Charging the mobile phone from a power outlet in France

A page showing how to recharge your mobile phone from a French power outlet with Type B USB Micro cable and a Type C Europlug power adapter and powering any mobile phone using a two pin Type E power adapter.

French power outlet

If packing for a holiday to France it can be helpful to know in advance if you'll be able to power your important electronics that you'll be bringing along. However, by not knowing which wall socket is being used in France you may pack the wrong power charger, thereby leaving you needing to buy or borrow a suitable power adaptor on arrival that might be incompatible and cause damage to your mobile phone. Complicated combinations of voltages and plug types can often be daunting when planning to visit a new country, especially if you've never been there before. This page is a useful guide showing exactly how to supply power to the mobile phone when you're travelling to France using the types E or C 230 volt 50Hz plug outlets, Type E wall outlets are typically used by most French. If you are visiting France from another region check that the mobile phone can be used with a 240 volt supply. If your mobile phone was purchased in a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110 volts) make sure that your mobile phone is dual-voltage (marked with a 100-240 volt notation) else you may need to use an additional voltage converter to avoid the device from over-heating whilst powering it.

This how-to guide is for a generic mobile phone and assume the phone has a standard micro USB port, Bluetooth connectivity and a headphone socket. For all the latest phones visit the Mobile phones page for a full list of makes and models.

Charging any mobile phone in France

Can the mobile phone be used in France?

Yes, you can connect any mobile phone to a French power outlet.

What is the best power adapter for any mobile phone in France?

If you are travelling to more than one country or bringing along more than your mobile phone then the best travel charger for France to buy is a multiple USB port charger which includes compatible plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. French use two different types of wall outlets (types E and C) and using a travel adapter like this will ensure that you are covered for type C. Because these types of chargers are supplied with interchangeable plugs and handle from 100 to 240 volts it makes them ideal for over 100 countries in Asia, North America, Europe and Africa simply by changing the heads over. If your type of mobile phone is compatible with Fast Charge (please note not all USB devices will) then you'll benefit from much quicker recharging times with one of these types of travel chargers and compatibility with certain power hungry devices.

Unlike other chargers this means you can recharge multiple devices at the same time without needing to pack multiple power adapters. Only needing a single USB travel charger will help keep the overall size down, making it perfect to store in hand luggage while travelling. Because of their versatility these types of travel adapters can be used at home not just abroad so when you’re not on holiday they can be used under your bedside table charging multiple smartphones and tablets without needing an additional plug socket.

We suggest searching for a versatile power adapter like this at your preferred electronics retailer. The multipurpose power adapter illustrated here is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested for powering multiple USB devices in numerous countries around the world with perfect reliably.

Alternative travel adapter for France

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from any country who only have USB devices such as the mobile phone, but for those also wanting to use their domestic plugs these power adapters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power adapters offer surge protection which is necessary for travellers to counties with unreliable power grids to prevent damage to any connected appliances. These travel adapters are supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover both France and over 150 destinations:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK travel converter has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the best selling compact power adapter for travellers originating from North America visiting France.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Likewise having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the travel adapter from Orico is also aimed at travellers originating from America using type B plugs and offers practically the same functionality as the BESTEK with 1 less AC outlet for almost half the price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has 2 AC outlets but offers 5 USB charging ports. This versatile power strip is compatible with both American plugs and popular plug types A, D,E/F, G, H, I, L and N making it suitable for a majority of travellers from around the world visiting France. [7] [AD]
What is the best power adapter for any mobile phone in France?

Charging any mobile phone from a French power outlet by using a two pinned Europlug Type C USB adapter

Instructions on how to power any mobile phone from a French power outlet with Type B micro USB connector with a Type C Europlug power adapter.

  1. If you want to power the mobile phone using the French power outlet you will need to use a Type C USB power plug adapter [3] and a USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable [4].
  2. Begin the process by plugging the Type C USB power plug adapter into the wall supply. You can recognise this plug supply by the two round holes next to each other for live and neutral pins.
  3. Plug in one end of the type B Micro USB cable into the bottom of the USB mains adapter and the other end into the USB charging port on any mobile phone. These instructions assume your phone uses a Micro USB type B port. Please refer to the instructions supplied with your mobile to check this is correct and visit the Mobile phones page to see if your model is listed (please note you can usually connect the cable which came with your mobile phone for charging with any USB charger).
  4. The USB charging port is normally located either on the side or bottom of the mobile phone.
  5. Switch on the French power outlet.
  6. The battery indicator on your mobile phone will indicate that the phone is charging, refer to the phone`s instruction manual to find out how long it will typically take. [AD]
Charging any mobile phone from a French power outlet by using a two pinned Europlug Type C USB adapter

How to use a Type E power charger for recharging your mobile phone from a French power outlet

Using type B USB Micro cable and a 3 pin Type E USB charger to charge your mobile phone with a French power outlet.

  1. In order to supply power to the mobile phone using a French power outlet you'll need a Type E USB power plug adapter [6] and a USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable [4].
  2. Start by taking the Type E USB power plug adapter and plugging it in the wall supply. You can identify the wall outlet by the two large adjacent holes for live and neutral pins along with one long metal grounding pin protruding the top forming a triangular configuration.
  3. Then connect the USB end of the USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable into the USB power adapter and the other end into the USB charging port on any mobile phone. These instructions assume your phone uses a Micro USB type B port. Please refer to the instructions supplied with your mobile to check this is correct and visit the Mobile phones page to see if your model is listed (please note that you can usually connect the cable supplied with your mobile phone to charge with any USB adapter).
  4. The USB charging port is typically located either on along one side or on the bottom of the mobile phone.
  5. Switch on the French power outlet.
  6. The battery indicator on the mobile phone should indicate that the device is charging, refer to your phone`s instruction manual to find out how long it will take. [AD]
How to use a Type E power charger for recharging your mobile phone from a French power outlet

See also

  1. Wikipedia - France Wiki page
  2. iec.ch - Type C power outlet
  3. Type C USB power plug adapter - Conforming to Europlug specifications, the Type C USB power plug adapter incorporates two 4 mm rounded pins spaced 19 mm apart. It is engineered to adapt electrical outlets commonly found in Europe, converting them to USB-compatible charging ports..
  4. USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable - Used to connect USB devices which have a USB Mini-B port to computers, power supplies and other devices.
  5. iec.ch - Type E power outlet
  6. Type E USB power plug adapter - Meeting CEE 7/5 and CEE 7/6 standards, the Type E USB power plug adapter uses the Schuko standard with two round pins and an earthing hole. It adapts European outlets such as Germany to USB-standard ports for USB device charging..
  7. 4 Port USB Wall Charger - A 4-port USB wall charger is an electrical device that provides simultaneous charging for up to four USB-compatible devices. It often includes interchangeable international plug adapters for global use..