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Ever been all set for your big trip—checked-in the hotel, itinerary ready, excitement through the roof—only to realize you can’t charge your phone because your plug doesn’t fit? Yes, it’s happened a few times with us, too. What works at home won’t always work abroad, and the type of adapter you’ll need depends entirely on your destination.
Travel adapters are often an afterthought in packing, but if you think about it, they’re as essential as your passport. This guide will help you understand the different plug types around the world, so you #KnowBeforeYouGo and will never be left powerless on your adventures.
Photo by Mike Winkler on Unsplash
What Exactly is a Travel Adapter?
You already know that a travel adapter is a small device that allows you to plug your gadgets or appliances into outlets. Here in the Philippines, we typically use Type A, B, and C plugs—two flat parallel pins or two round pins—and most appliances run on 220V.
Screengrab from CEPTICS
This setup is not universal. The outlets in Japan, the UK, or Australia look (and work) very differently. There are about 15 kinds of plug configurations worldwide, 12 of which are the most common. Understanding this will help you determine which adapter to bring when you travel.
Common Plug Types Around the World
|
Type |
Countries they’re commonly used |
|---|---|
|
A |
Belize, Bolivia, Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Jamaica, Peru, USA, Cambodia, China, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam |
|
B |
Belize, Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Jamaica, Peru, USA, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam |
|
C |
Bolivia, Brazil, Peru, Morocco, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam |
|
D |
Botswana, Ghana, Namibia, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, India, and Nepal |
|
E |
Morocco, Tunisia, Senegal, France, Belgium, Poland, and Slovakia |
|
F |
EU, Mozambique, and Indonesia |
|
G |
UK, Ireland, Singapore, Malaysia, and Malta |
|
H |
Israel |
|
I |
Australia, New Zealand, China, Argentinan and Fiji |
|
J |
Switzerland and Liechtenstein |
|
K |
Denmark and Greenland |
|
L |
Italy and parts of Chile |
How to Choose the Right Travel Adapter
Photo by Call Me Fred on Unsplash
-
Check your destination. Identify which plug types your country uses.
-
Go for a universal adapter. This should cover multiple plug types (A, C, G, I at minimum).
-
Pick one with multiple ports. USB and USB-C ports mean fewer chargers to carry.
-
Choose a compact, reliable brand. Cheaper knock-offs can overheat, break easily, and worse, cause damage to your devices.
-
Check the voltage & frequency of your destination.
Planning an unforgettable trip means preparing for the little things that make a big difference—and a travel adapter is one of them. Now that you know which plug types are out there, you can pack with confidence and stay powered up wherever your journey takes you.