Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Moving to or traveling in France often means fulfilling a dream. But behind strolls along the Seine quays and weekends in Provence, a worry quickly resurfaces: how to maintain a strong bond with those who stayed behind? Parents, children, friends, a long-distance partner… staying connected is no longer just about a simple phone call. Between messaging apps, mobile plans, postcards, packages, and video calls scheduled across time zones, the possibilities are numerous—and sometimes bewildering.
This article provides a practical guide to staying in touch with loved ones from France. It is based on concrete data regarding usage patterns, pricing, available technologies, and best practices to adopt.
Choosing how to communicate: SMS, messaging, calls, video, or mail
Before comparing plans and apps, it’s useful to clarify the different possible “channels” and what they entail. Each has its strengths, limitations, and costs.
Communicating via the “classic” mobile network, through SMS and international calls, relies on carrier infrastructure (GSM, 4G, 5G). This type of communication does not require any specific app, but rates abroad can climb quickly, especially when calling mobile phones outside Europe.
So-called “OTT” (Over-The-Top) messaging applications, like WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram, Messenger, WeChat, Viber, or Line, use an Internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data) to function. They offer free and rich communication, allowing the exchange of written messages, photos, videos, voice messages, as well as audio and video calls. Usage is generally free, provided all parties use the same application.
Finally, there are the “slower” but much-appreciated methods: postcards, letters, packages, photo books, which create a tangible link. They don’t replace real-time interaction, but offer something different: a physical object to keep, display, and touch.
The best strategy rarely involves betting everything on a single channel. Families who succeed best in staying united across distance typically combine:
– one or two messaging apps for daily communication,
– a videoconferencing tool for major gatherings,
– sometimes a plan or VoIP solution for reaching loved ones with little or no Internet,
– and postcards / packages to mark special occasions.
Mobile networks in France: basics to know for calling abroad
Upon arriving in France, the first step for many is choosing a suitable mobile plan. The country has four major traditional operators (MNOs): Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom, and Free Mobile. Alongside them, their no-commitment brands (MVNOs / sub-brands) like Sosh (Orange), Red (SFR), or B&You (Bouygues) often offer more flexible plans.
These operators use GSM technology, with typical frequencies of 900–1800 MHz for 4G and around 3500 MHz for 5G. To use a phone purchased abroad with a French SIM card, it must therefore be unlocked and compatible with these frequency bands. Recent smartphones generally are, including via eSIM from providers like Airalo or GigSky, who offer digital data profiles.
Traditional plans mainly cover communications within France and the European Union. For calls outside Europe, operators typically charge per minute, with rates varying by destination.
Here is a rough estimate of outbound rates from France to international destinations:
| Approximate Destination | Average Rate Observed from France* |
|---|---|
| North America | ~€0.15 to 0.30 / min |
| Asia (depending on country) | ~€0.20 to 0.50 / min |
*Based on price ranges observed in the plans studied.
For people who call a single country or region frequently, some operators offer monthly international options or dedicated passes (for example, “World & More” or “Global Connect” offers). These options can include minutes to a selection of countries, sometimes for a fixed monthly price.
No-commitment plans and typical offers
On the French market, it’s possible to find no-commitment plans with comfortable data, unlimited calls and SMS in France, and sometimes an allowance for international calls. Among the examples noted:
| Operator / Brand | Example Monthly Price | General Feature (indicative) |
|---|---|---|
| Red by SFR | €10 / €20 | No commitment, possible international options |
| Sosh (Orange) | €19.99 | No commitment, Orange network |
| Bouygues Telecom B&You | €24.99 | No commitment, good data allowances |
| Free Mobile | €19.99 | Large data, roaming available in many zones |
| Orange Holiday Europe | €39.99 | 2-week prepaid SIM for tourists |
These prices do not necessarily include calls to your loved ones abroad; you must check the specific destinations and conditions of each offer (landlines vs. mobiles, countries included, etc.) carefully. Operators often offer “unlimited calls to X countries” options that are worthwhile if you call frequently.
The required supporting documents vary depending on the type of plan and your situation. Here are the documents generally requested.
A valid passport or national identity card is mandatory to verify your identity.
An electricity, gas bill, or tax notice less than 3 months old, attesting to an address in France.
For a student plan, for example, a current year’s school certificate is required.
A French RIB is required to set up automatic monthly payments.
These offers require far fewer formalities; often only proof of identity is needed.
Messaging apps: the number one go-to in France
In practice, from France as elsewhere, most international communication today happens via Internet messaging. It’s estimated that about 70% of international communications now go through these apps rather than traditional carriers.
In France, usage figures are telling: in the third quarter of 2024, over 70% of French Internet users used Facebook, 66.6% WhatsApp, and 60.7% Instagram. In other words, if you’re in France, your loved ones have a high chance of already being reachable via at least one of these platforms.
WhatsApp, Messenger, Signal, Telegram… what are the differences for family?
Several apps dominate the global scene. The choice depends mainly on what your loved ones use.
| Application | Monthly Users (world) | Strengths for Staying in Touch | Encryption by Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| ~3 billion | Audio/video calls, groups, very widespread in Europe | Yes, end-to-end | |
| Facebook Messenger | > 2 billion | Integrated with Facebook, family groups, fun effects | No (except Secret Mode) |
| Telegram | > 900 million | Very large groups, channels, multi-device | No (except “Secret Chat”) |
| Signal | ~70 million | Maximum privacy, open source | Yes, end-to-end |
| Viber | Targeted regions (Eastern Europe, etc.) | Good calls, “Communities” functions | Yes for chats, not for channels |
For “classic” family exchanges, WhatsApp often emerges as the common denominator: text, voice messages, photos, videos, audio and video calls, groups of up to several hundred people, and end-to-end encryption by default.
Messenger is widely used because it doesn’t require exchanging phone numbers and relies on existing Facebook accounts. It’s thus practical for creating a ‘Family’ group where all members, even the less tech-savvy, can easily receive and share photos, like those from a weekend in Paris.
Signal is ideal if you and your loved ones are very sensitive to privacy concerns: no advertising, no data resale, encryption on all types of content (text, audio, video).
Telegram, WeChat, Line, or Viber can be essential depending on your loved ones’ origin: for example, Line is omnipresent in Japan and Thailand, WeChat dominates in China, KakaoTalk in South Korea. Using the most popular app in your loved ones’ country is often the simplest path: you join where they already are.
SMS, iMessage, and Google Messages: useful but limited for abroad
“Classic” SMS travel over mobile networks and are not encrypted. They have the advantage of working even on very basic phones, but become expensive as soon as they leave Europe. They remain useful for loved ones who don’t have a smartphone or a stable connection.
On iPhone, iMessage uses the Apple network and encrypts conversations between Apple devices. It offers advanced features like read receipts, typing indicators, and media sharing. However, these features are exclusive to the Apple ecosystem and are not available for communicating with other operating systems.
On the Android side, Google Messages can use RCS (Rich Communication Services) to bring modern features between compatible users, but again, everyone must be on Android with RCS enabled.
In practice, for frequent international communications, it’s more economical and more convenient to shift as much communication as possible to an OTT app (WhatsApp, Signal, etc.) rather than relying on SMS.
“Classic” international calls and VoIP: for whom, for what?
Even in the age of apps, situations remain where you need to dial a “normal” number abroad: elderly relatives who don’t use the Internet, administrative services, schools, healthcare organizations, etc.
Two main options exist:
1. use the international calls included or charged per minute by your French operator; 2. or use specialized VoIP services that convert Internet into minutes to landlines and mobile phones.
VoIP services: KeepCalling, BOSS Revolution and the like
Services like KeepCalling.com, Talk360, or BOSS Revolution allow you to purchase credit or a monthly subscription to call standard numbers in many countries, often at rates lower than those of mobile operators.
A few examples drawn from analyzed offers:
| Service | Example offer or indicative rate |
|---|---|
| KeepCalling.com | Minutes Plan from $4.99/month; World Unlimited at $10/month; minimum voice credit $5 |
| BOSS Revolution | To landlines in France: ~2¢ US/min ($10 ≈ 500 min); to mobiles: ~6.6¢/min ($10 ≈ 152 min) |
The appeal of these solutions: you top up an online wallet, then call via an app or a local access number, with rates often highly segmented by country. When you have one or two key destinations (for example, your family’s country of origin), this allows you to control the budget while keeping the simplicity of a “real” phone call.
Note that a significant portion of the world’s population — over 41% — does not have reliable Internet access. To stay in touch with loved ones in this situation, these VoIP-to-telephone-network solutions remain essential.
Seeing faces: video calls and online family games
Video calls have changed the experience of living abroad. Seeing a parent’s face, attending a birthday live, giving a remote apartment tour: it’s nothing like a simple message. Platforms have multiplied, each with its strengths.
Here is an overview of the main tools usable from France, all accessible on smartphone, computer, or tablet with a good connection:
| Service | Max participants (indicative, basic offer) | Useful features for families |
|---|---|---|
| 32 people on video call | Very widespread, simple on mobile | |
| Messenger | ~50 people | Integrated with Facebook, fun filters |
| FaceTime | 32 people | Restricted to Apple devices |
| Zoom | 100 people (40 min free) | Very practical for large family gatherings |
| Google Meet | Large capacity, no short time limit for free | Integration with Gmail/Calendar |
| Microsoft Teams | 300 people | Interesting if the family already uses it for work |
| Skype | 50–100 people | Historic, good for calling landlines too |
| Discord | ~25 people in simultaneous video | Ideal for “geek” families or teenagers |
| Jitsi Meet | 100 people | Open source, possibility of self-hosting |
| JusTalk | 50 people | App dedicated to fun video calls |
The choice depends both on your loved ones’ familiarity with the tool and the size of the meetings. For a weekly call with parents, WhatsApp or FaceTime are more than enough. For a “game night” with cousins, grandparents, and friends around the world, Zoom, Google Meet, or Jitsi are more comfortable.
Organizing virtual game nights to maintain a strong bond
Studies and testimonials agree: shared activities, even virtual ones, strengthen bonds more than simple informal calls. “Virtual family game nights” have multiplied in recent years, especially during periods of health restrictions.
The principle: you meet via videoconference (Zoom, Google Meet, Teams, etc.) and play together remotely. Some games lend themselves particularly well to this format:
– personalized quizzes or trivia about family history,
– digital Pictionary via a shared whiteboard or sites like Drawasaurus,
– family bingo, with grids generated online,
– games like Jackbox, playable via a room code in a browser,
– digital scavenger hunts where everyone must find objects in their home,
– virtual escape games provided by specialized companies.
These structured gatherings help create shared memories despite the distance. They can be scheduled regularly (for example, once a month) and become a reassuring ritual for both children and adults.
Managing time zones between France and the rest of the world
As soon as you have family on several continents, scheduling a video call time becomes a puzzle. France is in the Central European Time zone (CET/CEST), and coordinating with America, Asia, or Oceania requires juggling some people’s night and others’ morning.
Percentage of remote workers citing time zone differences as a major obstacle to collaboration
To limit misunderstandings, several best practices are essential:
– always specify the time zone when proposing a slot (e.g., “Sunday 6 PM, France time (CET)” or in UTC);
– use specialized conversion tools like WorldTimeBuddy, Time and Date, or the “world clock” functions in Google Calendar and Outlook;
– rotate meeting times so the “bad” slot (late at night or early morning) doesn’t always fall on the same people;
– prioritize reasonable “overlap” periods (morning in France, evening in Asia; afternoon in France, morning in North America).
Some scheduling and planning apps (Doodle, OnceHub, Clockwise) automatically detect each participant’s time zone and translate slots into the correct local time, which greatly reduces errors.
Sharing photos and videos: showing daily life in France
Beyond conversations, seeing the places, faces, and small everyday moments is often what is missed the most. Whether it’s for grandparents who want to follow a child’s progress or to show friends what your neighborhood in Lyon looks like, sharing photos and videos plays a central role.
Several solutions exist, each with its own philosophy.
Shared albums allow you to create a single space where the whole family can view—and sometimes contribute to—a collection of photos and videos.
| Service | Strengths for long-distance family | Main constraints |
|---|---|---|
| Google Photos | Shared albums, facial recognition, very popular app | Requires a Google account, limited free storage |
| iCloud (sharing) | Integrated with Apple devices, shared albums, public links possible | Less convenient for relatives without Apple ID |
| iCloud Shared Library | Shared photo library for up to 6 people | Does not share album structure |
| OneDrive | Sharing via link, permission control, multi-platform | Limited free space |
| FamilyAlbum | Designed for children, unlimited free, automatic sorting | App must be installed by everyone |
| Amazon Photos | Integrated with Prime subscriptions, “Family Vault” | Restricted to Amazon Prime customers |
| FOREVER, SmugMug | Designed as long-term photo vaults, paid storage | Cost and dependency on a provider |
For loved ones who aren’t tech-savvy, a simple album with a viewable link in a browser (without complex registration) can be the best option. For a “full Apple” family, the iCloud Shared Library is very comfortable: all members instantly see new photos as if they were taken on their own device.
Instant messaging: quick, but not ideal for archiving
WhatsApp, Messenger, Signal and the like are often used to send photos “on the spot”: a coffee on a terrace, the view from the Eiffel Tower, the first day of school in France. It’s perfect for spontaneity, less so for long-term organization.
Several limitations exist:
– image compression (loss of quality, especially on WhatsApp and Facebook);
– photos buried in the flow of messages;
– difficulty finding a specific memory several months later.
A good compromise is to reserve messaging for immediate sharing, while taking the time, for example once a month, to add the best photos to a more structured shared album.
Connected photo frames and photo books to send
For the least connected loved ones, digital photo frames updated remotely are an elegant solution. Some models (e.g., frames from specialized brands) accept photos sent via a mobile app. You, in France, can thus continuously feed a frame sitting in your parents’ living room thousands of kilometers away, without them needing to handle anything.
To share your experience in France in a tangible way, use online printing services like Shutterfly or Blurb. They allow you to create physical photo albums or prints, which you can have shipped internationally (variable costs and delivery times). These gifts, appreciated for Christmas or a birthday, offer a lasting way to materialize your memories.
Postcards and letters: the magic of paper from France
In the age of instant messages, many still underestimate the impact of a real postcard arriving in the mailbox. Yet, receiving a card stamped in France, with a stamp in La Poste’s colors and a little handwritten note, remains a powerful emotional vector.
La Poste—the French postal service—is generally considered efficient and “pro-user” oriented. You can find postcards almost everywhere: souvenir shops, museums, bookstores, cafés, cinemas… In Paris, near major monuments, cards can cost up to around €3 each. Stamps are sold at post offices (“Bureaux de Poste”), tobacco shops (stores labeled “Tabac” often marked with a T), some hotels, kiosks, train stations, or airports.
Automatic machines in post offices allow you to buy a stamp in a few steps: select the type of mail (letter, card) and the destination country, choose the service category (e.g., ‘Priority Letter’), then pay usually by chip bank card. The printed stamp is then to be stuck on the mail.
A few rough estimates from available information: sending a card from France to North America has been observed around €0.90–0.99 in some past periods. Delivery times to North America are generally on the order of 10 to 15 days, but can vary significantly depending on the shipping location (faster from a large city than an isolated village).
To mail your letter, slip the card into a yellow mailbox. On some of these boxes, a specific compartment is reserved for mail destined for abroad and other French departments. This compartment is often identified by the label ‘Other departments / Abroad’.
The address is written on the back, right side, preferably following the postal standards of the destination country, with the country in capital letters on the last line (e.g., “CANADA”, “USA”). The message occupies the left side. Remember to sign: many cards are sent without a return address.
Beyond classic cards, some travelers enjoy sending flat objects (like a dried autumn leaf) with postage and a label, which sometimes arrive without issue. There are also mobile apps (MyPostcard, Postagram, etc.) that allow you to send personalized postcards from your own photos, printed and distributed by the provider, sometimes for a cost lower than buying a classic card + stamp.
Sending packages and “care packages” from or to France
Between France and your home country, you might want to send more than a letter: clothes for children who stayed behind, local specialties, a small comfort package during a difficult time. Conversely, you might want to receive products unavailable in France.
Several types of providers coexist:
Different providers for sending packages or gifts abroad, from postal services to specialized solutions.
Use postal operators like La Poste/Colissimo for France for your international shipments.
Call on global leaders like DHL, UPS, or FedEx for fast and tracked deliveries.
Eurosender, Send My Bag, or Luggage Forward for sending luggage or specific packages.
Order gifts shipped directly from the destination country via services like GiftBasketsOverseas.com or Cinta (for Lille).
Costs and tips to limit the bill
International shipping is expensive, especially for large or heavy packages. Testimonials mention rates around €48 for a package up to 10 kg from France to the United States, or around €54 for 5–6 kg, via the national postal service. Private express services can go much higher.
Some recurring tips for reducing the cost:
To save money, compare the cost of a package with that of checked baggage and consolidate small items into one large shipment. Check for prohibited or restricted goods (alcohol, fresh products, etc.) based on the destination. Carefully fill out the customs declaration with realistic contents and value, marking ‘gift’ if applicable, to avoid unexpected customs duties.
Preparation matters a lot: sturdy box, internal padding, well-applied tape, complete and legible address. Many services include tracking and basic insurance, sometimes extendable.
For sending gifts without battling logistics, local online marketplaces and shops (for example via Amazon.fr or French retailers) can be an excellent solution: you order from France, but the package ships and arrives in the same country as your loved ones, without going through customs.
Managing security, privacy, and geo-blocking
Staying in touch long-distance also implies protecting your data and privacy, while being aware that some countries block or restrict certain services.
Digital risks are well-documented: over-exposure on social networks (which can fuel jealousy or nostalgia), identity theft, burglaries facilitated by overly specific posts about absences, cyberbullying for children, excessive screen time.
A few simple principles help limit these dangers:
To protect your online privacy, fine-tune privacy settings on social networks, reserving certain posts for restricted circles. Avoid publishing very specific, real-time information about your location or prolonged absences from home. For children’s safety, clearly explain the online risks to them, monitor their usage, and prefer, when possible, family communication apps with parental controls. Finally, for sensitive exchanges, opt for encrypted messaging like WhatsApp or Signal.
In some countries, common platforms are restricted (for example, restrictions on WhatsApp or blocks on Facebook, YouTube, etc.). You then have to adapt: WeChat in China, Line in Japan, Telegram or Viber in other regions. The “best” tool becomes the one your loved ones can actually use and are accustomed to.
Balancing long-distance bonds and life on the ground in France
Figures show that staying in touch is one of the main reasons for using social networks: about two-thirds of users say they use them to stay connected with friends and family. But for long-term expatriates, the balance can be delicate: too much time online with “back home” can hinder integration in France; too little can generate guilt and emotional distance.
Several strategies help find the right balance:
To cultivate a sincere relationship with your family back home, adopt a structured and balanced approach. Schedule regular, predictable appointments, like a weekly video call on Sunday, a shared photo album each month, or a quarterly online game night, rather than trying to be constantly available. During exchanges, make sure to talk as much about your loved ones’ lives as your own, to prevent the conversation from revolving solely around your absence and ‘what you miss’. It’s also crucial to remain transparent about daily difficulties in France, instead of only sharing successes and idyllic images, to preserve an authentic bond. Finally, plan and prepare financially and logistically, in advance, for occasional physical visits, whether your return home or your family’s visit to France.
In practice: some typical scenarios and their solutions
To make this information more concrete, here are some common cases, with suitable combinations of tools and services.
Student on exchange in France with non-tech-savvy parents
– French no-commitment plan with comfortable data, to use WhatsApp and/or Messenger.
– Install WhatsApp on parents’ smartphone, with a family group.
– A weekly WhatsApp video call at a fixed time, plus a few photos sent during the week.
– A postcard sent at least once from each city visited in France.
– An email address for longer messages, which parents can read at their leisure.
Long-distance couple France / North America
– Use of encrypted messaging (Signal or WhatsApp) for daily communication.
– Setting up a videoconference routine (for example, three evenings a week via Zoom or FaceTime).
– Sharing a common photo album (Google Photos or iCloud Shared Library) that fills automatically.
– Using a VoIP service (KeepCalling or equivalent) to reach, if needed, the other’s mobile number if data is unavailable.
– A “care package” exchange every 6 to 12 months, with specialties from each country.
Family scattered across three continents, with grandparents not comfortable with technology
– Installation of a connected photo frame at the grandparents’ home, fed remotely by children and grandchildren.
– Adoption of a simple video tool (for example WhatsApp or Messenger on a tablet).
– Organization of a “big family meeting” via video every 1 to 2 months, with rotating times to respect time zones.
– Use of photo books or physical prints sent once or twice a year.
– For audio calls, use of a VoIP solution to the landline, more comfortable for grandparents.
When managing calls from France, a few practical references are useful:
– France’s country code is +33;
– geographic landlines start with 01 (Paris/Île-de-France), 02 (Northwest), 03 (Northeast), 04 (Southeast), 05 (Southwest);
– mobiles start with 06 or 07, VoIP numbers with 09.
To make an international call from France, you must dial the international prefix (00 or +), followed by the recipient’s country code, then the local number, omitting the initial zero if present.
It’s also useful to know French emergency numbers, in case a loved one needs to reach you for remote assistance:
– 112: European emergency number (any type of emergency);
– 15: medical emergencies (SAMU);
– 17: police;
– 18: fire department.
In summary: intelligently combining technology and simple gestures
Staying in touch with loved ones from France has never been easier… and also as complex in terms of tool choices. Between the abundance of applications, the specifics of mobile networks, time zone differences, and the constraints of each country, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
But by getting back to basics, a few clear principles emerge:
To maintain the bond with your loved ones abroad, it is recommended to: choose one or two central messaging apps, like WhatsApp or Messenger, based on your circle’s habits; plan a video call tool suitable for large family gatherings (Zoom, Google Meet, Jitsi); use a dedicated VoIP solution to regularly call less connected loved ones in a specific country; document your life via shared photo albums and, occasionally, physical books or prints; nurture the emotional dimension with postcards, letters, or small packages, more emotionally impactful than a simple message; and structure exchanges with regular appointments, while ensuring a balance between your life in France and your ties with your home country.
By intelligently combining these tools and gestures, the geographic distance becomes less of a wall and more of a taut, strong thread between your daily life in France and those you love, wherever they are.
A 62-year-old retiree, with financial assets exceeding one million euros well structured in Europe, wanted to return to settle in France while optimizing his tax burden and consolidating his investments, while maintaining an international outlook. Allocated budget: 10,000 euros for complete support (tax advice, administrative formalities, relocation and asset structuring), without forced sale of assets.
After analyzing several attractive tax regimes in France (the impatriate regime, choice of primary residence, optimization of investment income), the chosen strategy was to target a move to a region with a moderate cost of living (for example Nantes or Montpellier, up to ~30% cheaper than Paris) while benefiting from French legal and tax stability and EU access. The mission included: prior tax audit (risk of exit tax in the departure state, arrival schedule), choice of French tax resident status, coordination with CPAM (French health insurance), bank and contract transfers, double taxation risk limitation plan via treaties, connection with a local network (lawyer, notary, French-speaking experts), and asset integration (analysis, possible restructuring, and preparation for inheritance).
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
