Canadian plugs usually do not work directly in France. Canada uses Type A and Type B plugs, while France commonly uses Type C and Type E outlets. For most Canada-to-France trips, you should pack a Type C/E plug adapter and check whether your devices support Input: 100–240V.
Trip Match Visual
Trip Match Summary
Traveling from Canada to France? This match is mostly about two separate checks: the plug shape and the device voltage label.
Canada
Common plugs: Type A and Type B
France
Common outlets: Type C and Type E
You will usually need a plug adapter.
Look for an adapter that accepts Canadian Type A/B plugs and fits French Type C/E outlets.
Canada → France result: Canadian plugs usually do not fit French wall outlets directly. A plug adapter is normally needed for the shape. A voltage converter may be needed only if your device is not rated for France’s voltage.
A plug adapter does not convert voltage.
Canada to France Device Checker
Choose the device you plan to pack. This checker gives a practical starting point, but the final answer always comes from the label printed on your charger or appliance.
Always check the device label before using high-power appliances abroad. Heat devices made only for 120V can be damaged or unsafe on 230V power.
Do Canadian Plugs Fit French Outlets?
No, not usually. Canada commonly uses Type A plugs with two flat parallel pins and Type B plugs with two flat pins plus a round grounding pin. France commonly uses Type C and Type E outlets, which are based on round pins.
That shape difference means a Canadian phone charger, laptop charger, camera charger, or appliance plug will usually need a travel plug adapter before it can physically connect to a French outlet.
The adapter only solves the shape problem. It lets your Canadian plug fit the French socket type. It does not decide whether the device can safely use the local electrical supply.
Quick Answer Table
| Trip item | Canada | France | What it means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Common plug type | Type A / Type B | Type C / Type E | Plug adapter usually needed |
| Voltage | 120V | 230V | Check the device label before use |
| Frequency | 60Hz | 50Hz | Usually fine for many chargers, but some motors and clocks may be affected |
| Phones and laptops | Often dual voltage | Usually usable with the right adapter | Look for Input: 100–240V |
| Hair dryers and curling irons | Often 120V only unless made for travel | 230V supply | High-power appliances need extra caution |
Voltage Difference Between Canada and France
The plug shape is only the first part of the match. Canada commonly uses 120V electricity at 60Hz. France commonly uses 230V electricity at 50Hz. That is a real difference, especially for appliances that produce heat or use a motor.
If your device label says Input: 100–240V, it is usually designed to handle both Canadian and French voltage ranges. Many modern phone chargers, laptop chargers, tablet chargers, camera chargers, and USB chargers fall into this category.
If the label says only Input: 120V, or a narrow range such as 110–120V, do not assume it is safe to plug into a French outlet with only an adapter. In that case, a voltage converter may be needed, or it may be better to leave that device at home.
Plug Adapter vs Voltage Converter
A plug adapter and a voltage converter do different jobs.
A plug adapter changes the physical plug shape. It helps a Canadian Type A or Type B plug fit a French Type C or Type E outlet.
It does not change 230V into 120V.
A voltage converter changes the electrical voltage for devices that cannot handle the destination voltage.
It may be needed for some single-voltage Canadian appliances used in France.
For Canada to France travel, the safest habit is simple: first match the plug shape, then read the device label. Do not rely on the adapter alone for voltage safety.
Will a Canadian Phone Charger Work in France?
In most cases, yes, a Canadian phone charger will work in France with the right plug adapter. The charger itself is often dual voltage, especially if it is a modern USB wall charger.
Check the small print on the charger. If it says Input: 100–240V, 50/60Hz, it is usually suitable for France’s 230V, 50Hz supply. You still need a plug adapter because the Canadian plug shape usually does not fit French outlets.
If the label is worn off, missing, or only lists 120V, do not guess. Use a properly rated charger or replace it with a travel-ready charger before the trip.
Will a Canadian Laptop Charger Work in France?
Canadian laptop chargers are also commonly dual voltage. Many laptop power bricks are marked Input: 100–240V and 50/60Hz, which usually means they can handle France’s voltage and frequency.
The plug shape is still the issue. You will usually need a Canada-to-France plug adapter so the charger can connect to the wall outlet. If your laptop uses a grounded three-prong Canadian plug, choose an adapter that can accept that plug shape and is suitable for your charger’s rating.
Hair Dryers, Curling Irons, and Heat Appliances
Hair dryers, curling irons, flat irons, clothes irons, kettles, and other heat appliances need more care. These devices use much more power than a phone charger, and many Canadian versions are made only for 120V.
If a Canadian hair dryer says only 120V, plugging it into France’s 230V supply with a simple adapter can damage the appliance and may be unsafe. A voltage converter must also be rated for the appliance wattage, which can be high. For many travelers, the simpler option is to use a hotel-provided dryer or a travel appliance clearly labeled for 100–240V or 220–240V use.
Do not treat a plug adapter as protection for heat appliances. It only changes the plug shape.
What About Electric Shavers and CPAP Machines?
Electric shavers vary. Some are dual voltage, and some charging bases are not. Check the charger or base label, not just the shaver body. If it says Input: 100–240V, you will usually only need the correct plug adapter for France.
CPAP machines should be checked with extra care because they may be used every night and may include separate power supplies, humidifiers, or heated tubing. Many CPAP power supplies support 100–240V, but do not assume. Read the exact label on the power brick and consider packing the manufacturer-approved power cord or adapter setup.
How to Read the Device Label
Look for the word Input on the charger, power brick, or appliance label. The most travel-friendly label usually looks like this:
Input: 100–240V ~ 50/60Hz
This usually means the device can handle both Canadian and French voltage ranges. You still need a plug adapter for the outlet shape.
A label that says only 120V is different. That usually means the device is made for Canadian-style voltage only and may need a voltage converter in France.
What to Pack for France from Canada
- A Type C/E travel plug adapter that accepts Canadian Type A/B plugs.
- Chargers labeled Input: 100–240V for phones, laptops, tablets, cameras, and other electronics.
- A USB charger that clearly supports 100–240V, if you want to charge several small devices.
- Fewer high-power appliances, unless they are clearly dual voltage or made for 220–240V travel.
- A backup plan for hair dryers or styling tools, such as using hotel equipment.
- For CPAP machines or medical-related equipment, the correct power supply and any manufacturer-recommended travel accessories.
Common Canada to France Adapter Mistakes
Buying only a voltage converter when you need plug shape support
A converter may change voltage, but it does not always solve the physical plug shape. You still need the right connection for French outlets.
Assuming every universal adapter converts voltage
Most universal travel adapters only handle plug shape. A plug adapter does not convert voltage. If voltage conversion is included, the product should state that clearly, along with power limits.
Using a 120V hair tool with only an adapter
This is one of the riskiest mistakes. High-power appliances need the correct voltage rating, not just a plug that fits the wall.
Checking the device but not the charger
For laptops, shavers, cameras, and CPAP machines, check the power brick or charging base. That is often where the input rating is printed.
FAQ
Can I plug a Canadian charger into a French outlet?
Not directly in most cases. Canadian Type A and Type B plugs usually need a plug adapter to fit French Type C or Type E outlets.
Do I need a voltage converter for France from Canada?
It depends on the device label. If the device says Input: 100–240V, you usually do not need a voltage converter. If it says only 120V, a converter may be needed.
Will my Canadian iPhone or Android charger work in France?
Usually yes, if the charger label supports 100–240V and 50/60Hz. You will still usually need a plug adapter for the French outlet shape.
Will my Canadian laptop work in France?
Most modern laptop chargers are dual voltage, but check the power brick. If it says Input: 100–240V, it should usually work with a suitable plug adapter.
Can I use a Canadian hair dryer in France?
Be careful. Many Canadian hair dryers are 120V only, while France uses 230V. A simple plug adapter is not enough for a 120V-only hair dryer.
What adapter should I bring from Canada to France?
Bring a travel plug adapter that accepts Canadian Type A/B plugs and fits French Type C/E outlets. For grounded devices, make sure the adapter is suitable for the plug and device rating.