financing, but they are not automatically cheaper than prepaid offers. Compare the total price, data allowance, roaming terms, and any minimum commitment before you subscribe.

If your phone is unlocked and compatible with the French mobile network, you can choose the mobile operator of your choice. However, if your previous operator has a presence in France, it may be preferable to stay with the same company.

Mobile contracts in France

French mobile phone subscriptions (forfaits, abonnements) usually include a set allowance of calls, texts, and mobile data. What you pay depends on the plan, and the best-value option depends on how much you use your phone. Some providers, including SFR and Orange, also offer discounts when you combine mobile service with home internet or TV.

French mobile plans can be SIM-only or include a handset, and they may be offered with or without a minimum commitment. Under French consumer rules, any commitment period cannot exceed 24 months. Some providers charge SIM, activation, or setup fees, so check the price summary before subscribing. Monthly payments are often collected by SEPA direct debit (prélèvement automatique), and you’ll need to provide an accepted payment method when you sign up.

No-commitment plans (forfaits sans engagement) are also common. A contract without a minimum commitment can be canceled at any time, subject to the provider’s termination process. These plans are not inherently more expensive than fixed-term contracts, so compare the total monthly price and any handset costs rather than choosing on contract length alone.

How to get a mobile phone contract in France

Signing up for a French mobile phone contract is fairly straightforward. You can either do it online or sign up in a telecom shop. Most of the main French telecom providers have stores in town centers. However, shop assistants may not be able to speak English, so be prepared to practice your French.

To sign up, you will likely need to provide the following:

• Proof of identity
• Address in France
• Payment details accepted by the provider, often an IBAN for SEPA direct debit

You do not necessarily need a French bank account to pay for a mobile contract. For example, Orange states that it accepts an IBAN from a bank in the European SEPA area, and EU rules prohibit IBAN discrimination for SEPA payments between Member States. Providers can still apply their own identity, address, credit, and payment-method checks, so confirm the accepted details before subscribing. For more information on local accounts, read our guide to mobile banking in France.

If your provider accepts the relevant SEPA payment details, expats can also consider Wise. Wise Europe SA is an authorized payment institution in the EEA and offers euro account details alongside other supported currencies. Acceptance for a particular mobile contract still depends on the provider’s subscription requirements.

French SIM cards

Prepaid SIM cards (cartes SIM prépayées) in France offer flexibility and can suit short stays or lighter use. Prices, data allowances, and validity periods vary by operator, while monthly plans may offer better value for regular use. Major operators and other providers offer prepaid options, so compare the network, expiry rules, and recharge conditions for your usage.

SIM cards are available from a number of places, including dedicated telecoms shops, supermarkets, electronics stores, and some other retail outlets. You can also buy French SIM cards online and have them delivered to your address. Prepaid users must provide identity information, but the verification process varies by operator and can take place in store or online after activation. Have a valid identity document ready and complete any required registration promptly.

Some prepaid SIM cards come with credit or a bundle already loaded onto them (crédit d’appels inclus). You can usually add more credit or buy a new pass online or through participating retailers. Recharge values, included data, and validity periods vary by provider, so check the current tariff and expiry rules before topping up.

It is also possible to buy international SIM cards in France that provide affordable rates in a number of countries. These can be a great option if you’re planning on contacting friends and family in a particular country or region a lot while in France.

French mobile phone numbers

Most standard French telephone numbers use a 10-digit national format beginning with 0, but the prefix no longer always tells you where the caller is located. Since 1 January 2023, numbers beginning 01 to 05 no longer carry a geographic-location requirement. Arcep’s current numbering plan distinguishes the main consumer prefixes as follows:

• 01–05 – general-purpose numbers; they no longer require a geographic location, although the prefixes retain their historical regional associations.
• 06 and 07 – mobile numbers.
• 08 – value-added service numbers, which can include free, standard-rate, or premium-rate services depending on the number.
• 09 – general-purpose non-geographic numbers.

When calling a French phone number from outside of France, you’ll need to add the country’s international dialing code. This is 0033 or +33. You then omit the initial 0 from the mobile number. For example, a mobile phone number could be 0033 6 12 34 56 78.

If you’re changing mobile phone providers in France, number portability is a subscriber right as long as the number remains within the same French territory. For a mobile number, call 3179 from the line you want to keep to obtain your RIO (operator identity record), then give it to your new operator. The new operator handles the port and cancellation of the old line.

French mobile phone laws

If you’re using your mobile phone in France, it’s important you know the local laws and regulations. Some of the French laws surrounding mobile phones include:

• Drivers must not use a handheld phone while driving or wear a device at the ear that can emit sound, such as headphones or earbuds. The standard fine is €135 and three points are deducted from a French driving license. The French Highway Code also allows a possible license suspension.
• Phone and connected-device use is prohibited for pupils in schools and collèges, subject to specified exceptions. From the start of the 2026 school year, the restriction is extended to lycées under the national education rules.

Managing expat finances in France

When moving to France, handling your finances across borders can be one of the practical aspects of relocation, particularly when setting up essential services like mobile phones. Many expats need solutions for international money transfers, managing multiple currencies, and setting up payment methods for French services.

Wise, an authorized payment institution, offers several features that can be helpful when managing finances for telecommunications services in France:

• Multi-currency account: Hold and manage money in euros and other currencies
• International transfers: Send money from your home country to France with transparent fees
• Mid-market exchange rate: Access the mid-market exchange rate when converting currencies
• Wise card: A debit card that can be used for everyday spending in France

Having a reliable way to manage money across borders can help simplify the process of relocating and staying connected in your new country.

Useful resources

• Arcep – Mon réseau mobile – compare mobile coverage and quality by operator and location
• Arcep – 2G and 3G network shutdowns – current timetable and consumer guidance
• Arcep – French numbering plan – current number categories and prefixes
• Arcep – number portability – how to keep your number when switching operators
• European Commission – EU roaming – Roam Like at Home rules and fair-use limits
• Arcep – mobile contract commitments – commitment and cancellation rules
• Légifrance – prepaid-user identity rules – identity-data requirements for prepaid communications services
• European Commission – IBAN discrimination – SEPA payment rights across EU Member States
• Médiateur des communications électroniques – French telecoms mediation service
• Wise – Payment institution for managing money across borders

FAQ Section

Do I need a French bank account to get a mobile contract in France? 

Not necessarily. Mobile operators may ask for an IBAN and other supporting documents, but a French IBAN is not universally required. For example, Orange accepts an IBAN from a bank in the European SEPA area, and EU rules prohibit discrimination against an IBAN solely because the account is in another Member State. Wise offers euro account details for eligible customers, which may be usable where the provider accepts them.

How can I avoid high fees when paying for my French mobile contract from abroad? 

Consider using a payment institution like Wise that specializes in international money transfers. Their multi-currency account lets you hold euros alongside other currencies, making it easier to manage expenses in multiple countries with transparent pricing.