Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) Power Plugs, Wall Sockets & Electrical Outlets
In Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), power plugs and sockets (electrical outlets) of Type C (CEE 7/16 (Europlug), two round pins, ungrounded) and Type E (CEE 7/5, two round pins plus hole for socket grounding pin, grounded) are used. Wall sockets run at 220V and 50Hz. Check if you need a travel adapter, electrical adapter or voltage converter before travelling to Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast).
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Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) uses:
Power Sockets and Plug Types in Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
A Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) power plug generally comes in one of two forms: the two-pin Type C Europlug or the grounded Type E plug. Both are designed for the country's 220V, 50Hz electrical system, so travelers arriving from regions with different voltage standards will need to check their device compatibility before plugging in.
The Type C Europlug is a compact, ungrounded plug top with two round 4mm pins spaced 18.6mm apart. It's rated for low-power devices up to 2.5 amps, making it ideal for phone chargers, laptop adapters, and other small electronics, but unsuitable for higher-wattage appliances like hair dryers or kettles.
Type E plugs, based on the French CEE 7/5 standard, are used for grounded appliances and can handle up to 16 amps. Unlike most grounded plug designs, the Type E plug itself doesn't carry a grounding pin; instead, it has a hole that receives a grounding pin protruding from the wall socket, providing a secure earth connection for kitchen equipment, power tools, and other higher-draw devices.
Do All Sockets in Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) Look the Same?
Not necessarily. While Type E outlets are the standard grounded socket found in many buildings, hotels and newer installations may also accommodate the simpler Type C Europlug, since its two round pins fit into Type E sockets as well (though without a grounding connection). Because socket design can vary by building age and region, it's worth carrying an adapter that covers both plug types to avoid any surprises.
Where to Buy a Travel Adapter for Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
Universal travel adapters that include Type C and Type E configurations are widely available at airport shops, electronics retailers, and online marketplaces before you depart. If you're already in Côte d'Ivoire, adapters can often be found at supermarkets, hardware stores, or shops catering to tourists in larger cities. It's generally easier and cheaper to buy an adapter at home, since imported travel accessories can be harder to find locally.
Electrical Standards in Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast): Voltage, Frequency & Plug Type
Côte d'Ivoire operates on a 220V, 50Hz electrical system, which is standard across much of Africa and Europe. Visitors from countries using 100-127V systems, such as the United States, Canada, or Japan, will typically need a voltage converter for appliances that aren't dual-voltage, while devices from 220-240V regions can usually be used with just a plug adapter.
- Voltage: 220V
- Frequency: 50Hz
- Plug Type C (Europlug): ungrounded, 2.5A, two round 4mm pins
- Plug Type E: grounded, 16A, two round 4.8mm pins with a grounding pin hole
- Type C plugs fit into Type E sockets, but without grounding protection
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, if your home country uses different plug types. Côte d'Ivoire uses Type C and Type E plugs, so travelers from countries with flat-pin or other round-pin standards will need an adapter to fit local wall sockets.
Côte d'Ivoire uses both Type C (Europlug) and Type E plugs. Type C is an ungrounded two-pin plug rated for low-power devices, while Type E is a grounded plug rated for up to 16 amps, commonly used for larger appliances.
Côte d'Ivoire runs on a 220V electrical system at 50Hz. This matches the standard used throughout much of Europe and Africa, so devices designed for 220-240V will work without a voltage converter.
Most modern phone chargers are dual-voltage and can handle 220V without a converter, so you'll typically only need a plug adapter to fit the Type C or Type E sockets. Check the voltage rating printed on your charger to confirm before plugging in.
