Banking
Opening a French bank account and getting a SIM card
8 min · Updated August 2026
Your RIB unlocks everything: CAF, the lease, the transport pass and reimbursements from social security. Getting one in the first week should be your priority after validating your visa.
What every bank will ask for
The document list is standardised, and missing one item means a second appointment.
- Passport and validated VLS-TS or residence permit
- Certificate of enrolment from your school
- Proof of address (lease, or attestation d'hébergement plus the host's ID)
- Sometimes a birth certificate translation
Traditional bank vs online bank
Traditional banks give you the physical branch and an easier time with CAF or landlord verification. Online banks open in a day and cost less, but a few administrations still prefer a classic French IBAN.
A practical setup: one online account opened remotely for the first weeks, one student account at a traditional bank once you have a lease.
SIM cards and mobile plans
You can activate a prepaid SIM at the airport with just your passport. Monthly contracts require a RIB and usually a French address, so start prepaid, then switch once your account is open. Keep your number — it becomes your login for half of the French administration.
- Prepaid on arrival: no bank account required
- Monthly plans: €5–€20 for 20–100 GB with a RIB
- Check that your handset supports eSIM if you want to keep your home number
The steps, in order
1.Gather the bank documents
Passport, validated VLS-TS or permit, certificate of enrolment and proof of address.
2.Open an online account first
An online bank opens in about a day so you have an IBAN for the first weeks.
3.Add a traditional student account
Once you hold a lease, open a branch account for administrations that prefer a classic French IBAN.
4.Order a French SIM
Take a mobile plan with your passport and IBAN; a French number is required by CAF, banks and the prefecture.
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Compare student accountsFrequently asked questions
Can I open a French bank account before arriving in France?
Yes, several online banks accept remote openings with a passport and admission letter, and issue an IBAN you can use for the visa and housing file.
Do I need a French bank account for CAF?
Yes, CAF only pays into a French or SEPA account in your own name.
How long does it take to get a RIB?
Online banks issue a RIB in 24–72 hours, traditional banks within a week of your appointment.