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Key numbers to remember
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:
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 — electricity
Press 2 for commercial enquiries and account opening.
Orange — landline and broadband
English-speaking customer service for your landline and internet.
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.
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. 36 35 is a premium-rate number, billed per minute on top of your operator's standard connection charge, so keep calls short. 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:
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an English-speaking emergency number in France? Read more Close
Yes. Dial 112, the European emergency number. It is free from any phone — 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.
Does Ameli have an English-speaking line? Read more Close
Yes. Ameli runs a dedicated English-speaking helpline on 09 74 75 36 46, Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 5 pm. The 0974 number is non-premium, so the call is charged at standard rate. From abroad, dial 0033 9 74 75 36 46.
Is SOS Help free and confidential? Read more Close
SOS Help is the only nationwide English-language emotional support line in France, reachable on 01 46 21 46 46 every day from 3 pm to 11 pm. Calls are confidential and handled by trained volunteer listeners. It is a listening line, not a crisis intervention service — if you are in immediate danger, dial 112 or 15.
Can I get English-speaking customer support to set up utilities in France? Read more Close
Most utility providers only offer French-language support. Among the historic operators, EDF (electricity) answers in English on 09 69 36 63 83 and Orange (broadband) on 09 69 36 39 00. To compare cheaper suppliers in English, Selectra runs a free English-speaking line on 09 87 67 37 93.
How much do French customer-service numbers cost to call? Read more Close
Numbers starting with 09 are standard rate, usually included in mobile plans. Short 3X or 10XX numbers are nearly always premium-rate. Numbers starting with 08 vary: 0800 is free, 0801–0805 standard rate, and 0810 onwards premium.