UK plugs don’t fit American sockets. If you’re travelling to the USA, you’ll need an adapter to charge your devices.
Quick Summary
| UK | USA | |
|---|---|---|
| Plug Type | Type G (three rectangular pins) | Type A/B (two flat pins, sometimes with ground) |
| Voltage | 230V | 120V |
| Frequency | 50Hz | 60Hz |
What this means: You need an adapter to physically fit your plug into US sockets. Whether you also need a voltage converter depends on your device.
What You Need
Most Devices: Adapter Only
Modern electronics are typically dual-voltage (100-240V). Check the label on your charger or device – if it says “INPUT: 100-240V” you only need a plug adapter.
Devices that usually work with just an adapter:
- Phone chargers
- Laptop chargers
- Tablet chargers
- Camera battery chargers
- Electric toothbrushes
- Most electric shavers
Hair Appliances: Often Need a Converter
UK hair dryers, straighteners, and curling irons are often single-voltage (220-240V only). Plugging these into US 120V outlets without a converter means they’ll run at half power – your hair dryer will blow lukewarm air and take ages.
Options:
- Buy a dual-voltage hair dryer before your trip
- Use the hotel’s hair dryer (most US hotels provide them)
- Buy a cheap one in the US if staying long-term
- Buy a heavy-duty voltage converter (expensive and bulky)
For most people, options 1-3 make more sense than carrying a converter.
US Plug Types
Type A: Two flat parallel pins. The basic American plug.
Type B: Two flat parallel pins plus a round grounding pin. More common in modern buildings.
Type B sockets accept both Type A and Type B plugs, so a Type B adapter covers both.
Choosing an Adapter
Basic adapter: Simple, cheap (£3-8), does the job. Get one with a grounding pin (Type B) for broader compatibility.
Adapter with USB ports: Useful if you want to charge multiple devices – one adapter powers your laptop while USB ports handle phones and tablets.
Multi-pack: Worth getting 2-3 adapters so you can charge multiple devices simultaneously.
Voltage: The Important Detail
The US runs on 120V; the UK runs on 230V. This matters more than the plug shape.
Dual-voltage devices (100-240V): Safe with just an adapter. The device handles the voltage difference automatically.
Single-voltage UK devices (220-240V): Need a voltage converter, not just an adapter. Without one, the device will underperform or not work at all.
Single-voltage US devices (110-120V): Would be damaged by UK voltage. Relevant if you buy electronics in the US and bring them home.
Always check the label before plugging anything in.
Where Else UK to US Adapters Work
US-style plugs are also used in:
- Canada
- Mexico
- Most of Central America
- Most of the Caribbean
- Parts of South America
Japan uses the same plug shape but 100V – most dual-voltage devices handle this fine.
Common Mistakes
Assuming all devices are dual-voltage: Most are, but always check. Hair appliances are the usual exception.
Confusing adapters with converters: An adapter changes the plug shape. A converter changes the voltage. They’re different things.
Buying at the airport: Adapters cost 3-4x more at airport shops than online or in high street electronics stores.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of adapter do I need to travel from UK to USA?
You need a UK to USA plug adapter that converts Type G (three rectangular pins) to Type A/B (two flat pins). Look for a grounded Type B adapter for better compatibility with American sockets.
Can I use my UK electronics in the USA?
Most modern UK electronics like phones, laptops, and tablets work in the USA with just a plug adapter. Check the device label – if it says “100-240V” you’re fine. Hair dryers and straighteners often need a voltage converter or won’t work properly.
What’s the voltage difference between UK and USA?
The UK uses 230V at 50Hz, while the USA uses 120V at 60Hz. This significant voltage difference means single-voltage appliances need a converter, not just an adapter.
Do I need a voltage converter for USA from UK?
Only for single-voltage devices. Most modern electronics are dual-voltage and work with just an adapter. Hair appliances are typically single-voltage and either need a converter or should be replaced with dual-voltage versions.
Can I use my UK hair dryer in America?
Most UK hair dryers won’t work properly in the USA. They’re designed for 230V and will run at half power on 120V, producing weak, lukewarm air. Better to buy a dual-voltage hair dryer or use the hotel’s.
Where else can I use my UK to US adapter?
UK to US adapters also work in Canada, Mexico, most of Central America and the Caribbean, and parts of South America. Japan uses the same plug shape but different voltage (100V).
