SIM & Internet in France: real experience from chats

From real experience

• Free Mobile often terminates eSim contracts (status: 'Cette ligne est résiliée') if terms of service are breached, frequently triggered by non-EU payment methods or suspected account misuse. If payment fails or cards are rejected, try alternative banking providers, but be aware that reactivation of a terminated line is usually impossible.
• French mobile carriers (e.g., Free Mobile, SFR) often experience limited or non-functional internet in Russia due to roaming restrictions or local network blocking. Manual network selection in phone settings may temporarily resolve connection issues, but service quality remains unreliable.
• French mobile plans (specifically Free Mobile 'Free Max' or similar) often include 'Fair Usage Policies' for EU roaming. Exceeding data thresholds (typically 30-50GB) or prolonged roaming usage outside of France can trigger automatic bandwidth throttling to 64kbps without prior notification. Users are advised to monitor usage via the provider's portal.
• Free Mobile SIM cards function in Russia, but voice roaming is not free. According to official tariffs, incoming calls in Russia cost approximately 0.95 EUR/min, and outgoing calls to France cost 1.75 EUR/min. Incoming SMS messages are free.
• For travelers in France without e-SIM support or concerned about expensive roaming charges, purchasing a local SIM card is a cost-effective solution. E-SIM adapters, available on marketplaces, can also be an option for utilizing multiple e-SIM profiles.
• Telegram generally functions without a VPN in Paris. While there might be occasional network issues or specific blocks on certain servers, broad access is usually available. Free Wi-Fi availability can vary; check local cafes, public spaces, and your accommodation.
• Free Mobile eSim roaming in Russia is unreliable due to strict terms of service and network compatibility issues. Users report inability to maintain a stable 4G/LTE connection, often defaulting to 3G or losing signal entirely when manually switching operators (e.g., MTS, Beeline). Free Mobile policy strictly requires initial activation within France; long-term usage outside of France may lead to service termination for breaching the 'fair usage' contract clauses.
• Struggling to pay for Free Mobile services with foreign bank cards is a common issue. While some users have reported success using specific cards (e.g., Rwandan cards have been mentioned), there's no universal solution. Trying different cards, using a French bank account, or seeking assistance directly from Free Mobile customer service are potential options. E-SIMs might also present more difficulties than physical SIM cards for international payments.
• Using a Free Mobile SIM card outside of France, particularly in Russia, can be possible, but payment can be an issue if you lack a French IBAN due to automatic billing (prélèvement automatique). Some users report that older SIM card numbers may eventually cease functioning, requiring new ones. The Free Max plan is specifically a French tariff and not intended for exclusive use in Russia.
• To deactivate a Free Mobile SIM card when access to the account is lost due to an incorrect email address, attempt to use the mobile app. Log in using the phone number, as this method may provide access to subscription management and cancellation options. If app access is insufficient, the 'identifiant abonné' (subscriber ID), usually found on the initial purchase receipt, may be required for account recovery or cancellation via the website or customer support.
• Free Mobile's 'Free Max' plan imposes a 30 GB data limit for roaming outside the EU. Usage exceeding this or prolonged non-French usage triggers speed throttling. There is no official way to 'undo' this via support; the most cited user solution is switching the plan to the 35 GB option and back, which costs approximately 5 EUR per switch and takes 24 hours to process.
• Users of Free Mobile experiencing extremely low internet speeds and non-French IP addresses (e.g., Moscow servers) while in Russia may be facing network throttling or blocking by the operator or local network providers. This is often related to data usage patterns or regional restrictions. The issue might be temporary or indicate a permanent change in service for roaming users. Consider switching to a different mobile plan if consistent connectivity is required.
• Users in Russia may face issues paying for Free Mobile services using foreign cards like Bybit. Explore alternative payment methods or contact Free Mobile support for solutions. Be aware that Free Mobile might throttle speeds in the second month of use, especially on unlimited plans, if significant data is consumed while roaming. Consider switching to a lower-data plan if this occurs.
• Users of Free Mobile (specifically Free Mobile MAX tariff) in France may experience a temporary internet outage immediately after monthly payment/renewal. While calls and SMS function and the 4G/5G icon is visible, data transfer stops. Normal steps to resolve include toggling airplane mode, restarting the device, or waiting a few hours for the billing system to sync.
• Free Mobile's speed throttling typically occurs when a user consumes a large amount of data, especially while roaming. If a user has used only 15GB in the first month and is now in their second month with good speeds, it suggests they haven't triggered the operator's data usage thresholds for throttling. Users who experience speed reductions likely consumed significantly more data, prompting Free Mobile to limit their bandwidth as per their terms of service.
• If your Free Mobile account indicates 'paid' but internet service is not functioning, double-check the payment status and transaction details. Sometimes, bank payments take time to process, or the issue might be related to network configuration or service activation. Contacting Free Mobile support or your bank is recommended.
• A Free Mobile customer in France is experiencing unexpected charges of €80 per month instead of the expected €19.99 for their plan. Invoices are not appearing in their account, and store representatives suggested the account might have been compromised. The advice given is to monitor bank statements for unauthorized direct debits (prélèvement) from Free Mobile and to block them if they are not recognized. Contacting Free Mobile support, possibly with the help of a French speaker, is recommended. Blocking the direct debit ('prélèvement') via the bank account is suggested as a protective measure against unknown charges.
• Users of Free Mobile SIM cards in Russia are reporting issues with messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram not functioning, despite having internet connectivity. Some suggest a reduction in internet speed, potentially linked to recent events. The problem may originate from Free Mobile's network or its roaming agreements within Russia. While some users have found workarounds via specific Russian mobile operators (e.g., MTS, potentially limited to 3G), the overall service stability for Free SIMs in Russia appears to be compromised.
• If a Free Mobile SIM fails on iPhone in France but works abroad: 1. Ensure 'Data Roaming' is toggled ON in iOS settings. 2. Reset network settings (Settings -> General -> Transfer or Reset iPhone -> Reset Network Settings). 3. Consider replacing the SIM card if the issue persists.
• For travelers needing immediate internet access upon arrival in France, purchasing an eSIM before arriving is a convenient option. Lycamobile is recommended as a straightforward choice for obtaining an eSIM that can be activated immediately at the airport.
• Users attempting to pay for Free Mobile services with foreign bank cards (e.g., from Kazakhstan, Georgia, Belarus) may encounter payment failures. It's advisable to try multiple cards or contact Free Mobile support for assistance. Payment might be more successful using a French bank account or by visiting a Free store in person. E-SIMs might also present additional challenges compared to physical SIM cards for international users.
• Free Mobile Max plan operates on automated monthly direct debit from a French bank account. Manual top-ups are generally not supported. If connectivity in Russia drops after 30 days, it is likely due to a failed automatic payment or excessive data usage triggers. Support is accessible via 'Assistance' -> 'Assistance en ligne' in the app, primarily via audio/video rather than chat.
• French telecom provider Free Mobile may severely throttle internet speed on their unlimited data plans (such as Free Max). Customer support rarely resolves this throttling issue. The practical workaround is to purchase a new SIM card under a limited data plan (e.g., 35 GB) rather than trying to upgrade/downgrade the existing throttled subscription.
• SYMA SIM cards are available in tobacco shops in France. Activation and address confirmation are required, with a grace period of at least one month for confirmation. Continued service depends on minimal usage or top-ups. Free mobile services may have complex unsubscription processes.
• Free Mobile users in France should be aware that calls and SMS may incur additional charges beyond the monthly tariff. Charges for calls and SMS can accumulate and contribute significantly to the total bill, especially if these services are not included in the plan.
• Free Mobile users, particularly on the 'Max' unlimited plan, may experience a significant reduction in internet speed after the first month of usage, especially when roaming. This is often a policy to manage network traffic. If this happens, consider switching to a plan with a data cap, such as the 35GB plan, as it might be less prone to throttling.
• Foreigners can purchase French SIM cards. Free Mobile kiosks often allow activation using a foreign bank card (non-RU) and a local address (hotel/Airbnb). E-sim services like Phoenix Pass are viable alternatives for data-only access without needing local residency documentation.
• VFS Global registration system often fails to deliver SMS verification codes to users trying to create a new account (specifically noted for French visa applications in RU). If registration is blocked due to missing SMS codes, recommend using automated booking services or checking alternative regional centers (e.g., using specialized Telegram bots/radars like vfsradar).
• Free Mobile customers in France may experience SIM card blocking, particularly after active roaming usage. Even after paying the bill, a SIM card (including e-SIM) can be blocked, sometimes immediately after the next month's payment. Contacting Free Mobile support can be challenging due to high call volumes and limited online chat availability. Some users suggest workarounds like switching to a lower-tier plan (e.g., 35GB) and then back to a higher one (like Free Max) to potentially resolve issues or avoid charges, though this may incur additional fees. The terms of service may allow Free Mobile to impose restrictions for 'abuse' of roaming, even if the user believes they haven't violated any rules. Understanding the specific plan's limitations and potential charges for international roaming is crucial.
• Free Mobile's eSIM registration requires a French IBAN. Users bypass this restriction by using an online French IBAN generator to complete the registration form, while paying for the actual service using standard international debit/credit cards.
• When purchasing train tickets in France, specifically for travel to places like Le Havre from Paris, there might be different fare options, including a youth fare for individuals under 26. It's important to clarify whether this youth fare is exclusive to French citizens or available to all travelers under the age limit.
• Users of Free Mobile's unlimited plan may experience reduced internet speeds after the first month, especially if they consume a significant amount of data while roaming. The operator may have terms and conditions that allow them to throttle speeds under such circumstances. If this is a concern, consider switching to a plan with a data cap, such as the 35GB option, which might be less susceptible to such limitations.
• In France, mobile network providers may implement speed throttling. Users can potentially resolve this by contacting the provider or changing their tariff plan. A reported case involved a 5 euro fee for a 'transfer' action and an overall tariff increase of 5 euros to restore unlimited data speed.

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