The UK uses Type G plugs and operates on 230 volts at 50Hz, which can be very different from what your home country uses. A plug adaptor allows you to connect your device to a UK wall socket – without one, your plug won’t fit and you won’t be able to use the item.
Do I need a plug adaptor?
Unless you are coming from a country that also uses Type G plugs, you will need a plug adaptor to continue using your existing cables for electric devices you are bringing with you.
The following countries also use Type G plugs, meaning you don’t need a plug adaptor: Bahrain, Cyprus, Hong Kong, Ireland, Kuwait, Malta, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, United Arab Emirates (UAE). This is not an exhaustive list.
What plug adaptors do I need?
The plug adaptor you need will depend on where you’re coming from. We have linked examples of the plug you will need below for all plug types. You can check the plug type in your country here if you’re not sure what plug type you have.
- Plug Type A and B (North and Central America and Japan)
- Plug Type C, E and F (EU)
- Plug Type D (India, Namibia, Nepal, Sri Lanka)
- Plug Type I (Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea)
Universal adaptors
You can also purchase ‘universal’ adaptors which accept multiple types of plug – and some which can be used in multiple different sockets. This could be particularly helpful if you have relocated a number of times and have electrical plugs from multiple countries or plan to go to different countries. For example:
- Adaptor for plugs A, B, C, I, L and J to UK
- Adaptor for plugs A, B, C, E, F, G, I and USB to plugs A, C, G and I
What about the voltage difference?
It’s important to remember that adaptors don’t convert voltage – they only adapt the shape of your plug to fit a UK outlet. If you’re coming from a country like the US, Canada, or Japan (where voltage is 100-127V), plugging devices directly into a UK socket can damage them unless they are dual voltage. Dual voltage items are often labelled “100-240V”. High-powered items like hairdryers, curling irons and some electric shavers usually aren’t dual voltage, so you will likely need to buy UK versions of those.
For countries like Australia and India, the voltage is closer to the UK’s so you likely won’t need a voltage converter.
Check the voltage for your location here.
