Understanding Phone Numbers in France

Quick Reference

• Country: France
• Country Code: +33
• International Prefix: 00
• National Prefix: 0

Overview

This comprehensive guide offers an in-depth look at France's telephone numbering system, including number formats, dialing procedures, and regulatory details. It's an essential resource for telecom professionals, developers, and system administrators seeking precise and current information on managing and processing French phone numbers.

Number Formats

General Structure

French phone numbers are 10 digits long, with the first digit indicating the service type or geographic region:

• Country Code: +33
• National Number: 9 digits (including area or service code)
• Area/Service Codes: The first two digits (e.g., 01 for Paris, 06 for mobile)

Geographic Numbers

Geographic numbers are region-based, starting with digits 01 to 05.

Format: 0[1-5]X{8}
Regex: ^0[1-5]\d{8}$

Mobile Numbers

Mobile numbers start with 06 or 07.

Format: 06X{8} or 07X{8}
Regex: ^0[67]\d{8}$

Toll-Free Numbers

Toll-free numbers begin with 0800 to 0805.

Format: 080[0-5]X{6}
Regex: ^080[0-5]\d{6}$

Premium Rate Numbers

Premium rate numbers start with 08.

Format: 08X{8}
Regex: ^08\d{8}$

Shared Cost Numbers

Shared cost numbers start with 081 or 082.

Format: 08[1-2]X{7}
Regex: ^08[1-2]\d{7}$

Dialing Procedures

Domestic Calls

• Landline to Landline: Dial the full 10-digit number, including the area code.
• Landline to Mobile: Dial the full 10-digit mobile number.
• Mobile to Mobile: Dial the full 10-digit mobile number.

International Calls

• Outgoing: Dial 00 + Country Code + National Number (without the leading 0). For example, to call a mobile number in France from the US: 00 33 6 12 34 56 78.
• Incoming: From abroad, dial +33 followed by the 9-digit national number (excluding the leading 0). For instance, to call a Paris number: +33 1 23 45 67 89.

Number Portability

Number portability in France allows users to retain their phone numbers when switching service providers. This applies to both mobile and fixed-line numbers, with full implementation across metropolitan France by January 2024.

Major Telecom Operators and Number Ranges

Regulatory Body

The regulatory authority for telecommunications in France is ARCEP (Autorité de Régulation des Communications Électroniques et des Postes). For detailed and up-to-date information, visit ARCEP's official website.

Recent and Upcoming Changes

As of January 2023, geographic numbers (starting with 01 to 05) and non-geographic numbers (starting with 09) have been reclassified as versatile numbers, aligning geographical restrictions with those of mobile numbers.

Technical Considerations

Number Allocation and Management

Phone numbers in France are managed by ARCEP, which allocates number ranges to telecom operators based on demand and regulatory guidelines. ARCEP also oversees the portability and technical specifications of these numbers.

Regular Expressions for Validation

For developers working with French phone numbers, the following regular expressions can be used to validate different types of numbers:

// Geographic Numbers (01 to 05)
^0[1-5]\d{8}$

// Mobile Numbers (06, 07)
^0[67]\d{8}$

// Toll-Free Numbers (0800 to 0805)
^080[0-5]\d{6}$

// Premium Rate Numbers (08)
^08\d{8}$

// Shared Cost Numbers (081, 082)
^08[1-2]\d{7}$

Special Cases

• Golden Numbers: Premium numbers with memorable sequences, often sold at a higher price.
• Number Blocking: Certain ranges may be blocked or restricted for specific services or regions.