110 / 220 V
60 / 50 Hz
In French Polynesia, they use power outlets and plugs of type A, type B and type E. The voltage is 110 / 220 V, and the frequency is 60 / 50 Hz.
You will need an adapter for type A and E power outlets in French Polynesia A voltage converter may be necessary for your devices.
Be cautious with some devices due to the frequency difference.In French Polynesia, power outlets are of type A, B and E, similar to USA. A plug adapter is required for type A and E outlets. B outlets are compatible with your plugs, although they aren't always common in some areas.
Your plug B does not match outlet type A.
Your plugs match outlet type B.
Your plugs A and B do not match outlet type E.
Bring a grounding adapter to use your three-prong type B plugs in two-prong type A outlets.Since you'll need a travel adapter for French Polynesia when coming from USA, we suggest opting for a universal power adapter that works in many countries and will also prepare you for future trips.
Make sure to get a power adapter for outlets of type A and E. If you often go abroad, consider getting an all-in-one adapter (most adapters even have additional charging ports for USB-A and USB-C). Since you also need an international power (voltage) converter to keep your devices protected (more info further down), getting a combo power adapter/converter might be the best solution.
USA operates on a 120 V electrical system with a frequency of 60 Hz. In French Polynesia, the electrical system runs at 110 V or 220 V with a frequency of 60 / 50 Hz. Devices from USA, designed for the lower voltage of 120 V, are at serious risk of damage or even causing a fire hazard if used without proper precautions. In French Polynesia, where the voltage is potentially much higher, a step-up converter is essential to protect your electronics. Additionally, USA's 60 Hz frequency differs from French Polynesia's standard 60 Hz, which may impact the performance of certain devices.
120 V
60 Hz110 / 220 V60 / 50 HzA step-up voltage converter is crucial in French Polynesia, as the higher voltage can easily overwhelm electronics from USA.Look for a voltage converter that can adjust the frequency as well.A voltage converter keeps your electrical devices from French Polynesia running properly by adjusting the power to the right voltage. Without it, your devices could overheat or get damaged from the wrong power supply. Since you need a travel adapter as well, a combo power (voltage) converter with adapter features might be a good choice.
Please note: If your voltage converter can't switch the frequency, it’s safer not to use your electronics. Proceeding without caution could lead to issues, especially with devices that rely on precise timing or motors, like hair dryers, electric razors, kitchen appliances, and health-related equipment such as blood pressure monitors. These kinds of electronics are more vulnerable to damage or malfunction when the frequency is off. If you choose to use them anyway, be extremely cautious and always check the specifications first.
To confirm, check if your devices require a voltage converter by looking at the 'INPUT' label, typically found on the power adapter or charger. If the label shows "INPUT: 100-240V, 50/60 Hz," the device is built to handle different voltage and frequency ranges, meaning you’ll only need a plug adapter for the outlets in French Polynesia. This is typical for devices such as notebooks, smartphones, digital cameras, and also for tablets, e-readers, and some battery chargers.
In French Polynesia's 220 V regions your hair dryer could overheat and take substantial damage as it is designed for French Polynesia's 120 V, so you will need a voltage converter. Even where French Polynesia's outlets deliver 110 V, you may still encounter issues due to the difference in frequency (60 Hz in USA vs. 60 / 50 Hz in French Polynesia).
Yes, most laptops and smartphones support a wide voltage range (100-240V), so you can use them in French Polynesia without a voltage converter. Since both countries use the same frequency (60 / 50 Hz), there’s no issue.
In French Polynesia's 220 V regions you will need a voltage converter to prevent damage from overheating as your curling iron / hair straightener is designed for French Polynesia's 120 V. Even in regions where French Polynesia's outlets deliver 110 V, the difference in frequency (60 / 50 Hz in French Polynesia vs. 60 Hz in USA) may cause it to heat unevenly or work differently.
Yes, when traveling from USA, you will need a power adapter for type A and E power outlets in French Polynesia.
In French Polynesia's 220 V regions you will need a voltage converter, since your USA's device will typically support 120 V. In regions where 110 is used, you won’t need a converter, but the frequency difference (60 / 50 Hz vs. 60 Hz) might affect performance.
See if your power plugs from USA fit into the sockets of other destinations and whether you need a voltage converter.
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