Learning a new language is difficult and reaching out to a support line can feel intimidating – but a surprising number of services and companies in France do offer a helpline in English.
If you feel that French is not up to a complicated request over the phone, you may be able to access help in English – with the added bonus that sometimes that lines are less busy and therefore quicker to connect to.
Here are some helpful numbers you may need:
Transport
SNCF: The French rail service’s English-speaking customer service number is 36 35. Dial 1 as soon as the call connects to access English-speaking customer help.
RATP (public transportation service in Paris): +33 1 58 78 78 78 – when you call, you have the option to choose the English line.
Air France: +33 9 69 39 36 54 (international number for English-speaking clients)
Telephone operators
Orange: There is always an English helpline available, call +33 9 69 36 39 00
SFR: When you call the number 1026 for the SFR customer service, you will immediately get the automated menu in English
Energy
EDF: The EDF phone number to contact an English-speaking adviser is +33 09 69 36 63 83.
Selectra: This company helps English-speaking customers in France set up their home contracts (energy, broadband, etc.) – the number is + 33 09 87 67 37 93
Healthcare
French healthcare, Ameli, has English-speaking help available when you call 36 46. Note that this is a paying number, and calls cost 0.06 €/min + any applicable operator call charges. This one can involve long waits for an operator.
The Ameli website is also available in English.
Tax
The French tax office has an English-language helpline on 0033 1 72 95 20 42, although it doesn’t appear to have a huge staff, so expect long waits at peak times like income tax declaration season.
Mental health
SOS Help is an English-language line in France. It is run by the association SOS Help and offers trained volunteer listeners. The number is 01 46 21 46 46.
Domestic violence
The charity Women for Women France offers multi-lingual services for all victims of domestic violence in France, including in English. Full details here
Emergency numbers
The standard emergency services numbers in France are;
- SAMU (for an ambulance and medical emergencies): 15
- Police: 17
- Fire: 18
However you can also call the European-wide emergency number 112 – an English service is guaranteed and they can dispatch an ambulance, police car, fire truck in France if required.
READ MORE: Who you should call in an emergency in France and what you should say
If you know of a company or service that offers a helpline in English, please share in the comments section below
