Power Plugs, Sockets & Voltage Around the World
Travelling with a phone, laptop or hairdryer? The plug shape, voltage and frequency differ from country to country. This table lists the plug types (A–N), voltage and frequency for 59 countries, so you can tell which travel adapter you need and whether your devices will run safely abroad. Your device's rating is printed on its charger or label.
Plug types at a glance
| Country | Plug types | Voltage | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albania | CF | 230 V | 50 Hz | |
| Argentina | CI | 220 V | 50 Hz | Type I is reversed-polarity vs Australia |
| Australia | I | 230 V | 50 Hz | |
| Austria | CF | 230 V | 50 Hz | |
| Bangladesh | CDGK | 220 V | 50 Hz | |
| Belgium | CE | 230 V | 50 Hz | |
| Brazil | CN | 127 / 220 V | 60 Hz | Voltage varies by region |
| Bulgaria | CF | 230 V | 50 Hz | |
| Canada | AB | 120 V | 60 Hz | |
| Chile | CL | 220 V | 50 Hz | |
| China | ACI | 220 V | 50 Hz | |
| Colombia | AB | 110 V | 60 Hz | |
| Croatia | CF | 230 V | 50 Hz | |
| Czech Republic | CE | 230 V | 50 Hz | |
| Denmark | CEFK | 230 V | 50 Hz | |
| Egypt | CF | 220 V | 50 Hz | |
| Estonia | CF | 230 V | 50 Hz | |
| Finland | CF | 230 V | 50 Hz | |
| France | CE | 230 V | 50 Hz | |
| Germany | CF | 230 V | 50 Hz | |
| Greece | CF | 230 V | 50 Hz | |
| Hungary | CF | 230 V | 50 Hz | |
| India | CDM | 230 V | 50 Hz | |
| Indonesia | CF | 230 V | 50 Hz | |
| Ireland | G | 230 V | 50 Hz | |
| Israel | CHM | 230 V | 50 Hz | |
| Italy | CFL | 230 V | 50 Hz | |
| Japan | AB | 100 V | 50 / 60 Hz | East 50 Hz, West 60 Hz |
| Latvia | CF | 230 V | 50 Hz | |
| Lithuania | CF | 230 V | 50 Hz | |
| Luxembourg | CF | 230 V | 50 Hz | |
| Malaysia | G | 240 V | 50 Hz | |
| Mexico | AB | 127 V | 60 Hz | |
| Netherlands | CF | 230 V | 50 Hz | |
| New Zealand | I | 230 V | 50 Hz | |
| Norway | CF | 230 V | 50 Hz | |
| Pakistan | CDGM | 230 V | 50 Hz | |
| Philippines | ABC | 220 V | 60 Hz | |
| Poland | CE | 230 V | 50 Hz | |
| Portugal | CF | 230 V | 50 Hz | |
| Romania | CF | 230 V | 50 Hz | |
| Russia | CF | 230 V | 50 Hz | |
| Saudi Arabia | ABFG | 230 V | 60 Hz | |
| Serbia | CF | 230 V | 50 Hz | |
| Slovakia | CE | 230 V | 50 Hz | |
| Slovenia | CF | 230 V | 50 Hz | |
| South Africa | CDMN | 230 V | 50 Hz | Type N is the newer SANS standard |
| South Korea | CF | 220 V | 60 Hz | |
| Spain | CF | 230 V | 50 Hz | |
| Sweden | CF | 230 V | 50 Hz | |
| Switzerland | CJ | 230 V | 50 Hz | |
| Taiwan | AB | 110 V | 60 Hz | |
| Thailand | ABCO | 230 V | 50 Hz | |
| Turkey | CF | 230 V | 50 Hz | |
| UAE | CDG | 230 V | 50 Hz | |
| Ukraine | CF | 230 V | 50 Hz | |
| United Kingdom | G | 230 V | 50 Hz | |
| United States | AB | 120 V | 60 Hz | |
| Vietnam | ACF | 220 V | 50 Hz |
How Plugs, Voltage & Adapters Work
Two separate things matter when you travel. First, the plug shape — sockets come in standardised types labelled A to N: Type A/B in North America and Japan, Type C/F across most of Europe, Type G in the UK and Ireland, Type I in Australia. A travel adapter only changes the shape; it does not change the electricity.
Second, the voltage and frequency. Most of the world runs on 220–240 V at 50 Hz, while North America, Japan and parts of Latin America use 100–127 V, mostly at 60 Hz. Plugging a 120 V-only device into 230 V can destroy it — so check the label. Most phone and laptop chargers read 100–240 V ~ 50/60 Hz, meaning they are dual-voltage and work everywhere with just a plug adapter. A single-voltage device (some hair dryers, shavers) needs a voltage converter, not just an adapter.
Use the table below to find the plug types, voltage and frequency for your destination.
Disclaimer
Standards can vary by building, region and the age of the installation. Always check your device's rating label and, when in doubt, consult a qualified electrician before connecting equipment abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a travel adapter or a voltage converter?
If your charger says 100–240 V, you only need a plug adapter to change the shape. If it is single-voltage (e.g. 120 V only) and you travel to a 230 V country, you need a voltage converter — otherwise it may be damaged.
Will a US 120 V device work in Europe (230 V)?
Only if it is dual-voltage (100–240 V). A 120 V-only device will be damaged on 230 V. Most laptops and phone chargers are dual-voltage; many hair dryers and curling irons are not.
What is the difference between voltage and frequency?
Voltage (V) is the electrical pressure; frequency (Hz) is how many times per second the current alternates. Most electronics tolerate 50 vs 60 Hz, but some motors and mains clocks run slightly differently.
Which plug type is the most widely usable?
Type C (the two-round-pin Europlug) is the most widely accepted — across most of Europe, Asia, South America and Africa. Type A/B dominate North America and Japan; Type G the UK and Ireland.
Are the USB ports in hotels safe to use abroad?
Yes. Hotel USB ports supply 5 V regardless of the country's mains, so any USB-charged device is fine. The voltage and plug question only applies to the wall socket itself.
What does 100–240 V ~ 50/60 Hz on my charger mean?
It means the device accepts any mains voltage and frequency in this table, so it is safe in every listed country — you only ever need a plug adapter, never a converter.