Plug Types by Country
Are you going on a trip to another country and need to know what plug type they use?
Don’t worry; Allow me to explain the plug types used in different countries and their corresponding voltages. This will help you determine if you need an adapter and what kind.
It may seem like a small detail, but we all use electronic devices such as cell phones, cameras, laptops, smartwatches, etc., which we will need to charge at some point during the trip. You want to avoid finding yourself in a situation where you can’t use your devices because you’re out of battery and the plug doesn’t fit the socket.
There are currently 15 different types of plugs used around the world. The US Department of Commerce assigned each one a random letter from A to O to identify them.
I will start by explaining the different types and then detail those used in each country.
Plug Types
Type A (American)
It is commonly called the “American” type because it is primarily utilised in the United States. It features two flat parallel pins with a small hole each and lacks a ground connection.
Type B
This plug would be a version of A. It has three triangle-shaped pins: two are flat, and the other leg (ground) is round and slightly longer than the others. It is mainly used in America.
Type C (European)
It is commonly referred to as the “European” plug due to its use primarily in Europe. Characterised by two round prongs, type C plugs are compatible with J and N jacks.
Type D (Indian)
Known as the “Indian” plug. It has three round pins arranged in a triangle shape, with the ground pin being longer and thicker. It is compatible with the European plug (C).
Type E (French)
This “French” plug is similar to and compatible with type C (European). It features 2 round pins with a central hole above the legs, which is used to connect to the pin of the wall outlet. This type of plug is mainly used in Africa and some European countries.
Type F (German or Schuko)
The “German” plug, also known as a “Schuko”, has two round pins in the middle and two separate ground contacts at the socket’s top and bottom. It is almost identical to the C-type plug used in most European countries, except Ireland and the United Kingdom, where it is not utilised.
Type G (English)
This type of plug is commonly referred to as the “English” plug. It has three rectangular prongs arranged in a triangular pattern, with the top prong being the ground connection.
Type H (Israeli)
The “Israeli” plug is used in Israel and has 3 metal pins in a Y shape, where the bottom pin serves as the ground connection.
Type I (Australian)
The “Australian” plug also consists of 3 flat metal pins: Two in the shape of an inverted V and another lower leg for grounding.
Type J (Swiss)
This hexagonal plug, known as the “Swiss”, has two round metal prongs and a grounding pin at a lower distance. It is compatible with type C (European).
Type K (Danish)
Also called “Danish”. It consists of 3 metal pins, two round and one flat. It is compatible with type C (European).
Type L (Italian)
The “Italian” plug has 3 thin, rounded metal pins arranged in parallel and at the same height, with the middle one being the ground connection. It is also compatible with C (European).
Type M (South African)
“South African” plug. It consists of 3 rounded metal pins, two shorter on the sides and a thicker upper central one, which is the ground discharge.
Type N (Brazilian)
The “Brazilian” plug has two round prongs and a third grounding prong in the centre, slightly above the others. It is compatible with type C (European).
Type O (Thai)
Known as “Thai”, it consists of 3 round holes arranged in a triangle shape. It is compatible with type C (European).
Plugs Used in Each Country
The table below shows the plugs used in each country, along with their corresponding voltage and frequency. This information is crucial to prevent damage to your electrical devices.
You can search by country, continent, frequency, or voltage and reorder the columns as desired; play with it however you want!
As the table above shows, many countries use more than one plug type. Therefore, the best option is to invest in a universal plug adapter that can be used for all your trips. These compact adapters won’t take up much space in your suitcase. In addition, they usually support various voltages, so you don’t have to purchase multiple devices.
I hope this post has been helpful to you.
Do you have any doubts? Leave your question or comment below, and I will happily answer. Alternatively, fill out the contact form.
Now that you know the plug types you’ll find at your destination, you can head back to the Travel Logistics page to continue your trip preparations.
