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France welcomes over 100 million international visitors each year—and if you’re one of them, keeping your devices charged is essential. To avoid connectivity hiccups or blown fuses, it’s important to understand the plug types used in France, what adapters you’ll need, and you can learn that in our article.
When traveling to France, one of the first things you'll need to think about is how to charge your devices and stay online. As the world’s favorite tourist destination, with over 100 million international visitors each year, it’s safe to say you’re not alone in needing to adapt your electronics to local power outlets.
Understanding the France plug type will help you avoid any hassle and keep your devices charged and ready.
France uses two main plug types: Type C and Type E.
The Type C plug, also known as the Europlug, has two round pins, each 4 mm in diameter, spaced 19 mm apart. Type C is mainly used for low-power devices like phone chargers and laptops.
The Type E plug is similar to Type C but has an extra hole for a grounding pin. It’s used for higher-power devices like hairdryers, irons, and large electronics. The grounding pin helps keep things safe by preventing electrical shocks.
If you’re traveling to France from a place that utilizes different plug types, you’ll need an adapter to plug in your devices. Here are four options available online:
This 3-pack of Type E/F travel adapter plugs is designed for use in countries across Europe, including France, Germany, and Spain.
It features a 2-in-1 input that works with standard North American 2 and 3-prong flat pin plugs and supports up to 250V and 10A.
The compact, travel-friendly design is certified cETLus, meaning it meets safety standards for use in North America. However, it’s important to note that it is not a voltage converter, so you should ensure your devices are dual-voltage compatible before use.
Where to buy: Amazon
Price: $11.87
This compact travel adapter is ideal for charging devices like cell phones, laptops, and CPAP machines that are dual voltage compatible.
It accepts standard North American 2 and 3-prong flat pin plugs, eliminating the need for a universal outlet.
The adapter is ultra-compact, measuring just 1.5 x 1.5 x 1.75", and features a Type C output plug that works in most European countries and several others.
Where to buy: Amazon
Price: $11.99
This Type C plug adapter is compatible with most European countries and features a 6-in-1 design that allows you to charge up to 6 devices at once, including 2 American outlets, 1 built-in USB cable, and 3 USB ports.
It comes equipped with 2 USB-A (5V/2.4A) and 1 USB-C (5V/4A) ports, providing fast charging for devices like phones, tablets, and smartwatches, while its compact, lightweight design makes it easy to carry.
Note that this adapter only works with 100V to 250V dual voltage devices, so non-dual voltage devices such as hairdryers or electric shavers will require a voltage converter.
Where to buy: TESSAN website
Price: $17.99
This all-in-one adapter works in over 200 countries and regions. It has 4 different plugs and the ability to adapt to 10 types of plugs from other countries.
It has 3 USB-C and 2 USB-A ports that support PD3.0 and QC3.0 for fast charging, offering up to 75W of power. PD3.0 (Power Delivery 3.0) and QC3.0 (Quick Charge 3.0) are fast charging technologies that provide quicker charging by adjusting the power sent to your device.
For safety, it includes a built-in 10A fuse, safety shutters, a plug lock system, and is certified with RoHS (no harmful materials), CE (meets EU safety standards), and FCC (complies with U.S. regulations), plus it comes with a 2-year limited warranty.
Where to Buy: Epicka website
Price: $59.99
Now that we’ve explored a few different France plug type adapter options, it can be tough to decide which one is best. Whether you’re after a budget-friendly option or something that can charge multiple devices at once, here are our top picks to help you make the right choice for your trip.
The AmazonBasics 3-Pack Travel Plug Adapter is a simple, cost-effective solution for travelers needing a reliable plug for French outlets. It supports North American flat pin plugs and meets safety standards for ease of use.
The TESSAN European Plug Adapter allows you to charge up to six devices simultaneously with its 6-in-1 design. Its compact size and fast-charging USB ports make it perfect for travelers with multiple gadgets.
The Epicka Universal Travel Adapter is a versatile option that works in over 200 countries and supports fast charging. Equipped with multiple ports and advanced safety features, it's ideal for frequent travelers.
You may need a voltage converter or transformer in France if your devices are only rated for 110V, as the standard voltage in France is 220V with a frequency of 50Hz.
Many modern electronics, like phone chargers and laptops, are designed to work with both 110V and 220V, so they won’t require a converter or transformer.
However, if your device is not dual voltage, such as older appliances, you'll need a voltage converter to step down the voltage or a transformer for high-wattage devices.
Always check the voltage rating on your device before traveling to ensure it can handle the higher voltage.
Before you plug in your devices in France, it's important to ensure you're using the right adapter for both safety and functionality. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind:
Different countries use different types of electrical plugs. Here's a list of some of the most common plug types used worldwide:
| Plug type | Mainly used in | Description |
| Type A | United States, Japan, Canada, and a few other countries | Two pins |
| Type B | United States, Japan, and Mexico | Three pins |
| Type C | Europe, Asia, South America | Two pins |
| Type D | India | Three pins |
| Type E | France, Belgium, Poland | Two pins |
| Type F | Europe and Russia | Two pins |
| Type G | United Kingdom, Ireland, and some other countries | Three pins |
| Type H | Israel | Three pins |
| Type I | Australia, New Zealand, China | Two pins for ungrounded plugs; three pins for grounded plugs |
| Type J | Switzerland and Liechtenstein | Three pins |
| Type K | Denmark | Three pins |
| Type L | Italy and Chile | Three pins |
| Type M | South Africa | Three pins |
| Type N | Brazil, South Africa | Three pins |
| Type O | Thailand | Three pins |
See a comprehensive list of plugs used around the world below:
Yes, most EU plugs will work in France since the country uses Type C and Type E plugs, which are standard in many European countries such as Italy plug types or Spain plug types.
Yes, Type C plugs are commonly used in France, so they should work just fine.
In France, you’ll need a Type C or Type E adapter, depending on your device's plug. Type C is more common, but Type E is used for devices that require a grounding pin.
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