Which plug do I need when travelling? How to choose the right travel adapter
Your suitcase is packed, your passport is ready - and then you are standing in your hotel room in London, New York or Bangkok with a phone charger that fits nowhere. The Netherlands uses the familiar socket with two round pins, but worldwide there are no fewer than 15 different plug types. In this guide you will read which plug you need per country, what to look for when buying a travel adapter and why a universal travel adapter is often the smartest choice.
Plug types in brief
Plugs and sockets are identified by a letter, from type A through type N. These are the types you meet most often as a traveller:
- Type C and F - two round pins. Used in the Netherlands and almost all of Europe. Within the EU you usually do not need an adapter.
- Type A and B - two flat pins (B has an extra round earth pin). United States, Canada, Mexico, Japan and large parts of Central America.
- Type G - three thick rectangular pins. United Kingdom, Ireland, Malta, Cyprus, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates.
- Type I - two angled flat pins, often with an earth pin. Australia, New Zealand and (alongside other types) China.
- Type J and L - three round pins in a row. Switzerland (J) and Italy (L). An ordinary Dutch plug often fits here, but an earthed plug does not.
- Type D and M - three thick round pins in a triangle. India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and South Africa.
Which plug for popular destinations?
| Destination | Plug type | Adapter needed? |
|---|---|---|
| Spain, France, Germany, Greece, Turkey | C / F (France also E) | No |
| England, Scotland, Ireland | G | Yes |
| Malta and Cyprus | G | Yes |
| Switzerland | J | Often yes (for earthed plugs) |
| Italy | F / L | Sometimes |
| United States and Canada | A / B | Yes |
| Thailand | A / B / C / O | Recommended |
| Indonesia (Bali) | C / F | Usually not |
| Japan | A / B | Yes |
| Curaçao | A / B | Yes |
| Australia and New Zealand | I | Yes |
| South Africa | C / M / N | Yes |
| Dubai (UAE) | G | Yes |
Tip: many hotels have several kinds of socket side by side, but you cannot count on it. If you want to be sure, bring your own adapter.
Travel plug or universal adapter: what is the difference?
A single travel plug fits one type of socket, for example only in England. Fine if you go to one country once, but if you travel often you soon have a drawer full of separate adapters.
A universal travel adapter combines the most-used plug types in one compact block. You simply slide out the right pins for the country you are in. One adapter for the US, England, Australia and Europe - ideal for touring, stopovers or if you are often on the road.
How does a universal travel adapter work?
A universal adapter sits between the foreign socket and your own plug. This is how it works:
- Choose the right pins: use the slider to push out the pins that match the socket of the country you are in, for example type G in England or type A in America.
- Put the adapter in the socket and check that it is firmly seated.
- Put your own plug into the adapter, or connect your charging cable straight to one of the USB ports.
The adapter only makes your plug fit. It does not change the voltage; you can read more about that below.
What to look for when choosing a universal travel adapter
- Number of countries - choose an adapter that works in as many countries as possible, so you can use it on every trip.
- USB-A and USB-C - with built-in USB ports you charge your phone, smartwatch, tablet and power bank at the same time, without carrying separate chargers. A USB-C port is handy for newer phones and laptops.
- Size and weight - a compact adapter fits easily in your hand luggage or wash bag.
- Safety - look for a built-in fuse and a child-safety shutter in the socket.
Note: an adapter is not a voltage converter
A universal adapter makes your plug fit, but does not change the mains voltage. In Europe that is 230 volts; in the United States, Canada and Japan roughly 100-120 volts. Fortunately most modern chargers for phones, laptops and cameras work on 100-240 volts - it is printed in small letters on the charger. With appliances that have a heating element, such as a hairdryer or straighteners, take extra care: in countries with 110 volts use a dual-voltage travel hairdryer or a voltage converter.
Handy extras for your trip
A universal adapter is one of those small items that make your trip a lot easier. Combine it with a power bank, so you are never without power on the road, and a cable organiser to keep all your chargers and cords together. That way you have everything to hand, wherever in the world you are.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a travel adapter in Spain or France?
No. In almost all European countries your Dutch plug fits the socket as it is. The exceptions are the United Kingdom, Ireland, Malta and Cyprus, and sometimes Switzerland and Italy.
Which plug do I need in America?
The United States and Canada use types A and B, with two flat pins. So you do need an adapter. Also check whether your devices are suitable for 110-120 volts.
Can I charge several devices at once?
Yes, with a universal adapter with built-in USB-A and USB-C ports you charge several devices at the same time from one socket.
Can a travel adapter go in hand luggage?
Yes, a travel adapter can go in your hand luggage without any problem. Handy, because that lets you charge your phone at the airport or on the plane too.
Ready for your next trip? With the Travelhawk Travel Adapter with USB-C you charge all your devices in more than 150 countries. One adapter, power everywhere. Take a look at all our travel adapters too.
Read also: Travel bottles for hand luggage | Travel tips for beginners | Backpacking: the guide for beginners