Phone & Internet in France: Operators, Plans, Setup.

Start with JARI.

Phone and internet are among the very first things to sort out when you arrive in France: staying reachable, opening a bank account, looking for housing. Between operators, plans, boxes, commitments, and bank details, it's easy to get lost. JARI's Professional Services and community guide you step by step to choose, subscribe, and avoid the traps — without overpaying.

The operator landscape.

Four main networks — Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom, Free — each with a cheaper "no-commitment" brand: Sosh (Orange), RED by SFR, B&You (Bouygues), and Free. For a newcomer, these no-commitment brands are almost always the best choice.

Three steps, three guides.

1. Stay connected on arrival. Even before you have a bank account, an eSIM or a prepaid SIM gets you online within minutes. See Staying connected when you arrive.

2. Choose a mobile plan. Once your account is open, a no-commitment 5G plan (often €9-16/month with lots of data) is ideal. Compare data, fixed pricing, and international options in Choosing a mobile plan.

3. Set up home internet. Choose a box (fibre preferably), check eligibility at your address, and track the installation. It's all detailed in Home internet.

What to know before subscribing.

• French bank details (RIB) are almost always required for a plan or a box: open a bank account first.
• Prefer no commitment for mobile; boxes often have a 12-month commitment.
• Beware "reduced price the first year" offers: note the post-promo rate.
• You can keep your number when switching operators (RIO code at 3179).

Get support.

Understanding offers in French, choosing based on your usage, subscribing without a RIB at first: the JARI community and Professional Services support you to stay connected without stress or nasty surprises.

Going further.

Explore the three guides in the cluster: Staying connected when you arrive, Choosing a mobile plan, and Home internet.

Useful links.

• Couverture mobile — ARCEP
• Comparateur — Ariase