39% of the French population speaks English. That includes people living in the country. Which means that in a big city like Paris where there are a lot of tourists, the percentage of people speaking English is likely to be much higher. For calls from Paris to Australia dial: 00 + 61 + area code + telephone number. Free wifi relies on cafes, parks, airports, or the one from your hotel. But free internet quality won't be very good. If your phone does not work on a GSM network, you can purchase a new phone in Paris at stores such as Carrefour, Auchan, The Phone House, FNAC, LDLC and Darty. Once you decide on a French cell phone, it is easy to get a prepaid French SIM.