Global Plug Guide: Essential Adapters for Every Country

Your laptop, phone, camera and tablet are your lifelines. That is, until you literally hit a brick wall trying to plug them into a foreign socket to no avail. For globetrotting professionals and tech-savvy travelers, incompatible plugs aren’t a rare headache; they are a persistent problem that requires time and money to resolve each time. Why risk frying your devices, or wasting money on the wrong adapter at the airport? 

This guide cuts through the confusion, giving you a clear, continent-by-continent breakdown of the right adapters to keep all your gadgets juiced up, no matter where you land. And, stick around for a shockingly simple fix—so you can start obsessing over sunsets, and not socket shapes.

Plug Types and Voltage (Types A - O)

Decode the alphabet soup of plug types. There are a total of 15 different plug standards worldwide ranging from A to O. Each differs from the other in shape, pin configuration, and sometimes voltage. Here’s a quick rundown of them:

While it’s easy to get caught up by the shapes and formations, keep in mind that voltage matters too. Most countries use 220 - 240V, while North America, Japan and Taiwan use 100 - 120V. The section below takes a closer look at the different plugs used around the world, organized by continent. 

Plugs and Adapters Across the World

Asia

Asia features a diverse mix of plug types, with Type C (European), G (British), and A/B (American) being most common. As mentioned before, voltage typically ranges between 220 - 240V, except for outliers Japan and Taiwan, using 100 - 110V.

• Japan (100V): Older buildings favour unpolarized Type A while newer constructions use grounded Type B.

• China (220V): Type I dominates in mainland China, though Type A (US style) persists in older buildings and Type C works in many hotels.

• India (230V): Type D was the traditional standard, now transitioning to Type M (similar but with thicker pins) for heavier appliances.

• Thailand (220V): Unique Type O is the official standard, but US-style A/B and European C are widely accepted in tourist areas.

• Singapore (230V): Follows British colonial standard with robust Type G sockets, identical to Malaysia and UK.

• Malaysia (240V): Uses the same British-style plugs as Singapore but operates at slightly higher voltage.

• South Korea (220V): Officially uses European-style outlets, though some older buildings may feature US Type A/B.

Oceania

The region maintains remarkable consistency with the Australian-style Type I system, though voltage varies slightly between nations.

• Australia (230V): All outlets accept the characteristic angled flat pins of Type I, with mandatory shutters for child safety.

• New Zealand (230V): Identical to Australian standard (Type I), with same plug and voltage specifications.

• Fiji (240V): Follows regional standard of Type I but at higher voltage, with some resorts offering US-style A/B for tourists.

• Papua New Guinea (240V): Shares the Type I standard but operates at higher voltage similar to Fiji.

• Samoa (230V): Recently shifted towards Australian standard, replacing older US-style outlets.

Europe

The continent predominantly uses round-pin connectors, with notable exceptions in Britain, Switzerland and Italy.

• Germany (230V): Type F outlets with side grounding clips are most common, though Type C works for ungrounded devices.

• France (230V): Type E with male grounding pin, though many sockets accept both E and F plugs.

• UK (230V): Utilizes Type G, with distinctive three rectangular pins arranged in a triangular pattern, with built-in fuses for safety.

• Italy (230V): Unique linear three-pin arrangement of Type L, though most sockets accept Europlugs (Type C).

• Switzerland (230V): Type J features a similar round-pin design found in the Type C plug, which can most of the time be accommodated by Type C.

North America

The continental standard remains remarkably consistent, with minor voltage variations.

• USA (120V): Type A is standard for ungrounded devices, while Type B adds ground pin for heavier appliances.

• Canada (120V): Identical to the US system with same plug types and voltage.

• Mexico (127V): Uses the same plug shapes of Types A and B but at slightly higher voltage than its northern neighbors.

• Greenland (230V): Greenland has a total of four associated plug types, being Types C, E, F and K.

• Bahamas (120V): Follows US standard despite being outside North American mainland.

South America

This continent shows fascinating diversity in electrical standards. This patchwork system means travelers may encounter different plugs even within the same country, such as in older buildings versus modern developments.

• Brazil (127V/220V): Transitioning to new Type N standard, though older Type C persists.

• Argentina (220V): Uses Australian-style Type I plugs.

• Chile (220V): Primarily uses Europlugs (Type C) but Italian-style Type L appears in some installations.

• Colombia (110V): Follows US standard with same plugs and similar voltage.

• Peru (220V): Accommodates both US and European styles, with Type C becoming more prevalent as compared to Types A and B.

Africa

Electrical standards often reflect colonial history, creating a varied mix of incompatible systems across the continent. Many countries maintain dual or even multiple plug standards due to ongoing infrastructure transitions and regional variations.

• South Africa (230V): Type M is traditional, while newer Type N is gaining adoption.

• Egypt (220V): Featuring Types C and F, adopting standard European outlets, particularly in tourist areas and modern buildings.

• Morocco (220V): French-influenced system with Type E being the official standard, though Type C works.

• Kenya (240G): British-style Type G outlets identical to UK standard, common across former British colonies.

• Nigeria (230V): A mix of British Type G and older Indian-style Type D, varying by location.

Overview

Navigating the world’s plug systems can feel overwhelming, but understanding these regional patterns makes preparation simple. 

Asia’s mix of Type A, B, C and G requires careful research, especially in transition countries like India and Thailand. Oceania’s uniform Type I system offers consistency, while Europe’s mostly standardized round-pin outlets (with notable UK/Swiss/Italian exceptions) cover much of the continent. The Americas maintain North-South divides, with consistent Type A and B in the north versus South America’s hybrid systems. Africa’s colonial legacy creates the most variability, where even single countries may use multiple plug types.

Universal Travel Adapters

What can you do as a smart traveler? 

At Energea, we always recommend packing a reliable universal adapter for utmost flexibility and convenience, wherever you go. A universal adapter not only saves you from the hassle of carrying multiple country-specific plugs, but it’s also a cost-effective move, eliminating the need to buy new adapters for each destination.

However, staying connected isn’t just about plug shapes. It’s important to double-check voltage compatibility, especially for sensitive electronics like laptops and grooming tools (like your favorite Dyson hair dryer). This step is often overlooked—but using the wrong voltage can lead to malfunctions, permanent damage, or even safety hazards. A quick check before you pack or plug in is all it takes for a safe and enjoyable trip. 

Supercharge Travels with Energea

Featuring Voyager Kit by Energea

Smart travel isn’t solely about moving light. Equip yourself with the right tools, and you’ll spend less time troubleshooting and more time savoring the journey. 

Explore travel essentials at Energea, including our universal travel adapters and other smart-charge options.