How Does Electricity & Plugs Work in France?
Last verified: 2025-06 · Europe
1The Quick Answer
France uses Type E plugs at 230V/50Hz — UK and US visitors need a plug adapter, though a standard European travel adapter covers French sockets.
2What You Need to Know
France operates on 230V/50Hz electricity, which is compatible with all modern European devices. The plug type is Type E (the French variant), which has two round pins plus a round earth socket hole — it is compatible with standard Type C (Europlug) devices and broadly interchangeable with German Type F (Schuko), though the pin layout is slightly different. UK visitors (Type G) and US/Canadian visitors (Type A/B, 120V) need adapters, and US visitors with non-dual-voltage devices also need a voltage converter. Standard European two-pin travel adapters purchased anywhere work fine in France.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1A standard European two-round-pin travel adapter works in all French sockets — buy one before you travel
- 2US visitors should check their device labels for '100–240V' — most modern laptops, phones, and cameras are dual-voltage and need only an adapter, not a converter
- 3French hotels often have a mix of Type E and Type C sockets — both are standard
How does this compare?
Electricity & Plugs rules in nearby and similar countries:
Germany uses Type C and Type F (Schuko) plugs at 230V/50Hz — the same standard as most of continental Europe.
The UK uses Type G (3-pin square) plugs at 230V/50Hz — virtually all visitors except those from Ireland need an adapter.
Italy uses 230V/50Hz with its own unique Type L plug (three round pins in a row), though Type C adapters usually fit; bring a universal adapter to be safe.
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