Travel Tips / Travel plug adapter guide
International travel plug adapter guide
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It is time to refresh your knowledge regarding the appropriate plug adapter for your trip.
Due to the UK government regularly adding new destinations to the green list, we may soon travel again, so it's time to review essential travel items. One of those things you only need when traveling is an international travel plug adapter, but you really can't travel without them. If you don't have an adapter, you won't be able to charge your electronic devices because there are so many different places around the world with different voltages and plug types. To save you the difficulty and disarray on whether you really want a movement connector, we've gathered a rundown of the most well known plug types utilized per nation and district, alongside supportive representations.
Note: Before making any travel arrangements, be sure to obtain the most recent version of our UK travel briefing. Check Skyscanner's Coronavirus Travel Advice, the FCDO's foreign travel advice, and the local government's advice for the nation you plan to visit for the most recent recommendations.
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Everything you need to know about your international travel plug adapter
When it comes to selecting the appropriate international travel plug adapter, there are often many options available. Voltage converters, a variety of plug types, wireless adapters, dual travel adapters/converters, and even universal travel adapters are all available. What works best for you depends on your requirements.
If your laptop or phone uses a different type of plug than the one used in the UK, you may need an adapter and a transformer to safely convert the voltage. However, you can purchase a travel converter and adapter unit, and most adapters can handle voltages between 100 volts and 240 volts. However, as this information will be marked on the adapter itself, check to make sure.
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Some kinds of plugs are used in more places. In Europe, plugs are typically type C, while in the United States, plugs are typically type A. However, in Asia, different plug types are used in different countries. Because these are broad guidelines, it's best to know exactly which type of plug is used in the area you're traveling to so you can be prepared and safe. Take a look at our extensive list of plug types:
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Type B: Japan, United States
If you’re traveling to a country that uses a Type B outlet, your US device may already be raring to go. Japan is on the list of countries that use the Type B configuration.
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Fits: Three prongs
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Two slots with hole below them for grounding
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Triangular pattern on round or triangular base
Type C: Most of Europe
Most of Europe uses the Type C adapter, which features a straightforward configuration of two round prongs of equal size.
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Fits: Two prongs
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Two round holes of equal size
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Elongated base with two holes side by side
Type D: India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Namibia
If you’re traveling to India, you’re likely to need the Type D adapter. Don’t confuse the Type D with the slightly larger Type M used in parts of South Africa. The Type D is smaller and based on old British standards that are still in use in certain countries.
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Fits: Three round prongs
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Two smaller holes, one larger hole beneath it
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Triangular configuration
Type E/F: France, Belgium, Germany, Spain, Russia, the Netherlands
Due to their similarities, Type E and Type F adapters are often sold as a single unit that can work with both configurations. You’ll find Type E in France and Belgium and Type F in Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands.
Type E
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Fits: Two round prongs with shallow hole for grounding pin
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Two round holes, one slightly raised grounding pin
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Triangular configuration, round base
Type F
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Fits: Two round prongs, two grounding clips on the side
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Two round holes, one slightly raised grounding pin
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Triangular configuration, round base
Type G: UK, Hong Kong, Ireland, Singapore, Malta, Malaysia
The Type G adapter has three flattened prongs and a triangular configuration. You’ll need it to access outlets in the UK, Ireland, Hong Kong and several other countries.
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Fits: Three flattened prongs
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Three slots, with one running perpendicular to the other two
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Triangular configuration
Cut to the Chase
If you’re traveling to multiple countries or are sick of hunting and pecking for the adapter, you may need before each international business trip, you can always go for a world set of adapters. World sets generally come with at least five of the most popular adapter configurations used around the globe.
You can also always dig more deeply with your research if your destination is not one of the more popular on the list of counties you need power adapters for. The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a great resource for travelers.
One more note is to check the voltage your electronic devices are designed to handle. Many laptops and other larger devices will accept a range of voltages, such as 110V to 240V, making them safe for higher voltages of 220 or more found in many other countries. Smaller devices like your chargers, however, may require a converter or transformer to work properly with the higher voltages found in other countries.
Map of the countries of the world colored by the nominal voltage and frequency they use.
FAQs
Do I require a travel adapter or converter?
A travel adapter or converter is usually required if you are going to be traveling outside of the country and need to use or charge any electronics or devices you brought with you. Portable socket converters are very helpful because there are so many different standards used around the world. One-region adapters, multi-way converters, and more complex universal Wi-Fi-enabled sockets are among the many options.
Is the voltage altered by travel adapters?
Even though many models are made to work with a wide range of voltage and current ratings, the vast majority of travel adapters do not change the voltage. Before using either the adapter or the device, make sure that they are compatible with the voltage and current in your area.
What Characteristics Should I Look for in a Universal Travel Adapter?
Depending on the model of plug adapter you select, the following useful additional features and benefits may be provided:
USB charging USB-C ports Wi-Fi connectivity Quick charge capabilities USB-PD Multiple voltage ratings In some places, an adapter may not be able to deliver the voltage you require. Incompatibility with local current ratings may affect some devices more than others. If this is the case, you might be able to use a voltage transformer or something similar to solve the issue.