Money & Phone
Everything you need to set up your mobile plan, open a French bank account, understand your RIB, and manage your budget while studying in Évry.
Step-by-step roadmap
Your Financial & Mobile Setup
Follow these 4 essential steps when arriving in France to get connected and financially set up.
Temporary Data / eSIM
Stay connected at the airport and campus using roaming or an eSIM while you get settled.
French SIM Card
Get a French +33 mobile plan (Free Mobile, Sosh, B&You, RED) required for French bank SMS verification and administrative portals.
French Bank Account
Open your account with Société Générale (official partner of BDE and WELCOM') to obtain your RIB (IBAN).
Budget & Wero Transfers
Use Wero for instant European bank transfers, enjoy 3.30 € CROUS meals at Restaurant universitaire Le Sablier near U6, and utilize campus MiNET fiber.
Step 1: Mobile & Connectivity
French SIM Cards & Mobile Operators
A French phone number (+33) is essential in France for SMS security codes from French banks, CAF, delivery services, and administrative portals.
Top Mobile Operators in France
Lebara
Our #1 recommended operator: no-contract and super affordable! Enjoy 50% off for your first 2 months as a student using promo code ##### (€15 donated to the association per subscription).
Visit LebaraSyma Mobile
Affordable no-contract plans with large data packages and included international call options to many countries.
Visit Syma MobileB&You (by Bouygues)
Flexible, no-contract mobile plans with generous data caps in France and roaming across Europe.
Visit B&You (by Bouygues)Prixtel
Flexible plans on the SFR network that adjust automatically to your data usage every month so you only pay for what you use.
Visit PrixtelKey Things to Know Before Buying a SIM Card:
- Always choose 'Sans Engagement': This means 'No Contract Commitment'. You can cancel or switch operators anytime without penalty.
- E-SIM option: If your phone supports eSIMs, many French operators allow instant online download without waiting for a physical SIM card in the mail.
- EU Roaming Included: All French mobile plans include free data and call roaming across EU countries!
Step 2: Managing Money
Opening a French Bank Account
A French bank account with a RIB (Relevé d'Identité Bancaire / IBAN) is essential for receiving CAF aid, setting up phone plans, paying rent, and managing daily expenses.
Société Générale: Official Partner of BDE & WELCOM'
Through this partnership, students receive exclusive advantages: a welcome cash bonus, credit card perks, discounts for the WEI (integration weekend) and association memberships, and streamlined account opening procedures tailored for campus students.
Required Documents for Account Opening:
- Valid Passport with your student visa (VLS-TS).
- Proof of Address in France (Attestation de Logement from Maisel or lease agreement).
- School Enrollment Certificate (Certificat de Scolarité) or student card.
What is a RIB? In France, a RIB contains your IBAN and BIC. You will share your RIB with CAF for housing subsidies, with Maisel for rent direct debit, and with phone operators.
Step 3: Banking Basics
Understanding the RIB & Payment Methods in France
In France, banking relies heavily on the RIB and contactless card payments. Here is how daily payments work.
What is a RIB?
A RIB (Relevé d'Identité Bancaire) contains your account numbers (IBAN and BIC). You will share your RIB with CAF for housing subsidies, Maisel for rent direct debit, mobile operators, and employers.
Carte Bancaire (CB)
Debit cards (Visa/Mastercard) are accepted everywhere. Contactless (sans contact) works up to 50 €. Apple Pay and Google Pay are accepted virtually everywhere, even for a 1 € baguette!
SEPA Bank Transfers
Transfers between European accounts (virement SEPA) are free and usually arrive within 1 business day. Instant transfers (virement instantané) are offered by most French banks.
Cheques (Chèque Bancaire)
French traditional banks provide a free chequebook upon request. Cheques are sometimes requested as security deposits for housing or equipment.
Step 4: Smart Budgeting
Managing Money & Student Perks
Maximize your student budget in Évry with smart transfer tools, CROUS dining, and campus internet.
Wero (Instant European Transfers)
Use Wero, the European instant payment service supported by major French banks, for fast, zero-fee instant money transfers between accounts and friends using just a phone number or email.
CROUS Student Dining (Restaurant universitaire Le Sablier)
Located in Évry center near building U6, right next to Université Évry Paris-Saclay, Restaurant universitaire Le Sablier offers complete warm meals (starter, main course, dessert) for just 3.30 € (or 1.00 € for scholarship holders!).
Dorm Wi-Fi & Fiber Internet (MiNET)
High-speed optical fiber and Wi-Fi in Maisel dorms are provided by the student association MiNET: no need to buy an expensive personal internet router!
Need Help?
Questions about your bank account or phone plan?
Drop by the WELCOM' room in the Foyer! Our team can walk you through bank appointments, help you pick a mobile plan, or explain your French banking documents.