Power Adapter for France: Plugs, Voltage & What to Pack (2026)

France uses Type C and E plugs at 230 V (50 Hz). Here is what that means for your chargers, and the one thing to check before you buy an adapter.

France at a glance

Plug type(s)	Type C and E
Voltage	230 V
Frequency	50 Hz

Do you need an adapter?

Travelers from most of continental Europe need no adapter. Visitors from the US, UK and Australia need a plug adapter.

France uses Type E, which adds an earth pin to the standard European Type C outlet.

Adapter vs voltage converter — the part people get wrong

A plug adapter only changes the shape of the pins so your plug fits the socket. A voltage converter changes the electricity itself. The good news: most travel electronics — phones, laptops, tablets, camera and most modern chargers — are dual-voltage, rated 100–240 V. For those you need only a plug adapter, even in France. Look for "INPUT: 100–240V" printed on the charger. Single-voltage appliances (some hair dryers, straighteners, small kettles) are the ones that may need a converter — or are better bought locally.

Universal travel adapter (USB-C)

A single universal adapter with USB-C Power Delivery covers France and most other destinations, and charges a phone and laptop from one socket. The most useful sub-$40 item for international travel.

Browse universal adapters on Amazon

Before you fly

Pack one universal adapter rather than several country-specific ones.
Confirm each charger says 100–240 V — if so, no converter needed.
Bring a small power strip to turn one adapter into several outlets.

FAQ: power and plugs in France

What plug type does France use?

France uses Type C and E plugs at 230 V, 50 Hz. If your devices use a different plug type, you will need a travel plug adapter.

What do power outlets in France look like?

Power outlets in France take Type C and E plugs and supply 230 V at 50 Hz. Wall sockets are shaped for those electrical plug types only, so travelers whose chargers use a different pin shape need a plug adapter to use the outlets.

What voltage does France use?

France runs on 230 V at 50 Hz. Dual-voltage electronics (marked 100–240 V) work there with just a plug adapter; single-voltage devices from countries on a different standard need a voltage converter.

Do US plugs work in France?

Not directly — US Type A/B plugs do not fit France's Type C and E outlets, so you will need a plug adapter. Most US phone and laptop chargers are dual-voltage and handle France's 230 V supply once the pins fit; single-voltage appliances may also need a converter.

Do I need a voltage converter for France?

France runs at 230 V. Most modern phones, laptops and camera chargers are dual-voltage (rated 100–240 V) and need only a plug adapter, not a converter. Check the small print on your charger — if it says 100–240 V, you are fine. Single-voltage items such as some hair tools may need a converter.

Will my phone charger work in France?

Almost certainly, with the right plug adapter. Phone and laptop chargers are nearly always dual-voltage, so they handle France's 230 V supply; you just need an adapter that fits a Type C and E socket.

Gently Yonder tip: Reference data like plug types and voltage is stable, but hotels and new builds vary. If a socket doesn't match, hotel reception almost always keeps spare adapters at the desk.

Disclosure: this page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, Gently Yonder may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Plug and voltage data is provided as general preparation guidance — always check your device labels and confirm locally.