Travel adapter from Japan to France — do you need one?

Q: What plug is used in France?

France uses Type C and Type E plugs at 230 V, 50 Hz.

Compare the plug shapes, voltage and frequency in Japan and France, and find out which adapter you need before you travel.

Adapter required

Yes — coming from Japan, you will need a travel adapter for France. Japan uses Type A/Type B plugs, and France uses Type C/Type E, so the pin shapes will not fit any wall socket. Voltages differ (100 V at home vs 230 V abroad), so check the label on each device. Most modern dual-voltage chargers handle the swing without a converter, but heating appliances usually do not.

Voltage converter may be needed. Check your device label — most modern electronics (phones, laptops) support 100–240 V and only need a plug adapter. Hair dryers, kettles, and older appliances may need a step-up or step-down converter.

Japan (home)

Type A Two flat parallel pins 100–127V Type B Two flat pins + round ground 100–127V

France (destination)

Type C Two round pins (Europlug) 220–240V Type E Two round pins + earth hole 220–240V

Electrical specifications in France

Voltage

Japan 100 V

France 230 V

Differs

Frequency

Japan 50/60 Hz

France 50 Hz

Match

More about plugs in France

In France, the standard power plug is Type C and Type E. The country runs on 230 volts at 50 Hz. That means wall sockets in France can be one of 2 different shapes — Type C, Type E, and your plug needs to physically match the socket to fit.

Full France plug guide