Top mobile operators in France in 2026: compare plans and coverage
Not sure about your mobile plan?
Our advisors explain your options and help you avoid costly mistakes. One call, clear answers (free of charge).
Not sure about your mobile plan?
Our advisors explain your options and help you avoid costly mistakes. One call, clear answers (free of charge).
The main mobile operators in France are Orange, SFR, Free and Bouygues Telecom, complemented by a wide range of MVNOs that resell access to their networks at lower prices. Together, these French phone companies offer nationwide 4G, fast‑growing 5G and a mix of contract and no‑contract plans tailored to expats, students and long‑term residents. This guide compares networks, prices and plan types so you can identify the right France mobile provider for your coverage, data and budget needs, and plan features.
Breakdown of the French mobile operators market
France has a four‑operator mobile market: Orange, SFR, Free and Bouygues Telecom, all offering nationwide 4G and fast‑growing 5G coverage. Around them, a booming ecosystem of discount brands (MVNOs) like B&You, RED, Sosh or La Poste Mobile uses the same networks to sell cheaper SIM‑only deals, so in practice you are choosing between a few mobile operators in France and many low‑cost resellers.
Orange regularly comes out on top for overall network quality and coverage, making it a safe choice if you want the most reliable signal almost everywhere. Free has shaken things up with huge data allowances and strong 5G performance, while SFR and Bouygues Telecom sit in the middle with solid networks and competitive bundles often paired with internet or TV, which many French phone companies use to keep prices attractive.
- Pick a main operator if you care most about coverage, call quality and in‑store support.
- Pick an MVNO if you want the lowest price and manage everything online.
💡 Good to know
Thanks to the national "New Deal Mobile" programme, operators have rolled out thousands of extra 4G/5G sites, so even outside Paris you should get a decent signal with any major mobile phone providers in France.
👌 Talk to someone who gets it.
We’ve been there too: French contracts can be tricky. Our English-speaking team helps you compare or switch plans easily.
👌 Talk to someone who gets it.
We’ve been there too: French contracts can be tricky. Our English-speaking team helps you compare or switch plans easily.
Compare mobile phone companies in France: Orange, SFR, Free, Bouygues
Orange
Orange is the reassuring, premium‑style option among mobile operators in France if you want your phone to "just work" wherever you go. Its network covers around 99% of the population in 4G and a majority in 5G, and ARCEP has ranked Orange number one for mobile service quality for many years, including calls, SMS and mobile internet. For an expat, that simply means fewer dropped calls, smoother data and better reception once you leave the big cities than with many other France mobile providers.
Orange's mobile plans in France are not usually the cheapest, but they pack in a lot of value: fast 4G/5G, solid data options, EU roaming, and the possibility to bundle your SIM with home internet when you settle down. That makes Orange attractive if you prefer one French phone company for everything rather than juggling several contracts, and if you like having structured customer support, including English‑speaking assistance and online help when admin or technical settings get complicated.
Key advantages of choosing Orange France:
- Best‑in‑class network quality and coverage across cities, transport routes and rural areas
- Strong 4G/5G performance plus a wide international roaming footprint
- Option to bundle mobile with internet/TV for extra discounts and simplicity
- Access to customer service with English‑speaking assistance options
| 1 Go offert sur demande | ||||
 Forfait Orange 2h 100Mo No contract |
2h
Unlimited |
100
MB
4G |
See offer
Partner offer
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100 Mo in Europe/DOM
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2,99€/month for 6 months then 8,99€/month
SIM card: 10€ |
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Série Spéciale SaferPhone 5 Go No contract |
Unlimited
Unlimited |
5
GB
4G |
See offer
Partner offer
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| See details Hide details | ||||
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5 Go in Europe/DOM
Pack Protection Enfant : contrôle parental, alerte anti-cyberharcèlement, anti spam appels mobile |
9,99€/month without duration commitment.
SIM card: 10€ |
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Série Spéciale Orange 20Go No contract |
Unlimited
Unlimited |
20
GB
4G |
See offer
Partner offer
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| See details Hide details | ||||
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20 Go in Europe/DOM
|
17,99€/month without duration commitment.
SIM card: 10€ |
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| -4€ via code BONPLAN25 | ||||
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Série Limitée Orange 120Go 5G No contract |
Unlimited
Unlimited |
120
GB
5G |
See offer
Partner offer
|
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| See details Hide details | ||||
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50 Go in Europe/DOM
|
24,99€/month without duration commitment.
SIM card: 10€ |
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Série Spéciale 50Go 5G + mobile Commitment 24 months |
Unlimited
Unlimited |
50
GB
5G |
See offer
Partner offer
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| See details Hide details | ||||
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50 Go in Europe/DOM
|
28,99€/month without duration commitment.
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🙌 Use your EU number with Orange via Selectra
Since July 1st, 2025, you can now use your European mobile number when ordering an Orange Box via Selectra.
Why it matters: Only through Selectra can you use your foreign (EU) number, not directly on Orange's website. That means you stay connected from day one, without waiting for a French number.
Quick, convenient, and expat-friendly. 👌
SFR
SFR is one of the major mobile operators in France, with a network that now covers more than 99% of the population in 4G and over 82-84% in 5G. On 4G, SFR even leads for territory coverage, reaching around 97 % of mainland France, which is a real plus if you plan to live or travel outside the main cities. In independent tests such as nPerf, SFR also scores very well on the 5G coverage index and often ranks at the top for average mobile speeds, making it a strong choice if you stream, game or work on the go.
In terms of offers, SFR positions itself as a good compromise between premium networks and low‑cost France mobile providers. Its postpaid plans typically include unlimited calls/SMS in France, generous data, and EU/DOM roaming allowances that suit expats who move around Europe regularly. If you also take internet or TV with SFR, you can often unlock extra discounts or boosted data, while RED by SFR lets you stay on the same network with cheaper, digital‑first SIM‑only plans.
Key advantages of choosing SFR France:
- Strong 4G and growing 5G coverage, with good results on roads and in metros
- 5G available in thousands of cities and very competitive mobile speeds in recent barometers
- Competitive combo offers when you bundle mobile with home internet or TV
- Alternative via RED by SFR for cheaper, digital‑first SIM‑only plans using the same network.
 Forfait SFR 2h 1Go 5G No contract |
2h
Unlimited |
1
GB
5G |
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| See details Hide details | ||||
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1 Go in Europe/DOM
|
5,99€/month without duration commitment.
SIM card: 10€ |
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Forfait SFR 40 Go 5G No contract |
Unlimited
Unlimited |
40
GB
5G |
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| See details Hide details | ||||
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40 Go in Europe/DOM
|
15,99€/month without duration commitment.
SIM card: 10€ |
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Forfait SFR 200 Go 5G No contract |
Unlimited
Unlimited |
200
GB
5G |
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| See details Hide details | ||||
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100 Go in Europe/DOM
|
19,99€/month without duration commitment.
SIM card: 10€ |
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Forfait SFR 250 Go 5G+ No contract |
Unlimited
Unlimited |
250
GB
5G |
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| See details Hide details | ||||
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100 Go in Europe/DOM
35 Go depuis 71 pays hors UE |
26,99€/month without duration commitment.
SIM card: 10€ |
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Forfait SFR 90Go 5G + mobile Commitment 24 months |
Unlimited
Unlimited |
90
GB
5G |
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| See details Hide details | ||||
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90 Go in Europe/DOM
10 Go depuis USA/Canada Multi-SIM |
29,99€/month without duration commitment.
SIM card: 10€ |
💡 Good to know
nPerf's latest coverage index places SFR above Orange and Free for 5G availability across the country, which is worth noting if you want one of the fastest mobile phone providers in France without sacrificing coverage outside big cities.
Free
Free Mobile is the disruptive player among mobile operators in France, famous for very large data allowances at aggressive prices. Its network now covers around 99% of the population in 4G and about 95% in 5G, with the largest number of active 5G sites in the country and nationwide 5G Standalone deployment. For an expat who works online, streams a lot or uses their phone as a hotspot, Free is often the most attractive France mobile provider if you want maximum data for your money.
Recent audits confirm that Free's mobile quality of service has caught up with the historical operators, with excellent scores on data performance and 5G availability in many independent reports. You also get simple, no‑contract plans, easy online management and clear pricing, which suits expats who prefer flexibility over long commitments with a traditional French phone company. The trade‑off is that Free's network can still be a bit more uneven inside some buildings or very remote areas than Orange or SFR, even though coverage has improved dramatically over the last few years.
Key advantages of choosing Free Mobile France:
- Huge data allowances at competitive prices, often including 5G by default
- Very wide 5G footprint and first nationwide 5G Standalone network, great for heavy data users
- No‑contract offers and easy online account management, ideal for flexible expat lifestyles (also available in stores)
| 1 Go + Appels illimités offerts | ||||
 Forfait 2€ 50Mo No contract |
2h
Unlimited |
50
MB
4G |
See offer
Partner offer
|
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| See details Hide details | ||||
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50 Mo in Europe/DOM
|
2€/month without duration commitment.
SIM card: 10€ |
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Série Free 110Go 5G No contract |
Unlimited
Unlimited |
110
GB
5G |
See offer
Partner offer
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| See details Hide details | ||||
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30 Go in Europe/DOM
|
8,99€/month for 12 months then 19,99€/month
SIM card: 10€ |
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Forfait Free 5G+ 350 Go No contract |
Unlimited
Unlimited |
350
GB
5G |
See offer
Partner offer
|
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| See details Hide details | ||||
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35 Go in Europe/DOM
et 75 autres pays |
19,99€/month without duration commitment.
SIM card: 10€ |
💡 Good to know
Thanks to its strong use of the 700 MHz band, Free's 5G can perform particularly well in rural areas and indoors, but top speeds are reached where 3.5 GHz is available, so it is worth checking local coverage before choosing this mobile phone provider in France as your main line.
Bouygues Telecom
Bouygues Telecom is the "balanced" option among mobile operators in France, combining solid coverage with competitive pricing. Its 4G network covers around 99% of the population and its 5G reaches more than 19,000 cities, with a large share of sites on the faster 3.5 GHz band. Recent quality‑of‑service audits also place Bouygues among the top performers in dense urban areas, which is reassuring if you live in a big city or commute a lot.
On the offer side, Bouygues follows a double strategy: classic Bouygues contracts with smartphones, options and premium support, plus B&You SIM‑only plans that strip out extras to keep prices low. This makes the operator attractive if you want plenty of 4G/5G data at a fair price, but still like the idea of upgrading later to a full bundle with home internet or TV from the same French phone company. For many expats, the combination "reliable network + flexible no‑contract B&You plans" hits a sweet spot between premium players and ultra‑budget France mobile providers.
Key advantages of choosing Free Mobile France:
- 4G coverage for about 99% of the population and wide 5G reach in more than 19,000 cities
- Very good data performance in dense areas, ideal for city life and commuting
- Choice between classic Bouygues bundles (with phones and extras) and cheap, no‑contract B&You plans on the same network
 Forfait B&You 1Go No contract |
2h
Unlimited |
1
GB
4G |
See offer
Partner offer
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| See details Hide details | ||||
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1 Go in Europe/DOM
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1,99€/month without duration commitment.
SIM card: 10€ |
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Forfait B&You 5 Go No contract |
Unlimited
Unlimited |
5
GB
4G |
See offer
Partner offer
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| See details Hide details | ||||
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5 Go in Europe/DOM
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5,99€/month without duration commitment.
SIM card: 1€ |
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Forfait B&You 80 Go 5G No contract |
Unlimited
Unlimited |
80
GB
5G |
See offer
Partner offer
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| See details Hide details | ||||
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25 Go in Europe/DOM
|
8,99€/month without duration commitment.
SIM card: 1€ |
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Forfait B&You 120 Go 5G No contract |
Unlimited
Unlimited |
120
GB
5G |
See offer
Partner offer
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| See details Hide details | ||||
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25 Go in Europe/DOM
|
11,99€/month without duration commitment.
SIM card: 10€ |
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| Perplexity Pro offert 12 mois | ||||
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Forfait B&You 200 Go 5G No contract |
Unlimited
Unlimited |
200
GB
5G |
See offer
Partner offer
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| See details Hide details | ||||
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30 Go in Europe/DOM
|
13,99€/month without duration commitment.
SIM card: 10€ |
💡 Good to know
According to recent ARCEP and independent barometers, Bouygues often ranks at or near the top for 5G experience in dense zones, which is worth considering if you want a fast, everyday mobile phone provider in France without paying the very highest prices.
France Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) market in 2026
What are MVNOs in France?
MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) are low‑cost French phone companies that do not own their own antennas but rent capacity from the big four mobile operators in France (Orange, SFR, Free and Bouygues Telecom). They use the same physical networks, which means coverage is usually identical, but they cut costs by going digital‑first (apps, online sign‑up, very few shops) and focusing on simple SIM‑only plans. For expats, MVNOs are often the easiest way to get plenty of data at a low price without long‑term commitments.
Most MVNOs in the France mobile virtual network operator market target specific needs: cheap calls abroad, lots of data, or very small bundles for light users. Brands like Lebara, Lycamobile or La Poste Mobile are popular for international calling, while Prixtel, Coriolis, Auchan Telecom or Cdiscount Mobile chase price‑sensitive customers with frequent promos. On top of that, the main France mobile providers have their own "semi‑MVNO" brands (Sosh, RED by SFR, B&You) that behave like MVNOs from a user perspective but are directly backed by the big networks.
Here are the main MVNOs in France:
| Provider | Parent provider | Description |
|---|---|---|
 | Orange | Orange's low‑cost, 100 % online brand: contract‑free plans, premium Orange coverage, good for expats who want reliability without full‑price Orange bundles. |
 | SFR | Contract‑free mobile plans using SFR's network, with frequent promos on large data bundles and EU roaming included. |
 | Bouygues Telecom | No‑contract SIM‑only plans with lots of data on the Bouygues network, ideal if you want a cheap plan backed by a major mobile phone provider in France. |
 | SFR | Focus on cheap international calls and flexible top‑ups, popular with newcomers who call abroad often. |
 | Bouygues Telecom | Prepaid SIMs with lots of international minutes and simple monthly bundles, easy to find in kiosks and small shops. |
 | SFR | "Adjustable" bundles where the price adapts to how much data you use each month, ideal if your usage fluctuates. |
 | Bouygues Telecom | Combines competitive plans with in‑person support in post offices, useful if you prefer face‑to‑face help. |
 | SFR | Budget plans with international options, using SFR's wide 4G/5G coverage while keeping everything contract‑free and online. |
 | Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom | Lets you choose your underlying network (Orange/SFR/Bouygues) and offers adjustable‑style data tiers, handy to match coverage to where you live. |
 | Bouygues Telecom | Very aggressive online promos, especially on big data bundles, with fully digital sign‑up and support. |
Your shortcut to French telecom plans
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👌 Your shortcut to French Internet & mobile plans.
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Current MVNO mobile deals in France (cheap SIM‑only plans)
MVNO offers are ideal if you want a cheap, flexible plan that still benefits from the coverage of the big mobile operators in France. Many of these brands run fully online and focus on SIM‑only deals with generous data, no long‑term commitment and, in most cases, EU roaming so you can use your French SIM across Europe like at home.
In practice, that means you can start with a low‑cost MVNO while you settle in, then upgrade later to a bundle with internet or TV from a larger French phone company if your needs change.
| -50% pendant 6 mois ! | ||||
 Forfait 130Go 5G No contract |
Unlimited
Unlimited |
130
GB
5G |
See offer
Partner offer
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| See details Hide details | ||||
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25 Go in Europe/DOM
|
5,49€/month for 6 months then 10,99€/month
SIM card: 0€ |
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 Forfait Lyca 100 Go 5G No contract |
Unlimited
Unlimited |
100
GB
5G |
See offer
Partner offer
|
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| See details Hide details | ||||
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9 Go in Europe/DOM
|
6,99€/month without duration commitment.
SIM card: 0€ |
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| -50% pendant 6 mois ! | ||||
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Forfait 200Go 5G No contract |
Unlimited
Unlimited |
200
GB
5G |
See offer
Partner offer
|
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| See details Hide details | ||||
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30 Go in Europe/DOM
|
7,49€/month for 6 months then 14,99€/month
SIM card: 0€ |
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 Forfait Cdiscount 250Go 5G No contract |
Unlimited
Unlimited |
250
GB
5G |
See offer
Partner offer
|
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| See details Hide details | ||||
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25 Go in Europe/DOM
|
7,99€/month without duration commitment.
SIM card: 5€ |
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 Forfait RED 80Go 5G No contract |
Unlimited
Unlimited |
80
GB
5G |
||
| See details Hide details | ||||
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30 Go in Europe/DOM
|
7,99€/month without duration commitment.
SIM card: 10€ |
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 Oxygène 150 Go 5G No contract |
Unlimited
Unlimited |
150
GB
5G |
See offer
Partner offer
|
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| See details Hide details | ||||
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25 Go in Europe/DOM
Forfait flexible avec 3 paliers |
7,99€/month without duration commitment.
SIM card: 1€ |
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Forfait Lyca M 200 Go 5G No contract |
Unlimited
Unlimited |
200
GB
5G |
See offer
Partner offer
|
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| See details Hide details | ||||
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11 Go in Europe/DOM
|
7,99€/month without duration commitment.
SIM card: 0€ |
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 Forfait Lebara 250 Go 5G No contract |
Unlimited
Unlimited |
250
GB
5G |
See offer
Partner offer
|
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| See details Hide details | ||||
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8 Go in Europe/DOM
|
8,99€/month without duration commitment.
SIM card: 0€ |
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 Forfait 100 Go 5G No contract |
Unlimited
Unlimited |
100
GB
5G |
See offer
Partner offer
|
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| See details Hide details | ||||
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10 Go in Europe/DOM
Choix du réseau Orange ou SFR |
8,99€/month without duration commitment.
SIM card: 5€ |
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| -50% pendant 6 mois ! | ||||
|
Forfait 300Go 5G No contract |
Unlimited
Unlimited |
300
GB
5G |
See offer
Partner offer
|
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| See details Hide details | ||||
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35 Go in Europe/DOM
+20 Go depuis Maghreb/Suisse/Andorre |
9,99€/month for 6 months then 19,99€/month
SIM card: 0€ |
How to choose a mobile phone operator in France: helpful tips
Choosing the best mobile operator in France as an expat starts with your lifestyle, not the logo on the SIM card. Think about where you will live (Paris, a medium‑sized city or the countryside), how often you move around the EU, and whether you care more about coverage, data or price. You can then decide if you are better off with a prepaid SIM, a classic postpaid contract, a blocked plan or a no‑contract SIM‑only offer by checking the main mobile plan options in France.
Data is usually the next big decision. If you mostly use WiFi at home and work, a modest bundle is enough, but if you rely on 4G/5G for remote work, GPS, video calls and streaming, you will want a much higher allowance. Looking at typical usage examples and a data calculator, like in our guide on how much mobile data you need in France, helps avoid both overpaying and running out of data mid‑month. Finally, many expats also need home broadband quite quickly; in that case, it is often worth checking which operators can combine mobile and fibre and comparing them with the cheapest internet offers in France before you sign anything.
- Check coverage and 5G availability where you live, work and commute.
- Choose prepaid or no‑contract if you are staying only a few months.
- Choose a full contract if you want a subsidised phone and long‑term stability (bust most plans are now no-contract)
- Look for EU/EEA roaming if you travel regularly within Europe.
- Compare SIM‑only MVNO deals if budget is your top priority.
💡 Expert tip
To narrow things down quickly, start from a short comparison of France mobile providers using Selectra's main mobile guide, then cross‑check only a handful of offers against coverage maps and your estimated data needs.
If you prefer speaking to a real person, you can also get help from an English‑speaking Selectra advisor by calling +33 9 77 55 72 27 . They can walk you through comparing plans, switching operator, subscribing or cancelling a contract in plain English and at no extra cost, which is particularly useful if you are still getting used to French admin and telecom vocabulary.
How to sign up for a mobile phone plan in France?
Signing up for a mobile plan in France is fairly easy once you know what documents are expected. You can usually subscribe online, in a shop or over the phone, then receive your SIM card by post within a few days; activation is often done via SMS or your online account. For classic postpaid plans with the main mobile operators in France, having a French bank account ready makes everything much easier.
Most providers will ask you for:
- A valid ID (passport or residence permit).
- Your full French address (lease, utility bill or employer housing certificate).
- Your contact details: email and, if possible, a temporary phone number.
- Your French bank details (RIB) for monthly direct debit payments.
Some French phone companies may also request your bank card to pay activation fees or a small deposit, especially if you take a subsidised phone. If you are not yet fully settled, MVNOs and prepaid SIM cards are often more flexible, as they may accept foreign bank cards and lighter documentation while still using the big networks in the background.
💡 Good to know
It is possible to set up a French bank account or mobile bank before or just after you arrive, which speeds up the process significantly and helps you access better deals from major mobile phone providers in France.
NEED A FRENCH PHONE PLAN?
Call an English-speaking Selectra advisor at +33 9 77 55 72 27 (Mon. to Fri. from 8 am to 9 pm and 9:30 am to 6:30 pm on Sat. and on Sun. 9 am to 5 pm) to help you sign up for a mobile phone plan.
NEED A FRENCH PHONE PLAN?
Call an English-speaking Selectra advisor at +33 9 77 55 72 27 (Mon. to Friday, from 8 am to 9 pm and 9:30 am to 6:30 pm on Saturdays and on Sundays 9 am to 5 pm) to help you sign up for a mobile phone plan.
NEED A FRENCH PHONE PLAN?
Call an English-speaking Selectra advisor at +33 9 77 55 72 27 . Our call-center is currently closed. Ask for a free callback to help you sign up for a mobile phone plan.
NEED A FRENCH PHONE PLAN?
Call an English-speaking Selectra advisor at +33 9 77 55 72 27 . Our call-center is currently closed. Ask for a free callback to help you sign up for a mobile phone plan.