HomeAustralia → Europe

Do I need an adapter from Australia to Europe?

You need a Type C or E or F adapter for Europe.

Australia: Type I, 230 V, 50 Hz → Europe: Type C/E/F, 230 V, 50 Hz.

Phone, laptop or USB charger Adapter

Dual voltage (100–240 V input) covers 230 V. Type I plugs do not fit Europe's Type C/E/F sockets. Pack a Type C adapter.

Camera battery charger Adapter

Dual voltage (100–240 V input) covers 230 V. Type I plugs do not fit Europe's Type C/E/F sockets. Pack a Type C adapter.

Hair dryer or straightener Adapter

230 V is within what this device expects. Type I plugs do not fit Europe's Type C/E/F sockets. Pack a Type C adapter.

Electric shaver Adapter

230 V is within what this device expects. Type I plugs do not fit Europe's Type C/E/F sockets. Pack a Type C adapter.

CPAP machine Adapter

Dual voltage (100–240 V input) covers 230 V. Type I plugs do not fit Europe's Type C/E/F sockets. Pack a Type C adapter.

Kettle or other appliance Adapter

230 V is within what this device expects. Type I plugs do not fit Europe's Type C/E/F sockets. Pack a Type C adapter.

What to buy for Europe (on amazon.com.au)

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.

Why

Plug shape. Australia uses Type I (two flat pins in a v shape and a flat earth pin). Europe sockets are Type C (two round 4 mm pins, 19 mm apart) and Type E (two round 4.8 mm pins and a hole for the socket earth pin) and Type F (two round 4.8 mm pins with earth clips on the sides). They are not compatible, so you need a plug adapter.

Voltage. Australia is 230 V; Europe is 230 V. Same voltage family, so everything you own will run.

Frequency. Australia is 50 Hz; Europe is 50 Hz. No change to worry about.

Europe: Continental Europe runs on 230 V, 50 Hz with round-pin sockets: Type C (Europlug) fits everywhere; Type F (Schuko) in Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, Scandinavia and the east; Type E in France, Belgium, Poland and Czechia. Exceptions: the UK, Ireland, Cyprus and Malta use Type G; Switzerland uses Type J; Italy uses Type L; Denmark uses Type K.

Australia: Australia's nominal supply is 230 V (AS 60038) although many areas still measure close to 240 V; either way it is in the same band as Europe. Sockets are Type I only. The same Type I plug is used in New Zealand, and fits sockets in China, Argentina and Papua New Guinea.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an adapter from Australia to Europe?

Yes. Australia plugs are Type I and Europe sockets are Type C/E/F, so you need a Type C adapter.

Do I need a voltage converter from Australia to Europe?

No. Both countries are in the same voltage band (230 V and 230 V), so even single-voltage appliances work.

Will my Australia phone charger work in Europe?

Yes. Phone and laptop chargers are dual voltage (100–240 V). You only need a Type C plug adapter.

What about the reverse trip, Europe to Australia?

See the Europe to Australia guide.

Related