France (SFR) Prepaid SIM Instructions

www.cellularabroad.com
+1 310 862-7100		 Please be sure to read these instructions
prior to departing for France.

If you experience any technical difficulties with your phone or SIM card and you do not contact Cellular Abroad for technical support by phone or by email during your trip, we cannot offer any refund or compensation.

Dialing information
Your phone needs to be an unlocked dual-band, tri-band or quad-band GSM phone capable of functioning on the 900/1800 MHz GSM bands in order to accept the SIM card.

If you do not receive your # before your departure dial 963 send upon arrival to retrieve it. A message will tell you your phone number in French. French cell phone companies no longer provide phone numbers to foreigners traveling to France.  Through our relationship with our distributor, we are able to register your SIM card before you leave, we do require 2 weeks or more to do so. 

Please note: Once your SIM card has been registered, we cannot offer a refund even if it is unused and/or unopened.

Your French Cell Number to USA: 001 – area code – phone number
US to French Cell: 011 – 33 – 9-digit number (drop the first 0)       
Your French Cell Number to France: area code – phone number
France to Your French Cell Number: area code – phone number

Important: US toll free numbers are not accessible from overseas. Be sure to get valid international numbers prior to your departure.

Please Note: There is no support for service when roaming outside of France

Rental Setup

  • Make sure your phone is charged before you leave.
  • You will not be able to activate your phone until you arrive in France.

For SIM card purchases
Snap out the SIM chip from the SIM card and insert the chip into your GSM Phone with the metal portion facing down as to make contact with the contact prongs.

  • Make sure the phone is charged and the menu settings are in English.

            
Activating your service

  • Dial 963 send.  You can now make and receive calls.

PIN and PUK Information
PIN has been deactivated

Voice Mail           
To access your voicemail messages:

  1. Dial 123 to go to your voicemail box.
  2. Main menu options:
    • 1 is voicemail messages
      • Press 1 to save the message
      • Press 2 to delete a message
      • Press 3 to repeat the message
    • 2 is for recorded greeting
    • 3 for personal options

Checking Your Credit

  • Dial 950 and you will be informed of your remaining talk time.
  • In a text message, type “?” and send it to 520.  You will receive a text message stating your credit.
  • Alternatively: Locate the “Services SFR” menu on your cell phone.  Locate the “Solde/Recharge” submenu.  Then, locate the “Info Solde” submenu.  From here, you can either select “Par Texto” for a text message to receive your credit or select “Par Appel” for an automated voice message.

Purchasing More Talk Time
The recharge card is the “SFR La Carte Recharge” and is available in mult-Euro denominations.

  • The most convenient way is by calling Cellular Abroad 001 310-862-7100 or Toll Free from a landline at 00-800-362-3333 (24/7 English speaking reps) before as well as during your trip. We only carry the 15 Euro recharge voucher for $24.
  • While in France, visit tobacco shops, magazine kiosks, gas stations, convenience stores and SFR shops.  On the back will be a portion to scratch off with a coin that will reveal a 10-digit code.

 Adding More Talk Time

  • Dial 952 from your cell phone.
  • Press 1 for the recharge option.
  • Enter the 10-digit recharge code and press the # key.

Please Note: If you enter the recharge code incorrectly 3 times, SFR will block your phone number. If this happens, contact SFR customer support for help.

Alternatively:

  1. Locate the “Services SFR” menu.
  2. Select “Solde/Recharge” and then “Rchgt Coupon.”
  3. You can select either “Par Texto” or “Par Appel.”  For “Par Texto,” enter the 10-digit code and hit ‘OK.’  You can also choose “Par Appel” which will bring you through an automated voice system.

Troubleshooting
If you are unable to make or receive calls switch networks on your phone.  Consult your phone’s manual.  The steps will be like these:

  • Menu > Settings/Setup > Network > Available Network/Change Network > Search
  • Select a different network carrier than the one currently shown.

If you are receiving no reception bars, emergency calls only, SOS, or no service
check your phones band setting:  Consult your phone’s manual. The steps will be like these:

  • Menu > Settings/Setup > Network > Network Setup >Band
  • Make sure you select 900/1800

Customer Service
For network or service issues:

  • From your handset – Dial 900. SFR Customer Service is available M-Sat 8AM to 10PM.
  • From a landline – Dial 06 10 00 19 00

For technical support issues:

  • From your handset – Dial 4357. SFR Tech Support is available M-Sat 7AM to 10PM – This call costs €0.70/minute
  • From a landline – Dial 06 10 00 43 57

For hardware issues:

  • From a landline, (NOT from payphones, mobile phones, and majority of hotels) Cellular Abroad can be reached 24/7 with English customer support and recharge services by dialing this number: 00-800-3623-3333. From a cell: (310)862-7100 or email us at support@cellularabroad.com

Calling Rates      
All incoming calls are free regardless of origin.

  • Domestic Outgoing (includes retrieving voicemail): € 0.55/min
  • International calls (US, Canada, & Europe): € 0.75/minute
  • International calls (Rest of the World): € 1.55/minute

Text Rates

  • Incoming – Free  
  • Outgoing Domestic - € 0.15/message  
  • Outgoing Int. - € 0.30/message

Useful Numbers                  
Taxi Reservation – Dial 8294.  Available 24/7.  Cost is €0.91/minute
Directory Assistance – Dial 222.  Available 24/7.  Cost is €0.91/minute
Emergency Services – Dial 112.  This is a toll-free call.

Service Life         
Credit on your account will expire after 2 months.  Your SIM card is good for 6 months.  If you wish to purchase more talk time to extend your service life, you can purchase a €15 voucher to extend your SIM card life for 30 days, €25 and €35 vouchers for 60 days, and €60 for 90 additional days.  If you do not recharge within the 6 month period then your SIM card and phone number will expire.  If you’re in the US, speak French and wish to keep your SIM card active, dial 952 to add talk time.

To inquire about the possibility of extending your SIM card’s service life while outside the SIM card’s country of origin, contact the telecom provider's customer service, Cellular Abroad does not provide support for this feature.

You will find a copy of these instructions on our website at http://www.cellularabroad.com/franceSIMop.php.

Cellular Abroad is not responsible for typos, misinformation, change of service or menu prompts, lack of coverage or other possibilities that result in a lack of service or otherwise resulting in not being able to make or receive calls. We try to supply the most accurate information possible. Carrier rates, service plans and related information can change without notice. If you find any discrepancies between these instructions and your actual experience with the phone service or if you have useful additional information, we would appreciate any clarifications, suggestions or corrections. Please send your comments to comments@cellularabroad.com.

© 2008 Cellular Abroad