HomeEurope → UK

Do I need an adapter from Europe to UK?

You need a Type G adapter for United Kingdom.

Europe: Type C/E/F, 230 V, 50 Hz → United Kingdom: Type G, 230 V, 50 Hz.

Phone, laptop or USB charger 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.

Camera battery charger 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.

Hair dryer or straightener 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.

Electric shaver 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.

CPAP machine 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.

Kettle or other appliance 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 for UK (on amazon.de)

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Why

Plug shape. Europe uses 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). United Kingdom sockets are Type G (three rectangular pins in a triangle, fused plug). They are not compatible, so you need a plug adapter.

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

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

United Kingdom: 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.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an adapter from Europe to UK?

Yes. Europe plugs are Type C/E/F and United Kingdom sockets are Type G, so you need a Type G adapter.

Do I need a voltage converter from Europe to UK?

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

Will my Europe phone charger work in UK?

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

What about the reverse trip, UK to Europe?

See the UK to Europe guide.

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