France – Landlines and Mobile Phones

What are the international dialling codes for France, and what are the area codes for the most popular expat destinations?

France’s international country code is 33. To reach a French number from outside the country, you dial your nation’s international access code (typically 00 across much of Europe, or 011 from North America), then 33, followed by the subscriber’s local number. When placing a call to France from abroad, you must drop the initial 0 from the local number. For instance, a Paris number written domestically as 01 23 45 67 89 would be entered as +33 1 23 45 67 89 when dialled from overseas.

All geographic numbers require the full 10-digit sequence, even for calls made within the same town or region. French convention — on websites, business cards, and official correspondence alike — is to present telephone numbers in pairs, creating five groups of two digits. You will encounter this layout constantly in daily life: 01 23 45 67 89 being a typical example.

France assigns area codes from 01 through to 09, with codes 01 to 05 reserved for fixed lines and the remaining codes allocated to mobiles and special services. Mobile numbers always begin with 06 or 07. The regional breakdown for landline codes is as follows:

These zones align neatly with the locations most favoured by expatriates. To call a fixed line in Paris or the surrounding Île-de-France region from abroad, dial +33 1 followed by the remaining eight digits. The Dordogne and the wider Aquitaine region — a magnet for Europeans relocating to France — falls under the southwest zone, meaning international callers should use +33 5 before the last eight digits. Provence, the Côte d’Azur, and the Rhône-Alpes area, including Lyon, all share the 04 prefix. This same code applies to Nice, Marseille, and Montpellier, while Bordeaux falls under 05.

It is worth noting that, since 1 January 2023, subscribers are no longer required to hold a number that corresponds geographically to their location, so a number beginning with 01 does not necessarily indicate a Paris-based caller. Bear this in mind when interpreting an unfamiliar local number. As for dialling format, +33 and 0033 are functionally equivalent but behave differently depending on your device: mobile phones universally accept the + prefix, whereas certain fixed-line handsets may work more reliably with the 0033 format.

Who are the major landline providers in France, and how can you contact them?

French fixed-line telecommunications were historically delivered by France Télécom, now rebranded as Orange, which continues to own the underlying fixed-line infrastructure across the country. Over recent years, this network has been progressively “unbundled” (dégroupée), enabling competing providers to deliver services over the same infrastructure — though the degree to which this applies depends heavily on where you live. France is divided into three categories: zones dégroupées, where full unbundling applies and there is broad provider choice; zones de dégroupage partiel, where choice is more limited; and zones non-dégroupées, where the range of available providers is most restricted.

In practice, the great majority of urban and suburban areas fall into the fully unbundled category. This constraint primarily affects more isolated rural communities, where subscribing directly to Orange often remains the most dependable route to reliable service. If you are considering a move to a rural property, it is advisable to confirm your zone classification before committing to any provider.

Although many telecoms companies bundle landline access within broader package deals, only two operators — SFR and Orange — offer standalone fixed-line contracts. The most common arrangement in France is a “triple play” package combining broadband internet, a landline (usually with unlimited calls to French and a range of international numbers), and a television service. The four main providers of fixed-line and bundle services are:

• Orange — orange.fr | Customer service: 3900 (from a French line) | As France’s historic telecoms provider, Orange is the largest operator in the country, offering TV, internet, mobile, and landline services. They also maintain an English-language customer support line.
• SFR (Société Française du Radiotéléphone) — sfr.fr | Customer service: 1023 (from a French line) | Provides TV, internet, mobile, and fixed-line subscriptions.
• Bouygues Telecom — bouyguestelecom.fr | Customer service: 1064 (from a French line) | Offers a dedicated English-language support line in addition to standard services.
• Free (Iliad) — free.fr | Customer service: 3244 (from a French line) | Provides TV, internet, and mobile subscriptions.

Entry-level fibre plans begin at roughly €20–30 per month with budget providers, while premium bundles incorporating TV and streaming services can reach €40–60 per month (as of 2025). Tariffs shift frequently due to promotional pricing, so always verify current deals directly on each provider’s website. Independent French comparison platforms such as Que Choisir and Mes Fournisseurs are also useful tools for evaluating available offers.

A particularly convenient arrangement for those with a second home in France is Orange’s “résidence secondaire” plan, which allows you to pause service for up to twelve months at minimal cost and reinstate it at any time without incurring reconnection charges.

Who are the major mobile phone providers in France, and how can you contact them?

France’s mobile market operates with four principal networks: Orange, SFR, Free, and Bouygues Telecom. All four offer nationwide 4G coverage and are rapidly expanding their 5G footprints. Orbiting these main operators is a flourishing set of discount brands — MVNOs such as B&You, RED, Sosh, and La Poste Mobile — that lease network capacity and offer competitively priced SIM-only deals. Together, these options make France one of the most cost-effective mobile markets on the continent.

A standout characteristic of the French mobile landscape is the prevalence of commitment-free plans. Since Free’s entry into the market in 2012 forced a dramatic reduction in prices, operators have competed intensely on both cost and flexibility. The majority of plans allow you to cancel or change provider at any point without penalty, and unlimited data plans are available for under €10 per month from some providers (as of 2025).

Here is a summary of the four main operators:

Orange reaches approximately 99% of the French population on 4G, and ARCEP has consistently ranked it first for overall mobile service quality — encompassing voice calls, SMS, and data — for many consecutive years. Opensignal’s November 2024 report further recognised Orange with top scores for Reliability Experience, Consistent Quality, Coverage Experience, and Download Speed Experience.

SFR’s network also covers more than 99% of the population on 4G and between 82 and 84% on 5G. For geographic territory coverage on 4G, SFR leads the field, reaching around 97% of mainland France — an advantage worth considering if you intend to live or travel extensively beyond the major urban centres (as of 2024).

Bouygues Telecom competes seriously, delivering consistent nationwide coverage and dependable 4G performance. The operator has also invested considerably in improving indoor reception, making it a reliable choice even in underground environments such as metro stations.

Free Mobile holds its own as one of the four main carriers while pricing its plans at levels closer to those of budget MVNOs. Unlike the other three main operators, Free Mobile offers exclusively no-contract plans. Its network coverage has improved considerably in recent years, though signal quality inside certain buildings or in very remote areas can still be less consistent than Orange or SFR.

MVNOs are discount operators that do not build or maintain their own antenna infrastructure; instead, they purchase capacity from the big four and pass savings on to customers through digital-first, no-frills plans. Because they use the same physical networks, coverage is typically indistinguishable from the host operator’s own offering. For newcomers, MVNOs represent an accessible way to secure ample data at low cost without any long-term commitment. Well-known MVNOs in France include Lebara, Lycamobile, La Poste Mobile, Coriolis, and Prixtel.

To assess signal quality at a particular address or along a specific travel route, the official Mon Réseau Mobile tool — operated by France’s telecoms regulator, ARCEP (Autorité de régulation des communications électroniques et des postes) — lets you compare coverage and service quality across all four main networks.

How do I get a landline connected in France?

Although most people today rely primarily on mobile phones, a fixed line can still be a practical asset — particularly in rural areas where mobile coverage may be patchy. In France, landlines are nearly always set up as part of a broadband or triple-play bundle rather than as standalone connections. Contracts for a fixed line only, without internet, are uncommon and are available solely through Orange and SFR.

Whether you are seeking a standalone line or a full bundle, the process of arranging a landline typically proceeds as follows:

1. Check eligibility at your address. Visit your chosen provider’s website and enter your address to confirm whether fibre, ADSL, or another technology is available. In very rural areas, your only reliable option may be Orange directly.
2. Choose your package. Decide whether you need a landline-only contract or a triple-play bundle (internet + landline + TV). Compare offers on the provider’s official website or via comparison tools such as Que Choisir.
3. Subscribe online, by phone, or in-store. Registration is possible through the provider’s website, by telephone, or in person at a retail outlet. Orange and Bouygues Telecom operate the broadest store networks across France.
4. Provide the required documents. You will typically need a valid photo identity document (passport or national ID card), proof of address in France (such as a rental contract, utility bill, or property deed), and bank details for direct debit setup. New arrivals who do not yet have a utility bill in their name can generally use a rental agreement instead.
5. Arrange a technician visit if needed. Where fibre or ADSL is already active at your property, service can be enabled within a few days of subscribing. New installations requiring an engineer visit usually take between one and three weeks. Booking an appointment as soon as you have a confirmed move-in date will help avoid unnecessary delays.
6. Receive and activate your equipment. The provider will dispatch a router — commonly referred to as a “box” — along with any telephone handset included in your package. Follow the activation instructions provided, or contact customer support if you run into difficulties.
7. Set up payment. Direct debit (prélèvement automatique) from a French bank account is the standard method for ongoing monthly billing.

The documentation required differs slightly depending on whether you own or rent your home. Tenants will need to present their rental agreement, while property owners may be asked for a copy of the deed of ownership (acte de propriété). Neither situation prevents you from obtaining a landline, though those staying in furnished holiday lets may find it more practical to rely on mobile connectivity or a short-term VoIP arrangement.

For the most current requirements, check directly with your chosen provider or refer to the ARCEP website, which publishes consumer guidance on fixed-line services in France. The official government advice portal Service-Public.fr is another helpful resource.

How do I get a mobile phone SIM card or contract in France?

Obtaining a mobile SIM in France is a relatively straightforward process by international standards, and the experience is broadly the same for recent arrivals as it is for long-established residents. France’s intensely competitive market means that both prepaid and monthly subscription options are freely available. Unlike certain countries where postpaid contracts are subject to stringent credit checks, the vast majority of French mobile plans carry no long-term commitment (sans engagement), allowing you to cancel or change provider at any time without incurring a penalty. The main exception is plans bundled with a subsidised handset, which typically involve a 24-month agreement.

Here is how to obtain a SIM card or sign up for a plan:

1. Choose your operator and plan type. Decide between a prepaid SIM (carte prépayée or SIM sans abonnement) for maximum flexibility, or a postpaid monthly plan (forfait). Most postpaid plans in France are contract-free, so the distinction from prepaid is largely about billing method rather than commitment length.
2. Buy online or in-store. SIM cards and plans can be purchased directly from each operator’s website, from physical stores, or from supermarkets and newsagents for prepaid options. Orange and Bouygues have the most widespread retail presence; Free Mobile and low-cost MVNOs are predominantly online.
3. Provide identity documentation. You will need to confirm your identity. A foreign passport is accepted where you do not hold a French national ID card. For a postpaid subscription, providers will also generally request evidence of a French address — a tenancy agreement, a recent utility bill, or a bank statement are the most commonly accepted documents. Newly arrived residents can often use a hotel address or an initial rental contract while permanent accommodation is still being arranged.
4. Provide bank details for postpaid plans. A postpaid monthly plan requires a French IBAN for direct debit. Some providers, particularly Free Mobile, allow payment by credit card initially, which is helpful when you have just arrived. Free is the easiest to subscribe to on arrival, often requiring only a credit card — no French bank account needed for some plans.
5. Activate your SIM. Once you receive your SIM card, you need to validate your plan by going to your online user account (espace client) and entering the 13-digit SIM number that came with the card. eSIM activation is completed entirely digitally.
6. Top up if prepaid. Prepaid credit can be added online, via the provider’s app, at supermarkets, tabacs (tobacconists), or at the provider’s stores.

Operators typically charge around €10 in SIM activation fees (frais d’activation SIM) when you first subscribe (as of 2024). Always verify the current fees with your chosen provider before signing up. Compared with some markets where postpaid plans are closely gated by credit ratings or residency history, the French system is notably welcoming to newcomers — it is entirely feasible to be connected within hours of stepping off a plane.

How do I pay my telephone bill in France?

Both mobile and landline bills in France are issued on a monthly cycle. The overwhelmingly preferred payment method is direct debit (prélèvement automatique), under which the monthly charge is drawn automatically from your French bank account on a set date. Most operators expect this arrangement to be established at the point of subscription, and some even offer a modest discount as an incentive for doing so.

Other accepted payment methods typically include:

• Online via your espace client (customer account): All four major operators provide an online portal and mobile app where you can pay by card or manage your direct debit. This is the most commonly used method for those who prefer to pay manually.
• By bank transfer (virement bancaire): Less frequently used for routine monthly billing, though some providers do accept this method.
• In-store payment: Orange and Bouygues Telecom physical stores can accept payments, though visiting a branch for a routine bill is unusual and is more commonly done when resolving a specific payment issue.
• Prepaid top-up: For prepaid (pay-as-you-go) mobile plans, credit can be added via the provider’s app, website, or in-store, or by purchasing a top-up voucher (recharge) from a supermarket or tabac.

If a direct debit payment is rejected, providers will typically notify you by email or SMS and allow a short grace period before suspending your service. Reconnection after a suspension usually incurs a fee, so it is important to keep your bank account details accurate and your balance sufficient. France’s operators tend to be reasonably accommodating with grace periods compared with some other markets, though the specifics vary between providers — it is always worth reading the terms and conditions (conditions générales de vente) of your plan carefully.

Most providers issue bills in digital format by default; if you require paper invoices, you will generally need to request them explicitly. Consumer rights in telecoms billing matters are overseen by ARCEP and the consumer protection authority DGCCRF (Direction générale de la concurrence, de la consommation et de la répression des fraudes). For billing disputes that cannot be resolved directly with your provider, the national telecoms mediator is accessible via mediateur-telecom.fr.

Are there any practical tips for using phones in France as a newcomer?

EU roaming: Arrivals from within the European Union or European Economic Area benefit from EU roaming rules, which mean your existing home-country plan should function in France within your standard allowances at no additional cost. If you are coming from outside the EU, speak to your current operator about international roaming packages before departure, and plan to acquire a French SIM promptly to sidestep potentially steep roaming charges.

Number porting: If you already hold a French mobile number and wish to move to a different provider, the process is simple. Request your RIO (Relevé d’Identité Opérateur) code by calling 3179 from your current French mobile — this call is free of charge. You then supply this code to your new operator, who handles the transfer. Since January 2024, porting of geographic landline numbers has been permitted across all of metropolitan France. The transfer process typically takes three to ten working days for mobile numbers, which is broadly in line with European norms, though landline ports may take somewhat longer.

eSIMs: All four principal French carriers — Orange, Bouygues Telecom, SFR, and Free Mobile — support eSIM on compatible devices. When signing up, you can opt for either a physical SIM card or an eSIM. For newcomers, eSIMs offer particular convenience: activation is instant and handled entirely online, making it easy to secure a French number before you have a permanent address. Make sure your handset is eSIM-compatible before placing an order.

Coverage in rural areas and popular expat regions: The national “New Deal Mobile” programme has driven operators to deploy thousands of additional 4G and 5G masts, so even outside the major cities a reasonable signal is generally available from any of the main networks. That said, if you are relocating to a rural département such as the Dordogne, Corrèze, or the Pyrenees, Orange is typically the most dependable choice, as it maintains a strong and consistent signal in remote areas and along main roads. Bouygues Telecom performs well in urban settings but can be patchier in the countryside. Always verify coverage at your specific address using Mon Réseau Mobile before choosing a provider.

Language support: Managing French-language customer service can be daunting for those still finding their feet with the language. Orange is frequently the preferred choice among expats: it maintains a dedicated English-speaking support line and has by far the largest network of physical stores in the country. SFR and Free are primarily managed through their websites and apps, with little to no telephone support available in languages other than French.

Phone number format on forms: When completing French forms — online or on paper — always enter all ten digits of your French telephone number. For international numbers, use the format +[country code] followed by the national number without its leading zero.

Consumer protection and complaints: If a dispute with your provider cannot be resolved through direct communication, you can escalate the matter to the national telecoms mediator at mediateur-telecom.fr. ARCEP also accepts consumer complaints at arcep.fr and publishes annual service quality reports that can help you identify which provider performs best in your area.

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep my foreign number when I move to France?

It is not possible to transfer a non-French number to a French operator — number porting operates only between networks within France. You can, however, keep your overseas SIM active alongside a French one, make use of a dual-SIM handset, or set up call forwarding from your old number. Many overseas providers offer a “holiday” or “pause” plan that keeps your number live at low cost while you establish yourself in France.

Do I need a local address to get a SIM card in France?

For a prepaid SIM, a fixed address is not generally required — identity verification via a passport or national ID card is the primary requirement, and a French address is not always obligatory. For a postpaid monthly plan, providers will typically ask for a French address. Newcomers can usually provide a tenancy agreement, a hotel address, or a family member’s address when first signing up, even before permanent accommodation has been secured.

Can I get a French mobile contract without a French bank account?

Free Mobile is the easiest operator to subscribe to on arrival, often requiring only a credit card — no French bank account needed for some plans. Other operators generally require a French IBAN for direct debit. Opening a French bank account or a European online bank account such as N26 or Revolut with a French IBAN before or shortly after arrival will give you access to the full range of plans.

How long does it take to get a mobile SIM activated in France?

Prepaid SIMs bought in-store can be activated within minutes. An eSIM ordered online is typically activated digitally within a few hours. For postpaid plans ordered online, a physical SIM card usually arrives by post within 3–5 working days, after which you activate it via your online account. eSIM postpaid plans can be live the same day you sign up.

Is 5G widely available in France?

According to GSMA Intelligence data, the percentage of 5G connections in France rose to 27% in Q3 2024, up from 15.1% in Q3 2023. 5G works best in large cities such as Paris, Marseille, Lyon, and Bordeaux, but coverage is expanding rapidly. Check each operator’s 5G coverage map or use Mon Réseau Mobile to verify availability at your address.

What is the ARCEP and why does it matter for phone users in France?

ARCEP (Autorité de régulation des communications électroniques et des postes) is France’s national telecoms regulator. It administers the Mon Réseau Mobile mapping tool, through which you can view coverage data for all four main mobile operators, and it conducts annual quality-of-service assessments under real-world conditions. ARCEP also processes consumer complaints and publishes yearly reports on the state of the French telecoms market. Its website, arcep.fr, is the definitive source of regulatory information.

What happens if I have a dispute with my French telephone provider?

If your provider is unable to resolve your complaint to your satisfaction, you have the right to refer the matter to the national telecoms mediator (Médiateur des communications électroniques) at mediateur-telecom.fr. This is a free and independent service. Consumer protection matters in France also fall under the remit of the DGCCRF, which can be reached via economie.gouv.fr/dgccrf. In most cases, mediation must be pursued before any formal legal proceedings can be initiated.

Are there low-cost mobile options in France for those on a tight budget?

A booming ecosystem of discount brands like B&You (Bouygues), RED by SFR, and Sosh (Orange) uses the same networks to sell cheaper SIM-only deals. Low-cost companies offer better deals than the main carriers (except for Free Mobile), with prices ranging from around €2/month to €20/month (as of 2024). These budget options are particularly popular with new arrivals and students who want to keep costs down while getting settled.