Heading to Paris soon? Besides packing your essentials and securing your attraction tickets, it’s important to understand the power outlets in Paris. Just imagine arriving and realizing you can’t charge your phone or use your hair dryer because you don’t have the right adapter.
But no worries, I’ve got you. This very quick guide will help you determine if you need an adapter for Paris and keep your devices charged.
Understanding Power Outlets in Paris
When traveling to Paris, you’ll encounter electrical outlets that might look very different from what you’re used to from home. Here’s a quick rundown to help you prepare so you know which adapter you need.
Also Interesting: Paris Bound? Tick Off These 8 Essentials First
Power Outlets in Paris
Power outlets in Paris use Type C and Type E plugs. These outlets have two round entrances, some have an additional pin in between. If you’re traveling from a country that doesn’t use these plug types, you’ll need a plug adapter for Paris.
I recommend getting right away a Universal Adapter: it’s not more expansive, and you can use it everywhere, not only in France.
If your electrical outlets at home don’t look like this, you will need an adapter for your Paris trip. The US, for example, uses type A and type B sockets and those are incompatible with the French ones.
To make it short, here is your best option:
⮕ Universal Adapter International Power Plug for 200+ countries, extra USB-C and USB-A outlets.
Read on to decide if you rather require a voltage converter.
Understanding Voltage in Paris
But not only the layout of a power plug might differ from what you’re used to. There is possibly even a voltage differences that can affect your electronics. Here’s what you need to know about Paris voltage.
Voltage in Paris
The Paris voltage is 220V. So far, so good. However, this means, that the voltage in Paris, France and Europe, is higher than in many other countries.
In the US, for example, the Voltage is 120V. For you, this is an important thing to know because some of your devices are (maybe) not designed for higher voltages and need a voltage converter to work in Paris.
This often applies to hair straighteners, hair dryers or electric shavers.
Dual Voltage – How To Check It
Luckily, most devices today run on dual voltage. Often 100v to 240v and can be safely used internationally.
You find this information on your device. Either it is printed on it directly, or indicated on a little label, that you find on the cable.
Voltage Converters for Paris
So, what if your device isn’t dual voltage and only runs on 110v? Then you’ll need a voltage converter for Paris. Converters step down the voltage from 220V to your device’s required voltage.
❗❗❗ Important: ❗❗❗ It is not safe to ignore the voltage requirements and “plug it anyway”. It will certainly fry your device and worse: cause a power cut in the entire building, or even a fire.
So to sum this up, if you are from outside Europe, you will need to add a travel adapter to plug your devices when you pack for Paris.
If you intend to use a device that runs on dual voltage (e.g., 110-240V), you require nothing else than the travel adapter for Paris.
But if you’re using a single voltage device, however, you will need both an adapter and a converter to avoid damage. (This converter doubles as well as an adapter)
Want more Paris recommendations? Here’s my free Google Map with 200+ spots 🗺️
À bientôt,
Lena
Parisienne since 2006 🇫🇷
Sharing Paris life, French culture, cafés, food & honest travel tips
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NEW: The Salut from Paris Travel Guide:
Must-Haves for Paris:
- eSim card to stay online while in Paris. I used Airalo for my travels.
- You likely need a travel adapter to plug your devices.
- Travel Insurance – if you don’t have one, VisitorsCoverage is a good option.
- If your flight is delayed or even canceled, use AirHelp to get compensation.
Tours & Attractions:
- I book tours & activities through Get Your Guide or Viator.
- Museum & Landmark tickets can be cheaper on the official page, but they are often sold out.
- I love the GoCity Travel Passes for easy planning
Flights & Transportation:
- I use Omio to compare flight fares & connections
- Airport transfers I book through Welcome Pickup
- For car rentals, I use AutoEurope. It’s easy to compare prices
- Train Tickets, you can book through Omio
- Here’s my Parisian Metro Guide
Accomodation:
- Hotels in Europe I mostly book through Booking.com (check reviews carefully)
- Vacation Rentals through Airbnb or VRBO