By Which mobile plan is right for you?
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| Your profile | Our recommendation | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Just arrived, need a number fast | Free Mobile €2/month plan or a prepaid SIM card | No French bank account required at Free kiosks; instant activation |
| Settled expat, moderate use | No-contract plan with 100–200 GB (B&You, RED, Sosh) | Best value: unlimited calls + generous data for €9–€15/month, cancel anytime |
| Frequent international traveller | Free 5G+ 350 GB or Bouygues Voyage plan | Large non-EU roaming data (35–150 GB) and free calls to 100+ countries |
| Need a new phone + plan | Orange or SFR contract plan (12–24 months) | Subsidised handset prices, in-store English-speaking support |
| Short stay (< 3 months) | Prepaid SIM or travel eSIM (Orange Holiday, Airalo, Holafly, Saily…) | No commitment, no French bank account needed, instant activation |
What are the cheapest mobile phone plans in France?
If you're looking for the absolute cheapest mobile plans in France, these options are perfect for basic mobile use. They usually include a small amount of data, calls, and SMS, and do not include international options.
These low-cost phone plans are ideal for light users, students, temporary residents, or anyone who mainly needs a local number for calls and texts. Not sure how much data you actually need? Check our guide on how much mobile data you need in France.
Mobile plans in France are generally very affordable compared to many other countries, mainly due to strong competition between the four major operators and dozens of MVNOs (opérateurs virtuels — virtual operators that resell network capacity at lower prices). For an overview of all operators and their networks, see our guide to mobile operators in France.
Which unlimited mobile plans can I find in France?
Today, almost every French phone plan includes unlimited calls and texts within France. What really differentiates offers is the amount of mobile data included.
In France, a plan is considered "unlimited" once it provides around 100 GB or more per month. For most users, this means you can stream, browse, and use GPS or social media freely. Heavy users can also find 200 GB or 300 GB plans with certain operators.
The main providers (Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom, and Free) all offer unlimited mobile plans, often including 5G access and discounts when combined with a broadband subscription:
The average user spends 17 GB/month according to ARCEP (Q4 2024). If you use your phone for heavy streaming, hotspot use, or work on the go, choosing an unlimited plan is the safest bet. For a dedicated comparison, see our guide on the best unlimited data plans in France.
International mobile plans in France
If you often travel abroad or need to stay connected with family overseas, choosing an international mobile plan (forfait international) can be a smart move. Most French phone plans include unlimited calls and texts within France and the EU, but data and calls outside Europe are usually limited or charged extra.
The best mobile phone deals for international use include:
- ✓Roaming data usable while travelling in Europe (and sometimes beyond) ;
- ✓Free calls and texts to foreign destinations, such as the US, Canada, or overseas territories ;
- ✓Additional data allowances for non-EU countries with premium plans.
These offers are ideal for:
- →Expats who travel frequently for work or leisure ;
- →International students staying in France but calling abroad regularly ;
- →Anyone who wants to avoid roaming surprises when travelling outside the EU.
For a full breakdown of EU roaming rules and fair-use caps, see our guide on data roaming charges in Europe.
EU roaming is included by default in most French mobile plans. However, data usage outside the EU (US, Asia, Africa) may be capped or billed separately. If you're only visiting France for a few weeks, a travel eSIM is often the simplest option — instant activation, no French bank account required, data plans from a few euros.
Choosing a mobile plan as an expat in France
If you're moving to France for an extended period (three months or more), we recommend choosing a postpaid mobile phone plan, known as a "forfait mobile". These plans are cheaper in the long run than prepaid options and come with larger data allowances and extra features such as international calls or 5G access.
You can choose between two types of postpaid plans:
- ✓With a contract (forfait avec engagement) — often 12 or 24 months ;
- ✓No-contract (forfait sans engagement) — cancel anytime, no penalties.
If you're only staying a few weeks or months, a prepaid SIM card (carte prépayée) might be more practical. Check our guide to prepaid and pay-as-you-go plans in France.
No-contract mobile phone plans in France
Most French operators (including Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom, and Free Mobile) now offer no-contract mobile plans — ideal if you already have a phone and want flexibility.
Low-cost sub-brands and MVNOs like Sosh (Orange), RED by SFR, B&You (Bouygues), or La Poste Mobile pioneered this type of offer and remain among the most affordable options on the market.
Most of these offers are SIM-only, managed entirely online, and include unlimited calls and texts within France and Europe, plus a decent data allowance (from a few GB to 300 GB). They're best suited for expats who:
- →Already have a smartphone compatible with French networks ;
- →Want to avoid long-term contracts ;
- →Prefer a budget-friendly, fully online subscription process.
Mobile phone plans with a contract in France
A plan with a 12- or 24-month contract may be a good option if you need to purchase a new phone at a reduced price. These offers can also include extra perks, such as additional data for travel or cloud storage services.
While more expensive, they're convenient for expats who prefer a bundle including both phone and plan, with in-store customer support.
Physical SIM card or eSIM — which should you choose?
If you're visiting France for less than three months, or need connectivity the moment you land, a travel eSIM is often the simplest solution: it activates instantly on your device, requires no physical card, and doesn't need a French bank account or proof of address.
| Physical SIM card | eSIM | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Long-term residents | Tourists, short stays |
| Activation | 1–3 days (delivery) | Instant (online) |
| Bank account needed? | Yes (postpaid) / No (prepaid) | No |
| Monthly data | Up to 300 GB | Usually up to 100 GB |
| French number included? | Yes | Depends on provider |
For a full comparison of eSIM providers for France — Airalo, Holafly, Saily, Ubigi, and more — see our dedicated guide: best eSIM for France in 2026.
What documents do I need to sign up?
For a standard postpaid mobile plan, you will typically need these three documents:
🪪 Valid ID
Passport or national identity card from any country.
🏠 Proof of address
Justificatif de domicile — a utility bill, rent agreement, or official letter dated within 3 months.
🏦 RIB
Relevé d'Identité Bancaire — your French bank account details for the monthly direct debit.
Free Mobile is the main exception: you can subscribe at a self-service kiosk using an international credit card. Prepaid SIM cards from all operators also only require a valid ID — no bank account or proof of address needed.
If your phone is locked to a foreign carrier, you will also need to unlock it before it can accept a French SIM card.
Mobile network coverage in France
France has four main mobile network operators: Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom, and Free Mobile. All MVNOs use one of these four networks, so coverage quality depends on which one your virtual operator is built on.
| Coverage type |
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4G Network | ||||
| Area coverage | 96,74 % | 95,86 % | 95,89 % | 91,78 % |
| Population coverage | 99,91 % | 99,92 % | 99,91 % | 99,57 % |
| Population covered | 65 444 254 | 65 448 622 | 65 439 889 | 65 220 966 |
| 5G Network | ||||
| Area coverage | 42,90 % | 27,47 % | 39,49 % | 60,90 % |
| Population coverage | 85,00 % | 79,00 % | 84,74 % | 94,29 % |
| Population covered | 55 677 886 | 51 747 843 | 55 506 621 | 61 764 184 |
Source: ARCEP data — T4 2025.
Moving outside Paris? Orange and Bouygues Telecom offer the best rural coverage — important if you're settling in the countryside, the Alps, the Pyrenees, or smaller towns. Free Mobile, while very competitive on price, has historically had weaker indoor and rural signal. For detailed coverage maps and plan comparisons, see our guide to mobile operators in France.
- →Forfait — monthly mobile plan (subscription) ;
- →Sans engagement — no-contract, rolling monthly, cancel anytime ;
- →MVNO / opérateur virtuel — virtual operator using a main network ;
- →RIO — your number portability code; call 3179 (free) to get yours ;
- →RIB — French bank account details, required for most postpaid plans ;
- →Engagement — contract commitment period (12 or 24 months).
FAQ: Mobile phone plans in France
Do I need to unlock my phone to use a French mobile plan? Read more Close
Yes, you need to unlock your phone to use a French mobile plan — a locked phone will not accept a SIM card from a French operator. If your phone is locked to your home carrier (common with US providers like Verizon or AT&T), contact them before travelling to request an unlock. Most phones purchased outright or through no-contract plans are already unlocked. If you're unsure, try inserting a SIM from a different provider — if it doesn't work, your phone is likely locked. See our full guide on how to unlock your phone for use in France.
Can I get a French mobile plan without a French bank account? Read more Close
Yes, you can get a French mobile plan without a French bank account, though options are more limited. Most postpaid plans require a RIB (French bank account details) for the monthly direct debit — but Free Mobile is a notable exception: you can subscribe using an international credit card at one of their self-service kiosks or online. Prepaid SIM cards and eSIMs (such as Orange Holiday or Airalo) also require no French bank account — you simply pay upfront. See our guide to SIM cards in France for all options.
Can I use my French mobile plan when travelling in Europe? Read more Close
Yes, you can use your French mobile plan when travelling in Europe at no extra charge — EU roaming regulations in place since 2017 cover all EU and EEA countries for calls, texts, and data. A fair-use data cap may apply (usually around 15–35 GB depending on your plan). Travelling outside the EU (USA, Asia, Africa) is typically subject to additional charges unless you have an international plan. See our full guide on EU roaming charges and rules.
How do I cancel my mobile phone plan in France? Read more Close
To cancel a mobile phone plan in France, the process depends on your contract type. If you have a no-contract plan (forfait sans engagement), you can cancel at any time — usually online, by phone, or by sending a registered letter. For contract plans, early cancellation fees may apply, though they decrease after 12 months. For a full step-by-step process, see our guide to cancelling a mobile plan in France.
What documents do I need to sign up for a mobile plan in France? Read more Close
To sign up for a mobile plan in France, you typically need three documents: a valid ID (passport or national ID card), a proof of address (justificatif de domicile), and a RIB (French bank account details for the direct debit). For prepaid SIM cards, a valid ID is usually sufficient — no proof of address or bank account required. Some operators also accept international credit cards for online subscriptions.
What is a RIO number and how do I get mine? Read more Close
A RIO number (Relevé d'Identité Opérateur) is your number portability code — it's required when switching mobile providers in France while keeping your existing number. To get your RIO, call 3179 from your French mobile — it's free, available 24/7, and your RIO is read out immediately. Your new provider then handles the rest of the transfer; the process usually takes one business day.
Which mobile network has the best coverage in rural France? Read more Close
Orange has the best mobile network coverage in rural France, including mountainous areas like the Alps, Pyrenees, and Massif Central. Bouygues Telecom and SFR are very close behind. Free Mobile, while the cheapest option, has historically been weaker in remote countryside and indoor settings. If you're settling outside a major city, Orange or Bouygues Telecom are the safest choices. See our guide to mobile operators in France for detailed coverage maps.
Can I keep my foreign phone number when moving to France? Read more Close
No, you cannot keep your foreign phone number when moving to France — number portability only works between French mobile operators. When you subscribe to a French plan, you will receive a new French number (starting with +33). If your phone supports dual SIM or eSIM, you can keep your foreign SIM active alongside your French plan to stay reachable on both numbers.
What is an MVNO in France? Read more Close
An MVNO in France (opérateur virtuel, or Mobile Virtual Network Operator) is a provider that does not own its own network infrastructure but resells capacity from one of the four main operators (Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom, Free). Examples include Sosh, RED by SFR, B&You, La Poste Mobile, and Lebara — these often offer lower prices than the parent operators while using the same network. See our dedicated guide to MVNOs in France.
How do I get a SIM card at CDG airport? Read more Close
To get a SIM card at CDG airport, head to the Orange or Bouygues Telecom kiosks in the arrival halls of Terminals 1, 2, and 3 — both sell prepaid SIM cards you can activate immediately. Alternatively, download an eSIM before you land — providers like Airalo, Holafly, or Saily activate instantly without visiting a store. See our full guide to SIM cards in France.
All our guides on mobile plans in France
Everything you need to know about mobile in France — from choosing a SIM card to switching providers and understanding your rights.
Best SIM cards in France
Prepaid, postpaid and eSIM options for tourists and expats compared.
Compare →Top mobile operators in France
Orange, SFR, Bouygues, Free — plans, coverage and sub-brands compared.
See operators →Best unlimited data plans
100 GB, 200 GB and 5G plans for heavy users and frequent travellers.
See plans →How much mobile data do I need?
Calculate the right data allowance based on your daily usage habits.
Check your needs →How to switch mobile provider
Keep your number — the process is free and handled by your new operator.
Learn how →How to cancel a mobile plan
No-contract and fixed-term plans — step-by-step guide to cancelling.
See guide →EU roaming rules explained
What's included in your French plan when travelling in Europe and beyond.
Read guide →MVNOs in France
Virtual operators — Sosh, RED by SFR, B&You, La Poste Mobile and more.
See MVNOs →How to unlock your phone for France
Locked to a foreign carrier? Here's how to unlock it before you arrive.
See guide →How to call France from the USA
France country code +33, dialling guide and cheapest calling options.
See guide →How to call France from the UK
Dial 0033 or +33 — complete guide with examples and tips.
See guide →Best eSIM for France
Airalo, Holafly, Saily — instant activation, no bank account required.
Compare eSIMs →