Power Plugs & Voltage in France
In France, the standard voltage is 230V at 50Hz, and plug types C, E are used.
Your Type A / Type B plugs don't fit France's Type C / Type E sockets. Pack a plug adapter.
France runs much higher than home. A single-voltage 120V appliance can be damaged — you'd need a voltage converter. Dual-voltage devices (100–240V) are still fine.
Check your charger Most phone, laptop and camera chargers are dual-voltage (look for “INPUT: 100–240V” on the label). Those only ever need a plug adapter, never a voltage converter. High-wattage items with heating elements (hair dryers, straighteners, kettles) are the usual exception.France mains: 230V, 50 Hz.
Note Type E has a grounding pin protruding from the socket. Type C (Europlug) fits too. Belgium, Poland and others share this.
Plug types in France
2 round pins (Europlug, fits most of Europe)
2 round pins + a grounding pin from the socket (French)
Many modern chargers, laptops, phones and cameras are dual-voltage: their label reads INPUT: 100–240V. Those work anywhere in the world with just a plug adapter — no voltage converter needed. Only single-voltage, high-wattage devices (hair dryers, travel kettles, straighteners) are a real concern in France’s 230V supply. Always check the label on your own device.
How to check what you need for France
- 01 Pick your home country in the checker above.
- 02 See instantly whether your plugs fit France’s Types C & E sockets, and whether the 230V supply is a concern.
- 03 Read the label on each device — 100–240V means a plug adapter is all you need.
Frequently asked questions
What plug type is used in France?
France uses Types C & E plugs. Type E has a grounding pin protruding from the socket. Type C (Europlug) fits too. Belgium, Poland and others share this.
What voltage is France?
The standard mains voltage in France is 230V at 50Hz. Most modern chargers and laptops are dual-voltage (100–240V) and work fine; single-voltage appliances from a country with very different voltage may need a converter.
Do I need an adapter for France from the US?
Yes. US plugs (Type A/B) don't fit France's Types C & E sockets, so you'll need a plug adapter. The US is 120V and France is 230V, so single-voltage US appliances may also need a voltage converter. Use the checker above for your exact home country.
Do I need an adapter for France from the UK?
Yes. UK Type G plugs don't fit France's Types C & E sockets, so you'll need a plug adapter. Voltage is 230V, the same as the UK, so no converter is needed.