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Free Mobile Roaming: how it works in France — first-hand

Short answer
Free Mobile SIM cards in Russia suffer from unreliable roaming, unstable data connections, and blocked access to messaging apps. Long-term use outside France risks service termination for violating fair usage policies, and the service is not designed for permanent operation abroad.

From real experience

Users of Free Mobile SIM cards in Russia are reporting issues with messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram not functioning, despite having internet connectivity.
Some suggest a reduction in internet speed, potentially linked to recent events. The problem may originate from Free Mobile's network or its roaming agreements within Russia. While some users have found workarounds via specific Russian mobile operators (e.g., MTS, potentially limited to 3G), the overall service stability for Free SIMs in Russia appears to be compromised.
✓ 1 report from chats
Free Mobile eSim roaming in Russia is unreliable due to strict terms of service and network compatibility issues.
Users report inability to maintain a stable 4G/LTE connection, often defaulting to 3G or losing signal entirely when manually switching operators (e.g., MTS, Beeline). Free Mobile policy strictly requires initial activation within France; long-term usage outside of France may lead to service termination for breaching the 'fair usage' contract clauses.
✓ 1 report from chats
Using a Free Mobile SIM card outside of France, particularly in Russia, can be possible, but payment can be an issue if you lack a French IBAN due to automatic billing (prélèvement automatique).
Some users report that older SIM card numbers may eventually cease functioning, requiring new ones. The Free Max plan is specifically a French tariff and not intended for exclusive use in Russia.
✓ 1 report from chats
The French telecom provider FREE has historically stated that unlimited data plans may be subject to limitations in cases of 'abuse'.
This has been observed in the past with services like free international calls to Russia, which sometimes encountered restrictions.
✓ 1 report from chats
Free Mobile SIM cards function in Russia, but voice roaming is not free.
According to official tariffs, incoming calls in Russia cost approximately 0.95 EUR/min, and outgoing calls to France cost 1.75 EUR/min. Incoming SMS messages are free.
✓ 1 report from chats

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