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Key numbers to remember
- 112 for any life-threatening emergency anywhere in France or the EU (free, English-speaking) ;
- 09 74 75 36 46 for Ameli's English-speaking line (Carte Vitale, healthcare reimbursements) ;
- 01 46 21 46 46 for SOS Help, English emotional support (3 pm to 11 pm, every day) ;
- 09 87 67 37 93 for Selectra's free English-speaking line to set up your electricity, gas or broadband contract.
Emergency Numbers with English-Speaking Operators
In any life-threatening situation, the safest number to dial is 112. It is the European emergency number, free of charge from any phone (fixed line, mobile, even a locked or out-of-credit handset), and operators in France are trained to answer in English and French. The same applies anywhere in the European Union.
112 sits alongside the older French emergency numbers, which are still active and still free:
- 15 for SAMU (medical emergencies and ambulance) ;
- 17 for the police (police or gendarmerie) ;
- 18 for the fire brigade (pompiers) ;
- 114 for hearing-impaired callers (SMS or fax) ;
- 115 for emergency shelter (SAMU Social) ;
- 119 for child protection (Enfance en danger).
If you are not sure which number to dial, default to 112. Operators redirect calls to the relevant service for you. For a fuller list, see our guide to emergency numbers in France.
Healthcare and Carte Vitale: Ameli's English Line
Healthcare in France is managed by the state through Ameli (the public-facing arm of the Assurance Maladie) and the regional CPAM offices. Most expat questions, from registering for a Carte Vitale to chasing a reimbursement, go through Ameli first.
Ameli runs a dedicated English-speaking helpline reachable from France at 09 74 75 36 46, Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 5 pm. It replaced the older 36 46 short number for English support: 0974 numbers are non-premium, so the call is charged at standard rate (typically included in mobile plans). From abroad, dial 0033 9 74 75 36 46.
If your question is in writing, the Ameli website has a full English section covering the application for a Carte Vitale, EHIC requests and the right to healthcare for newcomers.
Finding an English-Speaking Doctor or Hospital
Some Paris-region hospitals (notably the American Hospital of Paris and the Hertford British Hospital) have English-speaking staff by default. Outside the capital, your best route is to ask your GP (médecin traitant) for an English-speaking referral, or check the directories listed by your embassy. Our guide to hospitals in France explains how the public and private systems differ.
Mental Health Support in English
SOS Help is the only nationwide English-language emotional support line in France. It is run by trained volunteer listeners and affiliated with the Samaritans network. The line is 01 46 21 46 46, open every day from 3 pm to 11 pm. Calls are confidential and the listeners are trained in non-judgemental, empathetic support.
If you are in immediate danger, dial 112 or 15 instead — SOS Help is a listening line, not a crisis intervention service.
Setting Up Utilities: Electricity, Gas, Internet
Most utility providers in France only offer customer service in French. Two exceptions among the historic operators:
- EDF for electricity, on 09 69 36 63 83. Press 2 for commercial enquiries and account opening ;
- Orange for landline and broadband, on 09 69 36 39 00.
Both numbers are free from a French landline. EDF and Orange remain the most expensive providers in their respective markets — for cheaper rates, you need to compare alternative suppliers, and that is where most expats hit a language wall.
English-speaking helpline · Free callback available
Set up electricity, gas or broadband in minutes — in English
Selectra's English-speaking advisors compare every supplier on the market and open the contract in your name, free of charge. Have your French address, IBAN and a phone number ready before calling.
Energy line: Mon–Fri 8 am–9 pm, Sat 8:30 am–6:30 pm, Sun 9 am–6 pm. Broadband line: Mon–Fri 9:30 am–7:30 pm. Or get a free callback.
Need the longer story on each utility? See our full guide to setting up utilities in France, with the documents to prepare and the typical timelines.
Trains, Flights and Long-Distance Travel
SNCF (National Trains)
SNCF customer service is reachable on 36 35. Press 1 as soon as the call connects to switch to the English line. Calls are charged at €0.40 per minute (plus operator fees). From abroad, dial 00 33 8 92 35 35 35.
For most queries, the SNCF Connect app and website offer a full English experience and avoid the call entirely.
Air France
Air France's English-speaking line is 3654, available daily from 6:30 am to 10 pm (French local time). Calls cost €0.35 per minute plus operator fees. From abroad, dial 00 33 8 92 70 26 54.
Understanding Call Costs in France
French customer-service numbers fall into three cost categories. Knowing which is which avoids unpleasant phone bills:
- Free or standard rate: numbers starting with 09 are usually included in mobile plans, like a regular mobile call ;
- Short numbers (3 or 4 digits) starting with 3X or 10XX are nearly always premium-rate (per-minute charge on top of operator fees) ;
- Numbers starting with 08 can be free (0800), standard rate (0801–0805) or premium (0810 onwards). Always check the small print.
If you see prix d'un appel local or numéro non-surtaxé in French, the call is charged at standard rate (or free, depending on your plan). For background, see our guide to calling French numbers from abroad.