Plug Compatibility Visual
US plugs do not usually work directly in UK outlets. If you are traveling from the United States to the United Kingdom, you will usually need a Type G plug adapter for your US Type A or Type B plug.
Trip Match Summary
Use this quick match to separate the two decisions: plug shape and voltage. A UK adapter solves the plug shape problem, but it does not make a 120V-only device safe on UK power.
United States
Common plug types: Type A and Type B
United Kingdom
Common outlet type: Type G
Usually needed
Pack a US-to-UK Type G travel adapter.
Check device label
The UK commonly uses 230V / 50Hz power.
AdapterMatch result: US plugs do not fit standard UK Type G outlets by shape. You will usually need a plug adapter. For voltage, check the label on each charger or appliance before plugging it in.
A plug adapter does not convert voltage.
US Device Checker for the UK
Choose the device you plan to pack. This checker gives a practical travel result, but the final decision should always come from the device label.
Always check the device label before using high-power appliances abroad.
Do US Plugs Fit UK Outlets?
No. Standard US plugs are usually Type A or Type B. UK wall outlets are commonly Type G, which has three rectangular slots. The shapes are different, so a US plug will not normally fit into a UK outlet without an adapter.
For a US traveler, the simple packing answer is: bring a Type G travel adapter. This lets the shape of your US plug connect to the UK socket. It does not change electricity from 230V to 120V.
| Travel detail | US to UK answer |
|---|---|
| Home country | United States |
| Destination country | United Kingdom |
| Common US plug type | Type A / Type B |
| Common UK outlet type | Type G |
| Plug adapter needed? | Yes, usually. A Type G adapter is normally needed. |
| Voltage converter needed? | Depends on the device label. Dual-voltage devices usually do not need one. |
| Best device advice | Check for Input: 100–240V before using your charger or appliance. |
Voltage Difference Between the US and the UK
The plug shape is only one part of the decision. The United States commonly uses 120V / 60Hz power, while the United Kingdom commonly uses 230V / 50Hz power. That difference matters most for appliances that are not designed for international voltage.
If your device label says Input: 100–240V, it is usually designed to work across both US and UK voltage ranges. Many phone chargers, laptop chargers, tablet chargers, camera chargers, and USB power bricks are built this way.
If the label says only 120V, 110V, or something close to that range, do not assume it is safe to use in the UK with only a plug adapter. A voltage converter may be needed, or it may be better to leave that device at home.
A plug adapter does not convert voltage. It only changes the plug shape so it can fit the wall outlet. Voltage is a separate check.
Do You Need a Plug Adapter for the UK?
Yes, in most cases. If your device has a US Type A or Type B plug, it will usually need a UK Type G adapter. This applies even if your charger is dual voltage.
A Type G adapter is the small travel item that lets a US plug physically connect to a UK outlet. It is useful for phones, laptops, camera chargers, battery chargers, and other travel electronics when those devices support the UK voltage range.
What Type G Looks Like
UK Type G outlets have three rectangular openings arranged in a triangular pattern. Many UK sockets also have switches near the outlet. That switch controls power to the socket, so if your device does not start charging, check whether the wall socket is switched on.
Do You Need a Voltage Converter in the UK?
You may need a voltage converter if your device is single voltage and rated only for US power. This is most important for heat-producing or motor-powered appliances.
For many modern chargers, a converter is not needed because the charger already supports a wide input range. The label is the deciding point. Look for wording such as Input: 100–240V, 50/60Hz. That means the charger is usually designed for both US and UK power frequency and voltage.
Frequency can matter for some clocks, motors, and specialized equipment. The UK uses 50Hz, while the US uses 60Hz. Most modern electronic chargers marked 50/60Hz are usually fine, but appliances with motors or timing parts need more care.
Phone Charger Guidance
Most US phone chargers can be used in the UK with a Type G plug adapter, as long as the charger label says Input: 100–240V. This is common on many USB phone chargers, but you should still check your own charger before packing.
If your phone charges through USB-C, Lightning, or another USB cable, the cable itself is not the voltage issue. The wall charger is what connects to the outlet, so check the writing on the wall charger body.
Laptop Charger Guidance
Most laptop chargers are designed for international power, but do not rely on the laptop brand or age alone. Check the power brick. If it says Input: 100–240V and 50/60Hz, you will usually only need a UK Type G plug adapter.
Some laptop power cords have a removable cable between the wall and the power brick. A Type G adapter is the simplest travel option for many users, but a compatible UK-style cable may also work if it matches the charger safely.
Hair Dryer, Curling Iron, and Heat Appliance Warning
Hair dryers, curling irons, straighteners, travel kettles, clothes irons, and other high-power appliances need extra caution in the UK. These devices often draw much more power than phone or laptop chargers.
If your hair dryer says only 120V, do not plug it into a UK outlet with only a travel adapter. It may overheat, fail, trip protection, or become unsafe. A voltage converter for high-wattage appliances may also be bulky and limited, so many travelers choose a dual-voltage travel appliance or use a local appliance instead.
Safe travel rule: adapters are for plug shape. Converters are for voltage. Device labels tell you which one you need.
Device-by-Device Travel Advice
| Device | Adapter needed? | Converter needed? | What to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone charger | Usually yes | Usually no if dual voltage | Look for Input: 100–240V |
| Laptop charger | Usually yes | Usually no if dual voltage | Check the power brick label |
| Camera charger | Usually yes | Often no if dual voltage | Check voltage and frequency on the charger |
| Electric shaver | Usually yes | Depends on rating | Check whether it supports 100–240V |
| CPAP machine | Usually yes | Depends on the power supply | Check the medical device power adapter and manual |
| Hair dryer or curling iron | Usually yes | May be needed if not dual voltage | Use extra caution with high-power appliances |
What to Pack for a US to UK Trip
- A Type G plug adapter for UK outlets.
- Your phone charger with the label checked before travel.
- Your laptop charger, if it shows Input: 100–240V.
- A USB charger or power brick that clearly supports 100–240V.
- A dual-voltage hair tool if you need to bring one.
- A written note of any medical device power requirements, especially for a CPAP machine.
- Fewer high-power appliances when possible, since they are the highest-risk travel power items.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Thinking the adapter changes voltage
This is the biggest mistake. A US-to-UK plug adapter only helps the plug fit. It does not change 230V UK power into 120V US power.
Checking the cable instead of the charger
For USB devices, the wall charger or power brick is the part that matters. The cable may fit your device, but the charger label tells you the input voltage range.
Packing a 120V-only hair dryer
Hair dryers and curling irons are not the same as phone chargers. If they are not dual voltage, they may need a proper voltage converter or should not be used in the UK.
Forgetting that UK sockets may have switches
Many UK outlets have a switch beside the socket. If your device is not charging, the adapter may be fine; the socket may simply be switched off.
FAQ
Do US plugs work in the UK?
No, not directly in most cases. US Type A and Type B plugs do not usually fit UK Type G outlets, so you will usually need a Type G plug adapter.
Can I charge my US phone in the UK?
Usually yes, if your phone charger says Input: 100–240V. You will still need a UK Type G adapter so the plug can fit the outlet.
Can I use my US laptop charger in the UK?
Usually yes, if the laptop charger label says Input: 100–240V, 50/60Hz. Check the power brick, not just the laptop.
Do I need a voltage converter for the UK?
You may need one for single-voltage 120V devices. Many phone and laptop chargers are dual voltage, but hair dryers, curling irons, and other high-power appliances need extra caution.
What plug adapter do I need for the UK from the US?
You will usually need a Type G travel adapter. This matches the common UK outlet shape used across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Does a UK plug adapter convert 230V to 120V?
No. A plug adapter does not convert voltage. It only changes the plug shape. Check the device label to decide whether a voltage converter is needed.