Phone & internet in France

1. 1

   Orange: Premium Network & Service

   recommended

   Widely regarded as having the best coverage and fastest speeds, Orange is France's leading provider. Their plans, like 'Forfaits Orange', are often pricier but offer reliability.

2. 2

   SFR: Strong Coverage, Competitive Offers

   recommended

   SFR offers extensive network coverage, especially in major cities like Bordeaux and Nice, and frequently provides competitive deals on both mobile and internet bundles. Look for their 'Forfaits SFR'.

3. 3

   Bouygues Telecom: Good Value & Network

   recommended

   Bouygues Telecom strikes a balance between price and performance, with a solid network and attractive plans. Their 'B&You' brand offers no-commitment options.

4. 4

   Free Mobile: Disruptive & Budget-Friendly

   recommended

   Free Mobile revolutionized the French market with low prices and generous data allowances. Coverage can be spottier in rural areas, but it's excellent in cities like Toulouse and Montpellier.

5. 5

   MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators)

   essential

   Consider MVNOs like Sosh (Orange's budget brand) or RED by SFR for cheaper plans using the main networks. They often offer 'forfaits sans engagement' (no-commitment plans).

6. 6

   Prepaid SIM Cards (Cartes Prépayées)

   nice-to-have

   Ideal for short stays or as a temporary solution upon arrival. Purchase easily at tabacs, supermarkets, or provider stores. Offers less data and higher per-use rates.

7. 7

   Contract vs. No-Commitment Plans

   essential

   Most major providers offer 12 or 24-month contracts (often with a phone) or 'sans engagement' (no-commitment) plans, which are more flexible for expats.

8. 8

   Required Documents for Contracts

   essential

   You'll need a valid ID, proof of address (justificatif de domicile), and a French bank account (RIB) for direct debit payments. This is crucial for monthly contracts.

9. 9

   EU Roaming Benefits Included

   essential

   All French mobile plans include EU roaming, allowing you to use your data, calls, and texts within the EU/EEA at no extra cost, a significant advantage for travelers.

10. 10

    Porting Your Existing Number

    nice-to-have

    If you have an existing French number, you can keep it when switching providers using the 'RIO code' (Relevé d'Identité Opérateur) from your current operator.

1. 1

   Fibre Optic (Fibre Optique)

   essential

   Offers the fastest speeds, often up to 1-2 Gbps download. Highly recommended where available, especially for streaming, gaming, and multiple users. Check eligibility first.

2. 2

   ADSL/VDSL (DSL/VDSL)

   essential

   If fibre isn't available, ADSL or VDSL provides internet via your phone line. Slower, but still suitable for general browsing and streaming. Speeds vary greatly by location.

3. 3

   Internet Box Providers

   essential

   Orange (Livebox), Free (Freebox), SFR (SFR Box), and Bouygues Telecom (Bbox) are the main home internet providers. Each offers competitive bundles.

4. 4

   Triple Play Bundles (Internet + TV + Phone)

   recommended

   Most home internet plans are 'Triple Play' bundles, including internet, a TV package (via a TV decoder), and a landline with unlimited calls to French numbers.

5. 5

   Checking Eligibility (Éligibilité)

   essential

   Crucially, check your address's eligibility for fibre or VDSL on each provider's website before choosing a plan. This determines available speeds and technology.

6. 6

   Installation Process & Waiting Times

   essential

   Fibre installation typically requires a technician visit. This can take 2-4 weeks to schedule. ADSL/VDSL might be quicker if the line is already active.

7. 7

   Required Documents for Home Internet

   essential

   Similar to mobile contracts, you'll need a French RIB, a valid ID, and a recent 'justificatif de domicile' (e.g., electricity bill, rental agreement).

8. 8

   Contract Duration & Cancellation Fees

   essential

   Home internet contracts are usually 12 or 24 months. Be aware of cancellation fees if you leave before the term ends, often around 50€ plus remaining months.

9. 9

   Modem/Router Provided

   essential

   The internet 'Box' (modem/router) is typically provided by the operator as part of the subscription. It's usually a rental and must be returned upon contract termination.

10. 10

    Understanding Public Wi-Fi Hotspots

    nice-to-have

    Many providers offer access to a network of public Wi-Fi hotspots for their subscribers, useful when out and about in cities like Nice or Lyon.

1. 1

   Secure a French Bank Account (RIB) First

   essential

   A 'Relevé d'Identité Bancaire' (RIB) is almost always required for direct debit payments for any contract, making it your top priority before signing up for services.

2. 2

   Obtain Proof of Address (Justificatif de Domicile)

   essential

   A recent utility bill (electricity, gas, water) or your rental agreement (bail) is crucial for proving your address. Without it, you can't get a contract.

3. 3

   Consider No-Commitment Plans Initially

   essential

   Opt for 'sans engagement' mobile and internet plans (e.g., Sosh, RED by SFR, B&You, Free Mobile) for flexibility while you get settled in France.

4. 4

   Visit a Physical Store for Assistance

   recommended

   If you encounter language barriers or complex situations, visiting an Orange, SFR, Bouygues, or Free store in cities like Paris or Marseille can be very helpful.

5. 5

   Utilize Online Sign-Up Processes

   recommended

   Most providers have user-friendly online sign-up processes. This can be quicker if you have all your documents ready and are comfortable with French.

6. 6

   Check English Customer Service Availability

   nice-to-have

   Some providers, especially Orange, offer English-speaking customer support lines. It's worth checking this if French isn't your strong suit yet.

7. 7

   Understand Cancellation Procedures

   essential

   To cancel a contract, you usually need to send a 'lettre recommandée avec accusé de réception' (registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt). Keep records.

8. 8

   Be Patient with Administrative Delays

   essential

   French bureaucracy can be slower than expected. Allow ample time for installations, activations, and any customer service requests.

9. 9

   Check Network Coverage Maps

   essential

   Before committing, use the coverage maps provided on each operator's website to ensure strong signal strength at your specific address in cities like Lyon or Toulouse.

10. 10

    Keep an Unlocked Phone

    essential

    Ensure your mobile phone is unlocked before arriving in France. This allows you to use any French SIM card without compatibility issues.

• Always check your specific address's fibre eligibility on multiple provider websites, as availability can vary even within the same street.
• Consider MVNOs like Sosh or RED by SFR for competitive 'sans engagement' plans that utilize the robust Orange or SFR networks.
• Download the 'ARCEP' mobile app to check actual mobile network coverage and reported speeds in your exact location, not just advertised ones.
• If leaving France temporarily, switch to a low-cost 'sans engagement' plan instead of cancelling, to easily retain your French phone number.
• Don't hesitate to negotiate or ask for current promotions, especially when signing up in-store, as deals can change frequently.

This information is highly specific to France due to its unique administrative requirements, such as the mandatory RIB (French bank account details) and specific proof of address documents (justificatif de domicile). The market is also defined by its four major national operators—Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom, and Free Mobile—and their respective sub-brands, which dominate the infrastructure and offerings across all French cities.

• ParisBudgets €600–€1,000
• ToulouseNeighbourhoods and guides
• MarseilleNeighbourhoods and guides
• LyonNeighbourhoods and guides
• BordeauxNeighbourhoods and guides
• NiceNeighbourhoods and guides
• MontpellierNeighbourhoods and guides

• Rental contracts
• Tenant rights
• Deposit protection
• Registration guide
• Flatshare etiquette