An Egypt plug adapter is essential for UK travellers visiting Cairo, Sharm el-Sheikh, Hurghada, or the Nile. Egypt uses the same plug types as most of Europe, which makes packing easy if you already own a European travel adapter. I discovered this on my first trip to Hurghada — my Egypt plug adapter that I had bought for Spain worked perfectly at the Red Sea resort. The same Egypt plug adapter will work in Luxor, Aswan, and anywhere else in the country.
Egypt uses Type C and Type F plugs with a voltage of 220V at 50Hz. UK plugs do not fit Egyptian outlets, so you need a travel adapter.
What Egypt Plug Adapter Type Do You Need?
Egypt uses two plug types:
Type C (Europlug):
- Two round pins, 4.0-4.8mm diameter
- No grounding
- Rated up to 2.5A
- Used for small devices like phone chargers
Type F (Schuko):
- Two round pins with grounding clips on the sides
- Rated up to 16A
- Used for higher-power devices
- The same standard used across continental Europe
If you have an adapter from a previous trip to Spain, France, Germany, or Greece, it will work in Egypt. The IEC World Plugs reference confirms Egypt uses Type C and F.
Do I Need an Adapter from the UK?
Yes. UK plugs (Type G) have three rectangular pins and will not fit Egyptian sockets. You need a UK-to-EU adapter.
Any standard European travel adapter works in Egypt. Look for adapters labelled “UK to Europe,” “UK to EU,” or “Type C/F.”
Do I Need a Voltage Converter?
Probably not. Egypt uses 220V at 50Hz, which is close enough to the UK’s 230V 50Hz that your devices will work without conversion.
Check your charger labels. Modern electronics (phones, laptops, tablets, cameras) are dual-voltage (100-240V) and work worldwide with just a plug adapter.
Devices that might need attention:
- Older single-voltage appliances (rare for UK products)
- Some US devices if travelling via the UK
- Certain medical equipment (check with manufacturer)
For UK travellers, a voltage converter is almost never needed.
Choosing an Egypt Plug Adapter
[
TESSAN UK to European Travel Adapter
View on Amazon.co.uk
](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07SXH3JT6?tag=trvell-21)
Type
Price
Best For
Basic two-pin
£3-5
Single device, budget option
With USB ports
£10-15
Charging phones directly
Multi-pack (3-6)
£8-12
Couples, families
Universal adapter
£15-25
Multiple countries
What to Look For
- Type C/F compatibility: Standard for European adapters
- USB-C and USB-A ports: Charge phones without extra cables
- Compact design: Some Egyptian sockets are recessed
- Durability: Important for resort and Nile cruise trips
Egyptian Resorts vs Cities
Sharm el-Sheikh, Hurghada, Marsa Alam
Red Sea resorts often have modern sockets, and some international hotels provide universal outlets or have UK sockets in rooms. Do not rely on this — bring an adapter anyway.
Cairo, Luxor, Aswan
City hotels and Nile cruise boats use standard Egyptian (Type C/F) sockets. Older buildings may have fewer accessible outlets. Bring a UK power strip and adapter to charge multiple devices from one socket.
Nile Cruises
Cruise ships have limited cabin sockets, often just one or two. Bring a power strip and adapter, or a multi-USB charger to keep phones, cameras, and tablets charged.
Practical Tips
Pack at least two adapters. Resorts and cruise cabins often have outlets in inconvenient places. One adapter by the bed, one in the bathroom.
Bring a power strip. One adapter plus a four-way UK extension lead means charging all your devices from a single Egyptian socket.
Do not rely on hotel USB ports. Some Egyptian hotels have USB ports, but they are often slow (1A) or do not work reliably.
Airport shopping. Cairo and Sharm el-Sheikh airports sell adapters, but prices are high (£10-15+). Buy in the UK before you leave.
Power cuts. Egypt occasionally experiences power cuts, especially in summer. Bring a power bank for your phone.
Where to Buy
Before you leave:
- Amazon, Argos, Currys, supermarkets
- Prices: £3-15
At UK airports:
- WHSmith, Boots, Dixons Travel
- Prices: £8-20
In Egypt:
- Hotel shops (expensive, limited selection)
- Electronics shops in cities
- You will need a EG-to-UK adapter, which is uncommon
Buy your Egypt plug adapter in the UK. It is cheaper and avoids hunting for a shop in 40°C heat. Amazon has a wide selection of EU adapters at reasonable prices.
Egypt Voltage and Frequency
Specification
Egypt
UK
Voltage
220V
230V
Frequency
50Hz
50Hz
Plug types
C, F
G
The voltage difference (220V vs 230V) is negligible. All UK devices work without conversion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Egypt the same plug as Europe?
Yes. Egypt uses Type C and F, the same as Spain, France, Germany, and most of continental Europe.
Do I need a voltage converter for Egypt?
No. Egypt’s 220V is close enough to the UK’s 230V. Your devices will work with just a plug adapter.
Will my iPhone charger work in Egypt?
Yes, with a plug adapter. Apple chargers are rated 100-240V and work worldwide.
Do Egyptian hotels have UK sockets?
Some international hotels do, but most use standard Egyptian (Type C/F) sockets. Bring an adapter.
What adapter do I need for a Nile cruise?
The same UK-to-EU adapter. Cruise ships use standard Egyptian sockets.
Can I buy an adapter at Sharm el-Sheikh airport?
Yes, but it will cost £10-15+. Buy in the UK for half the price.
Related Guides
- Europe Plug Adapter Guide
- Morocco Plug Adapter
- Dubai Plug Adapter
- Turkey Plug Adapter
- Worldwide Plug Types
