SETTLING IN - CultureShock! A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette - page 155

For long or permanent stays, you will no doubt choose a
French provider for your mobile phone. Before doing so, if
you are using a tri-band or quad-band mobile from another
country, you'll have to switch the setting to the 'roaming'
option by selecting among the French providers offered.
Many of the newer phones select the French provider
automatically, finding the one that has the best reception
where you are at that time. Roaming is expensive though,
for you are charged both by your provider and by your
temporary selection, so it's best used for only a short period.
Do your research before you choose a French provider, for
each offers its own plans and options, though all offer SMS
text messaging options.
All brands of smart phones and hand-held devices with a
range of apps are available, but in euros the devices may be
more expensive than those bought in the United States or
online. The boutiques of the three networks below sell their
phones, as does the major electronic chain La Fnac.

Bouygues; tel: [phone];
website:http://www.bouyguestelecom.fr

Orange; tel: [phone]; website:http://www.orange.fr
SFR; tel: [phone]; website:http://www.sfr.fr

Telephone Numbers
Telephone numbers in France have ten digits. Those in the
Paris region start with 01 and those in the rest of France with
numbers from 02 to 05. All lines in France can be reached
with the ten-digit number, without an additional area code
prefix. For international calls, dial 00, then the country and
area codes, followed by the telephone number.
All French mobile phone numbers begin with 06. Keep
a record of your phone's serial number (dial: *#06# to
obtain it). In case the phone gets stolen—which happens
frequently—call your service provider immediately.
Numéros verts (toll-free numbers) begin with 08.00 (often
shown as 0 800). Others that begin with 08 are toll-call
numbers. The higher the second set of numbers, the higher
the cost per minute. Thus, a number that begins 08.92 costs
more than one that starts with 08.36. Numéros azur start with