Are you planning an international trip? Exciting! But before you go, it’s important to remember that not all countries use the same electrical outlet plugs. In fact, there are currently 15 types of domestic electrical outlet plugs in use worldwide, each of which has been assigned a letter by the US Department of Commerce International Trade Administration (ITA), starting with A and moving through the alphabet. These letters are completely arbitrary and don’t actually mandate anything.
Different regions of the world use different plug shapes and sizes, so you’ll want to choose the correct one for the country you’re visiting. For example, most of Europe uses one type, but Italy and Switzerland each use something different. Don’t worry though, there are many options available to help you stay connected and charged up while you travel.
First things first, always remember to bring a Universal Travel Adapter. This is a must-have item for any international traveler. A Universal Travel Adapter will allow you to plug in your electronic devices no matter where you are in the world. Ceptics offers separate options for each region of the world, or you can choose their universal adapter if you’re going to be traveling extensively and only want to carry one product.
But why don’t other countries use the same plug style as the United States? Put simply, type A and B plugs and outlets are considered very unsafe by international standards. Plugs aren’t insulated, andsince wall outlets aren’t recessed, the risk of electrocution or shock is much higher. Type A plugs feature two polarised prongs, slightly differing in size. This plug style was invented in 1904 by the American inventor Harvey Hubbell II. Since then, little has changed about the design. However, this plug style is now considered more dangerous and has been outlawed for use in new construction in the United States since 1965.
So, what are the different Plug Types By Country? Let’s take a look:
Type A: Used in North and Central America, the Caribbean, and parts of South America and Asia.
Type B: Used in North and Central America, the Caribbean, and parts of South America and Asia. This type has a grounding prong in addition to the two polarised prongs.
Type C: Used in most of Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. This type has two round prongs.
Type D: Used in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and other parts of South Asia. This type has three round prongs in a triangular pattern.
Type E: Used in France, Belgium, Poland, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic. This type has two round prongs and a grounding pin.
Type F: Used in Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Portugal, Spain, and Eastern Europe. This type has two round prongs and a grounding pin.
Type G: Used in the UnitedKingdom, Ireland, Malta, Cyprus, and parts of Africa and Asia. This type has three rectangular prongs in a triangular pattern.
Type H: Used in Israel and the West Bank. This type has two round prongs and a grounding blade.
Type I: Used in Australia, New Zealand, China, and Argentina. This type has two flat angled prongs and a grounding pin.
Type J: Used in Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Rwanda. This type has three round prongs in a triangular pattern.
Type K: Used in Denmark and Greenland. This type has two round prongs and a grounding pin.
Type L: Used in Italy and Chile. This type has three round prongs in a straight line.
Type M: Used in South Africa, India, and parts of Asia. This type has three round prongs in a triangular pattern.
Type N: Used in Brazil and South Africa. This type has two round prongs and a grounding pin.
Type O: Used in Thailand.
As you can see, there are many different plug types used around the world. It’s important to know which one you’ll need before you go, so you can make sure to pack the right adapter. But what about voltage? Some countries use different voltages than others, which can be a problem if you’re not prepared. Most electronic devices these days are designed to work with a range of voltages, so you may not need a voltage converter. However, it’s still a good idea to check before you go, especially for devices that use a lot of power, like hair dryers or curling irons.
The Best Travel Adapters (2023)
Top Universal Travel Adapters that are highly rated and popular in the USA based on customer reviews and ratings on online marketplaces such as Amazon:
EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter - This adapter is highly rated and comes with four USB ports and a universal AC socket. It also has built-in safety shutters and surge protection.
EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter One International Wall Charger AC Plug Adaptor with 5.6A Smart Power and 3.0A USB Type-
Ceptics World Travel Adapter Kit - This kit includes adapters for over 150 countries and comes with a carrying case for easy portability. It also has a built-in surge protector and is rated for up to 250 volts.
Ceptics World Travel Adapter Kit
BESTEK Universal Travel Adapter - This adapter includes four USB ports and three AC outlets, making it a great option for travelers who need to charge multiple devices at once. It also has built-in safety features and is rated for up to 250 volts.
BESTEK Universal Travel Adapter
Smartphone Travel Adapter:
Samsung Travel Adapter -
Samsung travel adapters typically have a compact design that makes them easy to pack and carry while on the go. They also have built-in safety features, such as overcharge protection and short-circuit protection, to prevent damage to the device being charged.
Samsung travel adapters come in different models and specifications, depending on the device being charged and the country of use. Some models may support fast charging, while others may have a higher power output for charging larger devices like tablets.
It's important to note that a Samsung travel adapter is designed specifically for Samsung devices and may not work with other brands or types of devices. Additionally, it's important to ensure that the travel adapter you use is compatible with the voltage and plug type used in the country you are traveling to avoid damaging your device or the adapter.
Samsung EP-TA20JWE Travel Charger for Micro USB Devices
Compatible with Samsung Galaxy Note 2, Galaxy S3, Galaxy S4 and ALL Smartphone Devices with a Micro USB Port 
Samsung Super Fast Charging,25W USB C Wall Charger
Compatible Phone Models: Samsung Galaxy S22, S22+,S22 Ultra,S21, S21 Ultra , S21+, S20, S20+, S20 Ultra, S10, S10e, S10+, S10 Plus, S10 5G, S9, S9 Plus, S9+, S8, S8 Plus / Active, Note 10, Note 10+, Note 20, Note 20+, Note 20 Plus,Google Pixel, Pixel 2, Pixel 3, Pixel XL, Pixel 2XL, Pixel 3XL, Pixel 4XL, Pixel 3A, LG G7 Thing, G8, G6, G5.
Apple World Travel Adapter Kit -
The Apple World Travel Adapter Kit is a set of accessories designed to help Apple device users charge their devices while traveling internationally. The kit includes a set of six AC plugs with prongs that fit different electrical outlets around the world, as well as a handy carrying case to keep everything organized.
The six AC plugs included in the kit cover North America, Japan, China, United Kingdom, Continental Europe, Korea, Australia, and Hong Kong, so you can be confident that you'll be able to charge your Apple devices in most countries. The plugs are easy to snap on and off, making it easy to switch between them as needed.
The World Travel Adapter Kit is compatible with Apple devices that have a MagSafe connector or a USB-C port, including MacBook, MacBook Pro, and iPad. The kit does not include any charging cables, so you'll need to bring your own cables to connect your devices to the adapter.
It's important to note that the Apple World Travel Adapter Kit does not convert voltage, so you'll need to make sure that your device is compatible with the voltage in the country you're visiting. Additionally, some countries may have different plug types or voltage requirements than those covered by the kit, so it's always a good idea to check before you go to ensure that you have the right adapter for your needs.
Apple World Travel Adapter Kit - The kit is designed to work with iPod, iPhone, iPad, and Mac notebooks. It is compatible with Apple USB-C Power Adapters, MagSafe and MagSafe 2 Power Adapters, 10W, 12W, 30 and 35W USB Power Adapters, and Portable Power Adapters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need a different adapter for each country I visit?
A: It depends on the countries you’re visiting. Some regions of the world use the same plug type, so you may only need one adapter for multiple countries. However, other countries have unique plug types, so you’ll need a different adapter for each one. It’s best to do your research ahead of time to make sure you have the right adapter for each country you’ll be visiting.
Q: Can I use my electronic devices in any country?
A: Most electronic devices these days are designed to work with a range of voltages, so you may not need a voltage converter. However, it’s still a good idea to check before you go, especially for devices that use a lot of power, like hair dryers or curling irons. If your device isn’t designed to work with the voltage in the country you’re visiting, you’ll need a voltage converter to avoid damaging your device.
Q: Can I charge my phone without an adapter?
A: It depends on the country you’re visiting. Some countries have USB charging ports that you can use to charge your devices without an adapter. However, if the country you’re visiting doesn’t have USB charging ports, you’ll need an adapter to plug your charger into the wall.
Q: Can I buy an adapter when Iget to my destination?
A: Yes, you can usually buy an adapter when you arrive at your destination. However, it’s better to be prepared and bring your own adapter with you. That way, you won’t have to worry about finding a store that sells adapters or paying extra for one at a tourist shop. Plus, if you buy an adapter ahead of time, you can make sure you have the right one for the country you’ll be visiting.
In conclusion, if you’re planning an international trip, it’s important to remember that not all countries use the same electrical outlet plugs. Make sure to do your research ahead of time and bring a Universal Travel Adapter with you. This will help you stay connected and charged up no matter where you are in the world. And don’t forget to check the voltage requirements for your electronic devices, especially if you’re bringing high-powered items like hair dryers or curling irons. With the right adapter and a little bit of preparation, you’ll be ready to explore the world and stay connected on your travels!