How to get a French phone number (for WHV holders)

Having a local phone number when you arrive in France is more than necessary. You will need one for many reasons, for example in your job search.

Some operators might ask you for proof of address, while others are more accommodating to newcomers. Free Mobile is one such example.

Free Mobile

Free Mobile is a French telecommunications company. They offer many services, including cell phone plans and wifi.

To get a French phone number with them, you can either do so online at one of their physical stores.

1. Online (e-SIM or SIM)

The online procedure requires you to provide a French address and a euro checking account.

I was easily able to get a number when I landed in Paris by going to Free Mobile’s website. Since they offer e-SIMs, I set up a number without ever going to a physical store. They asked for an address, so I put my friend’s down (no formal proof was required) since I didn’t have my own address yet. And as for the euro checking account, I simply used the routing information from my Wise euro account.

2. In person at a store

In person, there are no specific conditions to meet. Go to a Free Mobile store, where an associate will help you get a SIM. They’ll ask for an address, but if you don’t have one yet, the associate may enter the store address as a temporary solution, until you have an address.

Free Mobile’s plans

Free Mobile offers different plans, two of which are especially pertinent to foreigners. The first is the €10.99/month plan including 140GB of data in France, unlimited texts and calls, and 18g of data elsewhere in Europe. The second is the €19.99/month plan including 300GB of data in France, unlimited text and calls, and 35GB of data elsewhere in Europe and globally (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and many more).

Other operators

Free is certainly not the only operator in France. There is Red SFR, which also offers reasonable rates. For €9.99/month, you can get 130GB of data in France, unlimited calls and texts, and 27GB of data elsewhere in Europe. For Canadians, the €5/month plan might be perfect, since you would have 35GB of data everywhere in Europe, plus Canada. You can order your SIM card directly online. You will have to provide your passport, billing address, and a euro checking account.

One of the most popular and reliable operators in France is Orange. However, the phone plans are a bit more expensive. For the first 6 months, you pay €16.99/month for 100GB of data in France and Europe. Starting the 7th month, the bill increases to €31.99/month. Alternatively, you can consider Sosh, which belongs to Orange. With them, you would pay €9.99/month for 80GB of data in France, unlimited calls and texts, and 20GB of data elsewhere in Europe.

Conclusion

Getting a local phone number should probably be the first thing you do upon arrival in France. It will make life easier for you when you eventually try to open a bank account, apply for jobs, or find an apartment.

The choice of operator and plan depends on your budget and needs. However, since they don’t require a proof of address, Free Mobile is our recommendation.