Any strategy to get a French payment card?

[esseeeayeenn]

I am wondering if anyone has managed to obtain a French payment (credit or debit) card without having a residency or work permit.
There are some things in France which it is impossible to pay for with a non-French or non-EU card.
Such as a real, ongoing, (non-tourist) French phone number.
I'm currently relying on the kindness of friends but would like to move beyond that.
I think a Nickel card might be an option.
Any one have any ideas or, even better, any history of success?

 

[QPProletarian]

do any of the neobanks work?
revolut, wise, airwallex etc

 

[henrus]

Such as a real, ongoing, (non-tourist) French phone number.

For this I use Lyca Mobile:

Best SIM Only Deals: Flexible & Affordable Mobile Plans

Explore affordable SIM Only deals with great data, calls, and international minutes. No contracts, flexible plans, and instant activation available.

www.lycamobile.fr

The prepaid plans come with a normal french mobile number but must be activated in country however as an esim and ID is done online no need to visit a store and I've usually used my AU Amex for payment.

 

[esseeeayeenn]

For this I use Lyca Mobile:

Best SIM Only Deals: Flexible & Affordable Mobile Plans

Explore affordable SIM Only deals with great data, calls, and international minutes. No contracts, flexible plans, and instant activation available.

www.lycamobile.fr

The prepaid plans come with a normal french mobile number but must be activated in country however as an esim and ID is done online no need to visit a store and I've usually used my AU Amex for payment.

Thank you that is interesting.
However the reason I use a Free mobile account is because I can use the number no matter where I am, even while I am in Australia.
I don't think that's possible with Lyca.

 

[burneracc]

HSBC is often good for this. They approved me for a nonresident account where I outright applied Australia recently - the account is in the overseas country, but my Australian address shows up on the statement.