🔎 Recap
Short on time? Here’s what you need to know about mobile plans in France.
Prepaid or regular plan?: For a short stay (a few weeks or months), go for a prepaid plan or an eSIM. For longer stays, plans from Lebara, Sosh, or RED by SFR offer better value for money.
Budget to expect: Plan to spend around €15/month for a plan with at least 100 GB of data. Some might cost a bit more, especially if you're choosing a prepaid plan or an eSIM.
Which providers to choose?: Lebara (with an English website), Sosh, and RED by SFR for regular mobile plans. Airalo or Saily are great options for eSIMs.
What to check before arriving: Make sure your phone is unlocked so it can accept a French SIM card. If you’re not sure, contact your current provider before leaving.
Introduction
Getting a French mobile plan is probably one of the things you’ll want to sort out before arriving—and that’s a smart move! You’ll need it as soon as you land, to stay in touch with family, connect with other students at your school, or just find your way with Google Maps.
The good news? Mobile plans in France are very affordable. You’ll find options from €10–15/month, most of them with no contract, meaning you can cancel anytime in just a few clicks!
Many plans also include international calls and texts, which is super helpful for exchange students. In this guide, we’ll help you find the mobile plan that fits your needs—simple, flexible, and perfect for your time in France 😊
Prepaid, eSIM or regular plan: which one is right for you?
Choosing the right plan mostly depends on how long you’re staying in France:
- Just a few weeks or a couple of months? A prepaid SIM or eSIM is the way to go: easy to activate, no paperwork, and no need to cancel anything at the end.
- Staying for several months or longer than a semester? A no-contract mobile plan with Lebara, Sosh, or RED by SFR will give you better value.
Start planning your stay in France with the Student Hub 🙌
Best mobile options for international students
Free SIM and affordable plans with Lebara
Lebara is a great pick if you’re looking for something flexible and budget-friendly. New customers get special offers, plus a free SIM card. Bonus: it’s one of the few providers with a website and customer service available in English.
Example offer:
- 150 GB of data from €7.99/month (5G included)
- Unlimited calls and texts in France
- No contract and no cancellation fees
Lebara uses SFR’s mobile network, one of the largest in France.
Prepaid eSIMs with Airalo, Saily, or Connectivity
eSIMs are digital SIM cards that install directly onto your phone—no physical card needed. They’re perfect for very short stays or if you want to get online right after landing.
Pros:
- Instant activation
- No risk of losing or damaging your SIM
- Multi-country options: ideal if you're traveling around Europe
🪧 Heads up: eSIM plans tend to be more expensive long term than regular plans.
Regular no-contract plans: Sosh and RED by SFR
If you prefer a classic SIM plan, Sosh (a sub-brand of Orange) and RED by SFR are both solid choices. They offer:
- Reliable nationwide coverage
- High-data plans from €10/month
- No-contract flexibility
The downside? Their websites are only in French. If you’re not confident with the language yet, Lebara or Syma may be more accessible.
Our complete guide to mobile plans in France
Budgeting for your mobile plan
You can expect to pay around €15/month for a plan with 100 GB of data.
Prepaid or eSIM options may be a little more expensive, but they offer more flexibility, especially for short-term stays.
Pro tip: In August–September, most providers launch special back-to-school deals. It’s easy to find a good plan for €10–12/month during that time!
Providers to know
- Lebara: Free SIM, English site, great prices
- Sosh: Affordable and flexible, but site is French-only
- RED by SFR: Similar to Sosh, but not ideal for non-French speakers
- Airalo / Saily / Connectivity: Instant eSIM options, great for short stays
- Bouygues Telecom: A decent alternative, but again, only in French
❌ We don’t recommend Orange or SFR for students—they’re often more expensive and require long-term contracts (12–24 months).
Practical tips before and after you arrive
- Compare plans regularly: Deals change often (especially around back-to-school and Black Friday).
- Use the Student Hub to order your SIM and find student-friendly plans in just a few clicks.
- Free EU roaming included: Most plans let you use your phone across Europe with no extra charges.
- Don’t forget to cancel before leaving France—even if your plan is contract-free.
Conclusion
Choosing a mobile plan in France is probably easier than you think! Whether you go for a regular SIM or a flexible eSIM, there are plenty of affordable options. If the language barrier worries you, providers like Lebara or Airalo make things a lot easier with English-friendly platforms.
It’s up to you to find the plan that fits your needs best—so you can stay connected throughout your adventure in France.
