Paris - Post Report Question and Answers
Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Use a local provider, but be aware that some expats have trouble cancelling their cell phone plans when they depart. - Aug 2022
We have local phones but would recommend setting up a US Google phone number before you leave. - May 2022
Local provider. You can pick up a SIM and new number for 20 euro. - Sep 2021
The company "Free" had good products: sim cards for visitors, phone plans, etc. There are several local providers. - Jul 2020
Take a good, hard look at what the embassy recommends, as they are not necessary totally current on the best options. The French telecoms market has diversified greatly in recent years. I went with the company "Free," which has an office quite close to the embassy. Unlimited calls (including to the U.S.) and data for $20/month with no contract, and it works almost everywhere in Europe as well as in the U.S. You can't beat it. All you need to set it up is a credit card; no bank account required. - Jan 2018
We have our phones through Orange and have been happy with the service. - Aug 2015
You can get whatever you like here, but more expensive. Bring an unlocked phone and get a local SIM. - Feb 2015
Orange seems to be fine. - Jun 2013
The area around Tati department store is cellphone city. They can unlock anything for a small fee ,and you can find lots of cheap sim cards. - Jan 2011
Cell service is reliable and ubiquitous. Like everything, it's not cheap. - Sep 2010
We used a U.S. phone and purchased a SIM card and pay-as-you-go service here from one of the big companies (SFR). We were happy with that. - Apr 2009
Cell phones are ubiquitous here. French people tend to have better manners when using them in public than Americans do. As far as I know, all the major companies are reliable, but costs (especially roaming charges) may be higher than you're used to back home. - Dec 2008
Some Embassy folks are given cell phones, but for those who aren't you have to buy a local phone, and pay for your minutes which you can purchase through the local tabac's or newsstands. It is expensive, but everyone has a cell phone. If you are here for a year or two, purchase a phone as soon as you arrive and sign a contract (one or two year). It is cheaper, but you will be locked into the contract. - Jun 2008
