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French SIM cards only for residents?

Posted by (Abruzzo Mountains) on

I found this on a link from a Lonely Planet posting and I don't think I believe it. Is this true?

"However, obtaining a French SIM card is not as simple as just walking into a cell phone store in France and picking one up. You must have residency in France and demonstrate documentation to purchase one. If you have French relatives or friends, perhaps they can pick one up for you."

I've been reading here about SIM cards for months. Surely someone would have mentioned if tourists can't buy them without residence documentation.

Say it ain't so!

Posted by
1088 posts

that's very reassuring, thank you. The poster over on LP seemed very sure of his/her information, but it didn't make sense to me.

Posted by
32349 posts

Nelly,

I've heard that story in the past with respect to purchasing SIM cards especially in France. However, there doesn't seem to be any consistency to the rumours and I've never been able to confirm them.

Be sure to let us know whether you have any problems purchasing a SIM card. I suspect it may be more difficult to purchase a SIM on a monthly plan without French residency, but don't think you'll have any problem buying a PAYG SIM.

Cheers!

Posted by
1088 posts

will do. I'll be happy to have fresh experiences to contribute back to pay forward all the learning I've done here.

Posted by
875 posts

Just bought a SIM card in Paris two weeks ago -- no problem, no passport check, nothing complex.

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