travel adapter chart

Power Outlet Guide: Which Plug to Use in What Country

Packing , Packing Tips

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The plug shape dilemma can be a nightmare for travelers, especially if you’re planning to visit various countries – why oh why can’t there just be one plug shape that fits all? Worry no more; Travel Fashion Girl has put together the ultimate power outlet guide for determining which plug to use in what country!

International Power Outlet Guide

by Chantelle Malin

Table Of Contents

Plug shapes, holes, sizes and sockets vary in different countries, meaning a plug adapter is necessary to ensure your appliances from home can work abroad. However be warned, check the voltage as well, a hairdryer designed for use in North America could cause an involuntary fireworks display if plugged into a European socket.

This power outlet guide will give you a full breakdown on everything you need to know about plug shapes and sizes for each country around the world and you can find suggested travel gadgets at the end of the post.

Please read this voltage guide  to learn about the difference between travel adapters and converters.

We use and recommend the  Universal World Wide Travel Charger Adapter Plug  which works worldwide (except in South Africa as explained below). While it doesn’t act as a converter for your power supply, it’s a great value and offers a relatively compact option for those of you looking for an easy solution for international travel.

Plug Adapters

Here’s a quick look of the plugs and sockets used around the world. You can read more about each of them in the article below.

Used North and Central America and Japan (among others)

Power outlet type A  has two flat parallel prongs, it is predominantly used in North and central America and Japan.

The Japanese plug has two identical flat prongs, whereas the US plug has one prong that is slightly larger, it is not a problem to use Japanese plugs in the US, however the opposite doesn’t always work. The holes at the tip of the prongs on type A (and B) plugs are there to prevent the plug slipping out from the socket, pretty nifty!

Worth a note -Both A and B plugs are amongst the most dangerous types in the world, the prongs are not insulated – meaning if the plug is pulled halfway out its prongs are still connected to the socket, increasing the risk of electrocution. Always make sure you’re electronics are properly disconnected!

Power outlet type  B  has two flat parallel prongs and a grounding pin, it is a standard plug for North America and Japan, but probably used less frequently in the latter, as with type A, the Japanese plug and sockets differ slightly from their American equivalents.

Used in all countries of Europe except the United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus and Malta

Power outlet type  C  has two round prongs – it is probably the most widely used international plug and is commonly known as the Europlug. Type C plugs are commonly used; however this isn’t the case for type C sockets – the sockets are ‘ungrounded’, and because of this safety issue, have become illegal.

Worth a note : Only the SOCKETS have become illegal, the type C plug fits into type E, F, J, K, and N sockets.

Used mainly in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Namibia

Power outlet type  D  has three large round pins in a triangular pattern and is a rated at 5 amps, along with type A and B, the type D plugs are amongst the most dangerous ones in the world – they again feature prongs that are not insulated, increasing the risk of electrocution.

Primarily used in France, Belgium, Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Tunisia and Morocco

Power outlet type  E  is fairly similar to that of C, with the plug featuring two round prongs, with the exception that the type E socket includes an ‘earth pin’ that fits into the slot located on the plug.

Used in (amongst others) Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Portugal, Spain and Eastern Europe

Power outlet type  F was designed in Germany shortly after the First World War, it is commonly known as the ‘Schuko plug’ which is the acronym of the German word ‘Schutzkontakt’ translating as ‘protection contact’. It is similar to a type C plug except that it has the addition of two earth clips on the side of the plug; generally a type C plug fits perfectly in the above socket.

Mainly used in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Malta, Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong

Power outlet type  G  has three rectangular prongs that form a triangle, it is in no doubt that the type G plugs are the safest in the world, however have often been described as being ‘hulking’, ‘cumbersome’ and ‘bigger that the appliance they’re connected to’ (being from the UK I can confidently say this is a SLIGHT exaggeration).

Used exclusively in Israel

Power outlet type  H is unique to Israel, it has two flat prongs – similarly to plug B – however they form a V shape rather than being parallel, they also include an earth pin, in the 80’s the holes of the plugs were made round in order to accommodate type C plugs as well. Along with the other plugs mention the type H plug can be dangerous, containing no insulation to protect from electrocution. The plug is also used in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

Mainly used in Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Argentina

Power outlet type  I  features 3 pins, two flat prongs and a earth pin, that form a V shape, there is also a ungrounded version of the plug, featuring only two flat V shaped prongs. Although there are minor differences, the type I plug can fit with the sockets used in mainland China.

Used almost exclusively in Switzerland and Liechtenstein

Power outlet type  J  is similar to the C plug, except that it has the addition of an earth pin, a type C plug can fit into a type J socket.

Used exclusively in Denmark, Greenland and the Faeroe Islands

Power outlet type  K  is similar to that of F, except that it has an earth pin instead of grounding clips; again a type C plug generally fits into a type K socket. Denmark features a large amount of E/F plugs; because of this the Danish government chose to make it legal to install type E and F sockets as well.

Used almost exclusively in Italy and randomly found throughout North Africa

Power outlet type  L  features two different styles (a 10 and 16 amp variety) that have different prong thickness and spacing, the 10 amp socket is compatible with type C plugs. Nowadays universal sockets are become more popular, a ‘bipasso’ socket accepts L and C plugs, whereas the universal ‘schuko’ accepts C, E, F and L plugs.

Used almost exclusively in South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho

Power outlet type  M  is similar to the Indian type D; however its pins are much larger, even though the type D plug is standard in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Namibia, type M can be also used, generally for larger appliances – some power outlets can take both M and D plugs; it is also used in Israel for heavy appliances.

Please note : the type M is the one plug style that is usually NOT included in worldwide travel adapters.

Used almost exclusively in Brazil

Power outlet type  N  consists of two pins and an earth pin, is very similar in look to the Swiss type J standard, however it is incompatible as the type N earth pin is in a slightly different position. Like the type M, the above plug features two versions (one at 10amps and one at 20amps), like many the N socket has been designed to accommodate the type C plug.

You’ll want to look your best when you travel! Read my travel tips to Pack Light Stylishly !

Travel Gadget Ideas

TFG Top Pick for Worldwide Travel: NEWVANGA  

For the top-rated international adapter for multiple countries , readers love the  NEWVANGA Universal Travel Adapter which works for 150 countries that include spots in Europe to Asia. It has two USB charging ports, surge protection, and works with devices such as cell phones, tablets, and laptops. 

However, it’s not recommended you use this with heavier appliances like a clothes iron or hair dryer. You’d be better off purchasing a hair dryer that’s dual voltage. Buy it here!

SublimeWare Fast Charging International Adapter

Best Worldwide Adapter for Multiple Devices: SublimeWare

If you’re traveling in a pair and need a few ports, the SublimeWare Adpater has four USB ports and fits nicely into the wall, allowing for charging and power to multiple devices. 

This also is compatible in 150 countries and there’s a pin locking mechanism so the prongs stay out and secure while in use. With over 7,000 positive reviews, this one’s a worldwide winner. Buy it here!

Best Worldwide Adapter for Single Destination Trips: Ceptics

If you’re only hitting one or two places and don’t want to haul around an weighty adapter, this set of 5 single adapters by Ceptics are ideal to bring instead! The one pictured is a set of 5 adapters, but you can get a 13-piece set that includes a wall plugin with USB ports, or you can grab a world power strip with two USB ports. Buy it here!

BESTEK Universal Travel Adapter 100-220V to 110V Voltage Converter

Best Worldwide Adapter and Conveter for Europe: BESTEK

Equipped with a d irect EU plug and four worldwide adapters, and a converter for 100-240V to 110-120V which powers up your US electronic device safely, this BESTEK converter and adapter kit is worth a look. It also has multi-charging capability which is perfect for business travelers or digital nomads. If you need a carrying case for your BESTEK kit Aproca sells a functional, cute one!

While recommended for Europe, the adapters also cover over a 100 countries and users say its become their go-to power source for travel. Buy it here!

DOACE X11 2200W Travel Voltage Converter and Adapter

Best Worldwide Adapter and Conveter for Hair Appliances: DOACE

While it’s recommended to buy dual voltage hair tools, there may be an occasion you prefer to bring what you already own. In that case, reviewers say the DOACE Travel Voltage Converter Kit is reliable and can handle the power conversion easily— from 220-240V to USA standard voltage 110V/120V . 

This all in one International power adapter and converter has two adapters and four USB ports, which is enough to simultaneously power seven devices. And the adapters can cover 150 plus countries. Satisfied users report it works well with Conair and Babylisspro hair tools, with one even saying it powered their cpap machine! 

Just remember to plug into the adapter with the US flag for conversion and pack it into the sturdy plastic carrying case to keep it from getting damaged. Buy it here!

Product Comparison Chart

  Do you travel with a single or multi-country travel adapter?

Please read these posts for more travel packing tips:

• Best Travel Accessories 
• How to Avoid Theft While Traveling
• How to Downsize Your Toiletries 
• Voltage Converter vs. Travel Adapter

Hope you found this international power outlet guide helpful. Please share with your friends on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!

13 comments.

This is the best article I have found on travel adapters. Thank you for breaking it down and giving different options. Glad I found this before our trip!

Such great info! Definitely marked this post as a keeper!

I have two sockets in my home. One is a US socket. I can’t identify the other having used your guide. I believe it is a 220v socket. Not sure if I can bring in a 240 appliance from the UK to fit the socket.

Hi Julie, this article explains everything you need to know about voltage, adapters, and converters: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/voltage-converter-vs-travel-adapter-how-do-they-work/

To get the best advice I would also highly recommend that you join our TFG facebook group and post your question there: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelfashiongirls/ It’s a fabulous community of helpful female travelers that love to share their travel advice and recommendations.

Hope this helps. Have an awesome time on your travels!

I am traveling to Hanoi Vietnam. What adapter do I need to accommodate my C Pap?

Hi Cynthia, thank you for reaching out! Vietnam use type A, C and D: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/vietnam/electricity It would be best if you purchased a universal world wide travel adapter, such as the one featured on the article. There are more suggestions and tips here: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/voltage-converter-vs-travel-adapter-how-do-they-work/

If you need any more help with your packing, we also have this guide on Vietnam: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/what-to-wear-in-vietnam/ Have an amazing time! ?

Thanks for the recommendation. Unfortunately delivery to Australia was gong to be $168AUD and the item is only approx. $66AUD. Would love the product but can not justify it

Hi Linda, at the moment, we are only able to sell our Compass Rose products via Amazon USA. When Amazon global shipping stopped working for Australia, we set up an independent site with direct sales and shipping on the Travel Fashion Girl website just for our readers located in Australia. However, due to a low volume of sales, shipping challenges, and complaints, I’m afraid we had to discontinue this service.

We hope you understand that we are still in the beginning stages of this business journey and hope we can offer global shipping in-house in the future. For now, we are only able to ship globally to the countries serviced by Amazon USA, I am sorry about this ? Hope you have an amazing time on your trip!

Please note that the C will not always fit into a J for two reasons:

1) The J socket is quite often inside a hexagonal recess and the pins on a normal EU plug, are not long enough to make contact however sometimes the sockets do not have this hexagonal surround.

2) The pins on a C plug are quite often thicker than those used on a J plug, so if you are lucky enough to find a socket without the hexagonal shape as mentioned above, the C plug pins are too thick for the J socket.

As a quick hack, you can cut off the earth pin of a J plug and as a result you now have a plug that will fit a C socket and G (if you insert something into the earth pin opening, to open the live and neutral small doors on the G socket).

Hi Chris, thank you for sharing this with us! 🙂

Can I use a type c adapter in Israel?

Hi Debbie, for Israel there are three associated plug types, C, H and M. Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins, plug type H has three pins in a triangular shape and type M has three round pins.

Israel operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.

Hope this helps!

I just bought this to use in Spain next month. I have an adapter for my camera battery charger but otherwise, I’m looking forward to using this!

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Advertisement

The Best Travel Plug Adapter

By Geoffrey Morrison

If you want to use electronic devices in a different country, you’ll probably need a travel plug adapter. After spending more than 30 hours researching and testing 14 options, we found the Epicka Universal Travel Adapter to be the best one. It fits four types of outlets, and it has more USB ports than any of its competitors, so it can can charge more devices at higher speeds.

Everything we recommend

Epicka Universal Travel Adapter

Best universal travel adapter.

With four plugs that will work in most countries, plus faster-charging USB ports (and more of them) than its competitors, this adapter is the best all-around choice.

Buying Options

Ceptics International Worldwide Travel Plug Adapter 5 Piece Set

The best plug adapter.

Individually, these tiny plug adapters are smaller, lighter, and cheaper than any universal travel adapter. To juice up multiple devices, though, you’d need a separate multiport charger too.

Ceptics Plug Adapter Set

Heavier, but sturdier.

The plugs in this set of five are bigger and heavier than our top pick for plug adapters, but more solidly built.

In a sea of almost-identical travel adapters, the Epicka Universal Travel Adapter stands out, combining the best of the features we were looking for. It contains the three most common international plugs and a US-style plug, which should cover you in the majority of countries around the world. It has the most USB ports—four of the standard USB-A and one USB-C—of any universal adapter we tested, and it could charge more of our devices faster. A replaceable fuse and an included spare should take the brunt of any accidental, unfortunate, or shockingly bad connections. The Epicka is fairly compact and well built, and it even comes with a nylon case.

However, no universal travel adapter is truly universal, and they’re all a lot bulkier and more expensive than simple plug adapters. If you want the smallest adapter possible, or if you’re going someplace where a universal adapter won’t work (more on that in a minute), then a plug adapter could be what you need.

The Ceptics tiny plug adapters are barely larger than the prongs they convert. Small, simple, and cheap, they’re perfect for someone who wants to carry only the adapter they’ll need and who already has a multiport USB wall charger they like. Like our universal adapter picks, this set contains the three most common international plugs and the US plug. However, it also includes a somewhat rarer plug used in some European countries that has two thick, cylindrical prongs. This means that the Ceptics will likely cover you in even more places—as long as you pack the appropriate plug adapter.

These plug adapters are bigger than our top pick for plug adapters, but this means they offer a larger surface for chargers to brace against, which makes them more stable and less likely to fall off the wall. (We’ll call these “ Ceptics White ” to minimize confusion and set them apart from our “Ceptics Black” top pick.) While you can purchase these as a five-pack, which contains basically the same assortment of plugs as the Ceptics Black set, the company also sells, in this same model line, three-packs for nearly a dozen specific regions. So if you’re headed to a country not covered by the so-called universal travel adapters (for example, Brazil , India , Israel , or South Africa ), or if you want to purchase multiple adapters for your gear, there’s probably an option available here.

A note up here, which we’ll discuss in detail below: All of these are adapters only . They do not convert voltage. The majority of your electronic devices only need adapters—the voltage converter is built into the charger itself. (If the device charges via USB, just about any USB port will suffice, though different ports may provide different charging speeds.) Check out Do you need a voltage converter? if you’re curious about these aspects.

The research

Why you should trust us, who should get this, how we picked, how we tested, our pick: epicka universal travel adapter, flaws but not dealbreakers, our pick: ceptics international worldwide travel plug adapter 5 piece set, runner-up: ceptics adapter plug set for worldwide international travel use, do you need a voltage converter, the competition.

In addition to my work here at Wirecutter, I also write about tech and travel for CNET, Forbes, and Wirecutter’s parent company, The New York Times . Perhaps more relevant to this guide, I usually spend a good chunk of each year (global pandemics aside) as a digital nomad, living months at a time in different countries all over the world. My current country count is 50, spread across six continents, and since I travel with a lot of electronics gear for work, being able to plug in is obviously crucial.

I’ve owned and used many different types of universal-style travel adapters, and several different companies’ worth of plug adapters, plus I’ve talked with countless travelers about what they like … or, more important, what they hate. We also got some advice from Wirecutter's Mark Smirniotis, who used to oversee our power devices section.

Do you travel? Are you going to travel sometime in the (near or far) future? Do you want to be able to charge or use electronic devices in a different country? If so, you’re probably going to need a travel plug adapter. There’s a variety of different outlet types around the world, not to mention different voltages and frequencies, so you can’t expect your phone charger to just plug in and work wherever you’re headed. Sure, Canada, Mexico, Japan, and many other countries use the same small pair of prongs as the US, but places like continental Europe, the UK, Australia, India, Russia, and pretty much everywhere else do not.

You have two main choices when it comes to travel plug adapters: the universal-style travel adapters (that’s one device with multiple sets of prongs that you extend and retract) and smaller, individual plug adapters that usually come in sets. Both have pros and cons.

Should you get a universal travel adapter or a simple plug adapter?

Universal travel adapters are for the person who wants one handy adapter that will work in just about every country. You can keep it next to your passport and toss it in your luggage when you’re packing. The ones we considered have USB ports, so you don’t need to worry about bringing a separate charger for anything that charges via USB (think  phones  and noise-cancelling headphones ). However, these are bulky, they have parts that can break, and even the best will take longer to charge your phone or tablet than will a good USB wall charger .

The alternative is small and simple plug adapters. These attach to the prongs of your current USB charger (whether it’s a multiport one or the charger that came with your device) to allow them to fit into a foreign outlet. These can work because nearly every modern charger can adjust to the available voltage in pretty much every country, as long as you can adapt the prongs to fit in the outlet. (More on this in Do you need a voltage converter? ) These are great for people who already have a multiport USB charger they like and don’t want to deal with the additional bulk of a universal travel adapter. Also, these are necessary if you’re traveling to a country that has outlets incompatible with any of the four types included in a universal adapter (which, as that sentence reveals, aren’t actually universal).

The choice between universal travel adapters and individual plug adapters ultimately comes down to personal preference. Both types work, and different people will like or dislike each. If you’re not sure which will be best for you, read each section here closely.

Here’s the big caveat: If you’re planning on bringing something with you that has a motor, a heating element, or a single power cord that leads directly from the plug to the device (i.e. there’s no power brick or wall wart ), it almost certainly won’t work with a travel plug adapter. Most people will only need one of the adapter choices we recommend, but very occasionally there’s a piece of gear that needs a voltage converter. For more on that topic, also check out the voltage converters section below.

Where in the world will your travel plug adapter work?

All universal travel adapters have four different sets of prongs, which cover most countries most Americans tend to travel to. First is the big, wide-blade UK-style plug (often designated "Type G”) . This will work in places like the UK, obviously, and also Ireland, Hong Kong, and some other parts of Asia and the Middle East.

Next is the round Europe-style plug, aka the Europlug (Type C) . However, this is where we run into complications. This plug should work in most of Europe—it was designed, in fact, to fit into a wide range of European outlet types. For instance, parts of Italy, Switzerland, and Denmark each use different plugs from one another. Should this double-round one work in those locations? Yes. Will it? Hard to say. I’ve stayed in places where my Europlug didn’t work, yet it did in the hostel before and the hotel after—all within the same small region of a country. With any luck, if this happens to you, the place you’re staying will have a power strip that will let you plug in, though there’s no guarantee of that.

Third is the angled small-blade style (Type I) found in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and other parts of Oceania, and a few other areas. Some universal adapters have one set of blades for this and the US style—you just manually rotate the blades into the correct position depending on where you are. In our testing, we had no trouble getting them to work.

The last, the small US-style blades (Type A or B) , mean you could use our picks to visit the US and other countries that have the same plugs—if, that is, you’re reading this from outside the US.

What are the places not covered by these four styles? Some parts of Brazil, South Africa, India, and more. I’ve stayed in parts of Italy, for example, that should have Europlugs but only had something called Type L . I’ve stayed in houses in Brazil that had Type N , but the Europlug fit enough to work. In others, it wouldn’t.

To find out which plugs you might need while traveling, refer to the excellent Wikipedia article called Mains electricity by country that shows pictures of (almost) all the possible plugs and outlets, along with a list of the world’s countries and (almost all of) the style or styles they use. This is invaluable information to check before you leave. If multiple plug types are listed for a specific country and you’re staying in an older building, you should probably assume its outlets will require whatever plug isn’t on a universal travel adapter, since these only have the most common, newer varieties of plugs.

Which brings us to perhaps the most important fact: Getting your gear to work in different countries isn’t quite as simple as it should be, and there’s no single solution that’s guaranteed to work for everyone. Our picks should work for you, but you may have some random piece of equipment, or be traveling to some country, for which our “good for most” picks just won’t work. (Case in point: One Wirecutter editor visited Iceland recently. The house she stayed in had outlets unlike anything on Wikipedia’s chart, and the plug adapters she’d used elsewhere in Reykjavik didn’t fit at all. It turns out the mystery sockets belonged to an obscure Italian system from the 1960s that was popular in Iceland for a time. Luckily, the hosts had power strips in the house that her adapters fit into.) We’ll try to mention such potential caveats when we can, but the world is a big place, and when it comes to electricity and wall outlets, there’s a lot of variation. That’s important to keep in mind.

There are approximately 70 billion universal travel plug adapters on the Web. However, after spending 20 hours staring at them, I found there’s only about a dozen basic designs—and countless “companies” selling them. Among those dozen or so actually different products, I saw a few distinctions that helped narrow the field. Since most options had four USB ports, that seemed like a reasonable minimum to require. Their maximum power output, rated in amps, became a determining factor in our rankings. The higher the maximum output, the faster the port will charge your gear.

Some plugs came with a replaceable fuse, which seemed like a good idea, and a few included a replacement for said fuse, which seemed even better. This way, if either you plug the adapter into a sketchy outlet or a roommate at the hostel uses your adapter to plug in their completely necessary portable arc welder, the fuse will go, not your adapter. Then it’s just a matter of swapping in the included spare fuse and you’re good to go.

These fuses have a maximum power rating, and therefore the adapters have a maximum wattage rating. However, you shouldn’t be connecting anything with a high enough power draw to trip these fuses. Check out Do you need a voltage converter? for more information. The short version is that recharging portable electronic devices is fine, but powering anything that has a motor or heats up is not. Nearly every appliance or device has its power draw written on it somewhere , so worst case, you can compare that to what’s listed on the adapter. And so you don’t have to look it up, volts × amps = watts.

The other option we considered and tested is individual plug adapters. These small adapters attach to the prongs of your current charger so they’ll plug into a foreign outlet. In deciding which of these to test, we judged by size and available plug-type options. As you’ll see with our two picks, one is exceptionally small, and the other offers sturdier plugs that are available in a range of plug types that’s wide enough to cover you no matter where in the world you’re headed.

The universal travel adapters are far more similar to one another than they are different. However, getting in a dozen and playing with them for a while revealed that some felt better put together than others. After spending several minutes with each one, forcefully extending the various plugs, slamming them back in, and just being fairly rough with them, I found it easy to tell which felt like they’d last a few trips, and which wouldn’t. None felt like you’d own them for a lifetime. Since none are expensive, though, this didn’t seem like a major issue.

All had a US-style plug, so I tested each one in several outlets around my house—some new, some old. I didn’t find much difference in how they fit and worked. I connected several chargers and plugs to the output side of each adapter as well. Again, not much difference. Last, I checked how bright the LED on each was, since a too-bright LED keeping me awake has been a pet peeve of mine for years. Many USB chargers have LEDs bright enough to practically read from; I eliminated any universal adapter that had this problem.

For the plug adapters, I tried plugging in several devices, as well as inserting them into outlets around my house. I checked how tight the connections were and how they felt overall. Would they fall apart with simple use or perhaps hold up to being tossed around in bags for a few weeks or months?

In reality, the testing for all the adapter types didn’t reveal much variation in terms of performance. These are all remarkably similar products. How they felt to use and their different features played a far bigger role in establishing our final picks.

While all the universal travel adapters we tested included the same three types of plugs (plus the familiar US-style one), they differed in how many USB ports each had and how quickly they could charge—and that’s where the Epicka Universal Travel Adapter excelled. It has five USB ports: four of the standard USB-A size and one of the newer USB-C. (You may not have a USB-C device at the moment, but you likely will in the future.) These will let you charge, say, three phones, two tablets, and—via the adapter’s main plug—a camera battery that has its own wall charger, all at once.

In addition, and just as important, is the maximum power output: 5.6 amps. This was the highest of all the adapters we considered, which means you can charge more of your devices at higher speeds before hitting the max output.

Keep in mind that the maximum output per USB-A port is 2.4 amps, the max on the USB-C port is 3 amps, and if you’re using all five ports you won’t be able to charge every connected device at full speed—it’ll only give you that 5.6 amp output in total . The output is still far lower than what you can get from a decent USB charger combined with our pick for a simple plug adapter (more on that in the plug adapter section , below), but it’s significantly better than most universal travel adapters, which often max out under 3 amps total.

The Epicka has three sliders on one side, with a button on the other to lock/unlock your chosen plug in place. This arrangement feels more secure than the semi-locking or slide-locking system that some other universals use. However, this is plastic-on-plastic, so don’t expect a tank. As these things go, the Epicka feels sturdy. The US and Australia share a pair of prongs—you twist the prongs manually to set them up for an angled Australia-style outlet.

The four regular USB plugs are all on one side, which is tidier than the “flailing gibbon” look of some other universal adapters.

The above details were what put the Epicka at the top of our list, but the adapter has a few other features that are the cherry on top, so to speak. For instance, it comes with a small nylon case and a USB cable with a split end, so it works with either Micro-USB or Lightning devices. While the adapter has an LED to show you it’s working, the glow isn’t so bright as to be a distraction at night.

One last note. There are multiple Epicka universal adapters, and even Epicka can’t keep the names straight. We’ve seen this one called, variously, Universal Travel Adapter, International Travel Adapter, Travel Adapter-2, Universal USB Travel Power Adapter (2018), and even Universal Travel Adapter One Worldwide International Wall Charger AC Plug Adaptor with 5.6A Smart Power 3.0A USB Type-C for USA EU UK AUS Cell Phone Tablet Laptop (Grey). Best to follow the link above. Also, you may find another company selling a twin of this. The Epicka has the most reviews and offers free shipping with Prime. The other options we saw have few or no reviews, or charge outrageous shipping costs.

As with all of these adapters, I wouldn’t expect the Epicka to last forever. Given its locking design and case, it’s probably going to last longer than many others, but all of these are almost entirely inexpensive plastic devices. Just something to keep in mind.

While the prongs themselves felt secure, and being able to lock them into place was nice, it’s entirely possible that the size and weight of the adapter, plus whatever you’ve plugged into it, could pull it out of an outlet. That is, unfortunately, a risk with every universal adapter.

Another risk with any universal adapter—as we mentioned above—is that it’s not going to work where you’re headed. Epicka claims it will work in 150 countries, but there are more than 200 countries (the exact number is harder to pin down than you might realize) . And even in each of those 150 countries, there’s no guarantee that the adapter will work in every outlet in every building. Plug adapters are a somewhat safer bet to work specifically where you’re going, but they have their own downsides, which we’ll discuss below.

Also, while the Epicka is a little smaller than some of the others we tested, all universal adapters are much bulkier than plug adapters. As someone who has spent most of the past several years traveling, I feel plug adapters are far easier and less annoying to deal with. This is largely why we have two recommendations for that category.

The Ceptics Plug Adapter set combines everything we were looking for in plug adapters: small size, solid build quality, and—well, small size is really the thing here. Each adapter is no larger than it needs to be to fit over the American-style prongs of your charger. The plastic feels solid and not flimsy. Each adapter has the region or countries it should be used in written on the side. The five plugs in the set are the same four as you’ll find on the universal adapters recommended above, plus the thicker, round European-style prongs used in parts of France, parts of Asia, and elsewhere.

Though the set comes with a small case, you probably wouldn’t be traveling with the entire set very often. Instead, you’d pack just the specific adapter or adapters you’d be using on each trip. These are for the person who wants to travel as light and as simply as possible. I myself, and my friends who travel frequently, swear by these small, inexpensive adapters. Also, if you have a USB multiport charger you like or a charger that’s especially fast, you can use that charger with just a tiny, almost weightless plug at the end.

However, plug adapters aren’t for everyone, and that’s why they’re not our main pick. For one thing, if you don’t already own a multiport USB wall charger, you’ll still have to get one if you don’t want to carry a charger for each device. Also, depending on what you’re connecting with these plug adapters, your charger or device could wobble and maybe fall out. The connections inside are solid enough that this shouldn’t happen, but it’s possible. Our universal-adapter picks, as well as the other Ceptics set we discuss below, have a larger “face” for your charger to brace against—more like that of a traditional outlet—so there’s less chance of gravity having its way with your gear.

Being small and inexpensive, plug adapters are not built for high-power, high-wattage items, though hopefully we’ve persuaded you to leave those at home . If you’re charging a battery, you should be fine. If you’re running a motor, probably not. Laptops, yes; mini-fridges, no.

Last, these things being so small, you could easily lose them in your bag or leave them behind in an outlet somewhere, if you’re the type of person who loses things. (That’s why I usually keep mine connected to my charger.)

For a hardcore traveler like me, these are my pick. They’re cheap, light, and small, and they work.

Though made by the same company as the Ceptics International Worldwide Travel Plug Adapter 5 Piece Set—and bearing a confusingly similar name—the plug adapters in the Ceptics Adapter Plug Set for Worldwide International Travel Use are, as you can see, a completely different design. They’re much larger than the other Ceptics (let’s call the previous set Ceptics Black and this one Ceptics White for simplicity). Nonetheless, they’re each smaller than a universal adapter, and they have one key benefit over our top plug-adapter pick: You can purchase them in multipacks for individual regions, including regions beyond those covered by the Ceptics Black set.

The Ceptics White are small, but not as small as the Ceptics Black. That extra size does offer one benefit, however: These adapters have more of a face on the output side, so there’s more surface for your charger to lean against. This means your charger is less likely to fall out. Again, neither set of plugs we tested had loose connections, but this is always a risk, as chargers vary. One other difference: In place of the two-pronged US plug we saw (type A) in our other picks, this set includes the three-pronged grounded version .

The real benefit to the Ceptics Whites, however, is not their physical characteristics. This range is one of your only options if you want to buy a plug adapter for a specific region or country. Headed to India or South Africa ? A universal adapter probably won’t work, but you can get a three-pack of Ceptics that will. You can also buy the offset three-prong and in-line three-prong for Switzerland and Italy, respectively, as well as plugs for Israel and Brazil , both the thin and the thick European plugs, and of course, Australia and UK versions too. They cost less than $10 per set. Any of those links will bring you to a page that lets you choose among plugs for different regions—definitely verify at checkout that you’ve picked the correct ones!

These adapters are ideal for someone headed to a country not covered by a universal adapter, or who has multiple chargers they want to plug in while traveling. They’re not quite as compact as the Ceptics Black adapters, but for most people, this difference in size won’t be an issue. I’ve traveled with these Ceptics plugs for many years, and they show no signs of wear.

Every adapter you see in this guide merely sends the current from the wall directly to whatever you plug into it. These are not voltage converters. Which is to say, if you’re in the UK, whatever you plug into the front of the adapter is going to get the UK’s 220 volts/50 hertz electricity, not the 120 volt/60 hertz that you’d get in the US. Travel plug adapters don’t convert the voltage; they only convert the plug . (Our universal picks do convert the local current to USB voltage, but only for the USB ports.)

However, for the vast majority of people, this is all you need. It’s exceptionally rare that anyone would need a voltage converter anymore. This is because most so-called wall warts, like on your phone charger or your camera’s battery charger, will convert the wall voltage into what it needs automatically.

Take a look at your charger. Somewhere, it should say “100–220V 50/60Hz.” This means it can accept anything between 100 V and 220 V, which covers domestic electricity pretty much everywhere, and either 50 Hz or 60 Hz, which again covers everything. If your charger doesn’t say this, it might not work with a travel adapter. If it only says "120V–60Hz," it will almost certainly not work—or not work correctly—with a travel adapter.

But here’s the other reason we don’t recommend buying a voltage converter: Your device might not work even with one. Anything with a motor (like hair dryers), anything with a heating element (like a clothing iron or a curling iron), or anything with a plug that goes directly to the device (as in no wall wart), probably won’t work in another country regardless of what kind of converter or adapter you bring . The good news is, pretty much every hotel, hostel, and Airbnb will have a hair dryer you can borrow. This is one of those times where we can’t cover everything you might want to bring, but for the vast majority of you, you don’t need a voltage converter. Either it’s not necessary, or the device that needs one won’t work anyway. Worst case, if it’s something cheap and you really need it—a hot pot or an electric kettle, say—consider buying one at your destination.

One occasional exception is electric razors. These often fall into the “single cable, no wall wart, has a motor” category. Which is to say, they probably won’t work without a voltage converter. (Again, check the fine print near the plug or on the device itself.) Many hotels have a shaver plug in the bathroom , with a US-style outlet and US-style 110 volt-or-so voltage. However, not every hotel will have these, and they’re very rare in hostels and Airbnbs. If you need one, best to call ahead and see if your hotel has them. Or use disposables on your trip.

It’s worth noting again for clarity, USB is USB, so if you’re just plugging in a USB cable , unless something is horribly wrong, one USB port’s voltage is the same as any other USB port’s voltage. How fast that port will charge your gear will vary (that’s related to amperage), but unless the charger is faulty, a USB port shouldn’t damage your gear.

We considered many more adapters than those listed here. However, the majority of travel adapters available boil down to just a dozen or so designs sold by myriad companies. We’ve listed two representatives of each of the most common designs, but in most cases, many more exist. Chances are, if it looks similar and has similar specs, it’s probably the same inside.

Universal travel adapters

Askali, Unidapt , others: Only 3.4 amps maximum output, which means it’ll take longer to charge all of your devices.

Bluegogo  (currently unavailable): Only two USB and slower-charging than our picks.

Bonaker: Formerly our runner-up pick, this travel adapter had the usual mix of four plug types to cover you in most countries, but its four USB-A ports were slower than our top pick’s, and it had no USB-C port at all. It’s also since disappeared from Amazon.

Bonazza , Urbo , others: Feels flimsy, even compared with others here. Two-piece design is more cumbersome than helpful. Only 3.4 amps maximum output.

Ceptics Travel Power Strip : The Travel Power Strip combines the interchangeable-plug aspect of the Ceptics Plug Adapter Set with a two-outlet power strip and short extension cord. It also has USB-A and USB-C outputs. If you have multiple non-USB items you want to charge at once—a laptop and a camera charger, for instance—this is a good option. But we think most travelers will prefer the more portable brick design of our picks over this power strip.

Conair Travel Smart : It has only one USB port, with a maximum of 1 amp, but with three outlets, it’s one of the few travel adapters that lets you plug in multiple non-USB devices.

Monoprice Compact Cube Universal Travel Adapter : I own one of these, and it’s fine, but if you’re going the universal route, our picks have USB charging for just a few dollars more. If you don’t need USB charging, our plug-adapter picks are probably better choices. Insten is a similar product but with, apparently, surge suppression built in. But as there’s no way to change the fuse, this is likely one-and-done if you plug in something too powerful.

Mu One (currently unavailable): The Mu offered a much higher power output than other travel adapters: 45 watts, enough to quickly charge even a big-battery device such as a MacBook Air. However, after trying and failing to launch a Mu Two in 2020, the company went out of business. The name and remaining assets were bought by a company called Discovery Club, which seems to be selling off the inventory.

Ougrand (green) : Same shape as the Unidapt, but with a USB-C in place of one of the regular USB connections; 3.4 amp max total.

Huanuo  (currently unavailable): A bit bulky, with three regular USB ports and one USB-C; 3.4 amps maximum.

WGGE , Jollyfit : Only 2.4 amps max, less than either of our picks.

Plug adapters

Bestek Grounded Universal Worldwide Plug : Likely made in the same factory as the Ceptics White plugs, the Bestek set looks the same and is roughly the same price. It offers a wide variety of plug types, but lacks the Type C Europlug that’s common in most adapter sets and usable across most of Europe. (The Europlug was invented to fit into a wide range of European outlet types.) If our Ceptics White pick is sold out, these will also work.

Lewis N. Clark Adapter Plug Kit  (currently unavailable): This kit looks fine, but it is more expensive and has one less plug compared with our Ceptics pick.

Insignia Global Travel Adapter Kit  (currently unavailable): The Insignia has a clever interlocking and compact design, akin to that of the old Flight 001 universal adapter (Flight 001, the specialty travel-gear retailer, is now no longer operating in the US), and the individual plugs feel solid. However, it is expensive compared with our picks, and it doesn’t offer anything that you couldn’t do with our picks just by connecting them end to end (if you wanted to).

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

Meet your guide

Geoffrey Morrison

Geoffrey Morrison is Wirecutter’s former AV editor, current editor-at-large, and a travel writer and photographer. He covers action cameras, gimbals, travel backpacks, and other gear. He has been to all 50 states and 60 countries, and he is the author of Budget Travel for Dummies and the sci-fi novel Undersea .

Further reading

The Best Travel Power Strips and Surge Protectors With USB Charging

by Sarah Witman

The best power strip for travel in North America is the easily packable Tripp Lite Protect It 3-Outlet Surge Protector —our top pick for eight years running.

The Best Gear for Travel

by Wirecutter Staff

We put in another year and tens of thousands more miles of travel to test the best travel gear—and we stand by last year’s choices alongside a few new picks.

The Gadgets We Bring on Every Trip

by Haley Perry

You don't have to be a digital nomad to travel like one. Here are a few gadgets and accessories to make travel as painless as possible.

The Best USB-C Cables and Adapters

While Cable Matters’s USB-C to USB-C Charging Cable is our favorite USB-C option, we also have recommendations for almost every need you could imagine.

Are you planning to travel abroad? Check if you need a power plug adapter or voltage converter for the power sockets (outlets) used in that country. On this website you find information about the power plugs and sockets, electricity, voltage and frequency used in every country of the world. Select a country from the list on the right.

We make all attempts and efforts to ensure the information on this website is accurate and reliable. We are neither liable nor responsible for any inaccurate information that may be stated on this website. We are not liable for any errors, financial loss, or damages of any kind that may result from use of, or reliance on, the information herein, and/or on this website. The information on this website is proprietary, copyrighted and protected by applicable copyright laws.

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The Ultimate Guide to Travel Adapters 🔌: Staying Powered Up Worldwide 🌍

Your essential companion for seamless charging on any adventure.

Traveling abroad is an exciting adventure, but it can quickly turn frustrating if you can’t charge your devices due to incompatible outlets. That’s where travel adapters come to the rescue. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into everything you need to know about travel adapters, ensuring you stay powered up no matter where your globetrotting adventures take you.

1. The Basics of Travel Adapters

A travel adapter is a crucial tool for anyone venturing into foreign lands. It serves as the bridge between your electronic devices and the diverse electrical outlets found worldwide. Travel adapters ensure that your devices can connect to the local power supply, helping you stay connected and powered up during your journeys.

The world is a mosaic of different plug types and voltage standards, which can be perplexing for travelers. Electrical outlets and plugs vary significantly from one country to another, making it essential to understand these differences. In the United States, for example, you’ll typically find Type A and Type B outlets, while the United Kingdom uses Type G outlets. Each of these has its unique shape and pin configuration.

This leads us to the critical importance of travel adapters: compatibility. Without the right adapter, your devices won’t fit into the foreign outlets, rendering them useless. Moreover, voltage standards differ globally, with some countries using 110-120V and others 220-240V. Using the wrong voltage could damage your appliances or even pose safety risks. A travel adapter helps you avoid these issues by adapting the plug shape and, in some cases, voltage, ensuring a seamless connection between your devices and the local power supply.

2. Types of Travel Adapters

When it comes to travel adapters, you have two primary choices: universal and region-specific adapters. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Universal adapters offer versatility, as they can fit into various outlet types around the world. They’re perfect for frequent globetrotters but can be bulkier. Region-specific adapters, on the other hand, are more compact and tailored to specific areas, making them a convenient choice if you have a fixed destination in mind.

Another essential consideration is whether to opt for a grounded or ungrounded adapter. Grounded adapters provide an additional layer of safety by connecting your device’s grounding prong to the local ground, which can be crucial in some countries. Ungrounded adapters are simpler but may not be suitable for devices with three-pronged plugs.

For travelers with specialized needs, there are adapters designed to cater to niche requirements. USB adapters, for instance, allow you to charge multiple devices via USB ports, eliminating the need for multiple adapters. Voltage converters are vital for handling voltage discrepancies, ensuring your devices receive the correct power without risk.

A travel adapter is a fundamental companion for globetrotters, enabling them to connect their devices safely and efficiently across various destinations. Understanding the different types of adapters and their benefits is essential for a seamless travel experience. Whether you opt for a universal or region-specific adapter, grounded or ungrounded, or even specialized adapters, your choice should align with your travel needs and preferences, ensuring your devices stay powered wherever your adventures take you.

Related Post: Travel Pillows

3. Selecting the Right Adapter for Your Destination

Before embarking on your international journey, it’s crucial to research your destination’s plug type and voltage standards. Knowing this information will help you select the right travel adapter to ensure seamless connectivity. Websites and travel guides can be valuable resources for this research.

For popular travel destinations like Europe, Asia, and North America, specific adapter types are commonly needed. In Europe, for instance, Type C (Europlug) and Type F (Schuko) outlets are prevalent. Asia may have Type A, Type C, or Type D outlets, depending on the region. North America uses Type A and Type B outlets. Purchasing the appropriate adapter for your destination ensures that your devices will fit into the local outlets.

Moreover, it’s essential to check the compatibility of your devices with the voltage standards of your destination. Some modern electronics, such as laptops and smartphones, are designed to handle both 110-120V and 220-240V. In such cases, you may only need a plug adapter. However, for devices that aren’t dual voltage compatible, you’ll require a voltage converter to avoid damage.

4. Safety First

While travel adapters facilitate connectivity, it’s equally important to protect your devices from potential power surges and voltage differences. Voltage converters play a crucial role here. If you’re traveling to a country with a different voltage standard than your devices, a voltage converter can transform the incoming voltage to a safe level for your electronics.

To use a voltage converter effectively, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Incorrect usage can damage your devices or the converter itself. Also, remember that voltage converters are generally bulkier than simple plug adapters, so factor in their size and weight when packing.

In addition to voltage considerations, it’s essential to practice travel adapter safety. Here are some tips and best practices:

• Avoid overloading adapters with too many devices, as this can cause overheating or electrical fires.
• Inspect your travel adapter for damage before use, and replace it if you notice any issues.
• Keep your adapters and devices away from water sources to prevent electrical hazards.
• Use surge protectors or power strips with surge protection capabilities to safeguard your expensive electronics.

5. Packing Tips for Travel Adapters

→  efficient organization and storage.

Efficiently organizing and storing your travel adapters is essential to avoid tangles and misplacement during your trip. Here are some tips:

• Use a small, dedicated pouch or organizer to keep all your adapters together. This prevents them from getting lost in your luggage.
• Label each adapter with the name of the destination or region it’s intended for, making it easier to identify the right one quickly.
• Consider using cable ties or Velcro straps to keep adapter cords neat and untangled.
• Store your travel adapter pouch in an easily accessible pocket of your carry-on bag or backpack for quick access during your journey.

→  Space-Saving Options and Compact Adapters

For travelers seeking to maximize luggage space or those on a minimalist packing mission, compact travel adapters are a smart choice. Look for adapters with foldable prongs or slim designs. Some even come with a built-in mechanism that allows different plug types to slide out when needed, reducing the adapter’s overall size.

Additionally, universal travel adapters with interchangeable plug heads are a great space-saving solution. Instead of carrying multiple adapters for various destinations, you can switch out the plug head as needed. This versatility can significantly reduce the number of adapters you need to pack.

→  Multipurpose Adapters for Simultaneous Charging

In an era where we travel with multiple electronic devices, a multipurpose adapter that can charge multiple devices simultaneously can be a game-changer. These adapters often include USB ports in addition to standard plug sockets. This means you can charge your smartphone, tablet, camera, and other gadgets all at once, saving time and reducing the need for multiple adapters.

When choosing a multipurpose adapter, ensure it has the right combination of plug types and USB ports to suit your specific travel needs. Look for models with built-in surge protection to keep your devices safe from voltage spikes.

6. Where to Buy Travel Adapters

→  local stores vs. online marketplaces.

When it comes to purchasing travel adapters, you have the choice of buying from local stores or online marketplaces. Each option has its own set of pros and cons:

Local Stores: Pros

• Immediate availability: You can buy an adapter on the spot, which is useful for last-minute purchases.
• Physical inspection: You can examine the adapter in person to ensure it meets your requirements.
• Customer support: Local stores often provide in-person assistance and return policies.
• Limited selection: Local stores may have a more limited range of adapter options, especially for less common destinations.
• Potentially higher prices: Prices at physical stores may be higher compared to online options due to overhead costs.

Online Marketplaces: Pros

• Extensive variety: Online marketplaces offer a wide selection of travel adapters, including specialized and universal options.
• Competitive prices: Online shopping allows for price comparisons and often provides competitive pricing.
• Reviews and ratings: You can read reviews from other travelers to help you make an informed decision.
• Shipping time: Waiting for the adapter to arrive can be inconvenient if you need it quickly.
• Quality concerns: Some online sellers may offer low-quality or counterfeit products, so it’s essential to buy from reputable sources.

→  Reliable Brands and Products

Seasoned travelers often recommend specific brands and products known for their reliability and quality. Some trusted brands in the travel adapter market include Anker, Belkin, and BESTEK. Look for adapters that have been tested and certified for safety standards by organizations like Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).

→  Budget-Friendly vs. Premium Options

Travel adapters come in a range of price points to suit different budgets. Budget-friendly options can provide a basic solution for occasional travelers. However, if you travel frequently or to multiple destinations, investing in a premium, high-quality adapter can be a wise choice. Premium adapters often offer additional features like surge protection, USB ports, and better durability.

Ultimately, the choice of where to buy a travel adapter depends on your specific needs, timeline, and budget. Regardless of where you purchase, prioritize reliability and safety to ensure a hassle-free travel experience.

7. Common Travel Adapter Mistakes to Avoid

→  overcoming issues like loose connections and overheating.

One common mistake is using adapters with loose connections. To avoid this, ensure that the adapter fits snugly into the foreign outlet and that your device’s plug fits securely into the adapter. Loose connections can lead to power interruptions or damage to your devices.

Overheating is another issue to watch out for. It can occur if you overload the adapter with too many devices or use it with appliances that require high wattage. Always check the adapter’s wattage rating and avoid overloading it.

→  Handling Adapter-Related Emergencies While Abroad

If you encounter adapter-related emergencies while abroad, such as a damaged adapter or one that doesn’t fit the local outlet, there are a few steps to take. First, don’t attempt to force the adapter into the outlet, as this can cause damage. Instead, seek assistance from the hotel staff or local authorities. They may have spare adapters or suggestions for alternative solutions.

In cases of power surges or voltage fluctuations, consider using a surge protector in conjunction with your adapter to safeguard your devices.

→  Lessons Learned from Travel Adapter Mishaps

Many travelers have faced adapter-related mishaps, but these experiences can be valuable learning opportunities. Keep a record of what went wrong and how you resolved the issue. This can help you make better choices in the future when purchasing adapters and using them correctly. Additionally, share your experiences and knowledge with fellow travelers to help them avoid similar mishaps.

8. Future-Proofing Your Travel Tech

In today’s rapidly evolving tech landscape, future-proofing your travel tech is essential to stay connected and make the most of your gadgets while on the go. Here are some strategies and considerations for ensuring your travel tech remains up to date:

→  The Role of USB-C in Standardizing Charging

USB-C has emerged as a game-changer in standardizing charging for a wide range of devices, from smartphones and laptops to tablets and accessories. Its versatile design allows for faster charging, data transfer, and compatibility across various brands and devices. When choosing travel tech, opt for devices and accessories that support USB-C. This will not only reduce the number of cables and adapters you need to carry but also future-proof your gear as USB-C becomes increasingly prevalent.

→  Wireless Charging Options for Travelers

Wireless charging is gaining traction in the travel tech world, offering a cable-free and convenient way to power up your devices. Many modern smartphones and accessories are equipped with wireless charging capabilities. To leverage this technology while traveling, invest in a wireless charging pad or power bank with wireless charging capabilities. This eliminates the need for multiple cables and adapters, contributing to a streamlined and efficient travel experience.

→  Anticipating Upcoming Changes in Global Plug Standards

Global plug standards are slowly evolving to accommodate the needs of modern travelers. For instance, some countries are introducing USB sockets alongside traditional power outlets in airports and hotels, making it easier to charge your devices directly. Keep an eye on international developments in plug standards to stay prepared for potential changes.

Additionally, some forward-thinking travel adapters now incorporate USB-C ports alongside traditional outlets, providing travelers with greater flexibility and adaptability to evolving charging standards. Investing in such adapters can help you stay ahead of the curve when it comes to future plug standard changes.

Q. What is the difference between a travel adapter and a voltage converter?

A. A travel adapter allows you to physically plug your device into a foreign outlet, while a voltage converter changes the electrical voltage to match that of your device. If your device is not dual voltage, you may need both.

Q. Can I use a power strip with a travel adapter?

A. Yes, you can use a power strip with a travel adapter, but ensure that it’s compatible with the voltage of your destination.

Q. Are all travel adapters universal?

A. No, not all travel adapters are universal. Some are designed for specific regions or countries, so it’s essential to check compatibility.

Q. Can I charge my laptop with a travel adapter?

A. Yes, you can charge your laptop with a travel adapter as long as the voltage is compatible. Most laptops are dual voltage, but double-check the label on your power brick.

Q. Do I need a travel adapter for USB devices?

A. In most cases, you won’t need a travel adapter for USB devices since they have universal connectors. However, it’s still a good idea to bring one, just in case.

Q. Are travel adapters safe to use?

A. Yes, travel adapters are safe to use as long as you follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use them correctly. They are designed to ensure your safety and that of your devices.

Investing in the right travel adapter can make or break your travel experience. With the information provided in this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well-prepared to keep your devices charged and stay connected while exploring the world. Embrace the convenience of modern technology without the hassle of incompatible outlets, and let your adventures be powered by knowledge and adaptability. Safe travels!

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Every International Outlet, in One Handy Chart

Ever try to put a J in a G-hole or an H in a D-hole?

By Henry Phillips

Every product is carefully selected by our editors. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission.  Learn more

We’ve all been there. You’ve caught the last available charter to Paris in pursuit of an international super-spy who’s inexplicably gone rogue, you follow him to the Hôtel Athénée and right as you’re downloading the hotel schematics in your Suite Royale to scope out ingress and egress points, your phone dies. You scramble for your charger, only to realize you’ve brought a Type J adapter instead of a Type E. The rogue international super-spy escapes and you are immediately demoted to petty domestic espionage assignments. To avoid future errors we’ve compiled a quick visual guide to the power plugs of the world. So grab your universal adapter , .25 Beretta automatic (with skeleton grip) and your dinner jacket and get your Double 0 back.

Targus World Power Travel Adapters

• $19.99 at Amazon $32.99 (39% off)

Here’s the full list from the World Standards website .

Type A: USA, Canada, Mexico and Japan Type B: A grounded version of Type A Type C: Europe, South America and Asia Type D: India Type E: France, Belgium, Poland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic Type F: Europe and Russia, except for the UK & Ireland (Types C,E and F are all cross-compatible) Type G: United Kingdom, Ireland, Malta, Malaysia and Singapore Type H: Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip Type I: Australia, New Zealand, China and Argentina Type J: Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Rwanda Type K: Denmark and Greenland Type L: Italy and Chile Type M: South Africa Type N: Brazil Type O: Thailand

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Full USB & USB-C charging | GaN | Quick Charge

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World way travel adapter .

Travel Adapter

When you’re traveling to a new country, the plugs on your devices probably won't match the outlets at your destination. An adapter is the best item to use in a situation like this. It not only adapts to the outlet but, in a way, it changes the structure of the outlet in order to connect your device. Most common travel electronics are typically rated for worldwide voltage (input AC voltage range: 100-240V), so they should only require the use of an adapter. These items include cell phone chargers, tablet chargers, and laptop chargers. Read our adapter plug guide to select the right adapter for your next trip.

Ceptics Advantage

High quality products.

Designed in the USA with complete customer satisfaction in mind to manufacture superior travel adapters.

SAFE AND SECURE TO USE

All of our products are developed with safety in mind. We adhere to the international safety standards to produce a reliable product.

LIFETIME LIMITED WARRANTY

All of our travel adapters include the best warranty in the industry and backed by our responsive customer service.

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Frequently Asked Questions About European Travel Adapters

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Customer Reviews

Buying this set of adapters make this trip to Grenada as well as any future trips, very easy to use that country's electricity. I am very happy that I bought this product. The quality of the product and extremely fair prices make doing business with Ceptics, an outstanding experience.

My wife and I just returned from a trip to Peru. We were really concerned about charging our I-phones and Camera due to the 220 current there in Peru. We purchased the Ceptics All-in-one travel adapter and it worked great for us. It’s a great product and will be a permanent item to include in our suitcase for future trips.

This converter worked exactly as advertised. It was able to charge 5 items at one time with no problems at all only drawback would be that the converter is large and heavy for a portable. If you leave it on your hotel table or desk you will have no problems.

Worldwide Travel Adapter Guide

Read about each plug type

Are you heading out on a World Travel Tour? Or taking yet another business trip to the neighbouring continent?

Here's a checklist of essential items you should've packed:

• 1. Your Passport with necessary Visa covering entire duration of stay
• 2. A Print Out/Electronic Copy of all your Travel Tickets
• 3. Immunization Shots for Countries with Epidemics
• 4. An international Sim Card or an International Roaming Plan
• 5. A pocket Guide or Translation App for quick translations
• 6. Your Phone & Laptop Chargers
• 7. A Voltage Convertor for your device
• 8. The correct Travel Adapter to fit your destination country's Plug Ports

You may have checked off everything off that list but might still be confused about what Travel Adapter to carry. We have here for you a quick guide to help you get the right Adapter.

What is a travel adapter and why do I need it?

Since electricity has been in most houses across the world since the 19th century - before global travel became so easy and convenient, each country followed its own guidelines while putting up plug ports and electricity lines. It was only after World War II that serious discussions were carried out for Standardization and by then no country was ready to change all of their sockets and lines to follow universal standards.

So, to cut a long story short, every country has different voltages and different shape (square, triangular, round) and number (2 or 3) of socket pins and if you want to use your chargers and other electronic appliances in another country you need to have the correct travel adapter with you.

Which is the correct travel adapter for me?

As per the IEC commission, there are 14 different socket types and this is what the travel adapter plugs for each look like:

U.S.A, Canada, Mexico, Columbia, Venezuela, Japan, Thailand, Taiwan, Philippines, Peru, Panama, Barbados, Turkmenistan, Bahamas, Jamaica

All of Asia(ex Japan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Yemen), Europe(ex UK, Cyprus, Ireland), Africa (ex. Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Sierra Leone, Botswana, Swaziland), Iceland, Greenland, Iceland, Peru, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay

Guyana, India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Nepal, Bhutan, UAE, Yemen, Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, Sudan, Ghana, Burma Nigeria, Chad, Uganda, Libya, Tanzania, Madagascar, Botswana, Namibia

All of Europe(ex U.K, Ireland, Cyprus), Iran, Afghanistan, Thailand, Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Vietnam, Tajikistan, Bhutan, Burma, Mongolia, Jordan, Egypt, Algeria, Libya, Chad, Mozambique, Tunisia, Morocco, Syria, Senegal, Liberia, Ethiopia, Congo, Cameroon, Laos, Indonesia, Greenland, North/South Korea, Uruguay, Greenland, Iceland, Kyrgyzstan, Niger, Mali

UK, Ireland, Belize, Guyana, Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Uganda, Yemen Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Malawi, Pakistan, Bahrain,Kenya Oman, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Cyprus, Cambodia Burma, Bhutan, UAE, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Brunei, Granada, Gambia

Israel & Palestine

Australia, China, New Zealand, Cook Islands, Uruguay, Samoa, Uzbekistan Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Tonga,Tajikistan, Argentina,Nauru, Tuvalu,Kiribati

Switzerland, Maldives, Jordan, Liechtenstein, Madagascar, Rwanda

Italy, Maldives, Chile, Ethiopia, Libya, Syria, Uruguay, Eritrea, San Marino

Israel, Pakistan, Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland

Do I need to carry a voltage converter or transformer with me?

There are two types of voltages in the world: 110/125V for North America and 220/240V for the rest of the world.

You can find out the voltage range for your device on the back of it or on its charger in the input section.

Most of your Mobile Phones, Laptops, Music Players, electric shavers and kettles, new hair dryers and irons won't need one but your old dryers and irons might. Visit our Voltage Adapter Guide for detailed information.

I'm in my hotel room & still confused about which adapter to use?

Not an issue. Check out our Plug guide below to match your adapter to the correct plug socket

Bon Voyage and don't forget to pack in your Travel Adapter !

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Voltage Converter And International Travel Plug Adapter Guide

Which international travel adapter or power plug do I need for my overseas trip? The power plug adapter needed will depend on which country you are travelling to. if you’re going abroad, you should know that voltage and electricity outlets work differently in each country and/or region.

The chart below will give you an idea as to which travel plug adapter type you will need by country and region.

Travel plug adapter types by country and region

Here is a more comprehensive list, featuring some of the world’s most popular destinations and regions:

We have put together a collection of some of the best travel adapters that you can buy, that will work in the USA, United Kingdom, Europe and Asia.

Most of these travel adapters accept plugs from the most travelled countries and regions including UK, Europe, Asia, Russia, Australia, Central America, South America and the Middle East and 150+ Countries, making it easy for you to travel around world.

Voltage Converters

One of the most inconvenient thing you will experience overseas is the fact that the voltage can differ from country to country. This means that even if you have travel adapter that is not also a power converter you might have some difficulties getting your device to work or charge.

However, do note that some devices are dual voltage. If a device is dual voltage, it will display ’100-240v’ somewhere on the device or its plug. You will normally get such devices to work anywhere in the world without the need to convert voltage.

In North America and parts of South America and the Caribbean, the voltage is 110/120V. Voltage in places such as the United Kingdom, China and Australia is typically 230-240V.

If you’re travelling to a country with a different voltage and your appliances are not dual voltage, you will need a voltage converter. You read about our selection of best selling power converters .

It is recommended that you don’t use voltage converters with appliances that generate heat, such as hair dryers, straighteners or any other item with a heated element. The heated element can damage the converter or your appliance, or even both.

Here is a list of some of the most popular destinations around the world and the voltage used in each of these countries:

• Botswana | Plug Type: D,G,M | Voltage: 230 V
• Egypt | Plug Type: C,F | Voltage: 220 V
• Kenya | Plug Type: G | Voltage: 240 V
• Namibia | Plug Type: D,M | Voltage: 220V
• South Africa | Plug Type: C,D,M,N | Voltage: 230 V
• Tanzania | Plug Type: D,G | Voltage: 230 V

Asia and Southeast Asia

• China | Plug Type: A,C,I | Voltage: 220 V
• India and Nepal | Plug Type: C,D,M | Voltage: 230 V
• Indonesia | Plug Type: C,F | Voltage: 110 V, 220 V
• Japan | Plug Type: A,B | Voltage: 100 V
• Thailand | Plug Type: A,B,C,F | Voltage: 220 V
• Vietnam | Plug Type: A,C,F | Voltage: 220 V

Australia and New Zealand

• Both countries | Plug Type: I | Voltage: 230 V
• Croatia, Germany, Greece, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain | Plug Type: C,F | Voltage: 230 V
• France | Plug Type: C,E | Voltage: 230 V
• Italy | Plug Type: C,F,L | Voltage: 230 V

Iceland and Scandinavia (Denmark, Norway, Finland)

• Denmark | Plug Type: C,F,E,K | Voltage: 230 V
• Finland, Norway, Sweden | Plug Type: C,F | Voltage: 230 V

Ireland and the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales)

• All countries | Plug Type: G | Voltage: 230 V

North America

• Canada | Plug Type: A | Voltage: 120 V
• USA | Plug Type: A | Voltage: 120 V

South America and Central America

• Argentina | Plug Type: C,I | Voltage: 220 V
• Belize | Plug Type: A,B,G | Voltage: 110 V, 220 V
• Brazil | Plug Type: C,N | Voltage: 127 V, 220 V
• Chile | Plug Type: C,L | Voltage: 220 V
• Costa Rica and Ecuador | Plug Type: A,B | Voltage: 120 V
• Peru | Plug Type: A,B,C | Voltage: 220 V

Here is a selection of best selling travel plug adapters and power converters:

2000W Step Down Voltage Converter 220V to 110V and Universal Travel Plug...

• ElecLead 2000W World Travel Adapter and Converter COMBO to Step Down the voltage from 220v to 110v and ensure safe operation of your ELECTRIC APPLIANCES. Examples are hair dryer, steam Iron, electric kettle, mixer or small fans.
• Adapter mode for dual voltage appliance, Such as iPhone charger, iPad charger, Power supply of MacBook and Laptop etc.
• Easy to use, all in one international travel plug adapters (UK/US/AU/EU Plug) that fits power outlet in most commonly visited countries, over 150 countries like most of Europe, Argentina, Ireland, Israel, Italy, UK, France, European, Australia, China, HongKong, etc.
• WARNING: Please read the introduction and description carefull before using this product.
• Unconditional lifetime warranty without any other costs needed. Fast and easy-to-reach Customer Service to solve your problems within 12 hours. 

Travel Adapter 4.5A 4 USB Charging Worldwide All in One Universal Power...

• ➤Worldwide Charging：Universal Travel Adapter built-in multi-plugs and USB ports,it can be used over 150 countries such as America, UK, Europe, Australia, USA, Italy, Japan, China, France, Africa, Singapore, etc. Solve your global travel charging problem.
• ➤Fast Charging：World Adapter Plug can double the charging speed and automatically match the current .Input:100-250Vac 50/60Hz.Power Rating: 660W Max.at 110Vac, 1440W Max.at 240Vac.This is not a voltage converter.
• ➤Smart Charging：International power adapter allow 4 USB devices and prong plug outlets grounded or ungrounded devices charging at the same time. It can charge iPad,iPhone,Android mobile phone,tablet, digital camera, smartphone,MP3,GPS, Laptop, MAC,etc. Can share multiple ports with friends or family at home,office,traveling.
• ➤Safety Charging：Universal adapter built-in DOUBLE 6A fuse and Surge Protections, one is SPARE FUSE,to avoid over-current and overload high-temperature, short-circuit damage appliances. Compact size(2.5 x 2.4 x 2 inches) , easy to carry, international standard plug integration with special children's safety protection, to protect users and children's personal safety.
• ➤Worry-free Guarantee：Free 90-Day Money-Back Guarantee and 18-month Warranty, No matter what questions or comments you have, please feel free to Contact With our 24 Hours Friendly Customer Service.

Maxracy International Travel Power Adapter with 2.4A Dual USB Charger and Built-in...

• 1.Worldwide Available: 4 types of plug (USA, UK, Europe, AUST & Asia) cover over 150 countries for your worldwide traveling.
• 2.Multiply-purpose Usage: the wall plug and dual USB slots allow the simultaneous use of more devices, including smart phone, Bluetooth speaker, power banks, tablet and so on. Easy to use, it can charge 3 devices at the same time without any mess at all.
• 3.Safety Design: A built-in shutter in our fuse system will protect your valued electronic products from short circuit. Besides, the unique and sturdy design with durable poly-carbonate shell and thermal protection layers offer you a feeling of safe and fresh.
• 4.Worry-free Guarantee: Lifetime guarantee for every products in our company. If you do not like our products, please feel free to contact us with 24 hours friendly customer service.

Travel adapter Worldwide All in One Universal Travel Adaptor Wall AC Power...

• [UNIVERSAL APPLICABILITY]: This international power adapter with 4 plug adapters for US, EU, UK, AU, and support more than 150 countries worldwide.Please press side black button before slide back the plugs,pls refer to image 6.
• [HIGH POWER USB PORTS&MULTI USE FUNCTIONALITY]: Dual USB ports charger can be used in two way, all alone or with the combination of AC adapter, USB port in the travel charger compatible with both iOS and Android devices.Packed in with 1*Universal Travel Charger and 1*US plug USB wall charger which can be used detachably.
• 【QUALITY GUARANTEE】CE FCC and RoHS Certified which guarantees safety and suits most electronic appliances that use a USB charging cable.There are built-in safety shutters inside the jack field, protect users from direct touch of live parts to avoid electric shock. Conductive only when two holes are inserted at the same time. A perfect gift to your family and friends for christmas and new year.
• [NIGHTLIGHT BUILT IN]: Easy to see in the dark. The connection circle and Logo glows when connected to power, working as a dim night light and LED indicator so you never lose your way.
• [CUSTOMER SERVICE]: We promise half of year for free replament with no-man made from the date of purchase.Any question about using the item please contact SOONPAM with no hesitate.

Travel Smart by Conair All-in-One Adapter with USB; 3 Outlets; US, Europe,...

• Travel Like A Pro: Conair Travel Smart All-In-One Travel Plug Adapter offers a combination of the four most common regional adapter plug configurations in one compact unit; this versatile power plug adapter includes a USB-A charging port and allows you to plug in four appliances at once
• Power Converter with Surge Protection: Power adapter with built-in surge protection and an EMI/RFI power line filter that safeguards travel appliances from spikes in electricity; this wattage converter accepts grounded, non-grounded, polarized and non-polarized plugs from all over the world
• Voltage Adapter with Travel Pouch: International adapter comes with travel pouch for Conair quality wherever you go; It includes built-in safety shutters that protect its circuitry when not in use
• Travel Smart Travel Accessories: From packing cubes, neck rest pillows and travel size toiletry kits to hair dryers, universal plug adapters, curling irons and more, Conair Travel Smart travel accessories helps you arrive in style
• Go See The World: Since 1959, Conair has made high-quality small travel appliance, hair styling tools and more for consumers and professionals; Conair Travel Smart lets you bring Conair quality wherever you go

QC3.0 Fast USB Charger, Realike Worldwide Travel Adapter, All In One Universal...

Travel Adapter International Tavel Power Adapter 4 USB Worldwide Travel Charger Universal...

• ★ INTERNATIONAL COMPATIBILITY - Travel adapter with US/EU/AU/UK plugs covers over 160 countries such as America, UK, Europe, Australia, USA, Italy, Japan, China, Hong Kong, France, Africa, Singapore, Scotland, Sweden, etc. Small and lightweight european travel plug adapter, perfect for your worldwide travelling. NOTE: IT DOES NOT CONVERT FROM 220V TO 110V OR VISE VERSA! And PLEASE DON'T USE IT TO CHARGE THE DEVICES WHICH POWER IS HIGHER THAN 1500W!
• ★ SMART USB CHARGING 5 DEVICES SIMULTANEOUSLY - International power adapter with 4 usb slots and 4 AC socket can charge 5 devices at the same time. The travel adaptors with smart chip can automatically charge most of devices, compatible for iPad, iPhone, Android, digital camera, laptops, MP3, etc. NOT for high-power appliances such as conair hair dryers, hair straightener, combo.
• ★ POWER RANGE - AC 100V-250V, MAX 6.3A output. 2400mA 5V 3.4A 4 usb worldwide travel charger. 4 AC power plug sockets - Output: 630W at 100v, 1500W at 240v. High power travel adapter all in one offer you a safer and efficient charging for your devices.
• ★ SAFETY CERTIFIED - Travel plugs with 6.3A fuse, FCC CE ROHS certified safety system, surge protection, children's electric shock protection, plug lock and built-in safety shutters to protect you and your devices from external shock and short circuit when charging.
• ★ WORRY FREE GUARANTEE - Lifetime guarantee. 100% satisfaction guaranteed. No matter what questions or comments you have, please feel free to contact us at any time.

Travel Adapter,TESSAN International Power Adapter Wall Charger with 4 USB Ports 25W...

• ✔.Travel Adapter with 4 international plug adapters. Cover more than 150 Countries with US/EU/UK/AU plugs, but this adapter cannot be used in South African, India, Swiss and Italy and it Converts the Power Outlet Only, it DOSE NOT COBVERT ELECTRICAL OUTPUT CURRENT AND VOLTAGE.Please kindly pay attention to avoid any inconvenience
• ✔. 4 USB Ports with total output 5.0A max, 2.4A max for each USB port. Ideal for iPhone, iPad, Samsung Tab, iPod, Smartphones, 5V Tablets, Bluetooth Speakers & Headset etc
• ✔.All-in-one Adapter with Dual Safety Fuse (8A each),Built-in Safety Shutters,Smart IC for intelligent charging and LED Power Indicator. If Steady LED means it's in normal operation; LED flashing means it's overload
• ✔.Rated power: 100-240 Vac,50/60Hz, Max. Load 8A. Max. Power 880W at 110Vac, 1840W at 230Vac. Only apply to the use of small power electric appliances when traveling, such as mobile phone, digital products, computer with low power of small household appliances
• ✔.TESSAN Travel charger with 4USB,Certified by FCC,CE,ICE and ROHS,High-quality fire-resistant and high temprature-resistant ABS material makes it fireproof of up to 750℃ and our worry-free 18-month warranty and friendly customer service

Travel Power Adapter with 2 USB Ports International Plugs Universal Socket Outlet...

Jollyfit International Universal Travel Adapter Dual USB Ports 2.4A Charger AC Socket...

Foval Universal International Power Travel Adapter with 4.5A 4 USB Charging Ports...

• International Compatibility - Built to be the must have travel accessories you need for your worldwide traveling, Foval International Travel Power Adapter offers superior compatibility from your living room to the Europe, Asia, Australian Outback, more than 150 countries.
• Device Protection - We've taken the time to establish a fuse system that integrates perfectly with our durable polycarbonate shell and thermal protection layers, offering you the peace of mind that your devices are safe, and your investment will last.
• Versitile Plug Options - Whether it's the wall plug you need, or the integrated USB slots, we've got the device for you! With compatibility ranging from cell phones and Bluetooth speakers, to power banks, tablets, and more never be without power no matter what your needs
• CERTIFIED - Our FCC CE and RoHS Certified safety system with safety shutter, plug lock and 6.0 Amp fuse ensures complete protection for you and your devices (100V - 240V input voltage, 660 Watt. max. at 110V, 1380 Watt. max. at 230V, does not support voltage transformation). Please DO NOT use it with any high power appliances such as hair dryer, straightener as their power more than adapter overlaod
• 18 month warranty, with 24 hours friendly customer service.

Alloet Multifunctional Universal USB Charger Adaper Global Travel Adapter Plug

• It is universally compatible with most mobile devices and easy to carry.
• It is small, lightweight and portable, allowing you to enjoy effortless charging, anywhere.
• It can also be used to charge three devices simultaneously.
• Fast charging speed and user safety, safety shutter protection, effectively preventing users & especially kids from experiencing electrical shocks.
• The adaptor accepts plugs from all countries including UK, Europe, Asia, Russia, Australia, Central America, South America and the Middle East and 150+ Countries, makes you easy to travel around world.

Skull Shaver Universal World Wide Travel Plug Adapter

• Skull Shaver Tested. This adapter works worldwide in 150 countries.
• Converts power outlet when traveling to other countries. Includes a travel pouch for easy storage.
• Use this adapter in foreign countries with US appliances. Use this adapter in the USA with foreign appliances.

Travel Adapter, JOOMFEEN Worldwide All in One Universal Power Converters Wall AC...

• WORLDWIDE CHARGING - This Travel Adapter Cover more than 150 Countries with US/EU/UK/AU plugs. It works in Canada, Russia, Asia, Central America, South America and the Middle East to name a few.
• DUAL USB PORTS - World Adapter Plug compatible with almost all USB Devices like Apple iPhone 6 6s 5s 4s, Samsung galaxy s7 s7 edge s6 s6 edge s5 s4, Sony,Nokia, HTC, LG, and so on.
• CHARGE 3 DEVICES - The World Adapter Plug allows SIMULTANEOUS use of the AC Power Socket and Dual USB Ports.
• All IN ONE - Detachable charger includes 5 Different Input Plugs Tightly Connect into 1 Adaptor.
• ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY - Built-in Fuse protect / Built-in Safety Shutters / LED Power Indicator and an 12-Month Warranty.(Wram tip:The warranty and profesional service just offer from JOOMFEEN, please go for original edition.Fighting against counterfeit and shoddy products!)

Universal USB Travel Power Adapter-EPICKA All In One Wall Charger AC Power...

• WORLDWIDE CHARGING: All-in-one world travel adapter covers more than 150 countries with US/EU/AU/UK plugs, accepts a USA polarized plug(one prong larger than other one), the Universal 8 Pin AC Socket allows for the use of many different plug designs.
• SMART USB CHARGING: Quad USB port and one AC socket to charge five devices at one time. Quad USB port with smart circuit can automatically charge most of devices including both iOS and Android devices which make it universal.
• SAFETY CERTIFIED: ROHS, CE and FC Certified which guarantee safety. The safe shutter inside the socket is dustproof, Anti-Single Plug in and anti-electric shock. Includes spare fuse for replacement. Internal spike and surge protection circuitry safeguards your valuable devices.
• CAUTION: This charger does NOT CONVERT electrical output current and voltage. Designed for iPads, iPhones, cameras, razor and other battery chargers, NOT for high-power appliances such as hair dryers, etc.
• SATISFACTION SERVICE: 30 Days Money-Back and if there's anything wrong with the adapter, we will fix the problem for free or send you a new replacement by default (1-Year Limited ) . Please contact us If you have any questions, we will offer you satisfactory solution and we will reply you within 24 hours.

Flowerus International Travel Adapter, Worldwide All in One Universal Travel Adapter Power...

• INTERNATIONAL COMPATIBILITY - Built to be the MUST HAVE Travel Accessories you need for your worldwide traveling, International Universal Travel Adapter offers superior compatibility with more than 160 countries around the world, Solve your global travel charging problem.
• VERSITILE PLUG OPTIONS - Whether it's the wall plug you need, or the integrated USB slots, we've got the device for you! With compatibility ranging from cell phones and Bluetooth speakers, to power banks, tablets, and more never be without power no matter what your needs!
• SMART USB CHARGING: 3USB 1Type-c port and one AC socket to charge. With fully reversible plug orientation and cable direction, USB Type-c is far more convenient for consumers and helps deliver a true plug and play experience.
• SAFETY CERTIFIED: Products have passed CE, FCC, ROHS and EMC certification. The power charging station for US EU UK AUS Cell phone laptop,over-current protection and PC Flame retardant offer you a safe and reliable power strip for power supply. An additional 2 fuses are provided for your replacement.
• WHAT YOU GET? 1×Flowerus converters and adapters for travel, and our 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE! We offer 30-days money-back guarantee or replacement and 1 year warranty for any quality-related issues. Enjoy your travel without worrying about anything else! Buy with Confidence Now!

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• Plug, socket & voltage by country

Last updated: 23 January 2024

Country-by-country list of plugs, sockets and voltages

Below is a full overview of all countries of the world and their respective plugs/outlets and voltages/frequencies used for domestic appliances. The table shows that in most countries the mains supply is between 220 and 240 volts (50 or 60 Hz); countries that operate on 100-127 volts are greatly outnumbered. The list also reveals that types A and C are the most frequently used electric plugs worldwide.

If you take a scroll down the page, you will notice that most countries have a well-defined plug and voltage standard. Many Latin-American, African and Asian countries, however, use a motley collection of – often incompatible – plugs and sometimes also the voltage differs from region to region. Obviously, this makes it very hard for travellers to assess what kind of plug adapter or transformer they will need for their trip. Whenever the electricity situation in a country requires additional information, the country name in question is highlighted in red. That link will take you to an in-depth description.

Check out all plug types used around the world

© 2003-2024 WorldStandards. All Rights Reserved.

• Types A & B
• Universal wall sockets
• World map showing the spread of plug types
• Why isn’t there a universal standard electric plug?
• Why isn’t there a standard voltage around the world?
• Useful information for travellers
• Three-phase electric power
• Why do some countries drive on the left and others on the right?
• List of left- & right-driving countries
• Trivia about driving on the left
• What if Britain gave up driving on the left?
• Oval car stickers
• The world’s scripts and alphabets
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Travel Adapters and Voltage Converters By Country

When visiting foreign countries, travelers love to take their favorite electric powered items with them. Hair dryers, styling irons, cell phones and computers are a high priority when packing for a trip to places such as Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas, but even seasoned travelers get confused by the different outlets and voltages in various countries.

In most cases, you’ll need a travel adapter (aka power adapter).  However, in some situations, you’ll also need a voltage converter/transformer.

There are 14 different shapes and sizes of plug sockets from Type A to Type N with power supplies ranging between 100 to 240 volts. A power adapter will let you plug your device into an electrical socket that is different from the type used in your home country. These international travel adapters do not convert electricity, they simply allow your device’s plug to fit into the foreign outlet.

The world runs on two different types of electricity or voltage ratings: 110/125V or 220/240V. The U.S. and Canada run on 110/125V Most of the other countries around the world use 220/240V. A travel converter or travel transformer changes the voltage coming out of the wall outlet to match the voltage of your appliance.

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The Best Travel Adapters

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Best Overall Ceptics World International Travel Plug Adapter Read more

Upgrade Pick Zendure Passport III Read more

Budget Pick Epicka Universal Travel Adapter Read more

Best Travel Adapter Set Ceptics Adapter Plug Set for Worldwide International Travel Read more

Whether you're planning a country-hopping odyssey or a quick business trip, your journey will go more smoothly with the right kit. That includes good travel adapters so you can safely charge all of your gadgets wherever you land. We've tested several, and our favorites below will work in most parts of the world.

Adapters make great gifts for travelers , and be sure to check out our roundup of other travel essentials if you’re a frequent flier. Don't forget to pack USB-C charging cables .

Updated January 2024: We added the OneBeat Travel Plug Adapter, mentioned the OneWorld135 and OneWorld30, added a note on our OneAdaptr recommendations, and updated prices throughout.

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Best Overall

Jet off to more than 200 countries with this compact adapter in your luggage, and you can charge up all your gadgets. The classic slider design pushes out EU, UK, and US plugs, and you can rotate the pins for sockets in Australia or China. I appreciate how securely the plugs lock into place, and you must press a side button to retract them. You have a universal input socket, and Ceptics has included three USB-A ports on the bottom and two USB-C ports on the side. The USB-A ports can deliver a maximum charging rate of 15.5 watts, while the USB-C ports offer up to 18 watts (one PD and one QC 3.0).

The main problem is the lack of any grounding, which is meant to reduce the risk of an electrical shock if there's a fault, such as a loose wire inside a device with a metal case. ( This video explains grounding really well. ) Thankfully, there's overload protection with an 8-amp fuse, and it comes with a spare, but you should not use this adapter with any device that has a third metal ground pin on its plug.

Upgrade Pick

Zendure's all-in-one travel adapter is what I toss in my bag first for every trip. It has a boxy design with sliding toggles to switch between US, European, and British plugs. (It covers more than 200 countries.) There’s an auto-resetting fuse to protect your gadgets from power surges, and the Passport III has a 10-amp limit. The latest version also sports a funky, translucent design with a metallic finish (purple is best). Sadly, there's no grounding, so you shouldn't use this adapter with any device that has a third metal grounding pin on its plug.

There are four USB-C ports alongside a single USB-A port and an AC socket, so you can charge six devices simultaneously. Using gallium nitride technology, Zendure was able to increase the power output of the USB-C port to 65 watts, capable of fully charging a 13-inch MacBook Pro in under two hours. That means you can leave your laptop's charging brick behind (if it charges via USB-C). There’s support for the Power Delivery (PD) and Programmable Power Supply (PPS) standards (Samsung uses PPS in its flagship range), so it can fast-charge almost any phone or tablet. It’s expensive, but this travel adapter will satisfy even the most gadget-laden of travelers.

★ A Good Alternative : The OneWorld 65 ($69) sports a very similar design, the same 65-watt charging rate, and support for more than 200 countries. But it has three USB-C and two USB-A ports. It comes in white and has a 10-amp fuse with a replacement included. WIRED readers can also get a discount with the code OneWorld65_15%Off .

Budget Pick

With the capability to work in more than 150 countries, this affordable adapter from Epicka will do the job for most people. It has sliders you push to reveal the three most common international plugs—EU, UK, and US—and you can rotate the pins for sockets in Australia or China. This plug can recharge your power-hungry devices, like laptops and camera batteries, but there are four USB-A ports on the bottom and a 15-watt USB-C port on the side for phones, tablets, smartwatches, and Kindles. It’s not as well constructed as our other universal adapter picks, but it's much cheaper.

Once again, there’s no grounding here, so don’t plug devices with a third metal ground pin into this adapter, but there is an 8-amp fuse for safety, and it comes with a spare. It is also certified by RoHS, CE, and FCC.

Best Travel Adapter Set

Universal adapters don't always work properly everywhere, and most do not have any grounding. The cheaper and more reliable alternative is to buy individual adapters. This international set from Ceptics is our favorite. It includes five types to cover most of the globe, and they are properly grounded. If you’re visiting only a single destination, just pack the relevant type. None of these adapters have any kind of USB ports, so you will need to bring the respective charging adapter for your gadgets.

This set is especially good for Europe, because it includes Type C, E/F, and G adapters (more on this below), so you’re covered for any socket. Ceptics offers an even cheaper and smaller five-piece set, but we don’t recommend it. The adapters are flimsy, there’s no grounding, and the European plug's design doesn’t work well with the recessed sockets you will sometimes encounter.The drawback of plug adapters is that they’re easy to lose, but at least Ceptics includes a small bag for storage.

Matt Jancer

Boone Ashworth

David Nield

Scott Gilbertson

Extra Outlets

What I love about this sturdy, compact plug adapter is the lack of sliding pins or moving parts to worry about and that it stays put in the outlet. Offered in several versions (Type C, Type E/F, Type G), it enables you to charge up to six gadgets. I’ve been testing the Type G model in Scotland, and it plugs into a single outlet to give you three US outlets, a USB-C port, and two USB-A ports. The USB-C can put out up to 15 watts, and the USB-A ports are limited to 12 watts, not especially speedy but fine for overnight charging. The adapter is grounded and has various safety features.

On the downside, it can be tough to make use of all the outlets simultaneously as larger plugs, like the MacBook power adapter, tend to block one of the other US outlets. It does not offer surge protection, and the Type G adapter maxes out at 3,250 watts (250 volts, 13 amps), while the EU versions top out at 2,500 watts.

For Charging Everything

This kit includes multiple plug attachments that slide and lock into place to keep you powered across most of the world. It is much larger than the average adapter, but provides two grounded US AC outlets. There is also a built-in USB-C cable, two USB-A ports, and two USB-C ports. The USB-A ports and built-in USB-C cable offer a combined maximum charging rate of 15 watts. The PD USB-C ports go up to 20 watts each. The top charging rate for all of them simultaneously is 55 watts.

There is built-in surge protection, but this is not a voltage converter, so don’t go plugging in hair dryers or other electronics that are not dual voltage. While the two AC outlets are handy, they are close together, so the shape and size of some plugs can make it tricky to use both. But with the ability to charge up to seven devices, this kit is handy. We also like the original Ceptics World Travel Adapter Kit ($36) , though it lacks the two USB-C ports.

Fast Charging

With a familiar sliding pin design, this adapter also covers more than 200 countries. Taller and heavier than our top pick, this is OneAdaptr’s most powerful release to date, and it employs gallium nitride technology to deliver up to 100 watts. Aside from the universal AC outlet, you will find two USB-C ports and two USB-A ports on the bottom. Both USB-C ports offer 100-watt charging, and both USB-A ports are 18 watts, but 100 watts is the maximum in total, so when you plug in multiple devices, it divides between them.

Almost every charging standard you can think of is supported, including PD 3.0, QC 4+, FCP, SCP, AFC, PPS, and more, so there’s a good chance you can charge your phone at the fastest rate possible. There is no grounding, so don’t plug in any gadget with a third metal pin. But there is a 10-amp fuse with a spare included, and this adapter conforms to IEC 60884, CE, and FCC standards. If you want more power or feel you can make do with less, we also tested and liked the OneWorld135 ($109) and the OneWorld30 ($39) .

Note : We have tested OneAdaptr’s range extensively and found they work well, but the company has had issues fulfilling orders, and we are concerned about the volume of negative reviews online. The company assured us that it has recently taken steps to improve fulfilment and customer service, and we will continue to monitor the situation.

Safest Option

The OneWorld PD has sliding toggles on the side that cover the US/Canada, the UK, and Australia/China, and you can pop out a much smaller stand-alone European adapter. It promises to work in more than 150 countries. There are three USB-A ports on the bottom as well as a USB-C port that supports Power Delivery and Quick Charge 3.0 to deliver up to 18 watts. That's enough to fast-charge most phones and tablets, not so much a laptop. You can plug in your laptop's AC charger to speedily juice it back up, but that means carrying the heavy charging brick around.

What sets the AC plugs apart is that each one is earthed. Most universal travel adapters offer two-pin US plugs and make the third pin on the UK plug plastic, but the OneWorld PD provides fully grounded connections for every plug type to protect you from the risk of shock due to faulty wiring. It can handle up to 10 amps. Over-current protection automatically shuts down the power if there’s abnormal usage, and it resets via a button on the top. The rare British Standard 8546 compliance guarantees that the OneWorld PD has been fully tested and is one of the safest travel adapters you can buy. The downside? It's frequently out of stock.

Note : We have tested OneAdaptr's range extensively and found they work well, but the company has had issues fulfilling orders and we are concerned about the volume of negative reviews online. The company assured us that it has recently taken steps to improve fulfilment and customer service and we will continue to monitor the situation.

For Wireless Charging

A few of the best wireless chargers can be good choices for travel. This modular system from RapidX is compact and capable of wirelessly charging two phones at up to 10 watts each, which makes it a good option for couples or families. The beauty is that you can add or remove pods, and a single charging cable can power up to five. They snap together magnetically and pull apart for easy packing. You can also get additional phone pods ($15) , and there’s a version with a phone pod and an Apple Watch pod ($45) .

You get a 30-watt US power adapter and a 5-foot USB-C cable in the box, so you will still want a travel adapter to pair with this system. If you plan to add pods, you will want a more powerful adapter. (RapidX recommends 65 watts or above for three or more devices.)

For Apple Devices

This handy trio of chargers keeps your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods ticking and folds neatly into a felt carrying case for travel. The magnetic pad in the center can charge your iPhone at the fastest 15-watt rate, the Apple Watch dock pops up for Nightstand mode (sadly no fast charging here), and there is a grooved spot for your AirPods. It is compact and lightweight, and charges all three devices from a single cable and outlet. A 30-watt US wall adapter and a short USB-C to USB-C cable are included, but you must pair this with a travel adapter. We recommend this Mophie charger for travelers in our guide to the  best Apple 3-in-1 wireless chargers .

International Plug Types and Universal Adapters

There are 15 plug types in use across the world. Type A and Type B are used in the US, Canada, Mexico, and Japan; Type C is common across Europe, South America, and Asia; Type E and Type F are found across Europe in places like Germany, Russia, and France; Type G is used in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and a handful of other places; and Type I is used in Australia, New Zealand, China, and Argentina. Universal adapters tend to cover all of these types.

Some countries are not usually covered by universal adapters, such as India ( Type D ), Israel ( Type H ), and South Africa ( Type M or N ). You'll need to buy specific plug adapters for those places. To avoid any surprises when you land, double-check what type you need before you travel.

If you're visiting just one destination, a basic plug adapter that caters to one plug type is all you need. For trips to multiple destinations or for frequent flyers, a universal travel adapter can prove more versatile. The universal adapters we recommend here have the bonus of including multiple USB ports for charging several mobile devices from a single outlet.

A Word on Voltage Converters

Voltage converters are big, heavy, and expensive, and they don’t always work, so it’s probably best not to buy one. The reason you might think you need one is that the AC sockets on all of our recommended travel adapters do not convert the voltage coming from the socket. This means plugging into a UK socket will deliver 220 volts at 50 hertz, which is very different from the 120 volts at 60 hertz you can expect in the US. Don't worry! Your gear won't get fried. You just need to make sure anything you plug into one of these universal travel adapters has something like this printed on it:

Input: 100–220V 50/60Hz .

That should include most modern gadgets. If your device or charger can’t handle a variable voltage, it’s probably best to leave it at home. Most places provide hair dryers , irons, and kettles, so there’s no need to take them with you. It's often cheaper to buy a set with the correct plug at your destination and save the luggage space and hassle.

Julian Chokkattu

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What is the plug for the United States? Before you travel, check the information below to make sure your electronic devices are compatible with the outlet type and voltage.

Electrical Summary

The United States uses outlet types A, B at a voltage of 120V and a frequency of 60 Hz.

Plug Compatibility: Type A, Type B

Voltage: 120V

Frequency: 60 Hz

Can North Americans use Electronics in the United States without an Adapter?

Yes! Mexicans and Canadians do not need a travel adapter or transformer when traveling to the United States. Most device plugs will work with the outlet types in the United States. Also, the voltage in the United States is the same as in the Mexico and Canada.  

Please note: an adapter will be needed if your device plug has a grounding pin and you are trying to use a Type A outlet. For this reason, we always recommend traveling with a universal travel adapter.

Can Europeans use Electronics in the United States without an adapter?

No! Europeans will need an adapter for the outlets and a transformer for the voltage when traveling to the United States . European device plugs will not work with the outlet types in the United States . Also, the voltage in the United States is different from European voltages.

What Outlet does the United States Use?

Type A electrical plug sockets are used in North and Central America, including the United States, Canada, and Mexico. They have two flat pins and no grounding pin. These outlets are typically used with devices that have a voltage of 110-120V. This outlet is rated for 15 amps. Plug Type A is compatible with this socket. All other plug types (including Type B) will need an adapter.

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Type B electrical plug sockets are used in North and Central America, including the United States, Canada, and Mexico. They have two round pins and a grounding pin. These outlets are typically used with devices that have a voltage of 110-120V. This outlet is rated for 15 amps. Plug Type A and Type B   are compatible with this socket. All other plug types will need an adapter.

Is it safe to drink water in the United States?

To be on the safe side, you can use common precautions such as boiling tap water for at least one minute, using water purification tablets, or drinking bottled water. It’s also important to note that ice may be made from tap water and that foods may be washed or prepared with tap water.

We recommend always packing a filtered water bottle when traveling:

Travel Essentials

Be sure to check our list of travel essentials before your trip!

Recommended Travel Essentials

Should I get travel insurance when traveling to the United States?

It is generally recommended to get travel insurance when traveling to a different country. Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind in case of unexpected events, such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost or stolen baggage, or other travel-related mishaps.

Travel insurance can cover various expenses related to your trip, such as medical expenses, emergency medical transportation, trip cancellation or interruption, lost or stolen baggage or personal belongings, and other travel-related expenses.

Before purchasing travel insurance, it’s important to carefully review the policy details, including the coverage limits, exclusions, and any applicable deductibles or copays. You should also make sure that the policy covers any activities or destinations that you plan to participate in or visit during your trip.

Travel Summary

The United States is a vast and diverse country that offers something for every traveler. From the natural wonders of the Grand Canyon to the hustle and bustle of New York City, the United States is a land of contrasts and a must-see destination.

One of the top destinations in the United States is the Grand Canyon. This natural wonder is located in Arizona, and it is one of the most famous tourist attractions in the world. The Grand Canyon offers visitors the opportunity to see the breathtaking scenery and take a hike, a helicopter tour or even a rafting trip on the Colorado River.

Another must-see destination in the United States is New York City. Known as “The City That Never Sleeps”, New York City is a melting pot of cultures and offers endless possibilities for entertainment, dining, and shopping. Visitors can see the iconic landmarks such as the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, and Central Park.

For a taste of American history, head to Washington D.C. The nation’s capital is home to many of the country’s most famous landmarks such as the White House, Lincoln Memorial, and the Smithsonian Museums. Visitors can also take a tour of the U.S Capitol, and explore the city’s free Smithsonian Museums.

The United States is also home to some of the most beautiful National Parks in the world. Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Teton, and Glacier National Parks are just a few examples of the many natural wonders that the country has to offer. These parks offer endless opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife watching.

No trip to the United States would be complete without trying the delicious traditional American food. From hot dogs, hamburgers, to mac and cheese, the United States is a food lover’s paradise. Be sure to try the famous BBQ ribs and fried chicken and wash it down with a cold beer or a classic milkshake.

Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, culture, history, or just a relaxing vacation, the United States has something for everyone. With its friendly people, natural beauty, and endless attractions, it’s no wonder why the United States is such a popular travel destination.

Traveling to another country? Check out our Countries page for more info.