
If you're travelling to France, you'll need to make sure you can use your electrical appliances safely. France has two associated plug types: type C and type E. Type C plugs have two round pins, while type E has two round pins and a hole for the socket's male earthing pin. The standard voltage in France is 230V at a frequency of 50Hz, so you may need a power converter as voltage differs from country to country. You can buy plug adapters online or at most major airports, but it's a good idea to do some research before your trip to ensure you have the right adapter for the country you're visiting.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plug Types | C and E |
| Voltage | 230V |
| Frequency | 50Hz |
| Plug Shape | Two round pins with a hole for the socket's male earthing pin |
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What You'll Learn

France's plug types are C and E
France uses two associated plug types: Type C and Type E. Type C plugs have two round pins, whereas Type E plugs have two round pins and a hole for the socket's male earthing pin. The standard voltage in France is 230V at a frequency of 50Hz. This differs from the US, where the voltage is 110-127V. Therefore, if you are travelling to France from the US, you will need to bring a power converter for any electrical devices that do not have a built-in converter. Most modern devices, such as laptops, phones, and tablets, have built-in voltage converters, but other appliances such as hair dryers, hair straighteners, heating pads, and shavers may not.
You can buy travel adapters online or at most major airports. It may be a good idea to buy a universal adapter or a multi-device adapter, which will allow you to charge multiple devices at once. If you are travelling from the US, any EU adapter will work in France. It is important to note that some travel adapters are not suitable for appliances that require an earth connection. These types of adapters should only be used with double-insulated equipment.
It is also important to be aware that it can be extremely dangerous to use an electrical appliance that is rated at a different voltage from the power supply. Always check that your electrical devices are designed to operate on 230V before plugging them in.
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Type C has two round pins
If you are travelling to France, it is important to know that the power sockets there are different from those in your home country. France has two associated plug types: Type C and Type E.
Voltage converters and transformers are necessary when the appliance is a single voltage rated appliance and needs to operate at the same voltage as the supply voltage of the country, which is 230V in France. Most voltage converters and transformers come supplied with plug adapters, so you may not need to buy a separate travel adapter. However, it is crucial to check the maximum power rating (AMPS or WATTS) of the converter or transformer to ensure that any appliance you intend to use does not exceed this rating.
You can purchase travel adapters and voltage converters online on e-commerce websites like Amazon or eBay before your trip. You can also usually find travel adapters for sale at major airports. It is recommended to do some research beforehand to ensure you have the correct adapter and converter for your devices and to avoid paying higher prices due to exchange rates.
It is worth noting that some hotels and rentals in France may provide hair dryers, so you may not need to bring your own. Additionally, voltage converters can sometimes be problematic, so it is advised to purchase a hairdryer or straightener that can handle the voltage conversion locally if necessary.
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Type E has two round pins and a hole
If you're travelling to France, it's important to know what type of plug sockets are used in the country to ensure you can use your electrical appliances safely. France has two associated plug types: Type C and Type E. Type E has two round pins and a hole for the socket's male earthing pin. This type of plug is used in power plugs and sockets (also known as outlets) in France. It accommodates both grounded and ungrounded devices.
Type E plugs are suitable for electrical devices designed for 110-127 volts in a country where 220-240V electricity is the norm, and vice versa. France operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz frequency. It is important to note that electricity supplies worldwide can vary from 100V to 240V. Using an electrical appliance with a voltage rating different from the power supply can be extremely dangerous. Therefore, if you are travelling to France, you may need to use a voltage converter or transformer for your electrical appliances.
Most voltage converters and transformers are supplied with plug adapters, so you may not need to buy a separate travel adapter. However, it's important to check the maximum power rating (AMPS or WATTS) of the converter or transformer to ensure that any appliance you intend to use does not exceed this rating. You can determine whether you need a converter or transformer by looking at the appliance rating plate. If a dual voltage-rated appliance displays 'INPUT: 110-240V' on the body or its power supply, you will only need a travel adapter.
You can buy a travel adapter online on e-commerce websites like Amazon or eBay before your trip. It may also be a good idea to buy a universal adapter, which can be useful when travelling to different countries. You can also usually find travel adapters for sale at major airports.
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France's supply voltage is 230V
Converters and transformers perform a similar function, but their applications differ. Converters are typically used with appliances that operate for a short duration (1-2 hours), while most transformers can be used alongside appliances that operate continuously. It is important to note that some travel adapters are not suitable for any appliances that require an earth connection. These types of adapters should only be used with double-insulated equipment, which will be clearly marked.
Most voltage converters and transformers come supplied with plug adapters, so you may not need to buy a separate travel adapter. All converters and transformers will have a maximum power rating (AMPS or WATTS), so make sure that any appliance you intend to use does not exceed this rating. You can determine whether you'll need to use a converter or transformer by looking at the appliance rating plate. A dual voltage-rated appliance will display, for example, 'INPUT: 110-240V' on the body of the appliance or its power supply. This means that you will not need a converter or transformer, just a travel adapter, as France's supply voltage of 230V falls within the 110-240V range.
Fortunately, most modern electronic devices such as laptops, phone chargers, and tablets run on either voltage thanks to built-in voltage converters/transformers. Other appliances such as hair dryers, hair straighteners, heating pads, and shavers may have dual voltage switches for you to set manually.
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You may need a voltage converter or transformer
France operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz frequency. Electricity supplies worldwide vary between 100V and 240V. Using an electrical appliance with a voltage rating different from the supply can be extremely dangerous. As voltage can differ from country to country, you may need to use a voltage converter or transformer in France.
Converters and transformers perform a similar function but differ in application. Converters are typically used with appliances that operate for a short duration (1-2 hours), while most transformers can be used with appliances that operate continuously. All converters and transformers have a maximum power rating (AMPS or WATTS), so ensure that any appliance you intend to use does not exceed this rating. You can determine whether you need a converter or transformer by looking at the appliance rating plate.
A dual voltage rated appliance will display 'INPUT: 110-240V' on the body or its power supply. This means that you will not need a converter or transformer, just a travel adaptor, because France's supply voltage is within the 110-240V range. If the appliance is single voltage-rated, it will need to operate at the same voltage as the supply voltage of the country, i.e., 230V. If not, use a voltage transformer or converter to allow the appliance to work safely.
Most modern electronic devices such as laptops, phones, and tablets have built-in voltage converters/transformers. Other appliances such as hair dryers, hair straighteners, heating pads, and shavers may have dual voltage switches that you can set manually. You can also purchase dual voltage models of electric toothbrushes, although these tend to be quite expensive.
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Frequently asked questions
France has two associated plug types: Type C and Type E. Type C plugs have two round pins, and Type E plugs have two round pins and a hole for the socket's male earthing pin.
The standard voltage in France is 230V, and the frequency is 50Hz.
If the plug shape in your home country is different from the Type C and Type E plugs used in France, you will need to bring a travel adapter.
You can buy travel adapters for France online at websites like Amazon or eBay, or at most major airports.
If you are bringing single voltage-rated appliances that are not compatible with France's 230V supply voltage, you will need to use a voltage converter or transformer. Many modern electronic devices, such as phones and laptops, have built-in voltage converters.











































