Are there mobile telephone lines for tourists sold in France?

Question

So instead of using my mobile and paying a huge raming bill, I could change my local line with a French line.

Answer 1

Your best solution is to get a French pay-as-you go sim-card. But first make sure that your phone is "unlocked", i.e. can take sim cards from other operators.

They typically cost 10 to 15 euros.

I use Breizh Mobile, which you can buy online and have the card sent to you by post, and Virgin Mobile which you can buy in Phone House stores in Paris.

Note that, unlike the UK, the number becomes disactivated if it is not topped up with credit for eight months. So you will not be able to use it again from one year to the next unless you come again on a short trip or leave it with someone.

Answer 2

I've been very happy with Mobal units--you buy an inexpensive phone that's specific to Europe, and then get sim cards for each country.

http://www.mobalrental.com/