Why you need a French number
A French mobile number (+33) is not optional fluff. Official portals (ANEF for titre de séjour, Ameli, often CAF and banks) send SMS one-time codes. Landlords and agencies expect a reachable French number. Without one, appointments and account recovery stall.
eSIM, prepaid, or contract
| Option | Best for | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|
| eSIM / digital prepaid | Day-one arrival, no shop visit | Phone must support eSIM; confirm SMS works |
| Prepaid physical SIM | Any phone, supermarket pickup | Top up before codes expire; keep the packaging/ID |
| Student / postpaid contract | Longer stay, bigger data | Often needs RIB + ID; harder on day one |
Major operators (Orange, SFR, Bouygues, Free) and MVNOs all work if the number is French and receives SMS. Pick speed first; you can switch later.
What you need first
- Passport or ID — shops and online signup usually ask for it.
- A working smartphone — unlocked if you bring one from abroad.
- Payment — card is fine for most prepaid/eSIM; contracts often want a French RIB.
- Proof of address — sometimes asked for contracts; less often for simple prepaid.
Get a number in week one
- Decide eSIM vs physical SIM based on your phone.
- Buy or activate a French prepaid / eSIM plan (airport, supermarket, or online).
- Install the SIM/eSIM, enable mobile data, and send yourself a test SMS.
- Use that number when creating ANEF, Ameli, bank, and CAF accounts.
- Keep the number topped up — dead prepaid lines break 2FA.
Common traps
- Roaming-only — your home SIM abroad may receive some SMS, but many French systems expect a French number.
- Data-only eSIMs — some travel eSIMs have no French number / no SMS. Avoid those for admin.
- Signing a 24-month contract on day one — fine later; unnecessary if you only need OTP reliability now.
- Losing access — if you change numbers, update every portal or you lock yourself out.
Not sure what order to do these in?
Answer three quick questions and get your steps in the right order — with your titre de séjour deadline and a guide for each one.
Build your roadmap →Frequently asked questions
Can I keep my home-country number?
For friends, yes. For French admin, usually no — ANEF, Ameli, banks and many landlords send SMS to a French (+33) number. Keep both if you want.
Do I need a French bank account first?
Not always for prepaid or eSIM. Contracts and some postpaid plans often want a RIB. If you need a number on day one, start prepaid/eSIM, then upgrade later.
Will WhatsApp count?
No. Portals and banks need SMS to a French mobile. Messaging apps don't replace that.
eSIM or physical SIM?
Either works if the number is French and receives SMS. eSIM is faster if your phone supports it; otherwise buy a prepaid SIM in a supermarket or operator shop.