International Plug Types
International outlets differ first by physical shape: flat pins, round pins, rectangular pins, grounding clips, and different pin arrangements. The Type A through Type O labels are simply a convenient way to identify those plug and socket shapes. Use this index to compare them, then open the individual page for compatibility and country details. For help choosing a travel plug adapter or adaptor, including a universal travel adapter, see the travel plug buying guide . You can also browse travel adapters/adaptors by country and territory .
The Four Plug Families Most Travelers Need
- Type A / B: United States, Canada, Mexico, Japan
- Type C / E / F: most of continental Europe
- Type G: United Kingdom, Ireland, Singapore, Hong Kong
- Type I: Australia, New Zealand, China
Not sure what your destination uses? Look it up in the adapter guide by country.
Plug and Socket Types A Through O
Type A
NEMA 1-15 / US & Japan plug
Two flat parallel pins; ungrounded.
Type B
NEMA 5-15 / grounded US plug
Two flat parallel pins plus a round grounding pin.
Type C
Europlug / CEE 7/16
Two round pins; ungrounded Europlug.
Type D
BS 546 / 5 amp round-pin
Three large round pins in a triangular pattern; grounded.
Type E / Type F
CEE 7/5 and CEE 7/4 Schuko
Two round pins with grounding by socket pin or side clips.
Type G
BS 1363 / UK fused plug
Three rectangular pins; fused and grounded.
Type H
SI 32 / Israel plug
Three round pins in a triangular pattern; grounded Israeli standard.
Type I
AS/NZS 3112 / Australia & New Zealand
Two flat angled pins plus a vertical grounding pin.
Type J
SEV 1011 / Switzerland
Three round pins in a triangular pattern; grounded Swiss standard.
Type K
DS 60884-2-D1 / Denmark
Two round pins with a third grounding pin; Danish standard.
Type L
CEI 23-50 / Italy
Three round pins in a straight line; grounded Italian standard.
Type M
BS 546 / 15 amp round-pin
Three large round pins in a triangular pattern; grounded.
Type N
IEC 60906-1 / Brazil
Three round pins in a triangular pattern; grounded Brazilian standard.
Type O
TIS 166-2549 / Thailand
Three round pins in a triangular pattern; grounded Thai standard.
British Shaver Outlet
BS 4573 / shaver socket
Two-pin, low-wattage bathroom outlet for shavers and similar devices.
Plug Types Compared
| Type | Pins | Grounded | Main places used |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type A | Two flat parallel pins | No | United States, Canada, Mexico, Japan |
| Type B | Two flat pins plus a round grounding pin | Yes | United States, Canada, Mexico |
| Type C | Two round pins | No | Most of Europe, much of South America, Asia, and Africa |
| Type D | Three large round pins in a triangle | Yes | India, Sri Lanka, Nepal |
| Type E / F | Two round pins; grounding by socket pin (E) or side clips (F) | Yes | France and Belgium (E); Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, and most of Europe (F) |
| Type G | Three rectangular pins, fused | Yes | United Kingdom, Ireland, Malta, Cyprus, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia |
| Type H | Three pins in a triangle | Yes | Israel |
| Type I | Two angled flat pins plus a grounding pin | Yes | Australia, New Zealand, China, Argentina |
| Type J | Three round pins | Yes | Switzerland, Liechtenstein |
| Type K | Two round pins plus a grounding pin | Yes | Denmark, Greenland |
| Type L | Three round pins in a straight line | Yes | Italy, Chile |
| Type M | Three large round pins in a triangle | Yes | South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini |
| Type N | Three round pins | Yes | Brazil, South Africa |
| Type O | Three round pins | Yes | Thailand |
| Shaver outlet | Two pins, low wattage | No | UK and Ireland bathrooms, for shavers and electric toothbrushes only |
Plug Adapter or Voltage Converter?
A plug adapter only changes the shape of the plug so it fits the wall outlet. It does not change the voltage. Most phone, tablet, laptop, and camera chargers are marked 100-240V and need only an adapter.
A single-voltage appliance, such as many hair dryers, needs a voltage converter or a dual-voltage replacement. See 110V vs 220V and dual-voltage appliances.
Adapters, Converters, and Travel WiFi
Plug Type Questions
Which plug type does Europe use?
Most of continental Europe uses Type C, E, or F, and a Type C plug fits E and F sockets. The exceptions are the United Kingdom, Ireland, Malta, and Cyprus (Type G), Switzerland (Type J), Denmark (Type K), and Italy, which uses Type L along with C and F.
Does a universal travel adapter cover every plug type?
Most universal adapters cover Type A, C, G, and I, which handle the majority of destinations. Few cover the large round-pin Types D and M used in India and South Africa, so check your destination before you buy.
Is Type C the same as Type F?
No. Type C is the ungrounded two-pin Europlug. Type F, also called Schuko, is grounded with side clips. A Type C plug fits a Type F socket, but a Type F plug does not fit every Type C socket.
Does a plug adapter change the voltage?
No. A plug adapter changes only the plug shape. If a device is not rated 100-240V, it needs a voltage converter or a dual-voltage replacement.
