Are 0800 numbers free in France?

Navigating special phone numbers in France

When living in or visiting France, understanding how phone prefixes work can save you from unexpected bills. A common question is whether numbers starting with 0800 are free to call.

The good news is that numbers ranging from 0800 to 0805 are completely free when dialed from a French landline. Because receiving calls is always free in France, and the vast majority of modern mobile plans include unlimited calls to standard French numbers, calling these toll-free lines from your cell phone usually won't cost you a dime either.

However, you need to exercise caution once you move past that specific range. Numbers starting above 0805—as well as short, three-digit numbers starting with 3X—are typically premium-rate services. These can incur significant per-minute charges or high connection fees depending on your carrier.

To stay safe, always double-check the prefix before dialing a customer service line or business. Sticking strictly to the 0800–0805 block ensures your call is on the house.