You need a travel adapter, and likely a voltage converter
United States of America: Type A/B · 120V → France: Type C/E · 230V
Get a Type C adapter + converter↗The specs, row by row.
Plug shape, voltage, frequency — the four things that decide whether your gear works on this route.
The story behind the route.
Why this specific origin → destination pair has the quirks it does — local context the data alone won't show.
Most travelers focus on visas and currency, but the United States of America to France route requires serious thought about power compatibility. Type A/B (United States of America) and Type C/E (France) are fundamentally different plug shapes. Where things get tricky: United States of America supplies 120V of power, but France delivers 230V. That's enough difference to damage devices without proper conversion. Bottom line: pack the right gear or prepare for inconvenience.
- →Uses 24H time format (e.g., 23:00)
- →Temperature measured in Celsius (°C)
- →Electrical system uses 230V at 50Hz with Type C/E plugs
- →Tap water safety: drinkable
- →Most France hotels have a limited number of adapters at the front desk. Ask early.
- →Older Parisian buildings can have limited outlets. Airbnb descriptions often mention this.
- →Most phone and laptop chargers handle 100-240V automatically (check the fine print on the brick)
What to pack for this route.
One adapter for the plug shape, one converter when voltage bands cross. That covers most of what you need.
A universal adapter covers this route plus 150+ other countries.
Bands differ (120V vs 230V). Hair dryers, curling irons, kettles need a converter — or a dual-voltage replacement.
Every adapter, charger, and travel-safe device we've curated.
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