Telecom firms, utilities: which offer English language services in France?

If you need assistance with an issue in France – related to your utilities and bills, income, or healthcare needs – the best option is often to call the service in question. 

It may be possible to send an email or, alternatively, a registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt (lettre recommandée avec accusé de réception) if you want a paper trail but both options can come with long delays.

Read more: How to send a registered letter online from home in France

For people new to France or who feel uncomfortable with their level of French, some French service providers advertise English-speaking services.

We have compiled a list below and a member of The Connexion has called them to confirm the English-language service and included additional useful information, such as waiting times, prices, and availability. 

Note that if calling from abroad, you will need to add the French call code (+33). Your call costs may be increased. Some numbers may only be accessed from within France.

Emergencies and healthcare

European emergency number 

If you are in need of immediate urgent assistance from the police, medical services, or fire fighters, you can call the European emergency number on 112. 

They can liaise with the correct French team to assist you, or put you in contact with the correct number required. It is available 24/7 from anywhere in the EU. 

State health care services 

The administrative section of France’s healthcare service, Caisse primaire d'assurance maladie (CPAM), offers an English-speaking helpline. You can call for queries about your account or when signing up to the state healthcare system. 

However, an operator said the line may not be able to help with all services, and mostly acts as a relay point between the caller and Assurance Maladie. 

You can call Monday - Friday between 09:00 and 18:00 on 09 74 75 36 46.

Expect a waiting time of between five and 15 minutes.

Mental health support

An English-speaking service for emotional help and mental health needs is provided by charity SOS Help. You can reach them everyday between 15:00 and 23:00 on 01 46 21 46 46. 

Taxes

The French tax services have an international number with English speakers at +33 1 72 95 20 42. You must provide your numéro fiscal to speak to an advisor.

However, the number is only for non-residents and anyone who lives in France – or has questions about taxe foncière or taxe d’habitation – must instead speak to their local tax office.

Utilities, banks and other useful numbers 

Orange 

Orange, which provides internet, landline, and mobile services, has an English-speaking helpline, contactable at 09 69 36 39 00 from Monday and Friday. 

When we called, the respondent informed us that the lines were busiest on Monday and Friday but quieter in the middle of the week.

You will be charged a rate per-minute to call the number – which changes depending on your service provider – unless you are calling from an Orange landline, when it is free.

EDF 

If you have an account with EDF, you can call them on 09 69 36 63 83, although the line can get busy. Operators can help with both electricity and gas services offered by EDF.

During our conversation on the number, it suddenly cut off but the service called back so we could be put back in contact with the same advisor.

Banking 

Britline, the English-speaking offshoot of bank Credit Agricole, can be contacted on 0 2 31 55 67 89. 

Read more: Can you open a bank account in France without a local address?

Trains

French national rail service SNCF has an option to be put in touch with an English-speaking advisor. Call the general number – 36 35  – and press 1 when the call connects (when you hear the music).

You will then hear further instructions about how to be put into contact with an English-speaking advisor.

It costs 35c per minute plus any additional charges from your operator. 

Planes

National airline AirFrance used to have an English-speaking helpline but it has since been deactivated. 

If you know of any other useful English-speaking helplines please let us know via news@connexionfrance.com so we can add to this list and share with other readers