When traveling to another country, it is always important to have plug adapter with you. It allows you to be on the go and keep you in touch with your loved ones back home through your mobile phone, or capture some of your best memories with your camera. Travel adapter for France is one of the essentials you must not fail to consider when you go on a trip overseas.
The country you're visiting may be using similar voltage as yours, but the shape of electrical outlets may be different. You have to be aware of the type of the voltage and electrical receptacle of the country you're planning to go. This will allow you to pick the right travel adapter during your trip. But if you need a set that suits international standards, then that would be a lot better.
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**Below, you'll find more detailed reviews, but you can also click links above to check current prices and read customer's reviews on Amazon.
Top 5 Plug Adapters For France For Your Next Trip
The Difference between Adapters and Transformers
You shouldn't get confused with transformers and adapters. They are completely different and serve different purposes. You can't use one as a substitute to the other.
An adapter is just a connector that has a male plug suits the shape of the 'foreign' outlet. It has a female plug that suits the male plug of your gadget to allow them to recharge their batteries. Adapters don't transform voltage or convert current. They only let you connect to the wall outlet to charge or run your gadgets.
If the voltage requirement of your charger is not the same with the power supplied, you'll have a transformer to run your gadget correctly. For example, if your charger needs 110 volts and the power supply is 220 volts, you have to plug it into a transformer that has 220 volts power input and 110 volts power input.
For some gadgets and appliances, transformers are not required as they're equipped with multi-voltage capability, which means you can use them anywhere.
About Electronic and Electrical Appliances
Although both categories of appliances work on electricity, electronic appliances normally require transformers with particular outputs, like a power converter that receives an input of 110 volts to 120 volts and only outputs 220 volts.
Devices with electronic chips or circuits, like battery chargers, clock radios, and computers, must be used for limited periods of time, preferably not more than three hours. Plugging in these electronic appliances for a long period might lead to overheating and eventually fire.
On the other hand, electrical appliances that offer simple heating functions, like a water heater, flat-iron, or hair dryer, have to be used using a transformer or converter with the matching wattage for no more than an hour at the same time.
The sockets normally available in bathrooms of hotels in European countries may be labeled as 220 volts to 240 volts, but these were designed for use with low-wattage appliances like shavers that require only about 5 watts to 10 watts. They're not suitable for use with larger devices.
What electronics to bring?
Bring fewer gadgets as much as possible. My laptop is the only piece of electronic equipment I travel with that is not battery-powered, which obviously I need to get my blog running.
Any kind of electronics is only a huge hassle while traveling. They consume too much space in your bag and can be so heavy.
But in today's modern world, bringing electronics is not easy to resists, so the least we could do is to choose the right electronics to pack.
Cameras
Because most digital cameras don't use the regular batteries anymore, only the rechargeable type,
Mobile Phones
If you're like most adults who own a smartphone, don't hesitate to bring it. Not all mobile phones work properly abroad, but it still serves a lot of purposes.
Laptop
If you are like me who can't travel without a laptop, then make a room for it in your bag. It is best to have a small notebook to save space in your luggage.
Other electronics
Lastly, I normally carry a tiny audio recorder. It's just that sometimes I feel lazy writing down while traveling so in order to not forget them, I document them via audio and write about them later.
If you want to pick up any electronic device except the ones I mentioned above, think twice if you really need them. Most likely, no, you don't need them.
Classifying Dual-Voltage Appliances and Wattage
If you're not sure whether your appliance is dual voltage, just check its package for a 120 or 240 label or see its plug for any imprinted electrical details. These appliances would not require or power transformer or a converter. But you might still have to look for their wattage.
When only the voltage and amperage are offered, the formula to find the wattage of an appliance just multiplies the volts with the amps. For example, 120 volts multiplied by 0.5A equals 60 watts, which means an appliance that requires 120 volts at 0.5 amps have to run at 60 watts of electricity.
What Should You Use When Traveling?
A travel adaptor varies only the number and placements of the pins on the plug so it suits any socket at the place you are traveling. But it does not change electricity to suit an appliance with a power input of 120 volts to a socket that outputs 220 volts.
You should have a power converter for this. So, getting the suitable travel adapter for your necessities throughout a trip abroad requires two considerations: the country you are going to visit and the kind of appliances you have to bring.
Power Plug Adapter for France
In France, they use the type E power sockets. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.
You are able to use your electric appliances in France if your country uses a standard volume of 220 volts to 240 volts, the same with most countries in the world. Companies consider these small nonconformities. If your country has a standard voltage that ranges between 100 volts and 127 volts, you require a voltage converter in France.
You are able to find voltage converters at Amazon. You can also thing about buying a combined voltage converter or power plug adapter for France.
If the frequency in France is not the same as the one in your country, it's not advisable to use your appliances. But if the voltage is the same, trying it for a short period of time should be alright, but then again, it is at your own risk. Be particularly careful with moving, revolving, and time-related appliances such as shavers, clocks, and electric fan heaters.
In order for you to make sure, don't forget to check the label on the appliance. There are appliances that don't need a converter. If the label says 'INPUT: 100-240V, 50/60 Hz' then it means you can use the appliances anywhere in the world. This is common for charges of gadgets and other small devices.
Top Rated Plug Adapter for France
There are a lot of plug adapters you can find on the market today when you are going to France, but which one to choose? We made a list of top rated plug adaptor for France you can use.
Via Amazon.com
Orei M8 is a great all-in-one choice for those who travel a lot. This model is a Type E and F which makes it suitable not only for France but also Russia, Germany, and most parts of Europe and Asia.The device doesn't convert voltage which means that it's safer to use with devices even if they have dual voltage. It is a patented universal socket that is designed to admit a great range of two prong or three prong plugs from anywhere in the world.However, it does not accept the Big Type M plug from South Africa. One of my favorite things about this is its 2-in-1 input that accepts two plug-ins at the same time.
98
/100
Editor's Rating: 98/100
Price On Amazon: from $5.99
Pros
Cons
Via Amazon.com
This plug adapter is a cheap option for those who are on a budget. It's actually a 5-piece set that includes all types of power plugs possible.The kit also has a small travel bag that can put up 2 or 3 adapters which are sufficient when going out of the country.Because of the fact that it comes as a set, it might not seem as the smallest model available but it offers a certain degree of suitability and functionality. It also offers a lifetime warranty. As soon as your unit stops working, you will get a free replacement.
97
/100
Editor's Rating: 97/100
Price On Amazon: from $7.99
Pros
Cons
Via Amazon.com
The power converter and wall adapter combo from BESTEK are the ultimate travel kit. This includes a little unit that has 3 plugs, 4 USB ports, a power cable, and 3 different adapters.The whole kit works with any type of wall plug which makes it a universal pack that works wherever you are in the world. It might not be the most compact model but it does offer quite a few benefits including its ability to convert voltage.The BESTEK Power Converter works with most US devices that are not more than 200 watts.
95
/100
Editor's Rating: 95/100
Price On Amazon: from $42.99
Pros
Cons
Via Amazon.com
If you’re looking for a travel adapter plug that is hard to lose, then this purple colored adapter would be a great choice. This adapter has dual ports that let you to plug-in two electrical devices at the same time. It also has US Patented Universal Input, which means it accepts plugs from most countries, aside from the Type M-big 8.7mm Plug.You cannot go wrong with this high-quality adapter. This is a well-built and sturdy adapter. On top of it, this is compact, lightweight, and easy to carry while traveling! The fun bright color stands out, easy to find, and gives reasons why this is a great option for you.
93
/100
Editor's Rating: 93/100
Price On Amazon: from $12.00
Pros
Cons
Via Amazon.com
The last item we want you to check out is ZHIWEN World Wide International Electrical Power Travel Charger Adapter Plug. Charging high-powered devices outside the US can be a little tricky since you have to convert the voltage from 220 volts to 110 volts. Luckily, this adapter is great for doing the trick, which makes traveling in over 120 countries that much easier. This all-in-one option that gives the comfort of knowing you are able to use any higher-powered devices without worrying about it blowing up.
90
/100
Editor's Rating: 90/100
Price On Amazon: from $11.99
Pros
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Summary
The main problem when traveling and power adapters are the fact that there are many different types of them. Classic models normally convert a type to another.
Any of the models on this list can be used with any type of wall plug-in France thus eliminating the need to purchase a new one or travel with more than one.
Though they serve the same main purpose, there are different features the suits one need. If you have the budget, then it's nice to invest on BESTEK 200W International Travel Voltage Converter or Kensington International Travel Plug Adapter and take advantage of their extra features.
But if you are on a budget, then Ceptics Grounded Universal Plug Adapter or OREI European Plug Adapter Schuko would be a great choice. If you are looking for something that is compact but still on your budget, then choosing FosPower FUSE World-Wide Universal AC International Adapter would also be wise for you.
Do you use any plug adapter when you travel? Do you have any particular favorite? Share it in the comment below!