The 33 in a phone number indicates mainland France. Making calls is second nature to some, but not necessarily for all users. Let's find the right numbers when it comes to the meter.

France country code: telephone prefixes

In France and around the world, phone numbers indicate the caller's area.

Since 1996, phone numbers in France have consisted of 10 digits, two of which indicate the location of a contact person. The regional codes in France are 04, 02, 01, and 06.

These first digits are actually governed by specific rules imposed by a number of institutions: the Electronic Communications and Postal Regulatory Authority (ARCEP) and various other agencies. No phone number is assigned at random.

Next comes the traditional 8-digit phone number. The first 2 digits of your French number identify the region where the phone number is based, and the next 2 identify the area code.

For example, a phone number starting with 01 belongs to the Île-de-France region; 02 to the North-West region; 03 to the North-East region; 04 belongs to the South-East region, and 05 to the South-West region and overseas territories (DOM and TOM). Finally, numbers starting with 06 or 07 belong to mobile phones.

Following this logic, a phone number in France is structured as follows:

Country calling code: +33 (France)

Area: 04 (South-East region)

Regional area codes: 13 (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Hautes-Alpes, Bouches-du-Rhône, Vaucluse)

Unique phone number digits: 41.50.70

How do I get a French phone number?

For individuals visiting France, the most common option is to buy a prepaid SIM card. French mobile operators all offer different plans for purchasing a SIM card. Most of them include credit.

Others, however, will only sell you a SIM card if you sign up for a monthly plan. If your goal is to conduct professional business in France, obtaining the necessary documents to sign up for a monthly plan can sometimes become a major issue.

This is why a third, widely accepted option is to get a virtual phone number.

Why have a French virtual number?

Virtual phones do not require SIM cards or physical addresses. This application uses encrypted internet technology to send real SMS messages. Virtual SMS are also accepted for sending voice SMS.

With a French virtual number, you can stay reachable at any time, wherever you are in the world. By accessing an easy-to-use application on your phone or laptop, you can send and receive unlimited SMS with your French phone number.

Whether you are living abroad, traveling frequently, or working remotely, you can always maintain your virtual presence in France.

Having additional French phone numbers: a solution for businesses

With multiple virtual numbers, you can easily route incoming SMS messages to the right person. You can also use your system to manage incoming messages and maintain clear communication with your customers.

If your business is located outside of France, having numbers with a French area code gives you credibility with your customers and prospects.

Multiple phone numbers are a great way to increase revenue. You can consider adding extra numbers and organizing them by region to maintain a market presence without needing a physical one.

Automatically handle incoming business calls. Set up an automated greeting that provides information about your business hours, holidays, and other relevant details.

Thanks to automation, you can even create a response menu with options. Route the messages you receive from your customers to the phone of the appropriate person on your team.

What are the benefits of a French virtual number for businesses?

Seamless setup

Octopush offers you an online service with nothing to install.

Our support staff has all the information needed to ensure a seamless transition to your new virtual phone number.

Clear and personalized pricing

Having virtual phone numbers helps any business grow for the future. Our plans can take you wherever your business expands internationally.

The Octopush virtual phone number provides flexibility and transparency in pricing. You can get a French phone number for a plan starting at €10 per month. If you intend to acquire several French or international phone numbers, we offer an integrated package that fits our business model.