A Portugal plug adapter is essential for UK travellers visiting Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve, or anywhere in the country. Portugal is one of the easiest European destinations when it comes to adapters — the same standard EU adapter that works in Spain, France, and Germany works perfectly throughout Portugal. I have used the same £5 Portugal plug adapter for dozens of trips without any issues. Just remember to actually pack it — I once had to buy an overpriced replacement at Faro airport because my Portugal plug adapter was still plugged into my kitchen wall at home.
Portugal uses Type C and Type F plugs with a voltage of 230V at 50Hz. UK plugs do not fit Portuguese outlets, so you need a travel adapter.
What Portugal Plug Adapter Type Do You Need?
Portugal 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
- Standard across most of continental Europe
Type F is the same as used in Germany, Spain, Austria, and the Netherlands. Any standard EU adapter will work in Portugal. The IEC World Plugs reference confirms Portugal 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 Portuguese sockets. You need a UK-to-EU adapter.
Any adapter sold as “UK to Europe” or “UK to EU” will work in Portugal. There are no special requirements — Portugal uses the standard continental European socket type.
Do I Need a Voltage Converter?
No. Portugal uses 230V at 50Hz, which is the same as the UK. Your UK devices will work without any voltage conversion.
Check the label on your chargers to confirm they are rated for 230V or 100-240V. Modern electronics (phones, laptops, tablets, cameras) are universally dual-voltage. Older or heating appliances (some hair dryers, travel irons) might be single-voltage — check before you pack them.
Choosing a Portugal 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, spares
Universal adapter
£15-25
Multiple countries
What to Look For
- Type C/F compatibility: Standard for all EU adapters sold in the UK
- USB-C and USB-A ports: Charge phones without needing separate plug
- Compact size: Portuguese sockets are sometimes recessed
- Build quality: Cheap adapters can be loose or wobbly
For Portugal specifically, a basic £5 Portugal plug adapter is all you need. Upgrade to one with USB ports if you want to charge phones directly. Amazon has a wide selection of EU adapters at reasonable prices.
Madeira and the Azores
Good news: Madeira and the Azores use the same plugs as mainland Portugal. Your EU adapter works on all Portuguese islands.
The voltage is also identical (230V 50Hz), so there are no additional considerations for island trips.
Practical Tips
One adapter, multiple devices: Bring a UK power strip and one adapter. Plug the strip into the Portuguese socket via the adapter, then plug multiple UK devices into the strip.
Algarve resorts: Many newer resorts have universal sockets or USB ports in the rooms. Do not rely on this — pack an adapter anyway.
Older buildings: Some apartments and older hotels have recessed sockets. A compact adapter fits better than a bulky universal one.
Airport prices: Adapters at Faro, Lisbon, and Porto airports cost £10-15. Buy in the UK for half the price.
Where to Buy
Before you leave:
- Amazon, Argos, Currys, supermarkets
- Prices: £3-15
At UK airports:
- WHSmith, Boots, Dixons Travel
- Prices: £8-20
In Portugal:
- Worten (electronics chain)
- El Corte Inglés, Fnac
- Supermarkets (Continente, Pingo Doce) sometimes stock adapters
- You will need a PT-to-UK adapter, less common than UK-to-EU
Portugal Voltage and Frequency
Specification
Portugal
UK
Voltage
230V
230V
Frequency
50Hz
50Hz
Plug types
C, F
G
Identical voltage means no conversion needed. Plug shape is the only difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Portugal the same plug as Spain?
Yes. Both use Type C and F. The same adapter works in both countries.
Do I need a different adapter for Madeira?
No. Madeira uses the same plugs as mainland Portugal.
Will my UK hair dryer work in Portugal?
If it is rated 220-240V, yes — just use an adapter. If it says 110V or 120V only (rare for UK appliances), it will not work and could be damaged.
Can I charge my phone with just an adapter?
Yes. Phone chargers are dual-voltage. You only need to adapt the plug shape.
Do Portuguese hotels have USB ports?
Some newer hotels do, but many do not. Pack an adapter to be safe.
