What Travel Adapter Do I Need When I Travel To Other Countries?
If you’re anything like us, you love to travel. If you’re planning to go abroad soon, you might be wondering, what type of plug adapter is needed in the country you’re traveling to? If you have came across this blog, you’re either one of two people:
- You’re planning your trip down to the last detail, you’re organized and love to be prepared.
2. You’re a last-minute packer who tends to remember when it’s too late and ends up paying for an overly expensive adapter in the airport.
Regardless of who you are, this blog is for you.
And we’ve even done the hard part for you, so you don’t have to search for all of the different plug types that you need to be prepared for separately. We have created a visual map of each destination where Kaya offers responsible travel programs, with what type of adapter plug you will need.
Global Map Guide To Travel Adapters & Converters
This is a simplified overview showing the most commonly used plug types, however in most cases, multiple plug types are used in the one country. For a more comprehensive list of what plug types is used in each country, read below!
What Are The Different Types Of Plugs?
Type A
Type A is a 2 pin plug generally used widely across Latin America but it is also commonly found in other locations, like the Philippines and Thailand.
Bear in mind: Plug Type A is also commonly used in the USA, but as mentioned below, notice it doesn’t have the third ‘earth’ plug. So if you have the three-pronged US plus (type B), you might not always find sockets that have the 3rd ‘earth’ plug hole.
The list of countries that use type A plugs are as follows:
- Belize
- Bolivia
- Cayman Islands
- Costa Rica
- Ecuador
- Jamaica
- Peru
- USA
- Cambodia
- China
- Philippines
- Thailand
- Vietnam
Type B
Type B is a 3 pin plug generally used across the USA, Mexico and other countries that use plug Type A.
Other plugs compatible with plug socket Type B are: Type A.
Travel tip; If you have a type B 3 prong plug, most countries across the USA and Latin America might not have sockets that have the extra hole, so it is always best to carry a Type A 3 prong plug adapter, just in case.
The list of countries that also use type B plugs are as follows:
Type C
- Type C is a two pin plug most commonly used in Europe, South America and Asia. The list of countries that use type C plugs are as follows:
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- Peru
- Morocco
- Mozambique
- South Africa
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
- Cambodia
- China
- India
- Indonesia
- Nepal
- Philippines
- Thailand
- Vietnam
Type E
Type E is a 3 pin plug socket that is mainly used in the EU.
Other plugs compatible with plug socket Type E are: Type C and F.
The plug itself is very similar to the Type C plug, however, the type E plug has a grounding pin (much like type A and B).
The list of countries that use type E plugs are as follows:
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- Morocco
- Tunisia
- Senegal
- France
- Belgium
- Poland
- Slovakia
- Czechia
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Type F
Type F is a 2 prong plug socket that is used almost everywhere in the EU, except for Ireland.
Other plugs compatible with socket type F are: Type C and Type E.
Type F is almost identical to Type E, but without the 3rd grounding pin. Meaning you can use this plug in all of the countries you can use Type E.
The list of countries that use type F plugs are as follows:
- EU
- Mozambique
- Indonesia
Type F
Plug socket Type G is a 3 prong plug that is mainly used in the UK.
This plug is not compatible with any other socket, therefore if you’re going to the following countries you’ll need a travel adapter:
- UK
- Ireland
- Malta
- Malaysia
- Singapore
Type H
You might be wondering, what plug adapter do I need for Israel?
Well, that’s easy, because plug socket type H is used exclusively in Israel. However, this socket is compatible with plug type C because the 2 prongs are in the same place.
Type I
Plug type I is a 3 prong plug used in Asia Pacific. The interesting thing about this plug is that it normally comes with a switch for safety.
The list of Countries that use type E plugs are as follows:
- Australia
- New Zealand
- China
- Argentina
- Fiji
Type J
Plug type J is a 3 prong plug, much like plug type C, but with a 3rd grounding ‘Earth’ prong.
The catch is; you can use Type C plugs in a Type J socket, but cannot use a Type J plug in a Type C socket.
Plug socket Type J is almost exclusively used in:
- Liechtenstein
- Switzerland
Type K
Plug type K is a 3 prong plug is compatible with plug type C.
This plug is exclusive to 2 countries:
- Denmark
- Greenland
Type M
The countries that use that type M plugs are mainly used in South Africa.
Other countries that use this plug are:
Type N
Type N plug is used in Brazil and South Africa.
You can use type C plugs in a Type N plug socket!
The Most Compatible Plug
Moral of the story is, if you live in a country that has a C type plug, then you’re in luck, you’re the most compatible plug for different sockets around the globe. In contrast, if you’re from Israel, you better get planning!
And if you’re completely overwhelmed by the information in this blog, then hopefully you’re lucky enough to come across an international plug that accepts multiple plugs. It’s every globetrotter’s dream! If only every country had this plug socket! This plug socket has the variations of Type A-O and is the socket that comes closest to being truly universal. Countries don’t often specify if they have these outlets, however it is important to mention that if you have plug type E and F, that this universal plug socket won’t have a grounding pin hole to ‘earth’ your appliances which is deemed unsafe.
So, to ensure you are moving around stress-free and safely, buy separate travel adapters!
Why Are There So Many Different Types Of Plugs?
According to World Standards, the reason why there are so many different types of plugs is because many countries preferred to develop a plug of their own, instead of adopting the US standard two prong plug.
Forgetting to figure out which travel plug the destination you’re traveling to needs can be a rookie mistake. With our guide created by Kaya travel experts, traveling abroad and charging your devices doesn’t have to be a puzzle!
Universal Travel Adapters – Are They Really Worth The Money?
There are multiple universal travel adapter converters out there nowadays, but these can be more expensive. Many publishers such as WIRED and The New York Times have voted their opinion of the best travel adapters and converters, however, it’s important to note that no universal plug adapter is truly universal. A lot of the plugs are too large for adapters too.
You can save yourself the hassle and buy each adapter separately. Yes, this might not be convenient, but at least these adapters will never go to waste! We have selected some useful plug adapter sets below that you can buy and have confidence in whilst traveling.
- Best Overall: Ceptics travel adapter set on Amazon
- For Apple Users: Apple Plug Adapter World Travel Adapter Kit
- For Those that want to try a universal connector: oneadaptr ‘OneWorld PD’ all-in-one adapter
Travel With Peace Of Mind
Now, you will hopefully be able to blow dry your hair after a long day of animal conservation volunteering in South Africa, or do some work for your media volunteer program from a cafe in the Philippines in total peace of mind. Whether you’re backpacking through Asia, going on a Gap Year in Africa or going on a volunteering holiday, we hope you enjoy your trip!
Want more helpful travel advice for your next trip abroad? Join a Kaya program and we’ll be there with you every step of the way. Browse through our list of programs today!
This blog was written by Kayleigh Irvine
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