This will provide the consumer with information about phone services in France. It will talk about landlineor fixed line services. It will also discuss mobile services in France. There will also be a special section for loved ones who need to know how to call France from other countries.

Landline/fixed line services in France

France Télécom is the primary provider of landline services. To apply for phone services, go to the local France Télécom office. The company has an English-speaking help line that is open from Monday-Friday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. This company also offers mobile phone services and TV. Similar to the US, these can be bundled or packaged together. Make sure the following documents are on hand when applying for new services to be installed: ID, and proof of address which may take the form of a rental contract, or recent electricity bill. If the last property owner had a phone line installed, reconnection can be arranged.

Mobile services in France

If you use an American cell phone that does not use the GSM system, the fees can be outrageous. Roaming charges can range from hundreds to thousanads of dollars. Most European countries now operate on the GSM system, and many of them also offer a pre-paid service. If you have a mobile phone from T-mobile or ATNT, you already have a GSM mobile phone. Sim cards can be bought through France Télécom and other companies such as Virgin Mobile. Incoming calls in France are free. Outside of France however, roaming charges will apply. A company such as Intercontinental Wireless will allow you to purchase a French Sim card outside of France. The card must be activated once you arrive in France. Additional minutes can be purchased at a conveince store, tobacco shop, or mobile phone store. Continental Wireless also allows you to rent a mobile phone if you are simply traveling to France

Calling France from Abroad

If loved ones must contact you from abroad, or you must call France for any reason, dial 011 to exit the U.S. The French country code is 33. French phone numbers are typically nine digits. Each city has an area code, so be sure to include it in the phone number. To call from France, dial 00 followed by the are code and French phone number.

This information should allow the consumer to stay in contact with ease while in France.