Is it possible to get a French phone number before moving to France?

Reader Question: We are planning to move to France and want to have a French phone number in place from day one to set up utilities, internet, etc. If we get a number in advance can we keep it when switching to a permanent contract to save the hassle of swapping all these numbers over?

Obtaining a French mobile number before moving to France is possible, with some companies offering to send sim cards internationally.

Two such companies are Lebara and LeFrenchMobile.

These can be installed in your phone in advance, but cannot be activated until you have arrived in France. 

They contain a French (+33) phone number and will connect to internet services in France without charging expensive international data-roaming fees.

Another option is to buy a sim card on arrival at the airport or train station. 

These can be bought either from kiosks in shops such as Relay, or sometimes from automated booths (such as with network operator ‘Free’ for example, which has such options in its own shops and some partner shops such as Fnac or certain newsagents). 

These have the added benefit of allowing you to buy a sim card with a well-known French telecoms brand and not worry about any delays to receiving it in the post (as with having it sent in advance to you).

If you have any issues, you can also go to a physical store to speak directly to an advisor.

These sim cards usually start off as pay-as-you-go plans, allowing you to get established in France.

Finally, you can buy an eSIM before arriving, although this is usually only a good option for travellers or infrequent visitors and not those intending to move permanently. 

Phone numbers can be switched

Regardless of what sim card you choose to purchase, or when, you should be able to keep that number by switching it to a new contract or provider. 

If you buy a sim card upon arrival with an established telecoms company such as Orange, Free, or SFR, you should then be able to convert this to a monthly contract with the provider and keep the number. 

However, there are many types of phone contracts in France, and you may wish to switch to one of the dozens of other providers and not remain with your original company. 

Even in this case, it is possible to retain your number through ‘porting’ it to the new contract. 

If you have a long-term contract, you may need to pay to exit this – usually if you have had the contract for more than three months, it is free – before porting your mobile number.

If you have a Pay as you Go sim it is usually possible to make the switch without any request or cost. 

You will then need your RIO (Operator Identity Record), which you can receive for free by calling 3179. 

This is a 12-digit number. It can then be handed over to your new contract provider, who can switch your number for you. They also deal with the cancellation of your old contract.

This will cut your line for around 24 hours, meaning you will be unable to use the phone. 

However, it means that the number will remain valid for any service you sign up for, including a bank, internet provider, etc. 

More information on porting your number is available via the official Service public website (available in both French and English).