World Voltage & Plug Guide
A reference guide to electrical voltage, frequency, and plug types used in countries worldwide. When traveling internationally, voltage and plug compatibility are important — using incompatible devices without an adapter or converter can damage equipment or cause safety hazards.
| Country / Region | Voltage | Frequency | Plug Types |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 120V | 60Hz | A, B |
| Canada | 120V | 60Hz | A, B |
| Mexico | 127V | 60Hz | A, B |
| Japan | 100V | 50/60Hz | A, B |
| China | 220V | 50Hz | A, I |
| Taiwan | 110V | 60Hz | A, B |
| Hong Kong | 220V | 50Hz | G |
| Macau | 220V | 50Hz | G |
| South Korea | 220V | 60Hz | C, F |
| Australia | 230V | 50Hz | I |
| New Zealand | 230V | 50Hz | I |
| United Kingdom | 230V | 50Hz | G |
| Ireland | 230V | 50Hz | G |
| Singapore | 230V | 50Hz | G |
| Malaysia | 240V | 50Hz | G |
| India | 230V | 50Hz | C, D, M |
| Thailand | 220V | 50Hz | A, B, C |
| Vietnam | 220V | 50Hz | A, C |
| Philippines | 220V | 60Hz | A, B, C |
| Indonesia | 230V | 50Hz | C, F |
| Germany | 230V | 50Hz | C, F |
| France | 230V | 50Hz | C, E |
| Italy | 230V | 50Hz | C, F, L |
| Spain | 230V | 50Hz | C, F |
| Portugal | 230V | 50Hz | C, F |
| Netherlands | 230V | 50Hz | C, F |
| Belgium | 230V | 50Hz | C, E |
| Switzerland | 230V | 50Hz | C, J |
| Austria | 230V | 50Hz | C, F |
| Sweden | 230V | 50Hz | C, F |
| Norway | 230V | 50Hz | C, F |
| Denmark | 230V | 50Hz | C, E, K |
| Finland | 230V | 50Hz | C, F |
| Greece | 230V | 50Hz | C, F |
| Poland | 230V | 50Hz | C, E, F |
| Czech Republic | 230V | 50Hz | C, E |
| Hungary | 230V | 50Hz | C, F |
| Romania | 230V | 50Hz | C, F |
| Russia | 230V | 50Hz | C, F |
| Turkey | 230V | 50Hz | C, F |
| UAE | 220V | 50Hz | G |
| Saudi Arabia | 127/220V | 60Hz | A, B, G |
| Israel | 230V | 50Hz | C, H |
| Egypt | 220V | 50Hz | C |
| South Africa | 230V | 50Hz | M, N |
| Nigeria | 230V | 50Hz | D, G |
| Kenya | 240V | 50Hz | G |
| Brazil | 127/220V | 60Hz | C, N |
| Argentina | 220V | 50Hz | C, I |
| Morocco | 220V | 50Hz | C, E |
Plug Type Reference
FAQ
Q: Why do different countries use different voltages?
A: Voltage standards developed independently in different regions during the early days of electrification. North America standardized at ~120V/60Hz, while most of the world uses ~220–240V/50Hz. Higher voltage is more efficient for long-distance transmission.
Q: Do I need a voltage converter when traveling?
A: It depends on your device. Many modern electronics (laptops, phone chargers) are dual-voltage (100–240V) and only need a plug adapter. Appliances like hair dryers or electric shavers may require a voltage converter if they are single-voltage.
Q: What is the most common plug type worldwide?
A: Type C (two round pins, Europlug) is the most widely used plug type globally and is compatible in most of Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa. Type A (two flat pins) is standard in North America and Japan.