I learned about US voltage the hard way – plugging my UK hair straighteners into a New York hotel outlet and watching them slowly die over five minutes. The adapter worked fine; the voltage difference killed the device. Since then I have travelled to the US dozens of times and figured out exactly what UK travellers need. The short version: your phone and laptop chargers will work with just an adapter, but hair dryers and straighteners probably won’t without a converter (and it’s usually not worth the hassle – buy travel versions or use the hotel’s).
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
| Specification | UK | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Plug Type | Type G (three rectangular pins) | Type A/B (two flat pins) |
| 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.
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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. UK plugs (Type G) don’t fit either – you need a plug adapter.
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. Check the label on your charger – most phones, laptops, tablets, and camera chargers are dual-voltage. The device handles the voltage difference automatically.
Single-voltage UK devices (220-240V): Need both a plug adapter AND a voltage converter. This includes many UK hair dryers, curling irons, and older electronics. Without a converter, 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. Look for “INPUT: 100-240V 50/60Hz” – this means it works worldwide.
What You Need
| Device Type | What You Need |
|---|---|
| Phone/laptop charger | Plug adapter only |
| Tablet/camera charger | Plug adapter only |
| Electric toothbrush | Plug adapter only |
| Electric razor | Usually plug adapter only (check label) |
| Hair dryer | Probably voltage converter + adapter |
| Hair straighteners | Probably voltage converter + adapter |
| Curling iron | Probably voltage converter + adapter |
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. I use one with 2-3 USB ports plus a UK socket, which covers phone, tablet, and laptop from a single outlet.
Multi-pack: Worth getting 2-3 adapters so you can charge multiple devices simultaneously.
Grounded vs ungrounded: 3-pin UK plugs need grounded adapters. For general travel, grounded (Type B) adapters are more versatile.
Adapter Costs
| Type | Price Range | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Basic adapter | £3-8 | Amazon, Poundland, Primark |
| Adapter with USB | £8-15 | Amazon, Currys, Argos |
| Multi-country adapter | £15-30 | Amazon, travel shops |
| Voltage converter | £25-60 | Amazon, specialist electronics |
Buy before you travel – airport prices are typically 2-3x higher.
Hair Appliances: The Problem
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:
- Use the hotel’s hair dryer – most US hotels provide them
- Buy a dual-voltage hair dryer before your trip (they exist and aren’t expensive)
- Buy a cheap one in the US if staying long-term (Target and Walmart sell them for $15-20)
- Buy a heavy-duty voltage converter – expensive, bulky, and often unreliable with high-wattage devices
For most people, options 1-3 make more sense than carrying a converter. Voltage converters are bulky, heavy, and not worth the space in your luggage.
Where Else UK to US Adapters Work
US-style plugs (Type A/B) 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.
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 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.
Assuming your hair dryer will work: It probably won’t – check the label.
Buying at the airport: Adapters cost 3-4x more at airport shops than online or in high street electronics stores.
Safety Tips
- Check device voltage before plugging in
- Don’t overload adapters with high-wattage devices
- Unplug when not in use
- Use surge protectors for expensive electronics
- Don’t use converters with appliances over 1000W
Frequently Asked Questions
What plug adapter do I need for the US from the UK?
You need a UK to US plug adapter that converts Type G (three rectangular pins) to Type A/B (two flat parallel pins). Choose a grounded Type B adapter for 3-pin UK plugs – it’s more versatile than an ungrounded Type A adapter.
Is the voltage different between UK and US?
Yes, the UK uses 230V at 50Hz while the US uses 120V at 60Hz. This significant voltage difference matters for single-voltage appliances, which may need a voltage converter in addition to a plug adapter.
Can I charge my phone in the USA with a UK charger?
Yes, with a plug adapter. Most phone and laptop chargers are dual-voltage (100-240V) and work worldwide. Check your charger label to confirm it shows this voltage range.
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.
Do I need a voltage converter for my UK hair dryer in the US?
Yes, most UK hair dryers are 230V only and need a voltage converter for the US 120V system. However, converters are bulky and expensive – it’s better to buy a dual-voltage hair dryer or use the hotel’s.
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 can I buy a UK to US plug adapter?
You can buy them from Amazon, electronics stores like Currys or Best Buy, airport shops (though more expensive), and many US retailers including Walmart and Target.
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, Japan (same plug shape but different voltage at 100V), and parts of South America.
Related
- USA Voltage for UK Devices
- Travel Adapter Guide
- Travel Adapters with USB
- Worldwide Plug Types
- USA Travel Guide
