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Universal Travel Adapter
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The world uses 15 different plug types. A universal adapter handles most situations, but knowing what you’ll encounter helps you pack appropriately.
The Main Plug Types
Type A – Two Flat Pins (North America, Japan)
Used in: USA, Canada, Mexico, Japan, Central America, Caribbean
The standard American plug. Two flat parallel pins. Japan uses the same shape but different voltage (100V vs 120V).
Type B – Two Flat Pins + Ground (North America)
Used in: USA, Canada, Mexico, Japan, Central America
Same as Type A but with a third round grounding pin. Type A devices fit Type B sockets; Type B devices don’t fit Type A sockets.
Type C – Two Round Pins (Europe, South America, Asia)
Used in: Most of Europe, Russia, South America, parts of Asia and Africa
The most commonly used plug type worldwide. Two round pins, no ground. Works in most European and South American sockets.
Type D – Three Large Round Pins (India)
Used in: India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, some African countries
Three large round pins in a triangle. Being phased out in favour of Type M in many locations.
Type E – Two Round Pins + Grounding Hole (France, Belgium)
Used in: France, Belgium, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia
Similar to Type C but with a grounding hole for a pin in the socket. Type C plugs fit Type E sockets.
Type F – Two Round Pins + Side Clips (Germany, Europe)
Used in: Germany, Austria, Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, most of Europe
Also called “Schuko” (from German Schutzkontakt – safety contact). Type C plugs fit Type F sockets. Most European travel adapters cover both E and F.
Type G – Three Rectangular Pins (UK, Ireland)
Used in: UK, Ireland, Malta, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, UAE
The British plug with three rectangular pins. Larger than most plugs. Includes a fuse inside the plug itself.
Type H – Three Pins in V-Shape (Israel)
Used in: Israel, Palestinian territories
Unique to Israel. Older Type H sockets accept Type C plugs; newer ones are Israel-only.
Type I – Two Angled Pins (Australia, China)
Used in: Australia, New Zealand, China, Argentina
Two angled flat pins in a V shape, sometimes with a third vertical ground pin. China uses the same plug type but different voltage.
Type J – Three Round Pins (Switzerland)
Used in: Switzerland, Liechtenstein
Similar to Type C but with a third grounding pin. Type C plugs fit Swiss sockets.
Type K – Three Round Pins (Denmark)
Used in: Denmark, Greenland, Faroe Islands
Similar to Type F but with a grounding pin instead of clips. Type C plugs usually fit.
Type L – Three Round Pins in a Row (Italy)
Used in: Italy, Chile
Three round pins in a line. Comes in two versions: 10A (smaller) and 16A (larger). Type C often works in Italian sockets.
Type M – Three Large Round Pins (South Africa)
Used in: South Africa, India (high-power), parts of Africa
Similar to Type D but with larger pins. Used for high-power devices in India.
Type N – Three Round Pins (Brazil)
Used in: Brazil, South Africa
Similar to Swiss Type J. Brazil’s official plug type since 2007, though older buildings may have different sockets.
Type O – Three Round Pins (Thailand)
Used in: Thailand
Unique to Thailand. Most Thai sockets also accept Type A, Type B, and Type C plugs, making adapters often unnecessary.
Quick Reference by Region
Europe
Region
Plug Type
Voltage
UK & Ireland
G
230V
France, Belgium
E
230V
Germany, Spain, Portugal
F
230V
Italy
L (and C)
230V
Switzerland
J
230V
Denmark
K
230V
For UK travellers to Europe: You need a UK to EU adapter (Type G to Type C/E/F). See our Europe adapter guide.
Asia
Country
Plug Type
Voltage
China
A, I, C
220V
Japan
A, B
100V
Thailand
O, A, B, C
220V
India
D, M, C
230V
Singapore
G
230V
Americas
Region
Plug Type
Voltage
USA, Canada
A, B
120V
Mexico
A, B
127V
Brazil
N, C
127V/220V
Argentina
I, C
220V
Oceania
Country
Plug Type
Voltage
Australia
I
230V
New Zealand
I
230V
What You Need
Universal Adapter
A universal adapter covers all major plug types in one device. Good for multi-country trips or if you’re unsure what you’ll encounter.
Recommended for: Frequent travellers, multi-destination trips.
Region-Specific Adapter
A simple UK-to-Europe or UK-to-USA adapter is smaller, cheaper, and sufficient if you know your destination.
Recommended for: Single-destination trips.
Adapter vs Converter
Adapter: Changes the plug shape only. Use for dual-voltage devices (phones, laptops, cameras).
Converter: Changes the voltage (e.g., 110V to 220V). Needed for single-voltage devices like some hair dryers.
Most modern electronics are dual-voltage (check the label: “100-240V” means you only need an adapter). Hair appliances are often single-voltage and need a converter – or just use the hotel’s.
