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Buying a SIM card in French: data, activation and top-ups

Edited by Chris Lee · Updated · About the library

Choose a prepaid SIM in French: ask about data and calls, check validity, activate the card and find out how to top up. Four translated shop scenes.

In short

Ask for une carte SIM prépayée (a prepaid SIM), then separate the questions: Combien de gigas sont inclus ? for data and Les appels sont-ils inclus ? for calls. Before paying, check validity, activation and how to add more credit.

A shop assistant helps a customer with a SIM card and phone.
The customer asks for une carte SIM prépayée. Illustration: Atelier
1

1 · Choose a prepaid option

Sans abonnement means without a subscription. Ask separately how long the credit lasts.

YouBonjour, je cherche une carte SIM prépayée.Hello, I’m looking for a prepaid SIM card.
Shop assistantVous restez combien de temps ?How long are you staying?
YouTrois semaines. Je voudrais une offre sans abonnement.Three weeks. I’d like an option without a subscription.
Shop assistantVous utilisez surtout Internet ou les appels ?Do you mainly use the internet or calls?
YouSurtout Internet, pour les cartes et les messages.Mainly the internet, for maps and messages.
YouEst-ce que cette carte fonctionne avec mon téléphone ?Does this card work with my phone?
2

2 · Check data and calls

Un giga is the everyday short form for a gigabyte. Vers introduces the destination of a call.

YouCombien de gigas sont inclus ?How many gigabytes are included?
Shop assistantCette recharge comprend vingt gigas.This top-up includes twenty gigabytes.
YouEt les appels vers les numéros français ?And calls to French numbers?
Shop assistantIls sont inclus. Vous appelez aussi à l’étranger ?They’re included. Do you also call abroad?
YouOui, vers l’Australie. C’est compris ?Yes, to Australia. Is that included?
Shop assistantJe vais vérifier le tarif pour cette destination.I’ll check the rate for that destination.
3

3 · Pay and activate

Activer starts the service. Valable describes how long something remains valid.

YouQuel est le prix total avec la carte SIM ?What is the total price including the SIM card?
Shop assistantJe vous montre le détail sur le ticket.I’ll show you the breakdown on the receipt.
YouLa recharge est valable combien de jours ?How many days is the top-up valid for?
Shop assistantTrente jours à partir de l’activation.Thirty days from activation.
YouPouvez-vous m’aider à activer la carte ?Can you help me activate the card?
Shop assistantOui. Vous avez une pièce d’identité ?Yes. Do you have proof of identity?
4

4 · Add credit and check the balance

Recharger means to top up here. Data and money balances can be shown separately.

YouComment est-ce que je peux recharger la carte ?How can I top up the card?
Shop assistantVous pouvez acheter une recharge en magasin.You can buy a top-up in a shop.
YouComment savoir combien de données il me reste ?How can I find out how much data I have left?
Shop assistantVous pouvez consulter votre consommation dans l’application.You can check your usage in the app.
YouEt si j’utilise tous mes gigas ?And if I use all my gigabytes?
Shop assistantJe vous explique les options avant de valider l’achat.I’ll explain the options before confirming the purchase.
Three things to check separately
French questionWhat you are checking
La carte est-elle déjà activée ?Whether the service has started.
Le crédit est valable jusqu’à quand ?The expiry date of the credit.
Les appels vers l’étranger sont compris ?Whether international calls are included.

What you might use in the shop

Question 1No account needed
You want the data allowance. What do you ask?

Choose one answer.

Answer and explanation

Combien de gigas sont inclus ?. Combien de gigas asks about the amount of mobile data included.

Question 2No account needed
What does valable trente jours à partir de l’activation mean?

Choose one answer.

Answer and explanation

The credit is valid for thirty days from activation.. À partir de gives the starting point of the thirty-day period.

Question 3No account needed
Ask how to add more credit.

Choose one answer.

Answer and explanation

Comment recharger ma carte ?. Recharger une carte is to top up a prepaid SIM with more credit or an allowance.

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