Electricity

France uses 230 V AC, 50 Hz — identical to Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

The sockets are Type E (French standard with grounding pin in the socket) and Type C (Europlug, two-pin). The difference to Type F (German Schuko): In Type E, the grounding pin is in the socket, not on the plug. German Schuko plugs still fit most French sockets — the tolerance is large enough.

Travelers from the DACH region usually do not need an adapter. With older French sockets (without recess for the Schuko frame), it can be tight — a flat Europlug helps.

Travelers from the UK, USA, or Australia need an adapter (Type C/E). Available cheaply in supermarkets and electronics stores (Fnac, Darty).