Travel Adapters & Converters for Paris

Should you bring an electric plug adapter or power voltage converter on your trip to Paris?  And if so, what is the best power adapter and converter for France?

If you are like many travelers to Paris or elsewhere in France, you may be wondering:  How do I charge my iPhone (or Android) and laptop?  What about my hair dryer?  My electric shaver?   Do I need a special US/Canada-to-France (or other country to France) adapter or converter to use my electronics in Paris?  

First, a couple of quick definitions:

• A electrical outlet adapter lets you insert electric plugs from your country into wall sockets in the country you're visiting.  Adapters can be necessary when you travel because the electric plugs (and outlets) in the country you visit may have a different shape from those in your own country.  In fact, 14 different power outlet types are in use around the world.  For example, if you live in the U.S., Canada, Japan, or a couple of other countries where electric plugs have two flat blade prongs for ungrounded devices plus perhaps a round prong for grounded devices (Types A and B) and you visit Paris or anywhere else in France, you'll discover electrical sockets with holes for two round prongs (ungrounded - Type C) plus perhaps one round prong (grounded - Type E).  So by using a U.S. to Paris adapter, you can fit a plug of one shape into a socket of a different shape. The best type of electrical outlet adapter to buy for use in Paris and elsewhere in France is Type E, because it accommodates both grounded and ungrounded devices.
• An electric power converter (sometimes called a transformer or voltage converter) lets you use an electrical device designed for 110-127 volts in a country where 220-240V electricity is the norm - and vice-versa.  For example, in the U.S. (and a few other countries), 110-127 volt electricity is used for most products such as televisions and chargers for your phone and other electronics.  If you travel from a 110-127V country to a 220-240V country and bring electrical devices that do not have a built-in converter, then you will need a converter - but don't worry, this is built into most modern electronics such as a computers and phones.  (In 110-127V countries such as the U.S., a few high-powered appliances such as ovens and larger dryers do require a 220-volt power with 15, 20, or 30 amps and use specific plug types and outlets for the amount of amps - but since you're not going to be packing one of these appliances into your suitcase, no need to worry about whether or not you need an electric power for them.)

If you're planning to charge or use your mobile phone, electric shaver, hair dryer, laptop, or other electrical device by plugging it into an electrical outlet and are traveling to Paris from the U.S., Canada, Australia, China, Japan, or any other country where electric plugs and outlets differ from those used in France, then yes, you will need a plug adapter. 

Fortunately, adapters are cheap, light to carry, and easy to get while you're still in your home country.  But don't wait to get one until you're in Paris or elsewhere in France, because the configuration you need - US-(or other country)-to-Paris  adapter - can be tough to find.  (But if you need a Paris-to-other-country adapter, no problem!)

Popular brands include Ceptics, Vintar, and Tessan.

What about an electrical power converter?

If you live in a country with 100-127V electrical power such as the US, Canada, Japan, or a few other places in the Caribbean, South America, and Asia/South Pacific, you may also need an electric power converter when you travel to Paris (230V) or elsewhere in France (or most other places in the world), depending on the specific devices you plan to bring. 

Fortunately, most modern electronic devices such as laptops, phone chargers, and tablets such as iPads run on either voltage thanks to built-in voltage converters/transformers. 

Other appliances such as hair dryers, hair straighteners, heating pads, and shavers may have dual voltage switches for you to set manually. 

For any remaining devices, a couple of strategies can help you avoid the expense of buying a converter as well as the hassle of carrying the extra weight of this relatively heavy device in your suitcase.    

We'll walk you through everything you need to know about how to get what you need, including determining if you need to bring an adapter or two with you on your trip to Paris, where to buy the best type for French electric power adapter, how to determine if you need to bring a converter, how to avoid buying a converter, and what features to look for in a converter if you really do need to buy one. 

Top photo: Travel adapters for Paris & elsewhere in France

Please note:  Some links on this page go to Amazon.com.  As an Amazon Associate, ParisDiscoveryGuide.com earns from qualifying purchases. 

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Why Do I Need to Bring an Electric Plug Adapter to Paris?

With 14 different types of wall plugs and sockets in use around the world, you'll need an adapter to connect to electric power whenever you visit a country where the plug/socket shapes differ from those where you live. 

Once you know the type of plug your electric devices use and the type of electrical sockets used in Paris, France, and any other countries where you're traveling, figuring out the kind of adapter you need is easy because each type of socket and plug is associated with a letter from A to N: 

Here are a few examples of the types of plugs/sockets used around the world:

• United States, Canada, Japan, Columbia, Taiwan:  Type A (ungrounded) and Type B (grounded)
• France, Belgium:  Type C (ungrounded), Type E (grounded)
• United Kingdom, Ireland, Kenya:  Type G
• China:  Type A, Type C, Type I
• Israel:  Type C, Type H, Type M
• South Africa:  Type C, Type D, Type M, Type N
• Germany, Korea, Iceland, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Greece, Spain, Netherlands, Indonesia:  Type C, Type F
• Australia and New Zealand:  Type I

Although "universal" sockets designed to accommodate plugs from multiple countries do exist, relatively few Paris hotels have them - so in most places, you'll need an adapter. 

If you want to charge or plug in more than one device at a time, consider bringing two or more adapters. 

You can also buy adapters with more than one socket and with USB ports to connect phones, tables, and other electronic devices, as well as sockets for charging cables. 

Some adapters provide only USB ports and no plug sockets - so think about what you'll really need based on the devices you're bringing.  For example, laptops usually require an adapter with a socket.

A small but growing number of Paris hotels, especially those with four or five stars, now provide combo electric sockets and USB plugs near desk areas, or grounded versions in the bathrooms.  But don't count on it - bring what you need.

If you're also visiting other countries with different plug/socket types, you may need additional adapters. 

Will My Paris Hotel or Apartment Provide Plug Adapters?

Maybe.

Many Paris hotels do provide adapters to their guests to use during their stay, especially if you're staying in a 4-star or higher hotel.  Many 3-star hotels will also provided them on request.  If you're staying at a 5-star hotel, you can feel assured your hotel will provide the type of adapter you need - although it never hurts to touch base with them before you arrive just to let them know what your needs will be.

More about what the star ratings used by Paris hotels actually mean

However . . . you can't always count on your hotel having an adapter for your plug/socket type available.  On average, apartments are much less likely to provide adapters, except for luxury properties. 

You are always wise to bring your own adapters in order to avoid the hassle of not having one when you need it, or worse, trying to buy one locally.

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Where Can I Buy Plug Adapters for My Trip to Paris, France?

The easiest way to find the type of adapter you need is to shop online.  For example, if you live in the US or Canada and plan to visit Paris, you need an adapter with sockets to fit Type A/B plugs and prongs to connect to the Type C/E sockets used in France. 

Adapters for US Plugs and French Sockets from Amazon:

Here are top-rated American to European plug adaptors offered online by Amazon for you to use in Paris (and elsewhere in France) with American or Canadian plugs (#ad):

• The Best Basic Adapter:  Ceptics Ultra-Compact Europe Travel Plug Adapter.  This light-weight but solid USA/Canada-to-France Type C power plug adapter offers premium quality at a cheap price.  Buy a pack of three
• The Best Multi-Plug Adapter:  TESSAN US to Europe Travel Plug Adapter with 3 Outlets & 3 USB Chargers.  Ideal for using multiple devices and charging your USB devices when your hotel has limited electrical outlets - plus it's compact and lightweight, so perfect for travel.  Buy now
• The Best Multi-Device Adapter:  VINTAR European Travel Plug Adapter with 2 American/Canadian Plug Outlets, 1 USB C Port, & 3 USB Ports.  You can charge up to 6 devices at once with this light-weight and compact 6-in-1 adapter - ideal when you need to charge your laptop, phone, iPad, and up to 3 other things all at the same time.  Buy a 2-pack now

More to Know about US/Canadian Plugs & French Sockets

US Plugs:  A Type A plug has only 2 flat prongs and is ungrounded, while a Type B plug has the same two flat prongs plus a round prong and is grounded.  If you're bringing devices with Type B plugs, buy an adapter with a socket for Type B plugs, because Type A plugs will also fit.  

French Sockets:  A Type C socket has 2 round holes to accept a plug with 2 round prongs, and is ungrounded.  A Type E socket has 2 round holes (like Type C) but also has a round prong, and is grounded.  Type E sockets will accept ungrounded 2-prong Type C plugs, which have rounded or pointed ends like the one in the diagram above, as well as 2-prong 1-hole Type E plugs. 

Although you can buy Type A to Type C adapters, always be sure the ends are rounded or pointed rather than square.  Modern French sockets are recessed (you can see this in the above diagram) and square-ended adapters will not usually fit into them.  If you see square-ended adapters labeled for use in "Europe," they will work in some European countries but possibly not in France.  So before you buy an adapter, make sure its packaging states it will work in France.

You can also buy a "universal" adapter - but make sure its labeling states it will work in the countries you plan to visit.  By definition, "universal" should mean it will work everywhere . . . but that's not always true.

Where Can I Buy Plug Adapters in Paris?

The Paris store most likely to have whatever type of adapter you need is Relay, but there's a catch - they're located primarily in train stations such as Gare du Nord and Gare Saint-Lazare, and in airports, such as Roissy-Charles de Gaulle (you may have to search around a bit for one after you get through Customs - depending on your terminal, you may need to go up or down a floor. 

Large Paris electronic stores such as Fnac (74 Avenue des Champs-Elysees, 75008 and other locations), neighborhood hardware stores such as Mr Bricolage and Castorama (many locations across Paris), and even the hardware section in the basement of the large BHV department store (55 Rue de la Verrerie, 75004) in the Marais usually sell adapters.

However... most of the adapters you find will be for French residents planning to travel to other countries, and therefore the opposite of what you need.  So be smart:  bring adapters with you.  You don't want to spend your time in Paris shopping in hardware stores for something you could have easily have bought online from Amazon before leaving home. 

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Why Do I Need to Bring a Converter to Paris?

Good news - you may not need to, depending on what you're bringing, even if you live in a country where 100-127 volt electricity is the norm.

Laptops, Tablets, Mobile Phone Chargers - No Converter Needed

Virtually all modern electronics such as laptops, tablets, and mobile phone chargers have auto-switching voltage converter/transformers (often called "power adapters") built into their power supply or charger. 

As long as you have an adapter to let you plug into a local electric outlet, you should be fine.  But if in doubt, check on the bottom of your charger.  You should see tiny print stating something similar to "Input: 100-240v 50/60/hz." 

Other Electric Devices - Shavers, Hair Driers, Curling Irons, Toothbrushes, Heating Pads - Maybe Dual Voltage?

First, virtually all 3-star and higher Paris hotels have hair dryers for you to use during your stay, so no need to bring one.  Many apartments also have them.  If you're staying at a 1- or 2-star hotel (or a really cheap apartment), check to make sure a hair dryer will be available - although you can't assume it works. 

For all other devices you plan to bring, you will need to check the device's voltage. 

If you can pull up specs for the exact model on the internet or find it in the user's manual, that's usually easiest and quickest. 

Otherwise, look for tiny type somewhere on the device - usually the bottom or plug - where you'll find the input voltage.  

If you see dual voltage listed, check to see if there's a switch where you must change it manually - for example, from 110v to 220v.  If so, make a note on your trip check list to flip the voltage switch to 220v when you pack for your trip, and then flip it back to 110v when you pack to leave Paris.  If you wait to flip until you arrive in Paris or return home, the fog of jet lag may cause you to forget to do it.  Plugging a 110v hairdryer into a 220v outlet will fry it before you notice what's happening. (Don't ask us how we know this!)

Bottom line:  As long as your device has dual voltage and you remember to switch it manually if necessary, you don't need to get a converter.

What to Do When Your Electric Devices Are NOT Dual Voltage

If you're planning to bring something that is not dual voltage, then you have three choices:  you can either replace it with a similar dual voltage model, leave it at home, or buy and bring a converter/transformer. 

Assuming you can't do without whatever the device is, the easier option is to buy and bring a dual voltage model.  Especially if your device is more than 2-3 year old, you may need to replace it soon anyway - so do it now, and avoid the cost of a converter, not to speak of the extra weight in your bag. 

For some items such as electric heating pads, dual voltage models may be hard to find or expensive.  In that case, look for a 220v-only model - they're usually surprisingly cheap.

For others, such as electric toothbrushes, dual voltage models are available but typically quite expensive.  Assuming you don't need a converter for anything else, consider bringing an inexpensive regular toothbrush and leaving your electric model at home unless you're planning a very long trip or have been told by your dentist to always use an electric brush.

If you do decide to buy a converter, look for a "step-down" model.  "Step-down" means that when you plug the converter into a 220v outlet, it converts the 220v/240v electricity down to only 110v/120v so that you can safely plug in your 110v/120v device - which is what you want if you're traveling from the US, Canada, Japan, or the few other places with 100v/110v power to France (or most other places around the world with 220/240v power).  The good news is that converter prices and weight have dropped in recent years, and most models come with adapters.

Here are a couple of highly-rated "step-down" converters that you can buy online from Amazon (#ad):

• The Best All-in-1 Step-Down Converter/Adapter:  Ceptics Travel Voltage Converter 220v to 110v for Curling Irons, Straighteners - 2 US/Canada inputs and 4 USB Ports and Type A, B, C, E/F, G, I Adapters Included - Charge up to 6 devices at once.  Buy now
• The Best Inexpensive Step-Down All-in-1 Sine Wave Converter/Adapter:  Bestek Travel Adapter-Converter Combo 220v to 110v - 1 US/Canada input, 2 USB ports, and 5 different adapters included - Charge up to 3 devices at once.  Buy now

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Built-in Dual Voltage Outlets

Some hotels (mostly 4-star and higher) have begun to install dual voltage outlets with built-in converters and often with more or less universal adapters.  These wall plug converts are relatively rare and are often only in the bathroom - but may be a future trend?

As for now, don't count on either your hotel or apartment having one.

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FAQs about Travel Adapters & Converters

Question:  Can I use the same electrical travel adapter and converter that I bring to Paris for other countries I plan to visit in Europe?

Answer:  Maybe.  You can use the same electrical travel adapter and converter for Europe if the other countries you're visiting use the same plug types and outlets as France (check the diagram above and also check the product description to make sure).  And remember, if you're visiting a country where the plugs and electrical outlets differ from France, you will be smart to get adapters before you travel in case your hotel doesn't have one.  Finding exactly what you need in a local store can be difficult, time-consuming, and sometimes impossible. 

Order now from Amazon

You should be fine with your electricity converter for Europe because as far as we are aware, the only countries using 110-127V electricity in addition to the U.S. and Canada are not in Europe.  They include American Samoa, Anguilla, Aruba, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bonaire, Brazil, the British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Equador, El Salvador, Guam, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Japan, Liberia, the Marshall Islands, Nicaragua, Palau, Panama, Puerto Rico, Saba, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sint Eustatius, Sint Maarten, Surinam, Taiwan, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Venequela, and the British Virgin Islands.  

But contact the hotels in the countries where you're going to be 100% sure.

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