France Plug Adapter: Type C and E, 230 V for US Travelers

Where these numbers come from

France uses type E sockets, with a fixed earth pin poking out of the socket itself, and also accepts the two-pin type C Europlug. Power is 230 V at 50 Hz. A US plug will not fit, so an adapter is needed for everything. The socket design is the detail that separates France from its neighbors: where Germany uses side earth clips, French outlets put the earth pin in the wall, so the plug needs a matching hole.

Most adapter sets sold to Americans include a type C/E/F piece that handles this. The hybrid plug known as CEE 7/7 was designed to work in both French type E and German type F sockets, which is why many chargers and power strips sold in Europe carry it. If you buy a European extension strip in Paris, check for that hybrid shape and for a rating of 16 A.

The key point for grounded gear is earth. A two-pin adapter for a phone or laptop brick with a two-prong plug works fine. A three-prong US grounded plug needs an adapter whose earth hole lines up with the French pin, or the device is left ungrounded. For low-power electronics that is usually acceptable, but check the adapter packaging rather than forcing anything into the socket.

Price check for a two-week Paris stay. A basic C/E/F adapter costs only a few dollars, while a step-down converter rated for a 1,875 W hair dryer runs far higher and is bulky. Because France sells dryers everywhere, the cheaper path is to borrow the hotel unit or buy a local 230 V dryer. Also remember the clock: 50 Hz slows a 60 Hz motor-driven clock by about one-sixth.

Quick cost picture: an adapter for France is a minor purchase compared with replacing a burned-out appliance. If a charger says 100-240 V you are done. If a label says 120 V only, leave it home. A 1,000 W US appliance run directly at 230 V would act like roughly 3,700 W, which is why the wrong plug plus no converter is a real fire risk.

Onward to Germany? The plug differs, but a C/E/F adapter covers Germany, Spain and Portugal too. Across the Channel you need United Kingdom. See the plug adapter finder for other legs. Plug-and-voltage facts here are general travel information. Always read the rating label on your own device.

Sources

• Mains electricity by country (reference table)
• Power plugs and sockets: France (US traveler view)
• Schuko (type F) and CEE 7/7 reference
• AC power plugs and sockets (type reference)

Figures checked on September 30, 2026.

This page is general information, not legal, insurance or travel-agent advice. Fees, rules and limits change, so confirm the figures with the official sources listed above before you book or travel.