Types of plugs in the world: prepare your trip - Endesa

09 Jun.,2025

 

Types of plugs in the world: prepare your trip - Endesa

Why don't all countries use the same plug?

The basic reason that not all countries use the same type of plugs is due to non-globalised technological development and that no consensus has been reached to standardise them between manufacturers and countries.

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Looking back, the race to popularise the use of electricity began in the late 19th century/early 20th century. At the time, however, it was impossible to predict that the world would change so much and that we would travel around the world laden with electrical appliances.

Almost all electrical devices, whether lamps; radios; televisions or industrial machinery, were fixed. Therefore, it was only necessary for the plug to match the type of wall plug. No one imagined that in a few years we would travel laden with mobile phones, cameras, hair dryers, headphones and whatever is to come.

Therefore, each manufacturer initially selected a type of plug based on the most popular type of plug in the country where it was going to sell its electrical appliances.

The result is that nowadays there are 16 different types of plugs in the world. Each of them receives a letter to name it. We can find everything from type A to type N plugs. We are going to review all plug models in the world.

Plug types in Spain and Europe

The type of plug you know best is the type C or sometimes called "Euro-plug". This type of plug is the one used mainly in Spain and in most countries in Europe.

Type C consists of two round parallel pins while the wall plug has two holes where it is connected. What we colloquially know as the male and female, an expression we use for most cable connections.

One of the main advantages of plug type C is that, because of its simplicity in two pins, it is compatible with types E, F, and K with two holes and types J, K or N with three holes in the female. If you travel to Spain from a country that does not use one of these types of plugs on a regular basis, you might need an adaptor for Spanish plugs.

Types of plugs in the world

Before taking a trip or if you plan to import an electrical appliance from another country, it is very important to know the types of plugs in the world. It is the best way to be prepared for when you see those weird pins or those wall plugs that often remind us of an emoji.

If travelling outside Europe, our advice would be to carry a universal adaptor to make sure you don't experience any setbacks. However, if you plan on moving to another country, consult our guide on how to change the plugs in your home.

Types of plugs in the United States and Japan

Both plug types A and B are characterised by their two parallel flat pins with a small hole. Usually one of the two pins in the plug is thicker than the other.

These are the plugs that you will find in the USA or Japan and you will need an adaptor to be able to transform the cable from your type-C plug to this model with flat pins and wall slots.

The differences between model A and B is that the type B plug comes with a third rounded pin and is somewhat longer than the flat ones. This third pin is used to connect to the grounding once plugged in.

If you travel to Japan or the USA and come across type B wall plugs, the first few days you surely will be reminded of a scared emoji face.

If you travel a lot, keep in mind that this A and B plug model type is also used in other countries such as: Saudi Arabia, Belize, Bolivia, Canada, Cambodia, Colombia, North Korea, South Korea, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Philippines, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Jamaica, Jordan, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico, Thailand, Taiwan, Venezuela, Vietnam and Yemen.

G-type plugs, the most commonly used in the United Kingdom

Although the most widespread model in Europe is type C, the type of plug from the UK and Ireland is G.

The pin or male has three rectangular flat pins placed in a triangular or t position. The third of the pins of this type of plug serves as a grounding and the plug also has a fuse inside. If travelling with your electric car, this is something you should take into consideration if you intend on charging your car at home.

One interesting fact is that in bathrooms in the United Kingdom, you cannot install plugs within 3 metres of the bathtub or sink for safety reasons.

Despite being the plug par excellence in the UK and Ireland other countries have also adopted this model. Almost all countries with close historical links to the British Empire, such as: Cyprus, Malta, Singapore, Gibraltar, Jordan, Malaysia, Maldives, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Tanzania and the United Arab Emirates.

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Indian plugs: type D

Plug type D is an adaptation of the UK plug, but changes the rectangular shape of the pins to a rounded shape. It is reminiscent of the type of plug in Spain with a third pin added.

The third pin, which is higher than the other two and slightly longer and thicker, is used as grounding.

As with UK plugs, Indian plugs (type D) are also used in other countries with strong relations with India, such as Nepal and Sri Lanka. Namibia also uses this plug model, with it being the only African country to use it as its main model.

Which plugs are used in Australia and New Zealand?

The plug type used in Australia and New Zealand is type I and features three flat/rectangular pins arranged in a V shape. The upper pin, which is plugged vertically, connects to earth.

This is the type of plug used in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.

Type I is not very common, although it is becoming more widespread in the map plug types around the world, as it is also used in China, Uzbekistan, Argentina and Uruguay.

What other types of plugs are used and where are they used around the world?

As you can see, the different types of plugs in the world have created a very varied map of plugs and plugs throughout the planet. However, even if you think this can't be more complicated, we still have a few plug models to go over.

  • Type E plugs: two round pins in a parallel position and one hole above them. In this hole, a third pin will enter that is on the wall plug. It is used in: Morocco, Tunisia and Senegal. Also present in some places in Europe such as France, Belgium, Poland and Slovakia. This is compatible with type C plugs that if you remember, is the plug used in Spain and most of Europe.
  • Type F plugs: very similar to type E but with two grounding clips = two clips that are inserted into the two pins of the wall plug. It is used in: there is still a residual presence in many countries of Europe, including Spain, and in Jordan, South Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, Turkey, Uruguay and Vietnam. It is compatible with the type C that is mainly used in Spain.
  • Type H plugs: three pins that form a triangle, much like plug type E. It is used only in Israel. It is compatible with the type C used in Spain and Europe.
  • Type J plugs: like type C but adding a third rounded pin at the top. In Spain there are plug models, especially in table lamps and small appliances that look a lot like this one, but without the third pin. It is used in: Switzerland, Jordan, Liechtenstein, Madagascar and Maldives.
  • Type K plugs: two round pins and a third with a semi-rounded shape that is at the bottom to connect to the grounding of the wall plug. It is used in: Denmark, Guinea, Madagascar, Maldives and Senegal. It is also compatible with the Spanish type-C plug.
  • Type L plugs: this has three round pins placed in a line. The middle pin corresponds to the grounding pin. It is used in: parts of Italy, Chile, Maldives and Uruguay. You will need an adaptor if you are travelling to Spain.
  • Type M plugs: its three pins also form a triangle and are round. Two of them are parallel, while the one located at the top is thicker and longer in length (grounding). It is used in: South Africa, India, Israel, Malaysia, Mozambique, Nepal, Pakistan and Singapore.
  • Type N plugs: this is one of the most curious plug models in the world. It was created in order to become a type of universal plug to be implemented in all countries. A kind of universal USB for electricity. The result, so that you get an idea of the complexity of standardising the pins, is that only two countries use it. The type N plug is similar to type C, but has a third pin, the grounding, located in the middle of these two and slightly higher. It is used in: only in South Africa and parts of Brazil.

Electricity Overseas: What You Should Know About Devices While ...

Well, the time is here – your passport’s renewed, plane tickets are good to go and you know exactly what’s waiting for you when you land. Have you worked out the other minor details of your overseas trip though? Details like making sure you’re carrying the right equipment needed to use electrical appliances that are accompanying you on the trip?

Electrical sockets, simply put, are not created equal. Using electrical appliances abroad means you understand the voltage requirements in that country, in addition to the type of plug or adapter that’s used to connect your appliance. These common sensibilities need to be understood properly before you embark on your trip, especially since you want to keep that brand new camera in good working order, rather than serve it up at a repair shop, half fried.

What You’re Going to Need

The first order of business is to understand what appliances to take with you and perhaps why. Using electrical appliances abroad can be a complex affair, so leaving the ones that you don’t really need, is the best thing to do. What’s not needed on a frequent basis is just going to cause you unnecessary trouble and they’re just not worth bringing along.

Besides, most hotels offer irons and hair dryers for your convenience. You can also get yourself conventional toothbrushes and razors instead of taking the electrical ones. It’s just for a while right? It’s good to break away from your usual routine every now and then. Here’s a valuable tip: get an electric razor or hair dryer from the country you’re staying in. You can also save yourself further inconvenience by getting battery-operated appliances.

This works great too: get travel-sized dual voltage appliances that are capable of running on both 110 and 220 volts. Before using the appliance, just be careful that the switch is on the proper voltage setting, depending on the region. Also be sure to take adapter plugs that fit into the outlets there.
To most travelers, laptops and cell phones are simply something they can’t live about. Additional measures are needed to ensure your equipment works safely overseas.

Adapter Plugs

Even though any two countries may be using the exact same voltage, the outlets often don’t take the same shape – specific pins and designs are needed. This is where adapter plugs come to save the day. The electrical voltage stays the same, while you easily get to plug your appliance in to a different type of outlet. Making sure you know what sort of adapter’s needed is essential; you can check the instructions manual or get in touch with the manufacturer directly to get the nit bits right.

For Morocco, you will want to make sure that you have the 2 round prong (french style) plugs.

Travel stores will often sell inexpensive kits sporting five different kinds of adapter sizes that fit into just about any outlet you could think of. However, these may not apply to appliances that require grounding – that requires a rather costly grounding adapter.

Converters

Practically all American manufactured electrical appliances are designed to function at 110 volts. Certain regions in South America, including most of North America, the Caribbean and Japan make use of voltage that ranges from 100 to 125 volts. In most parts of the world, you have between 220 and 240 volts.

Now what you need to do before buying a converter is check the owner’s manual or label to see what voltage it’s designed to work with correctly. Many of the latest gadgets including travel-friendly laptops and cell phones are manufactured to work at both 110 and 220 volts. If this is the case, all that’s needed is a plug adapter.

If your appliance makes use of 110 volts, a voltage converter’s needed. A 50-watt converter for example powers up non-heating appliances, razors and small electronics. High power appliances, including heating appliances (irons, coffee makers, dryers etc.) demand a watt converter. Combo converters can also be purchased for both types. Simply inspect the label on the electrical appliance to determine the wattage.
Certain electronics are manufactured to comply with the 60 cycles per second electricity specification (60 Hz) and can break if they’re forced to run under 50 Hz. Some appliances though, can function correctly on both frequencies. Check your owner’s manual to be sure.

Where Can I Get Adapters and Converters?

A handful of travel and luggage stores, including RadioShack and Best Buy sell adapter plugs and converters. You can also by them online or in most airports. A set of adapter plugs shouldn’t set you back by more than $20. In certain stores you can get individual adapters for only a few dollars.

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