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Voltage and plug types by country: do you need an adapter?

Voltage and plug type letters for each country, grouped by whether a type C or F plug fits without an adapter, plus how to check your charger before you go.

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Two things to check before you plug in: voltage and plug type

Before you charge a phone or laptop abroad, check two things: the voltage at the socket (V) and the plug type. Plug types are labelled with letters such as A, C or G.

The voltages and plug types below are what this app shows for each country. They can change, so check official or local information before you go. Where a value has not been confirmed by an official source, we say "check official information".

The lists are grouped by whether a type C or F plug fits: countries where it fits without an adapter, countries where you need an adapter, and countries where you should check the plug type with official information.

Where a type C or F plug fits without an adapter (13)

These countries list C or F among their plug types, so a type C or F plug is shown as usable without an adapter.

When several letters are listed, those types are all in use, so the socket in your room may be a different type. If you have space, packing one adapter is a sensible backup.

Where a type C or F plug needs an adapter (9)

These countries list neither C nor F, so a type C or F plug needs an adapter. Before you leave, get one that matches the plug letter of your destination.

This group includes places with a different voltage, such as Japan (100V), Taiwan (110V) and the United States (120V). An adapter only matches the plug type and does not change the voltage, so read the voltage section below too.

Check the plug type with official information (15)

For these countries the plug type has not been confirmed by an official source, so this post does not say whether you need an adapter. Before you go, check official tourism information or ask your accommodation which socket type it has.

For Uzbekistan, Mexico, the Netherlands and India, the voltage also needs to be checked with official information. If you are unsure, an adapter that supports several plug types is a safe choice.

Checking voltage: start with the input range on your charger

Voltages vary from 100V to 240V. Just in this post you will find Japan at 100V, Taiwan at 110V, the United States and Canada at 120V, and countries at 220V, 230V and 240V.

Before you plug anything in, check the input (INPUT) voltage range printed on the charger or the device. If the local voltage is within that range, you only need to match the plug type. If it is outside the range, an adapter alone will not make it usable, so leave that device at home or use one made for the local voltage.

Be especially careful to check the input range on devices that heat up, such as hair dryers and hair straighteners.

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Pre-departure checklist

Run through this while you pack and you are less likely to be caught out on arrival.

FAQ

Can I plug a type C or F charger straight in in Japan?

Japan uses 100V with plug types A and B, so you need an adapter. Also check that 100V is within the input range printed on your charger.

Can I get around Europe without an adapter?

It depends on the country. Hungary, Switzerland, France, Italy, Spain and Germany are shown as not needing an adapter for a type C or F plug, while the United Kingdom is shown as needing one. For Czechia, Austria, Portugal, Poland and the Netherlands, check the plug type with official information.

What does "check official information" mean?

It means the value has not been confirmed by an official source, so we did not guess it. Check official information or ask your accommodation before you go.

If I have an adapter, do I still need to worry about voltage?

Yes. An adapter only matches the plug type and does not change the voltage. Check that your destination's voltage is within the input range printed on your device.

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