Mobile phones in France: there are numerous types of mobile telephone subscription – monthly, annual and prepaid Sim cards.
Mobile signal coverage is generally good in France and even rural areas are often covered – though not always.
The several mobile telephone providers in France Three of the biggest are:
Bouygues Telecom
A popular provider of mobiles in France. For more information see their website www.bouygestelecom.fr.
Orange
Orange Ltd is a mobile network operator and an Internet service and part of France Télécom. They’re the biggest service providor and have the widest network – and the most customers. They’re generally the most expensive though in our eperience – you get what you pay for: www.orange.fr.
They also have an English speaking helpline.
SFR
The second largest provider of mobiles in France website www.sfr.fr
There are several more operators including La Poste and Free, which is not free!
Contract mobile phones in France
It can be difficult to obtain a French mobile phone contract in France without a credit history. It’s usually easiest to go into a telecoms shop – Orange, Bougues and SFR all have stores across France. Take your id card with you and proof of address. Take your cheque book with RIB details too – you do need a French bank account to take out a mobile phone contract in France. Often going to the store in person is quicker and less stressful than trying to do it over the phone or online if you you’re not fluent in French. Although the sales people may not speak English, communicating face to face means you are likely to understand better what’s needed to get you the result you want.
If you don’t want a contract – most operators offer a Prepaid sim card.
