From Brazil to France
When travelling from Brazil to France: Some of your Brazil plug types fit in France (C). Bring a compact adapter for the others. Voltage is different (127V / 220V → 230V). Check your charger label; if it doesn’t list 230V you’ll also need a voltage converter. Frequency differs (60Hz → 50Hz). Modern phone and laptop chargers are usually fine, but some clocks, motors, and appliances may behave incorrectly.
Brazil
FranceYour plugs
Type C
Fits
Type N
No fit
Accepted in France
Type C
Type E
1 of 2 plug type(s) match
You: C, N • France: C, E
No fit for: N
Voltage: 127V / 220V → 230V
Different voltage
You may need a voltage converter.
Frequency: 60Hz → 50Hz
Different frequency
Check device supports both 50/60 Hz.
You will need an adapter and likely a converterAdapters you may need
Your plug shape does not fully match. Voltage differs; check for 100–240V support.
About electricity in France
France runs on 230V/50Hz with Type C and E sockets. Type E has a male earth pin built into the socket itself, so flat-pin US and Canadian chargers will not fit without an adapter.
Grid & history
France has one of the world’s most nuclear-heavy grids: roughly two-thirds of generation comes from EDF’s fleet of 56 reactors, the largest in Europe. The rest is hydropower from the Alps and Pyrenees, with growing wind and solar.
Availability
The grid is highly reliable nationwide, including in rural areas. Storms occasionally cause brief outages in the south and west.
Sockets & hotels
Type E is the dominant socket: two round holes with a male earth pin protruding from the socket. Type C Europlugs slot straight into Type E sockets, but without the earth connection.
Energy mix
Nuclear has been the backbone since the 1970s oil shocks.
Practical tips
- A small Type C/E adapter (often sold as “European”) is all you need.
- Modern phone and laptop chargers handle 230V; older US-only heaters and hair dryers do not.
- TGV trains have power sockets in standard and first class on most routes.
Frequently asked questions
- Will my Brazil plug work in France?
- Partly. Some of your Brazil plug types (Type C) fit France sockets, but others do not. Bring a compact adapter for the rest.
- What plug type does France use?
- France uses Type C, Type E. The supply is 230V at 50Hz.
- Do I need a voltage converter for France when travelling from Brazil?
- France runs on 230V, while Brazil uses 127V / 220V. Check your charger label for a 100 to 240V rating; if it does not list 230V you will also need a voltage converter.
- Is the electrical frequency in France the same as Brazil?
- Frequency in France is 50Hz, while Brazil uses 60Hz. Modern phone and laptop chargers handle either, but clocks, motors, and some heating appliances may behave incorrectly.