Plug types and voltage around the world

The right plug adapter is one of the things travelers most often forget when going abroad. In this guide we explain the 15 plug types used around the world, each country's mains voltage, and how to tell whether your devices need an adapter or a converter. At the end of the page you'll find the plug type, voltage and frequency of 196 countries in a single table.

Last updated: November 2026

In short: two questions before you go

• Does the socket in your destination fit your device's plug? If not, you need a plug adapter.
• Can your device run on that country's voltage? If not, an adapter isn't enough; you need a voltage converter (transformer).

Quick look by region

• Europe (except the UK and Ireland) — Types C, E and F; 230 V, 50 Hz. You usually don't need an adapter between these countries.
• UK, Ireland, Malta, Cyprus and the Gulf states — Type G; 230–240 V.
• North and Central America, Japan — Types A and B; 100–127 V. Single-voltage 230 V devices won't work properly here.
• South America — Varies by country: N in Brazil, I in Argentina, C and L in Chile; voltage between 110 and 230 V.
• China, Australia and New Zealand — Type I (A and C are also common in China); 220–240 V.
• India and South Asia — Types C, D and M; 230 V.
• Africa — C and E/F are common in the north, D, G and M in the south; 220–240 V.

Adapter or converter?

An adapter only changes the shape of the plug; it doesn't change the electricity. A converter changes the voltage. You can tell which one you need from the "INPUT" line on your device's charger or label.

If the label says "100–240 V, 50/60 Hz", the device works anywhere in the world and an adapter alone is enough. Almost all chargers for phones, tablets, laptops and cameras are like this. If the label says only "230 V" or "220–240 V", the device won't work properly in a country that uses 110–120 V. Heating appliances such as hair dryers, straighteners and kettles are usually single-voltage.

Why do voltage and frequency matter?

There are two main mains systems in the world. Most of the Americas and Japan use 100–127 V, while Europe, most of Asia, Africa and Oceania use 220–240 V. The frequency is either 50 Hz or 60 Hz.

A single-voltage device made for 230 V runs weakly or not at all on 120 V. The reverse is more dangerous: a 120 V device plugged into 230 V can break within seconds and create a fire risk. The difference in frequency doesn't affect most modern devices; it may be noticeable in older motorized appliances and some clocks.

Plug types

Type A

Two flat parallel pins, ungrounded.

USA, Canada, Mexico, Japan and Central America

Type B

Type A plus a round grounding pin.

USA, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean

Type C

Two round pins, ungrounded (Europlug). Also fits most type E, F, J, K, L and N sockets.

Most of Europe, the Middle East, South America and parts of Asia

Type D

Three large round pins in a triangle.

India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and some African countries

Type E

Two round pins; grounding via a protruding pin in the socket.

France, Belgium, Poland, Czechia and Slovakia

Type F

Two round pins; grounding via metal clips on the sides (Schuko).

Türkiye, Germany, most of Europe, Russia and Central Asia

Type G

Three rectangular pins; a fuse inside the plug.

UK, Ireland, Malta, Cyprus, the Gulf states, Malaysia, Singapore

Type H

Three pins in a Y shape.

Israel and Palestine

Type I

Two flat pins in a V shape and a grounding pin below.

Australia, New Zealand, China, Argentina and the Pacific islands

Type J

Three round pins; the grounding pin is offset from the center.

Switzerland and Liechtenstein

Type K

Two round pins and a half-round grounding pin below.

Denmark and Greenland

Type L

Three round pins in a single row.

Italy, San Marino, Vatican City and Chile

Type M

Similar to type D, with three larger round pins.

South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini

Type N

Three round pins, compact design.

Brazil and South Africa (new standard)

Type O

Three round pins; grounding pin at the bottom.

Thailand

Practical tips

• If you're visiting several countries, a universal travel adapter that combines types A, C, G and I is the most practical solution.
• For grounded (three-pin) devices, make sure the adapter is grounded too.
• If you'll be charging several devices, bring a multi-port USB charger or a small extension cord, so one adapter is enough.
• Bathroom sockets in hotels are often for shavers only; don't plug a hair dryer into them.
• Cheap, unbranded adapters can overheat. Stop using any adapter that fits loosely or gets hot.
• Voltage converters are heavy and bulky; it's often easier to buy a dual-voltage hair dryer at your destination or use the hotel's.

Plug type, voltage and frequency by country