Egypt Plug Adapter: What UK Travellers Need
Packing for Egypt and wondering whether you need a voltage converter? You do not. An Egypt plug adapter is still essential — UK plugs will not fit Egyptian sockets — but the voltage is identical: 230V at 50Hz, same as home.
Egypt uses Type F (Schuko) sockets. Any standard UK-to-Europe adapter works. The one you used in Spain, France, or Greece will work just as well in Sharm el-Sheikh, Hurghada, Cairo, and on the Nile.
What Plugs Do They Use in Egypt?
Type F — Egypt’s Current Standard
Egypt has standardised on Type F (Schuko) sockets — two round pins with grounding clips on the sides, rated to 16A. It is the same standard used across continental Europe.
Type F is what you will find in all modern Egyptian hotels, resorts, and recently built properties. Any adapter labelled “UK to Europe,” “UK to EU,” or “Schuko compatible” will work.
Type C — Still Found in Older Buildings
Type C (the Europlug) has two round pins but no grounding. Egypt has officially banned new Type C socket installations — they are considered unsafe because there is no earth connection.
That said, older buildings — budget city hotels, Cairo apartments, some Nile cruise boats — may still have unrewired Type C sockets. It is not a problem: a Type C plug fits into a Type F socket, so a basic EU adapter works in both. A Type F adapter with grounding clips gives a more secure fit and better safety for high-power devices.
Quick Answer: Which Adapter Do I Buy?
Any standard UK-to-Europe travel adapter. Look for “Type C/F” or “Schuko compatible” on the packaging. If you want the safer option, choose one with Type F grounding clips rather than a bare two-pin Europlug body.
Do I Need a Voltage Converter for Egypt?
No. Egypt runs at 230V/50Hz — the same as the UK. There is nothing to convert.
Check the label on your charger or device. If it says “100-240V, 50/60Hz” — which covers virtually all modern phones, laptops, tablets, and cameras — it is dual-voltage and works anywhere with just a plug adapter.
The only time a converter might be needed: older single-voltage appliances, or US devices running at 110-120V. For anything bought in the UK, forget the converter.
Will My Devices Work in Egypt?
Phones, Laptops, Tablets, and Cameras
All modern consumer electronics — iPhones, Android phones, MacBooks, Windows laptops, iPads, Kindles, camera chargers, e-cigarette chargers — carry the “100-240V” dual-voltage rating. Plug your adapter in and charge as normal.
Hair Dryers in Egypt
UK hair dryers are designed for 230V, which matches Egypt exactly. Voltage is not the issue — you just need an adapter for the socket shape.
Most four and five-star resorts in Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada provide a hair dryer in the room. If you care about wattage or performance, bring your own — hotel dryers are typically 1,000-1,200W and underpowered.
GHD and Babyliss Straighteners in Egypt
GHD: Most models from the Mk4 generation onwards are dual-voltage (100-240V) and work in Egypt with just an adapter. The older GHD 3.1b is single-voltage and should stay home. Several current GHD models — including the Curve thin wand, ghd glide, and ghd wave — are rated 220-240V only, meaning they work in Egypt (230V) but not in countries on lower voltages. Check the label on the heat plate housing of your specific model before packing.
Babyliss: The domestic Babyliss range (sold in UK supermarkets and Boots) is designed for 230V and works fine in Egypt. Babyliss also makes a travel hair dryer range — the BNT053TUC is a popular example — which is dual-voltage and folds flat for hand luggage.
High-wattage styling tools (1,800W and above) should go straight into the wall socket, not through a multi-socket strip. Cheap adapters can struggle with the load.
CPAP Machines in Egypt
Most modern CPAP machines are universal voltage. The ResMed AirSense 10, AirSense 11, and Philips DreamStation are all rated 100-240V/50-60Hz — check the label on the power supply brick, not the machine itself. A standard UK-to-EU adapter is what you need.
If your CPAP has an older AC motor rated for 110-120V only, you will need a step-down voltage converter as well. Check before you travel.
At resorts, most hotel rooms have at least one Type F socket near the bed — if the position matters for your setup, call the property ahead of time. On a Nile cruise, the socket is often above the desk rather than the headboard; bring a short extension lead and confirm the layout with the cruise operator before you board.
The Egyptian grid can produce voltage spikes when supply is under strain, particularly in summer. A surge-protected adapter is worth the minor extra cost for a device you depend on overnight.
UK Kettles and High-Wattage Appliances
A UK travel kettle (typically 1,000W) will work in Egypt. Plug it directly into the wall socket — not through a multi-socket strip or an adapter with USB ports. Most adapter thermal ratings top out at 2,500W, and high-wattage appliances push that limit.
Standard UK kettles (2,400-3,000W) are not suitable for use through any travel adapter. The current draw is too high for the adapter’s contact pins to handle safely.
Choosing the Right Egypt Plug Adapter
| Type | What It Does | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Basic two-pin adapter | Converts UK plug shape to Type C/F | One device, budget travellers |
| Adapter with USB ports | Converts plug + USB-A/C charging | Charging phone without extra cables |
| Multi-USB adapter (grounded Type F) | 4+ USB ports + UK-to-EU conversion | Couples, small families |
| Power strip with EU plug | 3 UK sockets + USB ports in one unit | Families, Nile cruise passengers |
What to Look For
- Type F (Schuko-compatible): Grounded, fits Egyptian sockets securely
- USB-C fast charging (18W+): Charge a modern phone or iPad without extra cables
- Compact profile: Some Egyptian sockets are recessed — a slimmer adapter fits without stressing the socket
- BS8546 compliance: The British Standard for travel adapters. Look for it on the packaging or the adapter body.
Are Cheap Egypt Plug Adapters Safe?
No-brand adapters from unknown sellers — anything under £3-4 — can overheat and cause fires. BS8546, the British Standard for travel adapters, was introduced specifically because this was happening. The warning signs: the plastic gets warm when nothing is plugged in, it sparks on insertion, or there are visible gaps in the casing around the pins.
TESSAN and Pipestation both have grounded Type F adapters on Amazon UK in the £6-12 range with solid track records. Do not leave a cheap unbranded adapter plugged in overnight or unattended in a hotel room.
Egyptian Resort Sockets vs City Hotels
Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada Resorts
Red Sea resorts have modern wiring. Type F sockets in rooms, at the desk, and near the bed are standard across four and five-star properties. Some rooms have only one or two accessible sockets — a compact UK power strip with a European plug sorts this out quickly.
TUI and Jet2 Hotels — Do They Have UK Sockets?
A few international chain properties (Marriott, Hilton, Steigenberger) include universal sockets in the bathroom or beside the bed, but most do not. TUI and Jet2 hotels in Egypt — TUI BLUE Makadi Gardens in Hurghada, the Rixos properties in Sharm — use standard Egyptian Type F throughout. Bring an adapter and do not bank on finding a UK socket.
Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan City Hotels
City hotels use the same Type F standard, but wiring quality varies. Older buildings can have recessed or loose sockets. If an adapter feels unstable, try a different socket or switch to a Type F adapter with grounding clips — the side clips grip the socket and keep the adapter from working loose. Older rooms often have one or two sockets in awkward positions, so a short UK extension lead is worth packing.
Nile Cruise Cabin Sockets
Nile cruise cabins typically have one socket, occasionally two, above the desk or near the headboard — rarely both. Most modern cruise boats have Type F sockets; some older budget vessels still have Type C.
A compact UK power strip with a European plug works well: one adapter into the Egyptian socket, all your devices into the strip. Check with the cruise operator first — some ban multi-socket leads for fire safety reasons. If they do, a multi-port USB-C wall charger with a single EU plug is a tidy alternative that handles most modern devices without needing a strip.
CPAP users should confirm socket placement with the cruise operator before booking.
Power Cuts in Egypt — What Tourists Need to Know
From 2023 to 2024, Egypt ran a scheduled load-shedding programme — up to two to three hours of cuts per day in residential areas during the worst periods. Tourist resorts in Sharm, Hurghada, and Marsa Alam were officially exempt: the Egyptian government carved out Red Sea and South Sinai governorates from the schedule to protect the tourism industry. The programme was suspended in September 2024, and Egypt confirmed no planned cuts for summer 2025.
If you are staying off the tourist trail in Cairo residential areas or budget guesthouses, brief outages in summer are still possible — the underlying grid infrastructure is under pressure and voltage spikes can occur even when there is no full cut.
A 10,000-20,000mAh power bank is worth carrying regardless of where you are staying. If you are running a CPAP in an older Cairo hotel, a surge-protected adapter is not optional.
Practical Tips for UK Travellers
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Pack two adapters. Resorts and cruise cabins often have sockets in inconvenient spots. One by the bed, one at the desk or in the bathroom.
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Bring a UK power strip. One EU-plug adapter plus a four-way UK extension lead (1.5m) lets you charge everything from a single Egyptian socket. Keep total wattage below 2,500W.
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Do not rely on hotel USB ports. Many Egyptian hotels have USB ports in the room, but they are often 1A (slow) or unreliable. Use your own charger and adapter.
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Buy before you fly. Cairo and Sharm el-Sheikh airports sell adapters at £10-15+. UK prices start at £3-8. Buy it before you leave.
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Bring a power bank. Even in resort areas, a short voltage dip can interrupt charging overnight. A 10,000-20,000mAh bank covers two full phone charges.
Where to Buy an Egypt Plug Adapter in the UK
Before you leave (recommended):
- Amazon UK, Argos, Currys, supermarkets
- Prices: £3-15
- Best selection, best prices
At UK airports:
- WHSmith, Boots, Dixons Travel
- Prices: £8-20
- Available but overpriced
In Egypt:
- Hotel shops (limited stock, high prices)
- Electronics shops in cities (Type C/F adapters are available but UK-specific stock is hit and miss)
Buy in the UK. It is cheaper and avoids hunting for a shop in 40°C heat. Amazon has a wide selection of EU adapters starting under £5.
Egypt Voltage and Plug Types — Quick Reference
| Specification | Egypt | UK |
|---|---|---|
| Voltage | 230V | 230V |
| Frequency | 50Hz | 50Hz |
| Plug types | F (standard), C (older buildings) | G |
| Adapter needed? | Yes — UK Type G to European Type F/C | — |
| Voltage converter needed? | No | — |
Same voltage, different plug shape. An adapter is all you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
What plug adapter do I need for Egypt from the UK?
A standard UK-to-Europe adapter (Type C/F). Any adapter labelled “UK to EU,” “UK to Europe,” or “Schuko compatible” will work. A grounded Type F adapter gives a more secure fit.
Is Egypt the same plug as Europe?
Yes. Egypt uses the same Type F (Schuko) standard as Spain, France, Germany, and most of continental Europe. The same adapter works throughout.
Do I need a voltage converter for Egypt?
No. Egypt runs at 230V/50Hz — the same as the UK. A plug adapter is all you need.
What voltage is used in Egypt?
230V at 50Hz, the same as the UK. A lot of older sources still say 220V — that figure is out of date. The current official standard is 230V.
Will my GHD straighteners work in Egypt?
Most GHD models from the Mk4 onwards are dual-voltage (100-240V) and work in Egypt with an adapter. Check the label on the heat plate housing — if it shows “100-240V,” you are fine.
Can I use a CPAP machine in Egypt?
Almost certainly. Modern CPAP machines (ResMed AirSense, Philips DreamStation) are universal voltage (100-240V) and work anywhere with a plug adapter. Check the label on the power supply brick to be sure. A surge-protected adapter is worth it for overnight use.
Do Egyptian hotels have UK sockets?
Most do not. Some international chain hotels include a universal socket in the bathroom or beside the bed, but it is not something to count on. Bring your own adapter.
Do TUI and Jet2 hotels in Egypt have UK sockets?
No — TUI and Jet2 properties in Egypt use standard Egyptian Type F sockets. Bring an adapter.
What adapter do I need for a Nile cruise?
The same UK-to-EU adapter. Nile cruise cabins use Type F sockets. A compact UK power strip with a European plug is the most useful thing to bring — it lets you charge multiple devices from the cabin’s one or two sockets.
Can I buy an adapter at Sharm el-Sheikh airport?
Yes, but expect to pay £10-15+. Buy in the UK for half the price.
Are power cuts a problem for UK tourists in Egypt?
Not in the main resort areas. Sharm and Hurghada resorts were exempt from Egypt’s load-shedding schedules, and the programme was suspended in September 2024. If you are staying off the tourist trail in Cairo, brief summer outages are possible. A power bank is sensible either way.
Is it safe to use a cheap Egypt plug adapter?
Not always. Cheap unbranded adapters can overheat and pose a fire risk. Look for BS8546 compliance on the packaging, or stick to a known brand such as TESSAN or Pipestation.
