Do You Need a Travel Adapter for United Kingdom?
United Kingdom uses Type G sockets at 230 V, 50 Hz.
The UK uses the fused three-rectangular-pin Type G plug (BS 1363) everywhere. The only exception is the shaver socket found in hotel bathrooms: a two-pin BS 4573 outlet, often switchable between 115 V and 230 V, limited to about 200 mA. It will run an electric shaver or toothbrush charger but nothing more powerful. Types D and M survive only for stage lighting and remotely switched lights.
Check your own plug
Verdict by where you are travelling from
From United States: You need a Type G adapter and a voltage converter.
Dual voltage (100–240 V input) covers 230 V. Type A/B plugs do not fit United Kingdom's Type G sockets. Pack a Type G adapter.
Single-voltage device (120 V) on a 230 V supply. A plug adapter alone will damage it; you need a voltage converter, or a dual-voltage model. You will also need a Type G plug adapter.
What to buy (on amazon.com)
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From Europe: You need a Type G adapter.
Dual voltage (100–240 V input) covers 230 V. Type C/E/F plugs do not fit United Kingdom's Type G sockets. Pack a Type G adapter.
230 V is within what this device expects. Type C/E/F plugs do not fit United Kingdom's Type G sockets. Pack a Type G adapter.
What to buy (on amazon.de)
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From Australia: You need a Type G adapter.
Dual voltage (100–240 V input) covers 230 V. Type I plugs do not fit United Kingdom's Type G sockets. Pack a Type G adapter.
230 V is within what this device expects. Type I plugs do not fit United Kingdom's Type G sockets. Pack a Type G adapter.
What to buy (on amazon.com.au)
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From Canada: You need a Type G adapter and a voltage converter.
Dual voltage (100–240 V input) covers 230 V. Type A/B plugs do not fit United Kingdom's Type G sockets. Pack a Type G adapter.
Single-voltage device (120 V) on a 230 V supply. A plug adapter alone will damage it; you need a voltage converter, or a dual-voltage model. You will also need a Type G plug adapter.
What to buy (on amazon.ca)
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From Japan: You need a Type G adapter and a voltage converter.
Dual voltage (100–240 V input) covers 230 V. Type A/B plugs do not fit United Kingdom's Type G sockets. Pack a Type G adapter.
Single-voltage device (100 V) on a 230 V supply. A plug adapter alone will damage it; you need a voltage converter, or a dual-voltage model. You will also need a Type G plug adapter.
What to buy (on amazon.co.jp)
Some links on this site are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Device by device: 230 V in United Kingdom
| Device | Voltage | Plug | What you need |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone, laptop or USB charger | Dual voltage: fine | Type G adapter unless your plug matches | Plug adapter at most |
| Camera battery charger | Dual voltage: fine | Type G adapter unless your plug matches | Plug adapter at most |
| Hair dryer or straightener | Single voltage: only if rated for 220–240 V | Type G adapter unless your plug matches | Adapter, plus a converter if it is a 110–120 V model |
| Electric shaver | Single voltage: only if rated for 220–240 V | Type G adapter unless your plug matches | Adapter, plus a converter if it is a 110–120 V model |
| CPAP machine | Dual voltage: fine | Type G adapter unless your plug matches | Plug adapter at most |
| Kettle or other appliance | Single voltage: only if rated for 220–240 V | Type G adapter unless your plug matches | Adapter, plus a converter if it is a 110–120 V model |
Not sure which your device is? Read the INPUT line on the label.
Frequently asked questions
What plug does United Kingdom use?
United Kingdom uses Type G sockets. Type G: three rectangular pins in a triangle, fused plug. Type D and M sockets are also reported occasionally.
What is the voltage in United Kingdom?
United Kingdom runs on 230 V at 50 Hz.
Can I charge my iPhone or laptop in United Kingdom?
Yes. Phones, laptops and USB chargers are dual voltage (100–240 V) so the voltage is fine anywhere; you just need a plug adapter for United Kingdom's Type G sockets unless your own plug is one of those types.
Do I need a voltage converter for United Kingdom?
Only for single-voltage 110–120 V appliances (typically hair dryers, straighteners and kettles bought in North America or Japan). Anything marked INPUT 100–240 V just needs a plug adapter.
Route guides
Other countries in Europe
Socket types: Type G · Voltage by country · How this data was verified