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International Voltage by Country

Use this voltage-by-country index to check whether your destination uses 100V, 110–120V, 127V, or 220–240V mains electricity. A plug adapter (also spelled adaptor) changes the plug shape only. A voltage converter (also spelled convertor, though converter is the usual spelling) changes the voltage for single-voltage devices.

Check Your Device Label First

  • 100–240V on the label: you only need a plug adapter. Most phone, tablet, and laptop chargers are like this.
  • One voltage only, such as 120V: you need a voltage converter in 220–240V countries, or a dual-voltage replacement.
  • 110V, 120V, and 127V: close enough that devices work in each other's countries. US devices generally run in Japan at 100V, though hair dryers and heaters run a little weaker.

Not sure what the numbers mean? See 110V vs 220V explained.

Ceptics 45W universal travel adapter or adaptor For 100–240V devices Ceptics 45W Universal Travel Adapter One adapter for Type A, C, G, and I outlets, with 3 USB-A and 2 USB-C ports. It changes the plug shape only and does not convert voltage. View at Amazon →

100V

110–120V

127V

Note: Countries listed as 127V are generally compatible with 110–120V appliances.

220–240V

No Public Power Grid

Uninhabited territories, remote islands, and research or military stations. Station power follows the operating country.
Ceptics voltage converter with international plug adapters For 120V devices in 220–240V countries Ceptics Voltage Converter, 200W + 2000W For single-voltage devices that are not dual voltage. A 200W outlet and a 2000W outlet, 4 USB ports, and plugs for Type A, B, C, E, F, G, and I outlets. View at Amazon →

Volts and Hertz (50Hz vs 60Hz)

Voltage is only half of it. Mains power also alternates at either 50 or 60 cycles per second, measured in hertz (Hz). North America, much of South America, South Korea, Taiwan, the Philippines, and Saudi Arabia use 60Hz. Most of the rest of the world uses 50Hz.

For most travelers the frequency does not matter. Phone, tablet, camera, and laptop chargers marked 50/60Hz work on either. Frequency mostly affects plug-in clocks and timers, which can run fast or slow, and some appliances with motors. A voltage converter changes the voltage, not the frequency.

Japan uses both. Eastern Japan, including Tokyo, runs at 50Hz. Western Japan, including Osaka and Okinawa, runs at 60Hz. Outlets are 100V in both.

For more detail, see 110V vs 220V explained, dual-voltage appliances, and plug types A through O.

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Voltage Questions

What voltage does Europe use?

Almost all of Europe, including the United Kingdom and Ireland, uses 230V at 50Hz. Devices made only for 120V need a voltage converter unless they are dual voltage.

Can I use a 120V device in a 220–240V country?

Only with a voltage converter, or if the label says 100–240V. Plugging a 120V-only device into 230V with just a plug adapter can burn it out in seconds.

Do 110V and 120V devices work at 127V?

Yes. Mexico, Aruba, Curaçao, and Bonaire use 127V, and devices rated 110V or 120V generally work there without a converter.

Do I need a converter for my phone or laptop?

Usually not. Almost all phone and laptop chargers are rated 100–240V, so a plug adapter is enough. Check the small print on the charger to be sure.

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