what kind of plug adapter do I need?

We’ve been traveling internationally a lot this year, and it seems that no matter where we go, we’re always surprised when we see exactly what the plugs in our hotel room look like.

Did you know that each type of plug has a letter that corresponds to it? Well it does. With so many different standards in use around the world, you might be surprised to learn that these plugs and sockets are regulated by an international organization called the International Electrotechnical Commission. Who knew?

So, without further ado… here they are!

Electro-world-standard, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Types A & B - These are used in North, Central and much of South America, as well as Thailand, China and Japan. Also a few other places, but…if you’re an American and you’re traveling elsewhere in the Americas, or in some of the most popular tourist spots in Asia you’re probably good to go, without a plug adapter. They are uninsulated, however, so if you’re wondering why there are so many electrical fires in the Americas — look no further!

Types C, E, and F - These are what you need in Europe. Type C is good for most of Europe, but not in the UK, Ireland, Cyprus or Malta. You might also find type C in use in Thailand and China. Type E is used in France, Belgium, Poland, Czechia, Tunisia and Morocco. Type F is for Germany, Austria, The Netherlands, Scandinavia, Spain, Portugal and Greece, and widely throughout Eastern Europe. Type F is the only plug that has a nickname. It’s called the Schuko Plug , because of the word “Schutzkontakt” — the thing

Types D and M - These are similar. The Type D plug is standard in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Namibia. Type M is used in South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho. Though it’s similar to the Indian type D. M’s pins are much larger, so type M can be also used, generally for larger appliances – some power outlets can take both M and D plugs.

Type G - Type G is mainly used in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Malta, Malaysia, Singapore, and Hong Kong. They’re considered to be exceptionally safe, which might be a factor of the fact that these are the most cumbersome of all plug types.

Type H - Type H is used in one place — Israel. Okay, well, Israel, the West Bank and Gaza. But that’s it, unless you’re plugging in an appliance in Tel Aviv, in which case you might have to use Type D. Since these plugs aren’t insulated, they’re considered to be really unsafe, so if you’re taking a washing machine or refrigerator to Israel on your next vacation, plan on using adapter for Type D.

Type I - These are the plugs you need if you’re going to Australia, New Zealand, or Papua New Guinea. However, they’re also used in Argentina, which is not at all intuitive.

Type J - You’ll only find these in Switzerland or Liechtenstein. But don’t worry. Your C Plug will fit into a J Hole. Gosh. That sounds kind of dirty.

Type K - This is another one where your C plug adapter will fit. If you’re visiting Denmark, Greenland or the Faroe Islands, this is the plug you’d use.

Type L - Again — your C plug will fit here, but these are used in Italy, and randomly throughout North Africa.

Type N - This one is in Brazil, and only in Brazil. Just Brazil. Nowhere else. The spacing for a Type C plug is identical, though, so you should be okay with a C adapter.

Type O - The good people who are in charge of plugs in Thailand have come up with a way to allow people to use B and C type plugs. And since that’s most of the world — you’ve got better options in Thailand, for sure.

So, there you have it — the full rundown of all the plugs in the whole wide world. As you can see, even though there are more than a dozen different types, there are really only 3 or 4 that you’re likely to encounter on any multi-country trip.

So, clearly, a universal plug adapter is a travel essential. There are a lot of them out there, but which is the best? We have opinions on that.

The worst types of adapters are the ones that have lots of little small pieces that you have to clip on based on where you are at any given moment. Those pieces get lost, they come loose, and then suddenly you’re in Israel desperately trying to plug in a dishwasher and you don’t have the right piece to snap onto your adapter.

The other thing we hate about adapters are the ones that are really heavy and oddly-shaped. Since it’s entirely possible that your sockets and plugs might be a looser connection with an adapter, the last thing you want is for your adapter to weigh a lot and then you plug something in and it falls to the floor.

Maybe with a shower of sparks, too.

That is not good.

So, take a look at this one. Less than $25 bucks, and it’ll pretty much take care of you, plus it has some USB adapters — enough to charge your iPad, your iPhone, your Apple Watch and your Kindle all at the same time!

It’s made by a company called Epika, and no, we’re not getting a kickback if you buy it through that link. There are other links, too. (No kickback there, either). But it’s got great reviews, and we’re using it ourselves. It won’t help you in India or South Africa, really, but for most of the world, this will do the trick.

Want to visit another country so that you can plug things into the wall? We’d love to book that trip for you! Let us know!