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Duration: Subscription: 10 minutes; SIM delivery: 2–5 days; activation: a few hours
Cost: From 2 €/month without commitment; SIM often free
Possible online
Who this guide is for
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- You if you just arrived and need a mobile number
- You if you want to change from expensive operator to cheaper
- You if you want a mobile internet in rescue
To be prepared in advance
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- Identification document and RIB for collection
- Proof of domicile (invoice, lease)
- If you keep your number — RIO (Operator Identity Report) from your current operator
Step-by-step procedure
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- 1Compare the packages on mycomparateurmobile.arcep.fr (official comparer Arcep) or lesnumeriques.com. Key parameters: data (2 Go, 20 Go, 130 Go, 5G unlimited), calls in Europe, without commitment.
- 2Operator categories: (1) large operators (Orange, SFR, Bouygues) — 15–40 €/month with networks and shops; (2) low-cost (Free Mobile, RED SFR, B&You, Sosh) — 2–20 €/month online without commitment; (3) MVNO (La Poste Mobile, NRJ Mobile, CIC Mobile) — 5–15 €/month via networks of others.
- 3Subscribe online: on the operator's website, choose the package, enter ID, RIB, address. Choose SIM (2–5 delivery days) or eSIM (iPhone 14+, Samsung Galaxy S22+).
- 4Number portability: if you already have a French number — enter the RIO (compose the 3179 on the old phone, SMS with automatic RIO). The new operator transfers the number to 3–4 working days. Free.
- 5Activation: Upon receiving SIM — insert it and follow the instructions. For eSIM — scan the QR-code received by email. Activation: from a few hours to 1 day.
- 6Without commitment: you can terminate at any time online from your customer area. No charge. Refund of unused days at the time of closing.
- 7Roaming in Europe: from 2017 (All Europe) — your package works in the EU as well as in France (data, calls, SMS) at no extra cost, up to a certain limit (depending on the price of the package, for 10 € — 的6 Go/month roaming). Outside the EU — paying.
- 8For foreigners outside the EU: at the first subscription without French RIB, difficulties may arise — ID and RIB required. Prepaid cards (Mobiho, Lebara, Lyca) — for those without RIB, but more expensive (10–30 €/month for limited data).
- 9In case of poor flow or network — report to the operator, who must correct. After 1 months without correction — termination without charge (Chatel Law 2008).
Common mistakes
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- Sign up for a commitment package of 12–24 months when there is no commitment at the same price — loss of flexibility.
- Do not check the cover on monreseaumobile.arcep.fr by address — at MVNO it may be less good in your area.
- Forget portability (RIO) — you lose the old number, to be changed everywhere.
- Do not read the roaming conditions — in Europe free of charge up to a limit, outside of expensive Europe.
- Believing that the prepaid is cheaper: often more expensive to the unit, in addition you have to recharge regularly.
Official sources
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Show sources in this section
Important remark
Rates are changing. Indicative information; compare on my mobilecomparator.arcep.fr.
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