What Plug Does Eritrea Use?
View CountryEritrea uses Type C (CEE 7/16 Europlug) as the primary plug, with Type E (French) common and Type L (Italian) seen less often. The country uses 230V at 50 Hz. Most travellers only need a simple plug adapter for these round-pin sockets, and visitors from 100-120V countries should also check their device voltage before plugging in.
Plug Types
Also Used
Do I Need a Travel Adapter for Eritrea?
If your plugs are Type C, E or F from continental Europe, you do not need an adapter. Travellers from the UK and Ireland, the US and Canada, Australia and New Zealand, and Japan will need an adapter to fit Eritrea's round-pin sockets. Buy an adapter that covers Type C and Type E, or a small universal travel adapter that explicitly lists C/E/L compatibility, so you can plug into the most common Eritrean sockets.
| Travelling from | Your plugs | Plug adapter | Voltage converter |
|---|---|---|---|
| US & Canada | Type A/B | Needed | Check your devices |
| UK & Ireland | Type G | Needed | Not needed |
| Europe | Type C/F/E | Not needed | Not needed |
| Australia & NZ | Type I | Needed | Not needed |
| India | Type D/C | Not needed | Not needed |
| Japan | Type A/B | Needed | Check your devices |
Do I Need a Voltage Converter in Eritrea?
Eritrea supplies 230V at 50 Hz. Many phone and laptop chargers are dual-voltage (100-240V) and will work with only an adapter, so check the device label or power brick. Travellers from the US, Canada and Japan should check their single-voltage appliances, such as some hair dryers and straighteners, as these may need a converter. Visitors from the UK, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and India generally do not need a converter.
Eritrea Plugs and Sockets Explained
Type C is the primary plug: two round pins, unearthed, common for low-power devices. Type E is common: two round pins plus an earth contact via a socket-style earth, it is earthed and used for many appliances. Type L is minor: three round pins in a straight line, earthed and less widespread. You will mainly encounter round-pin sockets in Eritrea, so bring an adapter that fits these types.
Tips for Charging Your Devices in Eritrea
- Bring an adapter that supports Type C and Type E plugs, or a universal adapter that lists C/E/L compatibility
- Check chargers for "100-240V" labeling; those work without a converter
- For single-voltage hair tools, either bring a converter rated for the appliance or buy/rent a locally compatible model
- Carry a multi-USB charger with 100-240V input to charge several devices at once
- Keep spare fuses or a compact power strip with surge protection for multiple devices