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United States: plug type, voltage, and travel adapter guide

Plug types
Type A
Type B
Voltage
120V
Frequency
60Hz

United States uses Type A, Type B outlets at 120V, 60Hz.

Do travellers to United States need an adapter?

It depends where you're coming from. Here's what we'd pack from the most common origins. Click any row for the full per-pair breakdown.

From Plug adapter Voltage converter Full guide
Canada
Type A, B · 120V
 Not needed Not needed Canada → United States
Japan
Type A, B · 100V
 Not needed Not needed Japan → United States
United Kingdom
Type G · 230V
 Needed Check devices United Kingdom → United States
Australia
Type I · 230V
 Needed Check devices Australia → United States
Germany
Type C, F · 230V
 Needed Check devices Germany → United States
France
Type C, E · 230V
 Needed Check devices France → United States
Italy
Type C, F, L · 230V
 Needed Check devices Italy → United States
Spain
Type C, F · 230V
 Needed Check devices Spain → United States
Netherlands
Type C, F · 230V
 Needed Check devices Netherlands → United States
Ireland
Type G · 230V
 Needed Check devices Ireland → United States
Switzerland
Type C, J · 230V
 Needed Check devices Switzerland → United States
Belgium
Type C, E · 230V
 Needed Check devices Belgium → United States

Frequently asked

What type of plug does United States use?
United States uses Type A and Type B outlets at 120V, 60Hz.
What's the voltage in United States?
United States runs on 120V at 60Hz — that's the low-voltage standard. Dual-voltage devices (most phones, laptops, modern chargers labelled "100-240V") work as-is. Single-voltage devices like hair dryers, curling irons, and travel kettles do not without a converter.
Do I need a travel adapter for United States?
Only if your home country uses a different plug type. Travellers from any country whose plugs aren't Type A/B will need an adapter. Use the table above or the calculator to check your specific pair.

Check a specific pair

Not coming from one of the origins above? Drop your actual starting country in and we'll compute the verdict for you.