French Guiana Power Plugs, Wall Sockets & Electrical Outlets
In French Guiana, power plugs and sockets (electrical outlets) of Type C (CEE 7/16 (Europlug), two round pins, ungrounded), Type D (BS 546, three large round pins in triangular pattern, grounded) 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 French Guiana.
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French Guiana uses:
Electrical Standards in French Guiana: Voltage, Frequency & Plug Type
French Guiana runs on a 220V, 50Hz electrical system, in line with the French metropolitan standard, since the territory is an overseas department of France. A French Guiana power plug will typically be either Type C (Europlug) or Type E, the same two plug types used throughout mainland France and much of continental Europe. Travelers arriving from regions that use 100-127V systems, such as the United States or Canada, will need to check their devices carefully, since plugging in electronics designed for lower voltages without confirming compatibility can cause damage.
Dual-Voltage Devices and French Guiana
Many modern electronics, including phone chargers, laptop power supplies, and camera battery chargers, are dual-voltage and built to accept anywhere from 100V to 240V at 50 or 60Hz. For these devices, only a simple plug adapter is needed to match the physical shape of a Type C or Type E socket-outlet, with no separate voltage converter required. Always check the fine print on the device's plug top or power brick, which usually states the accepted voltage range, before assuming it is safe to use in French Guiana.
French Guiana Electrical Outlets Explained
French Guiana's AC power plugs and sockets follow the French CEE 7/5 (Type E) design for grounded connections, alongside the ungrounded two-pin Type C Europlug for smaller electronics. Type E outlets are distinctive in that the grounding pin is built into the socket rather than the plug: a protruding pin in the wall socket-outlet slots into a hole on the plug itself, completing the ground connection. This recessed socket design also offers extra protection against accidental contact with live pins.
- Type C (Europlug): two round 4mm pins, 19mm long and 18.6mm apart; ungrounded; rated 2.5A at 220-240V; suited to low-power devices like phones, tablets, and small chargers.
- Type E: two round 4.8mm pins plus a socket-supplied grounding pin; grounded; rated 16A at 220-240V; suited to household appliances, kitchen equipment, and power tools.
- Type C plugs fit into Type E sockets, but only Type E provides grounding protection.
- E/F hybrid plugs, compatible with both French Type E and German Type F outlets, are widely available and work in French Guiana.
Where to Buy a Travel Adapter for French Guiana
Travel adapters that convert a foreign plug top into Type C or Type E pins are readily available before departure at airport electronics kiosks, luggage stores, and online retailers. Choosing an E/F hybrid adapter is a practical option since it works with both the French Type E socket-outlet and the more common German Schuko-style outlets found elsewhere in Europe. It is worth buying an adapter in advance, as selection and stock in French Guiana itself may be limited compared to larger travel markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, if your home country uses a different plug shape. French Guiana uses Type C and Type E plugs, so devices with other plug types will need an adapter to physically fit the local socket-outlet.
Most phone chargers are dual-voltage and can handle French Guiana's 220V, 50Hz supply without a converter. You'll typically only need a plug adapter to match the Type C or Type E socket, not a voltage converter.
French Guiana uses a 220V supply at 50Hz, matching the standard used throughout mainland France and much of Europe.
French Guiana uses Type C (Europlug), a two-pin ungrounded plug rated up to 2.5A, and Type E, a grounded plug rated up to 16A with a socket-supplied grounding pin. Both operate on the 220-240V system.
