What Plug Does Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha Use?

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Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha uses the British BS 1363 Type G plug with a supply of 230 V at 50 Hz. Most visitors will only need a simple Type G adapter; travellers from regions with 110-120 V supplies should also check whether their devices need a voltage converter.

Voltage

230V

Frequency

50 Hz

Plug Types

Type G

primary

220–250V · 13A

Do I Need a Travel Adapter for Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha?

If your devices use UK plugs (Type G), you do not need an adapter. Visitors from the US and Canada (Type A/B), Europe (Type C/E/F), Australia and New Zealand (Type I), India (Type D/C) and Japan (Type A/B) will need a Type G adapter to fit the local BS 1363 sockets. Buy a compact BS 1363 (Type G) adapter or a multi-country adapter that includes Type G pins. Make sure any adapter you buy is fused or rated for UK-standard plugs.

Travelling from	Your plugs	Plug adapter	Voltage converter
US & Canada	Type A/B	Needed	Check your devices
UK & Ireland	Type G	Not needed	Not needed
Europe	Type C/F/E	Needed	Not needed
Australia & NZ	Type I	Needed	Not needed
India	Type D/C	Needed	Not needed
Japan	Type A/B	Needed	Check your devices

Do I Need a Voltage Converter in Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha?

The mains supply is 230 V at 50 Hz. Many modern phone and laptop chargers are dual-voltage (100-240 V) and will work without a converter, so check the small print on your charger. Travellers from the US, Canada and Japan should check their single-voltage devices like some hair dryers and straighteners, because these often require a converter. Visitors from the UK, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and India generally will not need a converter for standard appliances designed for 230 V.

Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha Plugs and Sockets Explained

The country uses BS 1363, also called Type G. The plug has three rectangular pins arranged in a triangular pattern, including an earth pin, so it is an earthed plug. Sockets are designed for Type G plugs and these are the primary, common standard across the islands. If your plug is not Type G you will need an adapter to connect to the local sockets.

Tips for Charging Your Devices in Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha

Check each device charger for an input range of 100-240 V before assuming it will work without a converter.
Carry a compact BS 1363 (Type G) adapter rather than relying on finding one locally.
Use a UK-style fused adapter or plug to protect devices.
For high-power single-voltage items like hair dryers, consider a travel hair dryer rated for 230 V or a dedicated converter.
Pack a multiport USB charger to reduce the number of adapters needed.

Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha Plugs FAQ

What plug does Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha use?

They use the British BS 1363 Type G plug, which has three rectangular pins and is earthed.

What is the voltage in Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha?

The mains voltage is 230 V with a frequency of 50 Hz.

Can I use a US plug in Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha?

No, US plugs (Type A/B) will not fit; you will need a Type G adapter and should check whether your devices need a voltage converter if they are not dual-voltage.

Can I use a UK plug in Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha?

Yes, UK plugs (Type G) are the standard, so you do not need an adapter or voltage converter if your device is rated for 230 V.

Can I use a European plug in Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha?

No, continental European plugs (Type C/E/F) will not fit; you will need a Type G adapter, though most European chargers are dual-voltage so a converter is usually not required.

Can I use an Australian plug in Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha?

No, Australian plugs (Type I) will not fit; you will need a Type G adapter, but a voltage converter is generally not needed for devices designed for 230 V.