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Which travel adapter do you need? It depends on where you're going — most of Europe uses Type C and F plugs, the UK uses Type G, and Australia uses Type I. This guide matches plug types to the destinations on Travel4Kelvin and explains the one thing that trips people up: adapters change the shape of a plug, not the voltage.
Adapter vs. converter: the one thing to get right
A plug adapter only changes the shape so your plug fits the wall socket. A voltage converter actually changes the electricity. You almost never need a converter for modern gadgets.
- Look at the small print on your charger or power brick. If it says "INPUT: 100–240V", it's dual-voltage and works anywhere with just a plug adapter. Phones, laptops, tablets, cameras and most USB chargers are dual-voltage.
- If it says a single voltage (for example "120V"), such as some hair dryers, straighteners and electric shavers, plugging it into a 230V socket can damage it. Use a dual-voltage version, or leave it at home and use the hotel's.
Which plug type goes where
- Type A / B: the flat-pin US-style plugs, also used in Japan, Mexico, Canada and much of the Caribbean and Central America. If you're an American traveler visiting these places, you may not need an adapter at all.
- Type C: the two-round-pin "Europlug" that fits most of continental Europe.
- Type E / F: round-pin plugs with grounding (E in France and the Czech Republic, F in Germany, Spain, Portugal and much of the rest). A Type C plug fits E and F sockets.
- Type G: the large three-pin plug of the UK and Ireland.
- Type I: the angled flat pins of Australia and New Zealand.
- Type L: Italy's three-round-pin sockets. Type C plugs usually fit the narrow ones.
Plug types and voltage by destination
Here are the destinations from our guides. Standards can vary by building (older hotels in particular), so treat this as a guide and bring a multi-region adapter if you're visiting more than one country.
| Destination | Plug types | Voltage |
|---|---|---|
| Italy | C, F, L | 230V |
| France | C, E | 230V |
| Spain | C, F | 230V |
| Portugal | C, F | 230V |
| Greece | C, F | 230V |
| Croatia | C, F | 230V |
| Czech Republic (Prague) | C, E | 230V |
| United Kingdom (London) | G | 230V |
| Morocco | C, E | 220V |
| Japan | A, B | 100V |
| Thailand | A, B, C, F, O | 230V |
| Vietnam | A, C, F | 220V |
| India | C, D, M | 230V |
| Australia | I | 230V |
| South Africa | C, M, N | 230V |
| Peru | A, B, C | 220V |
| Costa Rica | A, B | 120V |
| Bahamas | A, B | 120V |
| US Virgin Islands | A, B | 120V |
What to look for in a travel adapter
- Multi-region coverage: a single unit with sliding or swappable plugs for US, EU, UK and AU saves you from buying one per country.
- Built-in USB-A and USB-C ports: charge a phone, earbuds and a laptop from one outlet — handy when hotel rooms have just one or two sockets. Check the wattage if you want to charge a laptop over USB-C.
- Surge protection and a fuse: a good safeguard for expensive electronics.
- Grounding: if you're charging a laptop with a three-prong plug, make sure the adapter passes the ground through.
- Compact size: big adapters can pull out of loose, older sockets. Choose one that sits flush.
Universal travel adapter with USB-C
One adapter covering US, EU, UK and Australia plugs, with multiple USB ports to charge several devices at once.
Compact power strip with universal sockets
Turn a single wall outlet into several — handy for couples or families sharing one adapter.
Packing cubes for cables
Keep chargers, adapters and cords in one pouch so nothing gets left behind in a hotel room.
Pack it right
- Check the voltage label on every device you plan to bring.
- Pick your adapter based on the table above — or carry a multi-region one.
- Charge phones overnight; keep adapters in your daypack so you can charge on trains and in cafés.
- Leave single-voltage heat tools at home.
Heading to several countries in one trip? Our 2-week Europe itinerary crosses four, and the one-bag packing list covers everything else you need. See also our travel gadgets roundup.
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a voltage converter for my phone or laptop?
Usually not. Most phone, laptop and camera chargers are dual-voltage (100–240V). Check the label on the charger; if it lists that range, a plug adapter is enough.
What adapter do I need for Europe?
Most of continental Europe uses Type C and F sockets at 230V. A Type C adapter or a universal adapter covers most countries. The UK uses Type G, and Italy and Switzerland have their own narrow-pin variants.
Will my hair dryer work abroad?
Only if it's dual-voltage or matches the local voltage. A US-only 120V hair dryer can be damaged by 230V sockets. It's usually easier to use the hotel's hair dryer.
Do I need an adapter for Japan or the Caribbean?
US plugs (Type A/B) fit in Japan and in the Bahamas and US Virgin Islands, so American travelers don't need an adapter there. Japan's voltage is 100V, which is fine for dual-voltage devices.