United States of America to France
Traveling from United States of America to France? You'll need an adapter, and a voltage converter for the 110V difference.
Need an Adapter?
Yes! Yes, you need a Type A/B to Type C/E adapter
Need a Voltage Converter?
Yes — 230V can damage single-voltage United States of America devices
🔍 Why This Route Matters
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. National animal is the Breton. Bottom line: pack the right gear or prepare for inconvenience.
Side-by-Side Comparison ⚡
🎯 What Locals Know (That Tourists Don't)
- ✦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 You Need for This Trip 🧳
Plug Adapter
RequiredUnited States of America's Type A/B plugs won't fit France's Type C/E outlets.
Voltage Converter
May Be RequiredFrance uses 230V vs United States of America's 120V. Most modern electronics handle this automatically.
Airport & Arrival Tip
Landing at France's CDG? Here's what to expect for power and connectivity. Look for dedicated device charging kiosks in the arrivals hall (some require payment, others are free). If you forgot an adapter, check duty-free shops before overpriced gate kiosks. Prices vary wildly. Many ride-share drivers have USB chargers available. Don't hesitate to ask. Coffee shops are reliable charging spots while you adjust to the time zone.
Packing Advice
Pack both a plug adapter (Type A/B to Type C/E) AND a voltage converter (120V to 230V). You'll need both. Consider a universal travel adapter with USB ports. It'll work for France and future trips. A 10,000-20,000 mAh power bank is essential. It's enough to fully charge a phone 2-3 times during long days out. Pack extra charging cables. They're easy to lose and expensive to replace abroad. Laptops and phone chargers are almost always dual-voltage (100-240V). Converters are usually for other items. Pack adapters in your carry-on. You might need to charge during layovers or if checked luggage is delayed.
Seasonal Considerations
Different seasons in France mean different charging priorities and power challenges. **Summer travel:** Peak tourist season = crowded outlets at cafes and attractions. Charge at off-hours. **Winter travel:** Winter storms can cause power outages in some regions. Fully charged power banks are your safety net. **Holiday season:** Year-end travel often means budget hotels with fewer outlets. Plan device priorities. Seasonal extremes (hot summers, cold winters) impact battery performance more than most travelers expect.