A plug adapter changes the shape of your plug so it fits the wall; it doesn't change the voltage. North America and Japan use 100 to 120 volts, while most of the world uses 220 to 240 volts. Most phone, laptop and camera chargers are dual voltage (look for 100-240V on the label), so they only need an adapter. Hair dryers and other heating appliances are often single voltage and need a converter or a dual-voltage model.
Arriving with a plug that doesn’t fit the wall is a classic travel mistake. Here is how plug types and voltage work, and what to pack.
Adapter vs converter
- Plug adapter: changes the shape of the plug so it fits the socket. It does nothing to the electricity.
- Voltage converter or transformer: changes the voltage, needed only for single-voltage devices.
Is your device dual voltage?
Look at the label on the charger or power brick:
- INPUT: 100-240V, 50/60Hz means it is dual voltage and works anywhere with just an adapter. Most phones, laptops, tablets, cameras and electric toothbrush chargers fall into this group.
- INPUT: 120V or 230V only means it is single voltage. Hair dryers, straighteners, kettles and some shavers are common examples. Use a converter rated for the device’s wattage, or buy a dual-voltage version.
Voltage by region
| Region | Voltage |
|---|---|
| United States, Canada, Mexico | 120 V |
| Japan | 100 V |
| Most of Europe, UK, Australia, Asia, Africa | 220 to 240 V |
Plug types by country
| Type | Description | Used in (examples) |
|---|---|---|
| A / B | Two flat parallel pins (B adds a round ground pin) | US, Canada, Mexico, Japan |
| C | Two round pins, no ground | Most of continental Europe, much of Asia and South America |
| E / F | Two round pins with a ground (E: socket pin, F: side clips) | France, Belgium (E); Germany, Spain, Netherlands, Nordic countries (F) |
| G | Three rectangular pins | UK, Ireland, Malta, Cyprus, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, UAE |
| I | Two angled flat pins, often with a ground | Australia, New Zealand, China, Argentina |
| D / M | Three large round pins | India (D); South Africa (M, alongside N) |
| J | Three round pins | Switzerland |
| L | Three round pins in a line | Italy (C and F also common) |
| H | Three flat or round pins in a Y | Israel |
| N | Three round pins | Brazil, South Africa |
Many countries use more than one type, and older buildings can differ. A Type C plug fits most sockets in continental Europe, which makes it the most useful single adapter there.
What to pack
- One region: a simple adapter for that country’s plug type.
- Several regions: a universal adapter with built-in USB-C ports.
- Several devices: a compact USB-C charger with multiple ports and a single adapter, rather than one adapter per device.
- Single-voltage appliances: leave them at home if you can, or buy dual-voltage versions.
Safety tips
- Don’t plug high-wattage heating appliances into a cheap converter.
- Look for adapters with safety certifications and a fuse or surge protection.
- Unplug adapters when not in use, especially older or loose sockets.
Common questions
What is the difference between a plug adapter and a converter?
An adapter only changes the plug shape. A voltage converter or transformer changes the voltage. Most electronics are dual voltage and need only an adapter; single-voltage appliances need a converter.
How do I know if my device is dual voltage?
Check the label on the charger or power brick. If it says INPUT: 100-240V, 50/60Hz, it works worldwide with just a plug adapter.
What plug do I need for Europe?
Most of continental Europe uses Type C, E and F sockets. A Type C plug, the two thin round pins, fits all three. The UK and Ireland use Type G instead.
Is a universal adapter worth it?
For travelers visiting several regions, yes. A universal adapter covers most socket types in one unit, and many include USB-C and USB-A ports for charging several devices at once.