Turkey Plug Type: The UK Traveller’s Complete Adapter Guide
Most people discover the turkey plug type situation at the worst possible moment: arrived late, phone dead, and the UK charger won’t go anywhere near the socket. It catches more travellers off guard than it should.
The short version: Turkey uses the same round-pin European plug sockets as Spain, Germany, and Austria. Your UK three-pin plug won’t fit, so you need an adapter. The good news is the voltage is identical to the UK (230V nominal), so no converter is needed — one simple adapter and everything works fine.
This guide covers the sockets, which adapter to buy, which devices actually need extra thought, and the hotel quirks most guides skip.
Quick Answer
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Turkey plug type | Type C (Europlug) and Type F (Schuko) |
| Voltage | 230V nominal (same as UK) |
| Frequency | 50Hz |
| UK adapter needed? | Yes |
| UK voltage converter needed? | No |
| US adapter needed? | Yes |
| US voltage converter needed? | Usually not — check device label |
What Is the Turkey Plug Type?
Turkey uses Type C and Type F plug sockets — both two-pin, round-pin, the same standard used across most of continental Europe. Type F sockets, which include grounding contacts, are the most common in modern hotels and apartments. UK travellers need a UK-to-Europe adapter, but no voltage converter, since Turkey and the UK share the same 230V supply.
Type C (Europlug)
Two round pins, no grounding. The simpler of the two standards. You’ll find Type C sockets in older buildings, budget guesthouses, and many bathroom outlets. Phone chargers, laptop bricks, and most small electronics use this pin shape.
Type F (Schuko)
Two round pins with grounding contacts on the top and bottom of the plug body. This is the standard in modern Turkish construction — hotels built in the last 20 years, most apartments, and any newer commercial building. The grounding makes it safer for high-power appliances like hair dryers and kettles.
Type F is also called a Schuko plug — the name comes from the German Schutzkontakt, meaning “protective contact”. You’ll see both terms used in adapter listings and manufacturer labelling; they’re the same thing.
Turkey’s standards body (TSE) no longer permits new Type C socket installations — only Type F is allowed in new builds. Type C still exists in older properties but is phased out on renovation. In practice this means anything built or refurbished in the last decade will be Type F throughout.
Which One Will You Actually Encounter?
In practice, the distinction matters less than it sounds. Type F sockets accept both Type C and Type F plugs, so a standard European round-pin adapter works everywhere. You don’t need a Schuko-specific adapter — a basic UK-to-Europe adapter with two round pins does the job throughout Turkey.
Turkish hotel rooms typically have Type F sockets as the main outlets, sometimes alongside a smaller shaver socket in the bathroom (more on that below). Some international hotels aimed at British guests add a UK-style socket near the bed as a convenience, but don’t rely on that being there.
If you’ve used plug sockets in Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, or Austria, Turkish sockets look identical.
Do UK Travellers Need an Adapter?
Yes. A UK Type G plug — the three rectangular-pin design — will not fit a Turkish socket. This is purely about physical shape, not voltage.
The Voltage Situation
Turkey runs at 230V and 50Hz (the same as the UK), which is exactly what UK appliances are designed for. No voltage converter needed. You won’t damage anything by plugging it in — the only issue is the plug shape.
This is different from the US or Canada, where the 110–120V supply is genuinely incompatible with UK devices and a converter is sometimes necessary.
Turkey runs at 50Hz, the same as the UK, so there’s no frequency mismatch for British travellers. If you’re bringing kit from North America (60Hz), motor-driven devices can be affected — fans run a touch slower, some clock mechanisms drift. Irrelevant for most holiday gear, but worth knowing if you have a US-bought CPAP with a heated humidifier.
The Shaver Socket in Hotel Bathrooms
Turkish hotel bathrooms often have a small two-pin shaver socket. These are narrower than standard European sockets and designed specifically for electric shavers and toothbrushes at low power. Standard round-pin adapters don’t fit them.
If your shaver uses a standard European plug (two round pins), it fits directly. If it has a UK three-pin plug, you need the room’s main sockets rather than the bathroom shaver outlet.
Which Turkey Plug Adapter to Buy
For most travellers, a dedicated UK-to-Europe adapter is all you need.
What to Look For
Get one with built-in USB-A and USB-C ports. If you’re charging a phone, tablet, and e-reader, having ports on the adapter itself means you don’t need to bring separate plugs. Prioritise USB-C if your phone charges that way.
Pin length matters more than it sounds. Cheap adapters have short pins that wobble in Turkish sockets, particularly older flush-mounted ones. A well-made adapter with full-length pins seats properly and stays put. The price difference is a few pounds.
If you have young children, specifically look for an adapter with safety shutters — the plastic flaps that block the socket holes when nothing’s plugged in. Most budget adapters omit them. Worth the small premium.
On grounding: most devices work fine with a basic Type C adapter, but if you’re bringing a laptop that runs hot or hair appliances with earth pins, a grounded Type F adapter is the safer option.
Whether you go for a dedicated UK-to-Europe adapter or a universal travel adapter depends on how often you travel. Turkey-only or mostly-Europe trips don’t need a universal unit — they’re bulkier and cost more. If you’re regularly in Asia, Australia, and the US, the universal pays off over time.
Adapter Options Compared
| Type | Cost (approx) | USB Ports | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic UK-to-EU adapter | £3–8 | None | One device, minimal packing |
| UK-to-EU with USB ports | £8–15 | 2–4 ports | Phones, tablets, multiple devices |
| Universal travel adapter | £15–30 | 2–4 ports | Frequent travellers, multiple destinations |
| UK power strip + single adapter | £15–25 | Varies | Families, groups, lots of devices |
| Multi-pack UK-to-EU adapters | £8–18 (3–5 pack) | None | Families, stag/hen parties, group holidays |
The power strip trick is underused: bring a UK extension lead (not a surge protector — those can cause issues) and a single adapter. Suddenly one Turkish socket becomes four UK sockets. Works perfectly because the voltage matches.
For families or groups sharing a villa or apartment, a multi-pack of basic adapters is cheaper and more practical than one expensive universal unit. Each person keeps one, no arguments about who had it last.
Where to Buy Before You Travel
Amazon UK has the widest selection and best prices, typically £5–15 for a quality adapter with USB ports. Order a few days before travel.
Argos and Currys stock them reliably, useful if you want to see what you’re buying before purchasing.
Supermarkets (Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda) carry basic adapters in the travel section.
Airport shops (Boots, WHSmith, Dixons Travel) are a last resort — same products, 2–3x the price. That said, all three reliably stock basic UK-to-EU adapters airside, so if you’ve genuinely forgotten one, you won’t be stranded.
If You Forget: Buying in Turkey
Turkish electronics shops (“elektronik mağaza”) are in every town of any size. In Antalya, the commercial streets in Konyaaltı and the city centre have several. Istanbul is covered everywhere — Beyoğlu, Kadıköy, near every major transport hub. In Marmaris, try the bazaar streets behind the marina. In Bodrum, the shopping streets near the castle. In Fethiye and Dalyan, the town centres have hardware and electronics shops within easy walking distance of the tourist areas. The word for adapter is “adaptör.”
Migros supermarkets (the main Turkish chain) stock basic travel adapters in their household goods section. Airport shops at Antalya (AYT), Bodrum (BJV), Dalaman (DLM), and Istanbul (IST and SAW) carry them at a premium.
Buying locally is fine — you’ll pay a bit more than online UK prices but less than a UK airport shop.
Device-by-Device Guide
Phones and Tablets
All modern smartphone chargers are dual voltage (100–240V). Check the text on the charger block: if it says “Input: 100–240V”, it works everywhere with just a plug adapter.
iPhone and iPad chargers (including Apple’s USB-C bricks and the older 5W cube) are all dual voltage — you just need an adapter for the plug shape, nothing else. The same applies to Samsung, Google Pixel, and every other major Android brand sold in the UK.
USB charging via a power bank bypasses the socket entirely — no adapter needed for that at all.
Laptops
Virtually all laptop power supplies made in the last 15 years are dual voltage. Check the label on the power brick. “100–240V” means adapter only, no converter. Most Apple, Dell, Lenovo, HP, and Asus chargers fall into this category.
Hair Dryers
UK hair dryers run at 230V and work fine in Turkey with just an adapter. Same voltage, same frequency, no issues — standard 1,600–2,400W dryers included.
US and Canadian hair dryers (110–120V only) are a different story. Plug one into a Turkish socket and it will burn out. They need a voltage converter, or swap it for a travel hair dryer that’s dual voltage before you go.
The easiest answer for most people: use the hotel’s hair dryer. Almost every hotel in Turkey provides one, even budget guesthouses. Leave yours at home.
Hair Straighteners and Curling Irons
Check the label. Most UK-bought straighteners are 230V and work fine with an adapter. US models won’t. Dual-voltage travel straighteners (100–240V) are widely available if you travel often enough to justify one.
GHD is the most searched brand for this: all GHD straighteners manufactured for UK sale since approximately 2009 are universally dual voltage (100–240V). Adapter only, no converter needed. If yours is a very old model, check the label — the Mark 3 and 3.1b were single voltage (230V only) without exception.
Electric Shavers and Toothbrushes
Most modern shavers are dual voltage — check the charging stand or power lead. The charging cradle usually says “100–240V”. If yours is 220–240V only, it still works in Turkey (same voltage).
Oral-B is the exception. The inductive charging cradle for most Oral-B Pro, Smart, and Genius models (anything pre-iO) is single voltage in many regional versions. The iO7 and later switched to a multi-voltage charger, but if you have an older model, don’t plug the cradle into a standard Turkish socket.
The practical fix: use the hotel bathroom shaver socket. Those two-pin outlets contain an isolation transformer providing both 230V and 110/115V outputs, isolated from mains earth for bathroom safety — and older single-voltage Oral-B cradles can charge from the 110V output. If your bathroom has one of those narrow shaver sockets, plug your Oral-B cradle in there rather than the main room sockets. One caveat: older shaver socket units are typically rated around 20 watts, so don’t leave a toothbrush charging for hours on end in one — it can run warm.
CPAP Machines
Most CPAP machines from the last decade are dual voltage (100–240V). Check both the device itself and the power supply label. If dual voltage, bring an adapter and you’re sorted.
One practical note: Turkey has hard water in many areas. If your CPAP uses a humidifier, bring distilled water from home or buy it locally rather than using tap water.
If you’re relying on a CPAP for medical reasons, bring a spare adapter — losing the ability to charge it is not worth the risk.
Insulin Pumps and Medical Devices
Most modern medical devices are dual voltage. The documentation should state the voltage range. If you’re travelling with anything you depend on medically, verify the voltage requirements with the manufacturer before you go, and carry a backup adapter.
Hearing aids: The charging cases for modern hearing aids (Phonak, Oticon, Signia, Widex, Starkey) are universally dual voltage — they charge via USB or a small power brick marked 100–240V. You just need an adapter for the socket. If in doubt, a USB charging dock plugged into your phone’s power bank works as a backup and bypasses the Turkish socket entirely.
Cameras and Drone Batteries
Camera chargers (Sony, Nikon, Canon, Fuji) are almost always dual voltage. Drone chargers (DJI and others) typically are too — check the charger label. Fast chargers for drone batteries draw significant wattage, so also verify the amperage output if you’re using a multi-port adapter.
Gaming Consoles (PS5, Xbox, Switch)
The PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch are all dual voltage — their power supplies handle 100–240V. Check the label on the power brick (PS5 and Xbox) or the AC adapter (Switch). You need a UK-to-EU adapter for the plug shape, nothing else. Games bought in the UK play fine; the console region and voltage are separate things.
Electric Kettles and Small Appliances
UK kettles and toasters work fine in Turkey — same voltage. The only issue is the plug shape. That said, most hotel rooms have a kettle provided, making it unnecessary to bring one.
Hotel Quirks Worth Knowing
Power Reliability
Turkey’s main resort areas — Antalya, Lara Beach, Belek, Marmaris, Bodrum, and Fethiye — have reliable mains power and you’re unlikely to encounter any issues. Cappadocia cave hotels and rural inland properties are a different matter; power cuts happen occasionally, particularly in winter. It’s not common, but it’s not unheard of either.
A fully charged power bank handles this without stress. If you’re relying on medical equipment overnight (CPAP, insulin pump, hearing aids), a power bank as a backup isn’t paranoia — it’s just sensible.
Keycard Power Systems
Turkish hotels (particularly anything three stars and above) use keycard electricity systems. You insert the room keycard into a slot by the door to activate the power. Take the card with you when you leave and everything turns off.
This is intentional — it saves energy. The workaround: ask the front desk for a spare keycard, or use an old credit-card-sized loyalty card in the slot. This keeps the power on while you’re out, useful for charging devices or running the air conditioning.
The Adapter Keeps Falling Out
Cheap adapters with short pins don’t seat properly in some Turkish sockets, particularly older flush-mounted ones. The socket holds them loosely and they droop or fall. Fix: buy a quality adapter with full-length pins. A short-term improvisation is folding a small piece of paper behind the adapter to wedge it in, which works fine as long as you don’t forget it.
Using a UK Extension Lead
A plain UK extension lead — just sockets and a switch — is safe to use in Turkey. The voltage matches, so one adapter converts the plug and you have a UK multi-socket wherever you need it.
The caveat is surge protectors. A UK surge protector is rated for 230V, so the voltage won’t destroy it, but Turkish mains in older properties can be spikier than UK grid supply and may trip the internal circuit breaker, cutting power to everything plugged in. If your strip has a circuit breaker button or an indicator light, it has surge protection — test it before your holiday depends on it.
US or Canadian surge protectors are a different matter. Never use one in Turkey. A surge protector rated for 120V input will fail on a 230V Turkish socket, potentially badly.
One practical note for older hotels: don’t run a high-power appliance and a hair dryer simultaneously off the same strip. The room’s circuit may not handle the combined load. Rarely an issue in modern builds, but older properties can be less forgiving.
Cruise Port Visits
If you’re stopping in Turkey as part of a cruise — typically Kuşadası (for Ephesus), Istanbul, or Bodrum — the same socket situation applies on shore. Turkish sockets are Type C and F, your UK plug won’t fit, and you need an adapter.
On the ship itself, most modern cruise cabins have universal sockets that accept UK, US, and European plugs, so you may not need an adapter onboard. Check with your cruise line before sailing. Ashore, if you’re heading into a town for more than a few hours with a phone that needs charging, a small adapter fits in any pocket.
The practical solution for port days: a fully charged power bank. It gets you through a day trip without needing a socket at all.
Packing Checklist
Before you leave for Turkey:
- UK-to-EU plug adapter (or universal adapter) — pack in carry-on, not checked luggage
- USB-C cable for phone and laptop charging via adapter’s USB port
- Power bank — useful on travel days when you can’t get to a socket
- Check all device labels for voltage compatibility (look for “100–240V”)
- Leave behind: US/Canadian single-voltage appliances, unless you’re bringing a converter
If you’re in a Lara Beach or Belek all-inclusive: your room will almost certainly have Type F European sockets, possibly a UK socket near the bed. Pack the adapter regardless.
Frequently Asked Questions
What plug type does Turkey use?
Turkey uses Type C (two round pins, ungrounded) and Type F (two round pins with grounding clips), the same as mainland Europe. UK travellers need an adapter to convert from the UK Type G three-pin plug.
Do I need a voltage converter for Turkey?
No. Turkey runs at 230V, 50Hz — the same as the UK. Your appliances work without a converter. One is only necessary for North American devices rated at 110–120V.
Will my UK phone charger work in Turkey?
Yes, with a plug adapter. All modern phone chargers are dual voltage (100–240V). Check the text on the charger block — if it says “100–240V”, you need only an adapter.
Can I use my UK hair dryer in Turkey?
Yes, UK hair dryers (230V) work fine with just an adapter. US and Canadian models (110V only) will be damaged in Turkey’s 230V sockets without a voltage converter. Most Turkish hotels provide a hair dryer anyway.
Do Turkish hotels have UK plug sockets?
Some larger hotels catering to British guests add a UK socket near the bed. Don’t count on it — always pack an adapter. Plugging a UK device into the wrong socket type could damage it.
How much does a Turkey plug adapter cost?
A basic UK-to-EU adapter costs £3–8. One with USB charging ports runs £8–15. Universal adapters covering multiple countries are £15–30. Airport shops charge significantly more. Buy on Amazon or from Argos before you travel.
Can I use a European adapter I already own?
Yes. If you have a standard UK-to-Europe adapter (converts UK three-pin to two round pins), it works throughout Turkey. The specific Type F grounding feature isn’t required for most devices.
What’s the difference between Type C and Type F?
Type C has two round pins with no earth connection and is used for low-power devices. Type F has two round pins plus metal grounding clips on the sides, making it safer for higher-power appliances. Type F sockets accept both plug types, so a standard two-pin round adapter works in both.
Is it safe to use a UK extension lead in Turkey?
Yes, provided the extension lead doesn’t have a surge protector that trips on European current. Turkey runs at the same voltage as the UK, so a UK strip works fine once you’ve converted the plug shape with an adapter.
Will my Oral-B electric toothbrush charge in Turkey?
Probably — but check. Oral-B iO series chargers (iO7 and later) are dual voltage (100–240V) and work with just an adapter. Older Oral-B Pro, Smart, and Genius charging cradles are often single voltage. If yours is the older type, use the hotel bathroom shaver socket — it’s a low-voltage two-pin outlet designed for exactly this. Do not plug an older Oral-B cradle into a standard Turkish socket.
What does “Schuko” mean — is that the same as Type F?
Yes, identical. Schuko is the informal name for the Type F plug, from the German Schutzkontakt (protective contact). You’ll see both terms in adapter listings. Schuko compatible means it works in Turkish sockets.
I’m moving to Turkey long-term — do I need a permanent adapter solution?
For a long stay or permanent move, one or two adapters will cover you for occasional UK devices, but most expats gradually replace their UK-plug appliances with locally bought ones that fit Turkish sockets natively. A UK extension lead with a single adapter is useful for a desk setup. For more on living in Antalya long-term, see our digital nomad and long-stay guide.
