Plug Types by Country

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 ending up in a situation where you can’t use your devices because they’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 because it is primarily used 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 the Type C (European) plug. It features 2 round pins with a central hole above the legs, which are used to connect to the wall outlet pin. 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 top and bottom of the socket. 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 at the same height, with the middle one serving as 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 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 about plug types by country 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.

Additional Information

You can also check my itineraries in Itineraries. Here, you’ll find them classified in City Guides and Country Guides.

Alternatively, in the section Destinations, they are classified based on the type of trip:

• Amazing Experiences. It covers the most extensive and complete trips.
• Beach and Sea. For those who prefer quieter activities by the sea.
• City Breaks. Short trips with a single destination.

Remember to check Cook up Your Trip. There, you will find everything you need to organise your trip from start to finish.

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Safe travels! 🌏✈️

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