Internet and telecommunications
Before you leave
We advise you to ensure that you have a means of communication for the first few days. To be able to communicate as soon as you arrive in France, contact your mobile service provider before your departure.
Our tip: Save important numbers in your address book (home, school, and emergency contacts).
Good to know:
- Communication costs can be high, depending on your country of origin and your subscription.
- Many apps allow you to communicate via the Internet (without a mobile network).
- Some public places offer free Wi-Fi connections, for instance train stations and airports, as well as some cafés and shopping centres.
In France: getting a French phone plan
You can purchase a subscription, commonly called a plan or package. There are many plans and subscriptions available; note that it is important to check the cancellation conditions, international call costs, and overage fees before signing a contract.
Pay attention to the cancellation conditions of contracts with a fixed-term commitment. Fees may be high if you cancel before the contract ends.
To subscribe to a French mobile phone operator, you must provide documents such as a valid ID or passport, proof of address, a residence permit, and a means of payment. Prepaid rechargeable SIM cards (for calls, SMS, and internet) are a solution if you do not want to commit to a mobile plan.
The main telephone operators in France are Orange, SFR, Bouygues, Free etc. These operators also offer “discount” services at more affordable prices (from 2€ for 2h of calls, unlimited SMS, and 50 MB of data). You can also find information on websites that compare mobile plans:
University wi-fi: eduroam
The eduroam wi-fi network is available free of charge to all UNICAEN users. This network is accessible from multiple access points across the university campuses. You will only be able to connect once you have completed your administrative registration and set up your UNICAEN digital account.
Connect to eduroam:
- Select the eduroam network
- Log in using your UNICAEN username and password
Self-service computer rooms
The “Accueil et accompagnement des publics internationaux” (AAPI) space at the Maison des Langues et de l’International (Caen, Campus 1, Building I, LI 242) provides international users with self-service computers, which can be accessed using their digital account login.
At Home
Connectivity will depend on the type of accommodation you live in. Check individually whether you have access to an internet connection at home (this is often the case in university residences).
If your accommodation is not equipped with an internet connection, you can take out an internet subscription with one of the many internet service providers, including the main telephone operators (Orange, Bouygues, Free, SFR, etc.). The price of a monthly subscription varies, depending on the options and the operator chosen, between 15 and 50€ per month. Most operators offer reduced prices for the first year of the subscription, as well as combined internet and mobile subscriptions. It is important to read your contract carefully to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Your digital account is the key to accessing UNICAEN’s digital services: it allows you to connect to Wi-Fi and self-service computers, request your student card, and activate your IZLY account.
After your administrative registration at the university, you will receive an email in your personal inbox to set up your digital account.
Researchers with families
Visa and residence permit
If you have the status of “talent-researcher ” or “scientist-researcher ” (for Algerian nationals), you can bring your family to France through a simplified procedure, known as “famille accompagnante” (accompanying family).
You have “talent-researcher” status: your family members must apply for a long-stay “talent family passport” visa at the consulate in their place of residence.
You have “scientist-researcher” status (for Algerian nationals): your family members must apply for a long-stay “private and family life” visa at the consulate in their place of residence.
You have “talent-researcher” status: your spouse and adult children are issued a multi-annual “talent family” residence permit without going through the family reunification procedure. The procedures must be carried out at the Prefecture.
You have “scientist-researcher” status (for Algerian nationals): your spouse and adult children are issued a “private and family life” residence permit without having to go through the family reunification procedure. The procedures must be carried out at the Préfecture.
It should be noted that in France, minor children are exempt from the residence permit requirement until they reach the age of majority. They may be issued a document de circulation pour étrangers mineurs (DCEM) (document for the movement of underage foreigners)
Childcare and schooling
If your child is under 3 years old, there are several childcare options available, including municipal daycare, multi-purpose childcare centres, family childcare services, and others. These services are either organised directly by the city or offered by associations or private organisations. To find out more about these services, please contact the Euraxess Centre.
In France, school is compulsory from the age of 3 until the age of 16. The educational system is based on the age of the child, with the following levels:
- Pre-school (ages 3-6)
- Primary school (ages 6-11)
- “College”, (equivalent to middle school), consisting of 4 years after primary school
- “Lycée”, (equivalent to high school), which welcomes students who pursue general, technological, or vocational studies after “college”.
To find out more about the French education system, please visit the France Education International website.
The enrolment procedure will depend on the age of your child and, therefore, on the level at which he or she is to be enrolled. To find out how to proceed, please contact the Euraxess Centre.
Local transport
For more information on getting around Caen, getting around other campuses, or travelling in Normandy, please visit our dedicated web page on local transport.
Driving in France
In France, you may drive with a foreign driving licence under certain conditions. More information is available on the Service Public website.
Budget and finances
Opening a bank account
Opening a bank account in France is not compulsory, but it makes things easier, particularly for receiving your salary, getting reimbursements for health expenses from the CPAM, or paying your electricity bills.
Generally, to open a bank account, 3 documents are required:
- an identity document (passport + residence permit, if applicable),
- proof of residence,
- an employment contract / a school certificate / a certificate from the host laboratory.
Once you have opened your account, you will receive a bank card, a cheque book, and a bank identification statement (RIB).
The RIB is a document containing your bank details. It must be provided to the CPAM and CAF in order to receive payments from these organisations. If you have an income in France, your employer will also need your RIB in order to transfer your salary to your bank account in France.
To help you decide which bank is right for you, you can use a bank comparison tool.
Taxes
You will have to file a tax return if you are in one of the following situations:
- you received a salary from a French source;
- you are employed or self-employed in France;
- France is your country of residence (i.e. you have lived there for more than 183 days per year).
First, you need to obtain your French tax number. The tax return must be filed every year:
- between mid-April and mid-May if you submit a paper return;
- until the early June if you file online (depending on the French department in which you reside).
Please note that since January 1st, 2019, the withholding tax system has been applied in France.
Benefits
Family allowances – Allocations familiales
The Caisse d’allocations familiales (CAF) is an organisation whose mission is to support families through family allowances and social action policies. To be eligible for family allowances, you must:
- reside legally in France,
- have at least two dependent children under 20 years of age and/or a child under 3 years of age.
Various insurance policies
During your stay in France, you may need to be covered by specific types of insurance. In addition to mandatory insurance (home insurance and third-party liability insurance), you may also need supplementary health insurance, as well as school and extracurricular insurance for your child, etc.
Many companies offer these services. Please note that, thanks to your registration in our database, you may be eligible for special offers.