HomeUK → Australia

Do I need an adapter from UK to Australia?

You need a Type I adapter for Australia.

United Kingdom: Type G, 230 V, 50 Hz → Australia: Type I, 230 V, 50 Hz.

Phone, laptop or USB charger Adapter

Dual voltage (100–240 V input) covers 230 V. Type G plugs do not fit Australia's Type I sockets. Pack a Type I adapter.

Camera battery charger Adapter

Dual voltage (100–240 V input) covers 230 V. Type G plugs do not fit Australia's Type I sockets. Pack a Type I adapter.

Hair dryer or straightener Adapter

230 V is within what this device expects. Type G plugs do not fit Australia's Type I sockets. Pack a Type I adapter.

Electric shaver Adapter

230 V is within what this device expects. Type G plugs do not fit Australia's Type I sockets. Pack a Type I adapter.

CPAP machine Adapter

Dual voltage (100–240 V input) covers 230 V. Type G plugs do not fit Australia's Type I sockets. Pack a Type I adapter.

Kettle or other appliance Adapter

230 V is within what this device expects. Type G plugs do not fit Australia's Type I sockets. Pack a Type I adapter.

What to buy for Australia (on amazon.co.uk)

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Why

Plug shape. United Kingdom uses Type G (three rectangular pins in a triangle, fused plug). Australia sockets are Type I (two flat pins in a v shape and a flat earth pin). They are not compatible, so you need a plug adapter.

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

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

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.

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 UK to Australia?

Yes. United Kingdom plugs are Type G and Australia sockets are Type I, so you need a Type I adapter.

Do I need a voltage converter from UK to Australia?

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

Will my UK phone charger work in Australia?

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

What about the reverse trip, Australia to UK?

See the Australia to UK guide.

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