Living in France means you will have to have some form of communication. Unless you are fond of writing and mailing letters and have no need for instant communication, you will want to have phone service. This can be in the form of a landline telephone or a cellular phone. France Télécom is the leading telephone service provider in France. They offer landlines, cell phones and Internet service for business and residential locations.
If you are the kind of person that is always on the go, you can get a cell phone in addition to, or instead of, a landline. The three major cell phone providers in France are Orange, SFR and Bouygues Telecom. Smaller providers are available and you need only determine the kind of minute plan you need to choose a provider. One important thing to keep in mind if you are only traveling in France is to be ready to get a SIM card with a French phone number. Otherwise, you will end up paying roaming fees and that can quickly get expensive.
Although having access to the World Wide Web is not a requirement, in these technologically advanced times, it is almost a necessity. You can Internet through various service providers, including Alice, Club Internet and Noos. Take some time and compare the different packages before choosing a provider. You also need to know what kind of service your home will get. More remote areas might lead to dial-up or satellite services.
Keep in mind that you can always make use of prepaid cell phones and international calling cards. Prepaid phones in France are the same as anywhere else. You pay for using your phone before you use it. Once your purchased time runs out, you cannot use your phone until you buy more airtime. These are convenient to have if your cell is not your primary source of contact. International calling cards are also one more easy way to save money on international calls, perfect for calling those family members back home.
