Travelling from the UK to the USA? You’ll need a plug adapter. The US uses different plug shapes and different voltage than the UK. Here’s what you need to know.
Quick Answer
What you need: A UK to US adapter (Type G to Type A/B)
Voltage: US uses 110-120V (UK uses 220-240V)
Most devices: Phones, laptops, tablets, cameras – just need an adapter, no converter
Hair appliances: Check the label. Many UK hair dryers and straighteners need a voltage converter or won’t work properly
US Plug Types
The USA uses two plug types:
Type A: Two flat parallel pins (ungrounded)
Type B: Two flat parallel pins plus a round grounding pin
Type B is the more common socket – it accepts both Type A and Type B plugs. UK plugs (Type G with three rectangular pins) won’t fit either.
Voltage: The Important Bit
This is where people get confused.
| UK | USA | |
|---|---|---|
| Voltage | 220-240V | 110-120V |
| Frequency | 50Hz | 60Hz |
What this means: US electricity runs at roughly half the voltage of UK electricity.
Devices That Only Need an Adapter
Most modern electronics are dual-voltage (labelled 100-240V). These only need a plug adapter:
- Phone chargers
- Laptop chargers
- Tablet chargers
- Camera battery chargers
- Electric toothbrushes
- Electric shavers (most)
Check the label. If it says “INPUT: 100-240V” or “100-240V~”, you only need an adapter.
Devices That Need a Converter
Single-voltage devices (labelled 220-240V only) need a voltage converter to work in the US:
- Many UK hair dryers
- Many UK hair straighteners/curlers
- Some older electric shavers
- UK-only appliances
Without a converter: A 240V hair dryer plugged into 110V will run at half power (lukewarm and slow). Plugging a 110V device into 240V is worse – it can burn out or catch fire.
The Practical Solution for Hair Appliances
Voltage converters are heavy, expensive, and not worth it for most travellers. Better options:
- Buy a dual-voltage hair dryer before your trip (they exist and aren’t expensive)
- Use the hotel’s hair dryer (most US hotels provide them)
- Buy a cheap one in the US if you’re staying long-term
Which Adapter to Buy
Basic UK to US Adapter
A simple plug adapter is all most people need. They’re small, cheap (£3-8), and do the job.
Get a 2-pack – having a spare is useful, and you may want to charge multiple devices.
Grounded vs Ungrounded
Grounded adapters (Type B): Have a third hole for the US ground pin. Required for some devices with earth connections.
Ungrounded adapters (Type A): Two holes only. Work for most basic electronics.
For general travel, grounded adapters are more versatile.
USB Travel Adapters
Travel adapters with USB ports let you charge multiple devices from one adapter. Useful if you have a phone, tablet, and other USB devices.
Where Else These Adapters Work
US-type plugs (Type A/B) are also used in:
- Canada
- Mexico
- Most of Central America
- Most of the Caribbean
- Japan (same plug, but 100V)
- Parts of South America
If your US trip includes Canada or Mexico, the same adapter works.
What to Pack
For a typical trip:
- 2x UK to US adapters
- Your regular phone/laptop chargers (check they’re dual-voltage)
- Dual-voltage hair appliance OR plan to use hotel’s
For longer stays:
- Consider a small power strip with your adapter – one adapter powers multiple UK devices
Common Mistakes
Assuming your hair dryer will work. It probably won’t – check the label.
Buying a converter when you don’t need one. Most electronics are dual-voltage and only need an adapter.
Forgetting the voltage difference exists. An adapter only changes the plug shape, not the voltage.
Buying at the airport. Adapters cost 3-4x more at airport shops than online.
Summary
| Device | What You Need |
|---|---|
| Phone charger | Adapter only |
| Laptop charger | Adapter only |
| Camera charger | Adapter only |
| UK hair dryer (220-240V) | Converter OR buy dual-voltage |
| Dual-voltage hair appliance | Adapter only |
For most travellers, a couple of cheap UK to US adapters is all you need. Check your hair appliances before you go, and you’re set.
