What adaptor do I need for Europe, the US, Dubai and more? Travel plugs explained

PACKING electronics and gadgets for your holiday is almost as important as remembering your passport.

Here we take a look at which travel adaptor you need to take with you on your travels whatever your destination.

Do I need an adaptor for travel?

If you are heading overseas and you need to bring along your electronic devices, chances are a travel adaptor will be required.

As there is such a wide range of sockets used around the world, portable plug converters are very useful.

You will need to check which type of socket is used in the region you are travelling to, with the full range being assigned a letter in the alphabet from A through to O.

Why are electric plugs different across the world?

Different technological advances were adopted by different nations at different points in their history.

This means that the plugs they use have changed over time.

Also, electricians, grid planners and engineers from around the world developed their own technologies and grid systems independently, so no universal standard was ever set.

What adaptor do I need?

Making sure you know which adaptor you need to take with you will ensure all your gadgets can remain fully charged.

Knowing what grid and plug type your destination operates on can protect your devices from damage while ensuring you can capture every moment of your trip.

For example, US appliances run on 110 volts, while European appliances run on 220 volts — meaning you could blow a fuse if you use the wrong voltage plug.

Only dual-voltage items such as laptops can handle being in both countries without problems.

We explain which plugs you might need and how they work when travelling abroad.

Europe

Brits heading on holiday to Europe will need travel adaptor type C, which uses 220 volts.

This plug has two round pins, although some countries have other plug types.

France, Belgium, Poland and the Czech Republic typically use type E, which also utilises grounding clips.

Type E will also accept type C plugs.

Everywhere else in Europe and Russia, travel adaptor type F is used.

This is similar to type C, with two prongs, but it's round and has two grounding clips on each side.

Plug types E, J, K and N can also fit type C travel adaptors.

All of Europe uses two-pin plugs except the UK and Ireland, which have type G three-pin plugs.

US

This destination can trip up even the most wary traveller as different states can have different outlet options.

The US uses type A and type B plugs throughout the different states.

Type A plugs have two flat pins, and can also be used in Canada and Mexico.

Type B plugs are similar, but they have a third rounded pin at the bottom.

However, type B plugs are grounded — which can prevent electric shocks if the plug is broken.

Dubai

Good news for Brits heading to Dubai, as the country uses the same travel adaptors as the UK — type G.

The three pronged plug is used throughout Dubai and other places in the United Arab Emirates.

This means no travel adaptor is needed as your regular plugs will fit into the walls.

Other countries in the world to use type G include Ireland, Cyprus, Malta, Malaysia and Singapore.

It is worth noting that many other destinations use this type of connection also, so it is worth checking with your travel operator before planning your trip.

More top travel destinations' plug types and voltages

• Argentina — plug types C & I, 220V
• Australia — plug type I, 230V
• Bahamas — plug types A & B, 120V
• Barbados — plug types A & B, 115V
• Bolivia — plug types A & C, 230V
• Brazil — plug types C & N, 127v & 220V
• China — plug types A, C & I, 220V
• Cuba — plug types A, B, C & L, 110V &220V
• Egypt — plug types C & F, 220V
• Faroe Islands — plug types C, E, F & K, 230V
• Greece — plug types C & F, 230V
• Hong Kong — plug type G, 220V
• India — plug types C, D & M, 230V
• Jamaica — plug types A & B, 110V
• Japan — plug types A & B, 100V
• Madagascar — plug types C & E, 220V
• New Zealand — plug type I, 230V
• Nigeria — plug types D & G, 230V
• South Korea — plug types C & F, 220V
• Thailand — A, B, C & O, 230V
• Vietnam — plug types A, C & D, 220V
• Virgin Islands — plug types A & B, 110V

Can travel adaptors go in your suitcase?

Yes, travel adaptors can be packed in your suitcase and checked.

This is because there are no dangerous parts in travel adaptors, such as batteries. 

They do not store electrical energy, so there is no risk of a fire like there is with batteries, which store electrical energy in the form of chemical energy.

What is a universal travel adaptor?

It is a travel adaptor that can be used in any country around the world.

A universal travel adaptor is the only one you’ll ever need, no matter where you are heading.

The gadget removes the need to keep multiple adaptors for different countries.

Can you use a travel adaptor permanently?

Although there are online accounts of people using travel adaptors for years on end without issue, it is not advisable to do so.

The Electrical Safety Council, a charity committed to reducing deaths and injuries caused by electricity, advises that they are not a safe or suitable alternative for continuous use.

It is instead recommended that you convert the plug to that of the region in question, or replace the electrical product with one featuring a standard plug from that country.