Telephones and internet
As most phone contracts in France offer unlimited messages, not everyone uses Whatsapp. It can therefore be useful to have a local number to avoid paying extra charges. If you’re coming from another country within the European Union, there are no extra charges when you make calls or send messages.
The country code for France is +33.
Expressions
In France, one way of asking for someone’s telephone number is to ask for their ‘06’ (zéro-six) or their ‘07’ (zéro-sept)
Phone contracts
Many mobile network operators offer cheap phone contracts.
You’ll find a comparison of the main ones here: https://www.quechoisir.org/comparateur-forfait-mobile-n43896/
Prepaid sim cards
You can also choose to buy a prepaid package. With a one-off payment, you get access to a phone number. All the operators featured on the comparison website offer this option.
WiFi and data
Most cafés, bars, restaurants and cultural spaces offer free WiFi. You’ll just need to ask for the password. However, if you think you’ll use the internet when you’re out and about, it’s best to get a phone contract which offers enough data for your needs.
Internet
If you want an internet connection at home (and/or French television), you’ll need a router, which is called une box in French. Routers are provided by the companies that offer internet contracts. You can compare different deals here: https://www.quechoisir.org/comparateur-fai-n21205/
Take care when signing a contract, because promotional offers only last a year in general, and the price can then go up considerably. It’s sometimes better to simply pay for a phone contract with unlimited data rather than get a router.
Header photo : Stéphane Pachot
