Choosing the right mobile plan in France can be challenging with numerous options available. This article explains the process of getting a mobile network connection in France. Also, some of the best plans for 2024 to help you make an informed decision. The offers shown are examples from a few telecom providers in France. Check their respective websites for the latest updates.
Topics Covered 📚
- Where Can I Get a SIM Card in France?
- Mobile Number Portability
- Cheap and Best Mobile Plans in France
- RED by SFR
- Sosh from Orange
- B&YOU from Bouygues Telecom
- Free Mobile
- Documents Required for a SIM Card
Where Can I Get a SIM Card in France?
After arriving in France, You can purchase a mobile network connection (SIM card or eSIM)
- Online directly from the mobile applications or websites of French mobile network operators.
- Offline from the boutiques of telecom companies present in shopping malls, airports and local convenience stores across the country.
Mobile Number Portability
- If you do not like the services of a mobile network operator, you can easily port the number to another operator.
- You must obtain the RIO (relevé d’identité opérateur) code from your existing operator by calling 3179 from your mobile number, then give it to the new operator.
- The new operator will then handle all of the contract cancellation and number portability procedures on your behalf, under a one-stop approach.
Cheap and Best Mobile Plans in France
The French telecom market has several key players offering competitive prices and extensive coverage. The most common ones are Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom and Free Mobile. Here are some of the best cost-effective plans from mobile network operators in France.
Note: I have not in included Lycamobile and Lebara because of 2 simple reasons. They are not French telecom companies and they do not have their own mobile network. Lyca uses Bouyges network and Lebara uses SFR network.
RED by SFR
- RED by SFR is a low-cost mobile network brand and Internet service provider of SFR, a brand of the French telecommunications group Altice France3.
- The brand is present in metropolitan France, Guadeloupe, Guyana and Martinique.
- All the mobile plans from RED by SFR are available on its website red-by-sfr.fr
- It is my personal choice since many years and so I highly recommend it. Here is my referral code to receive a 15€ welcome offer REDCB7C348
Sosh from Orange
- Sosh is a French mobile phone brand, developed in France and owned by the French operator Orange since 6 October 2011.
- It offers offers with the specificity of being without commitment (sans engagement), on the Orange network.
- The mobile plans from Sosh are available on its website sosh.fr
B&YOU from Bouygues Telecom
- Bouygues Telecom is a French telecommunications operator, a subsidiary of the Bouygues group created in 1994.
- In 2011 Bouygues Telecom launched its low-cost model B&YOU, without commitment (sans engagement) and available exclusively on internet.
- All the mobile plans from B&YOU (sans engagement) are available on its website bouyguestelecom.fr
Free Mobile
- Free Mobile S.A.S. is a French telecommunications company, subsidiary of Free S.A.S. that provides wireless Internet to consumers in France.
- All the mobile plans from Free are available on its website mobile.free.fr
Documents Required for a SIM Card
French landline, mobile and internet network contract subscriptions require the following 3 documents:
Proof of identity
- For EU citizens: Passport or a National identity card.
- For non-EU citizens: Passport and a French Resident permit valid on the date of subscription or accompanied by a récépissé if the card has expired.
Proof of address in France
- Same set of accommodation documents as explained here Address proof documents for Resident Permits: Justificatif de domicile
Proof of French bank account
- A French bank account RIB (Relevé d’identité Bancaire) document in the name of the contract holder. It is required to deduct monthly payments by direct debit (prélevement automatique) from your bank account.
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Hello Prashanth garu,
At VFS centre, they have issued me an sim card named Lebara, is this fine to use in France or should I take anything out of the above mentioned list?
And also, they have issued a Niyo travel card… please suggest on both?
Hello Spandana,
You can use the Lebara sim but port the number to one of the options mentioned in this article. I didn’t include Lebara and Lyca due to multiple reasons.
Stop using any forex card including Niyo after opening a bank account in France.
Hello Prashant,
Why did you not include Lyca and Lebara in this list?
Hello Arvind,
I have updated the article after your comment.
Update: I have not in included Lycamobile and Lebara because of 2 simple reasons. They are not French telecom companies and they do not have their own mobile network. Lyca uses Bouyges network and Lebara uses SFR network.
Also please refer to,
https://prasanthragupathy.com/2024/07/your-ultimate-pre-departure-checklist-before-your-trip-to-france/
https://prasanthragupathy.com/2024/08/checklist-basic-things-to-do-after-arriving-in-france/
Hello Prashanth garu,
Hope you’re doing well. I got my Long Stay Student Visa and my travel date is on Dec 25th, 2025. I’m planning to purchase mobile and laptop (from long back).
As I’m starting this new chapter, can you please suggest me which to prefer in Mobile and laptop (Please advice in both Android and iPhone)
Hello Spandana,
Please use the Indian community groups for these generic questions.
You can find them here https://prasanthragupathy.com/2024/10/list-of-indian-community-social-media-forums-in-france-whatsapp-facebook-and-telegram/
Note: French laptops have AZERTY keyboard instead of QWERTY. So, it’s better to get it from India.