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France plug type: Complete adapter guide for travellers
France uses plug types C and E with 230V voltage. Learn when you need a travel adapter and voltage converter tips.
The France plug type is type C and E, with a standard voltage of 230V and 50Hz. Figuring out what plugs are used in France is a crucial detail before you travel to ensure your devices stay powered.
This guide explains the French plug type and sockets, France’s voltage and frequency, and which travel adapter you may need before your trip. Stay connected with an unlimited data travel eSIM for France.
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What plug type does France use?
The France plug type includes Type C and Type E.
Type C has two round pins, while plug type E has two round pins and a hole that connects to the earth pin inside the type E socket.
You’ll find French plug sockets in hotels, cafés, and apartments. The plug shape is also common across most of Europe, so many European travellers will find their devices already compatible with French plugs.
Voltage and frequency in France
The standard voltage in France is 230V with a frequency of 50Hz. This means the mains voltage and power supply are higher than in countries like Canada or the United States, where the typical voltage is 110–120V.
Before plugging in your appliances, check the power adapter or charger for the input range. If it shows 100-240V, you’re good to go with just an adapter.
Do you need a travel adapter for France?
Whether you need a travel adapter for France depends on your home country and the plug types used there.
- From the UK or Ireland: Yes. UK plugs are Type G with three rectangular prongs, which don’t fit French plug sockets. You’ll need a travel adapter. You’ll need a travel plug adapter.
- From the US or Canada: Yes. North American electric plugs (Type A and B) have flat pins and won’t fit French plug sockets, so a plug adapter is necessary.
- From Europe: Generally, no. France uses Type C and E sockets, which are standard across most of continental Europe, so European travellers won’t usually need an adapter.
- From Australia or New Zealand: Yes. Australian plug types (Type I) have angled pins that don’t match the plug shape of French sockets.
In short, unless you’re travelling from most European countries, you’ll likely need a travel adapter to ensure your phone will work in France.
Do you need a voltage converter for France?
Most travellers won’t need a voltage converter when visiting France. Modern electronics such as your phone, laptop, and tablet usually support dual-voltage operation and work with the French plug type, as long as you use a travel plug adapter.
However, some other appliances, like older hair dryers, curling irons, or straighteners from Canada, Japan, or the United States, are single-voltage and may only support 110V. In that case, you’ll need a voltage converter, or you risk damaging the device.
Check the charger or power supply label on your device. If the input reads 100-240V, it will work safely with the voltage in France, and you only need a plug adapter.
Where to buy France travel adapters
You generally have three options to buy a travel adapter for France.
- Buy before you travel: The easiest option is buying a France adapter before your trip. Stores like Amazon, Argos, and Currys sell travel adapters, universal adapters, and plug adapters that work with French plug sockets. These typically cost between £8 and £25. Universal adapters are helpful if you plan to visit multiple countries.
- Buy at the airport: Major airports in France — including Paris Charles de Gaulle, Orly, Nice, Lyon, and Marseille — sell plug adapters for French sockets. However, they usually cost two to three times as much as buying them in advance.
- Buy in France: It’s also easy to find one in France. Electronics stores like Fnac and Darty, supermarkets such as Carrefour, Monoprix, and Auchan, and even pharmacies and tabac shops all stock compatible adapters. Prices typically range from €5 to €15, roughly £4 to £13, though arriving with one already packed is still the easier option.
Stay connected in France with an unlimited data eSIM
Power adapters solve one problem, but you’ll also want reliable internet while travelling in France. From navigating streets with Google Maps to messaging hotels or sharing photos, connectivity makes travelling much easier.
International roaming in France can be expensive. A local France SIM card is another option, but they often require visiting shops, showing ID, and dealing with registration steps in French.
A simpler solution is the Holafly eSIM for France. You purchase it online, scan a QR code, and it activates automatically upon arrival.
For frequent travellers or remote workers, Holafly Plans can be an even better option. These monthly subscriptions provide flexible data coverage across 170+ countries, so you stay connected without hunting for a new SIM card every time you cross a border. All you need is an eSIM-compatible phone or device!
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International eSIMs, local networks. Enjoy the best of both worlds with Holafly.
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Born and raised in Queens, New York, I'm a Psychology graduate with a passion for writing that I've been nurturing since 2019. Over the years, I've enjoyed creating meaningful content across various niches, including sports, hospitality, and career development. At Holafly, I focus on crafting useful and inspiring pieces to make your adventures more effortless. One of the best perks of this role? Creating travel content always seems to inspire my next vacation destination!
