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Why switch mobile phone provider in France?
Save money when you switch mobile phone provider
France is still one of the cheapest countries in Europe for mobile plans, especially if you go SIM‑only and contract‑free. Thanks to aggressive offers from operators like Free Mobile and MVNOs, it's now common to get unlimited calls/SMS plus a big 4G/5G data allowance for around €15–€20/month, and entry‑level plans can start at about €2/month for light users.
To really cut your bill when you switch mobile phone provider, focus on:
- →Choosing a no‑contract SIM‑only plan so you can leave anytime without long‑term commitment.
- →Comparing promotions (Black Friday, "vente flash", newcomer deals) that often slash prices for the first 6–12 months ;
- →Matching your data to your real usage instead of overpaying for huge 5G allowances you don't need ;
- →Considering expat‑friendly or international brands (Lebara, Lycamobile, etc.) if you call abroad a lot.
💡 Good to know
In France, the best bargains are often online‑only offers, which are perfect if you plan to stay flexible and switch providers again later if a better deal pops up.
Switch mobile phone provider when you move home
Moving to a new house or apartment in France is one of the best moments to switch mobile phone provider and clean up old, overpriced contracts. Your new address is also a good excuse to check which operators actually have strong 4G/5G coverage where you're going, as signal quality can change a lot from one region, or even one street, to another.
When you move within France, take the time to:
- →Test coverage at your new address before you switch provider, so you know which networks work best there ;
- →Use your move to renegotiate or upgrade your mobile deal, especially if you're also changing broadband and want a combined offer.
- →Check if you're (still) under contract and whether moving counts as a valid reason to cancel early with reduced fees. Most mobile plans in France are now contract-free (except for plans that include a handset), which means you can cancel any time.
If you're moving abroad (back to the UK, USA, or elsewhere), this is usually considered a motif légitime de résiliation (legitimate reason for termination) under French law, which means you can often end your mobile contract without early termination fees, as long as you provide proof of your move in your cancellation letter.
How to switch mobile phone provider in France: step‑by‑step guide
How to change mobile phone providers and keep your number?
In France, switching mobile phone provider and keeping your number is super easy thanks to mobile number portability and the famous RIO code. Your new operator handles the cancellation for you, so you do not need to contact your old provider yourself.
Here is the step‑by‑step process to keep your number:
- →From the line you want to keep, dial 3179 (free, available 24/7 in mainland France).
- →An automated voice reads out your RIO code and you receive it by SMS. The message usually also mentions your contract end date.
- →When you sign up with your new provider (online, by phone or in‑store), say you want to keep your number and share your RIO.
- →The new operator takes care of cancelling your old contract and transferring your number within a maximum of about 3 working days, with only a short service interruption on the day of the switch.
If you are already abroad and cannot call 3179, you can usually get your RIO by contacting your current provider via customer service instead.
How do you change mobile phone providers if you want a new number?
If you are happy to say goodbye to your old number, switching mobile phone provider in France is even easier. You do not need a RIO code or any portability request: you simply sign up with a new operator and let them activate a fresh French number for you.
Here is how it usually works:
- →Choose your new plan (prepaid SIM or contract) and order online, by phone or in‑store.
- →Provide your ID, French address and bank details if you go for a monthly plan.
- →Your new SIM card is delivered or handed to you; activation typically happens either instantly in‑store or within 24-48 hours after delivery for online orders.
- →Insert the SIM, follow the activation instructions, and your brand‑new French mobile number is ready to use.
This option is great if you want a clean break from spam calls, or if you are new in France and just need a quick local number without worrying about cancelling an old line abroad.
How much does it cost to switch mobile phone provider in France?
Switching mobile phone provider in France is often completely free, especially if you are on a SIM‑only, no‑contract plan. Most mobile offers are now sans engagement (no-contract), which means you can leave whenever you want without paying early termination fees. The main exception in 2026 is Bouygues Telecom: its B&You mobile plans now charge a small €5 cancellation fee when you switch away.
The good news is that some rivals use this to attract you. SFR offers to reimburse up to €5 of termination fees when you port your number over, usually via an online refund form where you upload your last bill within about 3 months of switching. The refund then appears as a credit on your new SFR invoice. Free mobile also reimburses up to €10.
💡 How does it work for 24 month-contracts?
With a phone included, the rules are stricter. If you cancel your mobile contract during the first year, you generally have to pay all the remaining monthly instalments for year one, plus 20% of the monthly payments for year two. If you cancel in the second year, you usually only pay 20% of the remaining monthly instalments until the end of the contract, thanks to the Chatel law.