HomeUK → Europe
Do I need an adapter from UK to Europe?
You need a Type C or E or F adapter for Europe.
United Kingdom: Type G, 230 V, 50 Hz → Europe: Type C/E/F, 230 V, 50 Hz.
Dual voltage (100–240 V input) covers 230 V. Type G plugs do not fit Europe's Type C/E/F sockets. Pack a Type C adapter.
Dual voltage (100–240 V input) covers 230 V. Type G plugs do not fit Europe's Type C/E/F sockets. Pack a Type C adapter.
230 V is within what this device expects. Type G plugs do not fit Europe's Type C/E/F sockets. Pack a Type C adapter.
230 V is within what this device expects. Type G plugs do not fit Europe's Type C/E/F sockets. Pack a Type C adapter.
Dual voltage (100–240 V input) covers 230 V. Type G plugs do not fit Europe's Type C/E/F sockets. Pack a Type C adapter.
230 V is within what this device expects. Type G plugs do not fit Europe's Type C/E/F sockets. Pack a Type C adapter.
What to buy for Europe (on amazon.co.uk)
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Why
Plug shape. United Kingdom uses Type G (three rectangular pins in a triangle, fused plug). 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. United Kingdom is 230 V; Europe is 230 V. Same voltage family, so everything you own will run.
Frequency. United Kingdom 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.
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 Europe?
Yes. United Kingdom plugs are Type G and Europe sockets are Type C/E/F, so you need a Type C adapter.
Do I need a voltage converter from UK to Europe?
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 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 UK?
See the Europe to UK guide.