Job Discussion Forums

fancynan · Posted: Mon Sep 10, 2007 1:54 pm Post subject: Cell phone recommendation

I am preparing to move to France in January for my TEFL class. As I plan to remain in France, I want to get a cell phone as soon as I arrive. I guess the best way to go is a pay as you go phone, but I don't really know good companies from bad (the only one I know is Orange). Any advance help would be appreciated, on companies and/or plans.

I also plan to get a computer before I go. So far I have been looking at Dell and Acer, as they can be serviced in France. Does anyone know of any others I should consider?

Thanks for any help!

go2guy · Joined: 15 Apr 2004 Posts: 74 Location: France

Hey "Fancy" - getting set to put the wheels in motion, eh? Cool! Re: cell phones, Orange is one. Bouyges and SFR are the 2 other main players. You should be able to get info from their web sites on their plans and pay-as-you-go options. I've got the Bouyges "Nomad" pay-as-you-go deal (you've got to pay the full price on the phone up front, though, as opposed to the "plans" where they essentially give you the phone but you are locked in to a monthly rate). It all depends on how much you figure to be calling, and whether you'll get a land line (or "fixe" as they call them here). Land lines with with long distance (via cable or internet) together with monthly net costs can be had for 30 euros a month now (free.fr). As for computers, I had good service with HP when I had a problem a few years ago. I called Dell last year when looking for a new computer. My first question for them was whether you could buy a Dell laptop in France with a "qwerty" keyboard. The woman steadfastly refused to give me information until I provided all my contact info ... very strange, so I ruled that option out. (I ended up buying a Toshiba back in Canada.) Just make 100% sure whichever you buy they have a number to call here. It'll probably be a Paris number (generally no "800" service here). Ask for a written guarantee that it'll be serviced according to your warranty conditions. Hope this helps - good luck!

fancynan · Posted: Tue Sep 11, 2007 1:39 pm Post subject:

Go2Guy - thanks! It does help. Yes, the wheels are in motion. My last day at work here is Dec. 14 and I have my ticket for Paris on Jan. 2. WooHoo! It is really happening!

go2guy · Joined: 15 Apr 2004 Posts: 74 Location: France

au plaisir.