Forfait vs Prepaid SIM in France (2026)
Jules de Bruin
Editor
Updated: June 2026 | Found helpful by 3 others
- Tourists
- Expats
Updated June 2026. A forfait sans engagement is a monthly plan paid by prélèvement, so it needs a French RIB and is cheaper per GB. Most forfaits are sans engagement, so you can cancel any month; the legal maximum commitment is 24 months, only on subsidised-handset contracts. A prepaid SIM (prépayé) such as Mobicarte or Orange Holiday needs no bank account and works from day one, but costs more per GB. Newcomers with no RIB usually start prepaid, then switch to a forfait and keep their number with a free RIO code (dial 3179), with portability completed in about 3 working days.
Key takeaways
- A forfait sans engagement needs a RIB for the prélèvement but cancels anytime.
- No mandatory minimum term: most forfaits are sans engagement; the legal maximum commitment is 24 months (subsidised handsets only).
- On a subsidised-handset contract, the early-exit fee between months 13 and 24 cannot exceed 20% of the remaining balance; no exit fees after 24 months.
- Contracts taken out online can be cancelled with résiliation en 3 clics (3-click cancellation).
- A prepaid SIM needs no bank account or address, so it works on day one.
- Per GB, prepaid costs more than a forfait at a similar price.
- Keep your number when you switch with your free RIO code (dial 3179); portability takes about 3 working days.
- Most forfaits include EU roaming; prepaid roaming varies, so check the recharge.
What is the difference between a forfait and prepaid in France?
A forfait is a postpaid monthly plan: you use the service first, then pay by prélèvement (direct debit) from a French account, which is why it needs a RIB. A forfait sans engagement has no commitment, so you can cancel any month. A prepaid SIM (prépayé) is the opposite: you pay first with a recharge, use the credit, then top up again. Prepaid needs no bank account and no proof of address, which makes it the easy first step.
The main operators are Orange (and its low-cost brand Sosh), SFR (and RED), Bouygues (and B&You), and Free. Lebara and Lyca Mobile focus on prepaid and international calling. The mobile market is regulated by the ARCEP, which sets the rules for number portability and fair contract terms.
Is a forfait sans engagement worth it in France?
A forfait sans engagement is the best value once you have a RIB. You get more data per euro, unlimited calls and texts on most plans, and the freedom to cancel any month. The catch is the prélèvement: most operators need a French IBAN to set up the direct debit, so a forfait is hard to start before you open an account.
Forfait pros
- Cheaper per GB than prepaid at a similar price.
- More data, plus unlimited calls and texts on most plans.
- Sans engagement means you can cancel anytime.
- EU roaming usually included under fair-use limits.
- No need to remember to recharge.
Forfait cons
- Needs a French RIB for the prélèvement.
- Often asks for proof of identity and address.
- Harder to set up in your first days in France.
- You are billed monthly until you cancel.
Sans engagement vs avec engagement
Your rights when switching (as of June 2026)
- Number portability is free: dial 3179 to get your RIO code, then give it to the new operator.
- The new operator handles cancellation of your old contract, so do not cancel yourself first if you want to keep your number.
- Portability is completed within about 3 working days.
- On a subsidised-handset contract, an early exit between months 13 and 24 costs at most 20% of the remaining balance owed.
- After 24 months there are no exit fees on mobile.
- Contracts taken out online must offer résiliation en 3 clics (3-click cancellation).
Source: Service-Public, ARCEP and DGCCRF, as of June 2026.
When should you use a prepaid SIM in France?
A prepaid SIM (prépayé) is the right call for your first days, before you have a RIB or address, and for short stays. Orange sells the Mobicarte, and a tourist option, Orange Holiday, is built for visitors with no French bank account. SFR, Bouygues, Lebara, and Lyca Mobile also sell prepaid SIMs you top up as you go.
Prepaid pros
- No bank account or RIB needed.
- No commitment and no monthly bill.
- Works on your first day in France.
- Orange Holiday and similar options suit tourists.
- Easy to recharge in shops or online.
Prepaid cons
- More expensive per GB than a sans-engagement forfait.
- Basic prepaid or SIM-only starts around EUR 3 to 5 for a few GB, but buys less data per euro than a forfait.
- Credit and data can expire if you do not recharge.
- EU roaming allowances vary by recharge.
- You must remember to top up manually.
Which should you pick when you arrive in France?
The simple rule, as of June 2026: if you just arrived with no RIB, start prepaid, then move to a forfait sans engagement once your French account is open. You keep your number with a RIO code.
- Just arrived, no RIB: buy a prepaid SIM (or Orange Holiday for a short stay) to get a French number now.
- Tourist or short stay: stay on prepaid; a forfait is not worth the setup.
- Once you have a RIB: switch to a forfait sans engagement for more data per euro.
- To keep your number: dial 3179 for your RIO code and give it to the new operator (portabilité).
On price, remember the structure rather than exact figures: prepaid costs more per GB, while a forfait gives more data for a similar monthly amount. Basic prepaid or SIM-only starts around EUR 3 to 5 for a few GB; prepaid prices fell about 1.8% year-on-year on the ARCEP price index, but a sans-engagement forfait still costs less per GB. Plans change often, so check each operator and the ARCEP for current consumer rules.
Sources: Service-Public, ARCEP and DGCCRF for portability, commitment and cancellation rules, plus the ARCEP price index and operator terms, as of June 2026. Verify current plans and prices with each operator before you buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a French bank account for a forfait in France?
A monthly forfait sans engagement is usually paid by prélèvement (direct debit), so it needs a French RIB and IBAN. Some operators accept a card on file, but most ask for a RIB. A prepaid SIM needs no bank account and is the right choice before you have one.
Is prepaid more expensive than a forfait in France?
Per gigabyte, yes. A prepaid SIM or Mobicarte costs more per GB and includes less data than a forfait sans engagement at a similar price. Prepaid wins on flexibility and on needing no bank account or commitment, not on price.
Can you keep your French phone number when you switch plans?
Yes. Dial 3179 from your French SIM to get your RIO code, then give it to your new operator within the portability window. Your number moves with you, usually within a few days, whether you switch from prepaid to a forfait or between operators.
What is the best SIM for tourists in France?
For short stays, a prepaid tourist option such as Orange Holiday is built for visitors and needs no French bank account or address. A standard prepaid SIM from Orange, SFR, Bouygues, Lebara, or Lyca Mobile also works and can be recharged as you go.
Does a French SIM work elsewhere in the EU?
Most French forfaits include EU and EEA roaming under the roam-like-at-home rules, so calls and data work across the EU within fair-use limits. Prepaid plans vary, so check the EU roaming allowance on the recharge before you travel.