I am an international student: how do I open a bank account in France?

Opening a bank account in France generally requires 2 weeks and several documents.
Simply follow the steps below:

• Go to a bank of your choice to make an appointment with a bank advisor
• Prepare all required documents prior to your appointment :
• Passport or ID card
• Proof of residence (“Justificatif de domicile”): If you are staying in a student hall of residence, ask the residence staff. If you are not staying in a student hall of residence, ask your landlord.
• Enrolment certificate (“Certificat de scolarité”). This document is generally provided to you when you enrol with your faculty/department. You can also print it from your personal account on the student web portal (ENT Etudiants).

The bank may request that you make a small deposit to the account when opening it.
You will also be given a “Relevé d’identité bancaire” or “RIB” (document showing all your bank details), which is useful for various formalities such as renting a bike or getting a bus pass, being reimbursed for medical expenses, etc.
Once your account is open, according to the bank agency conditions, you will receive a credit card within ten days.

All about Bank and Insurance formalities