The Most Common Plug Types in the World
There are 15 plug types in use, lettered A to O, but a handful cover most of the world. Type C, the slim two-pin Europlug, is the most widespread because it fits so many other round-pin sockets. Here are the plug types used in the most countries:
| Plug | Pins | Countries | Main type in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type C CEE 7/16 Europlug | 2, round | 137 | 132 countries |
| Type F CEE 7/4 "Schuko" | 2, round + side clips, earthed | 75 | 70 countries |
| Type A NEMA 1-15 (Ungrounded) | 2, flat parallel | 52 | 46 countries |
| Type B NEMA 5-15 (Grounded) | 3, 2 flat + 1 round, earthed | 50 | 45 countries |
| Type G BS 1363 (British) | 3, rectangular, earthed | 47 | 39 countries |
| Type E CEE 7/5 (French) | 2, round + socket earth, earthed | 45 | 43 countries |
| Type I AS/NZS 3112 (Australasian) | 3, flat angled V, earthed | 23 | 19 countries |
| Type D BS 546 (Old British) | 3, round triangle, earthed | 11 | 9 countries |
Check the Voltage, Not Just the Plug
A plug that fits the socket isn't the whole story. Mains electricity comes in two families: 220-240 volts, used in 197 countries including the UK, Europe, Australia, most of Asia and Africa, and 100-127 volts, used in 38 countries including the United States, Canada, Mexico, Japan and much of Central America. A few countries (3) use both.
Plug a device made for 110-120V into a 230V socket and it can overheat or burn out within seconds. Go the other way, and a 230V device on 110V will run weakly or not at all. Frequency (50 or 60 Hz) rarely matters for travel electronics, but it can affect some motors and older clocks.
How to Check Your Electrical Devices
Every charger and appliance has a small label, usually printed on the plug or the power brick. Look for the word INPUT:
- INPUT: 100-240V ~ 50/60Hz means dual voltage. It works in every country with just a plug adapter.
- INPUT: 110-120V or 220-240V only means single voltage. It works only where the mains matches, otherwise it needs a voltage converter.
- Some hair dryers and straighteners have a voltage switch (110/220). Set it before plugging in.
As a rule of thumb, phone, tablet, laptop, camera and e-reader chargers are almost always dual-voltage. Hair dryers, straighteners, curling irons, kettles and some electric shavers and toothbrushes often are not.
What You Need: Adapter, Converter or Both?
Plug adapter
Changes the shape of your plug so it fits the socket. Does nothing to the voltage. All you need for dual-voltage devices.
Voltage converter
Steps the voltage up or down for single-voltage devices. Heavy and limited in wattage, so check it can handle a hair dryer before relying on it.
Both
Needed only for single-voltage devices in a country with different plugs and different voltage. Often it's easier to buy a cheap travel version of the appliance.
Universal Adapters and Smart Packing
- A universal travel adapter with sliding pins covers Types A, C, G and I, enough for most of the world. Check it includes the type you need for South Africa (M), Brazil (N) or Switzerland (J).
- Choose one with USB-C and USB-A ports so you can charge a phone and a watch from one socket.
- A compact multi-port GaN charger plus one plug adapter replaces a bag full of chargers.
- Bring a small power strip from home: one adapter then powers all your devices. Make sure it's rated for the local voltage.
- Earthed (three-pin) plugs need an adapter that carries the earth through; avoid forcing them into two-pin sockets.
- Leave high-power heating appliances at home if they're single-voltage. Most hotels provide a hair dryer.