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🇺🇸 USA Outlet, Plug & Voltage Guide for Travelers (Complete 2026 Edition) ⚡

Planning a trip to the United States? Whether you’re dreaming of New York at Christmas, a California coast road trip, a Hawaii beach escape, a national parks adventure out west, theme parks in Florida, a shopping-heavy city break in Chicago, or a deep-dive through the American South, you’re going to want the right setup to keep your electronics charged.

The United States is huge, and the travel styles can be wildly different depending on where you go. One trip might mean long flight days, airport layovers, rental car navigation, and national park drives where your phone battery drains fast. Another might mean constant photos, hotel hopping, train travel in the Northeast, or relying on your phone for tickets, maps, rideshares, restaurant reservations, and translation help.

And while a lot of travelers assume the U.S. will be simple, the electrical setup can absolutely trip people up if they’re coming from a 220–240V country. The United States uses 120V power, 60 Hz, and Type A / B plugs, which is very different from the outlet and voltage setup in much of Europe, Asia, Africa, and many other parts of the world. That means some travelers will only need a plug adapter, while others need to think carefully about voltage too.

That’s why this guide exists.

This is a complete, no-nonsense USA outlet, plug, and voltage guide with clear explanations and practical packing advice for travelers from around the world. Scroll to your country or region below for exactly what you need — no guessing, no surprises. (Modeled after my popular Japan guide, Italy guide, France guide, India guide, Thailand guide, Greece guide, and UK guide.)

⚡ Quick Overview: What You Need for the USA

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✔ Plug Adapter (Essential for Many Travelers)

The United States uses Type A and Type B plugs. Type A has two flat parallel pins. Type B has the same two flat pins plus a round grounding pin. If your home country uses different plug shapes, you’ll need an adapter.

✔ Dual-Voltage Electronics (Usually Adapter Only)

Phones, laptops, tablets, cameras, power banks, and most modern chargers labeled 100–240V are usually fine in the United States with just the correct plug adapter. No converter is typically needed for those.

✔ Single-Voltage Small Appliances (Usually Need a Step-Down Converter)

This is where travelers need to be careful. The United States runs on 120V, which is lower than the 220–240V used in much of Europe, Asia, Africa, and many other parts of the world. If your device is labeled 220–240V only, it is not designed to run properly on U.S. power by itself. In that case, you would need a step-down converter to use it in the United States. A plug adapter alone is not enough because it only changes the shape of the plug — it does not change the voltage. Hair dryers, curling irons, straighteners, steamers, and other heat-based appliances are the most common problem items.

✔ Multi-Port USB Charger

U.S. hotels are usually easier than some countries when it comes to power access, but outlet placement is still not always convenient. A multi-port USB charger makes it much easier to charge several devices at once.

✔ Travel Power Strip

A compact power strip rated for international compatibility can be incredibly helpful, especially if you’re sharing a room, traveling with family, or juggling phones, watches, earbuds, camera batteries, and power banks.

✔ Power Bank

A must for long sightseeing days, road trips, national parks, airport delays, theme parks, cruise embarkation days, and heavy navigation use.

✔ Electronics Organizer

Keeps your cables, plugs, adapters, charging bricks, and little tech items from turning into a mess in your suitcase.

💡 Travel Hack:

A universal adapter + travel power strip + multi-port USB charger = an instant charging hub anywhere in the USA.

🇺🇸 USA’s Electrical Basics

Plug Types Used:
Type A – two flat parallel pins
Type B – two flat parallel pins plus a round grounding pin

Voltage: 120V nationwide
Frequency: 60 Hz

✔ Safe With Only the Correct Plug Adapter

  • Phones
  • Laptops
  • Tablets
  • Cameras
  • Power banks
  • E-readers
  • Bluetooth headphones / earbuds
  • Most modern USB chargers

Not Always Safe

  • Hair dryers
  • Curling irons
  • Straighteners
  • Steamers
  • Heating pads
  • Electric kettles
  • Cheap or older chargers
  • Any device labeled 220–240V only

Check the Voltage Label Before You Pack

Look at the fine print on your charger or device:

“100–240V” → usually safe in the USA with the correct plug adapter.
“220–240V only” → not automatically safe for use in the United States.

Frequency Note

The 60 Hz frequency in the United States is standard nationwide. For most modern electronics, frequency is not the main issue. Voltage is usually the bigger thing to watch.

Consistency

The U.S. electrical system is consistent nationwide. Whether you’re in New York, Florida, California, Hawaii, Texas, Alaska, or anywhere in between, the standard setup is 120V / 60Hz with Type A and B plugs.

⚡ Quick Jump to Your Region

🌎 North America

A detailed map of North America, showing countries, major cities, rivers, and geographical features, with labels for the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

🇨🇦 Canada

Home: 120V, 60 Hz, Type A/B. Canada uses the same basic electrical setup as the United States. That means most travelers going from Canada to the USA won’t need a voltage converter, and their plugs will usually already be compatible.

Vs. the USA: Very similar. Canada and the United States both use 120V, 60 Hz, and Type A/B plugs, so this is one of the easiest transitions. In most cases, you won’t need anything special beyond your usual chargers and cables.

What to pack:

🇲🇽 Mexico

Home: 127V, 60 Hz, Type A/B. Mexico is very close to the U.S. setup, with the main difference being that Mexico commonly uses 127V rather than 120V. Plug types and frequency are the same.

Vs. the USA: Very similar. Travelers from Mexico to the United States will usually find that their plugs already fit and that their devices work normally. For most modern electronics, the slight voltage difference between 127V in Mexico and 120V in the USA is not a practical issue.

What to pack:

🇬🇱 Greenland

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, with Type C, E, F, and K outlets reported across references; the big takeaway is that Greenland does not use the same plugs or voltage as the United States.

Vs. the USA: Very different. Greenland uses much higher voltage and different plug shapes than the USA. Travelers coming from Greenland to the United States will usually need a plug adapter, and any single-voltage 220–240V device would need a step-down converter to run properly on U.S. power. Dual-voltage electronics labeled 100–240V are usually the easy exception.

What to pack:

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🌎 Central America & Caribbean

Map of Central America and the Caribbean, highlighting countries, capitals, and borders.

🔌 110–127V / 50–60 Hz Countries

✅ Usually Adapter-Free or Very Easy for USA Travel

Travelers from these countries are already used to power that is the same as or very close to the USA’s 120V / 60Hz system. In many cases, the plug shapes are also the same or similar. That means this is usually an easy transition.

➡️ Dual-voltage electronics are fine
➡️ Most travelers will not need a voltage converter for the USA
➡️ Some travelers may not need a plug adapter at all if they already use Type A / B
➡️ Mixed-system countries still require a little extra attention depending on the exact outlet and local setup at home

🇧🇿 Belize

Home: 110V / 220V mix, 60 Hz, A / B / G.
USA vs. Home: Belize can be a mixed setup, but many travelers will already be used to 110V/60Hz and Type A/B outlets. For U.S. travel, you may not need much beyond your usual chargers, but if your home setup relies on Type G devices, you may need a plug adapter for the USA.
What to pack:

🇨🇷 Costa Rica

Home: 120V, 60 Hz, A / B.
USA vs. Home: Extremely similar to the United States. Most travelers from Costa Rica can use their electronics in the USA without a converter, and their plugs will usually already fit.
What to pack:

🇸🇻 El Salvador

Home: 115V, 60 Hz, A / B.
USA vs. Home: Very close to the U.S. system. Most electronics should work normally, and plug compatibility is usually easy.
What to pack:

🇬🇹 Guatemala

Home: 120V, 60 Hz, A / B.
USA vs. Home: Very similar to the USA. Most travelers will not need an adapter or a converter.
What to pack:

🇭🇳 Honduras

Home: 120V, 60 Hz, A / B.
USA vs. Home: Very similar. U.S. travel is usually straightforward from an electricity standpoint.
What to pack:

🇳🇮 Nicaragua

Home: 120V, 60 Hz, A / B.
USA vs. Home: Very similar to the U.S. system, so most travelers won’t need anything special.
What to pack:

🇵🇦 Panama

Home: 120V, 60 Hz, A / B.
USA vs. Home: Very similar. In most cases, your electronics and plugs should work just fine in the USA.
What to pack:

🇧🇸 Bahamas

Home: 120V, 60 Hz, A / B.
USA vs. Home: Essentially the same as the U.S. setup. This is one of the easiest transitions.
What to pack:

🇧🇧 Barbados

Home: 115V, 50 Hz, A / B.
USA vs. Home: Voltage is close to the U.S. system, and plug shapes are familiar. The main difference is frequency, but that usually matters more for certain motorized or heat-based appliances than for modern electronics.
What to pack:

🇨🇺 Cuba

Home: 110V / 220V mix, 60 Hz, A / B / C / L.
USA vs. Home: Cuba is a mixed case. Some travelers will already be used to 110V, while others may regularly encounter 220V depending on where they live or stay. For the USA, some of your devices may work normally, but plug compatibility and voltage assumptions can be less predictable than in other nearby countries.
What to pack:

🇩🇴 Dominican Republic

Home: 120V, 60 Hz, A / B / C.
USA vs. Home: Very close to the U.S. system. Many travelers will already be compatible with U.S. voltage, and some plugs may already fit depending on the device.
What to pack:

🇭🇹 Haiti

Home: 110V, 60 Hz, A / B.
USA vs. Home: Very similar. This is usually an easy match for travel to the United States.
What to pack:

🇯🇲 Jamaica

Home: 110V, 50 Hz, A / B.
USA vs. Home: Voltage and plugs are close to the U.S. system, though the frequency difference may matter for a few specific appliances. For most travelers, modern electronics are straightforward.
What to pack:

🇹🇹 Trinidad and Tobago

Home: 115V, 60 Hz, A / B.
USA vs. Home: Very similar to the USA. Most travelers should not need a converter, and plug compatibility is usually easy.
What to pack:

🔌 220–240V / 50–60 Hz Countries

⚠️ Adapter Needed, and a Step-Down Converter May Be Needed for Single-Voltage 220–240V Devices

Travelers from these countries are used to higher voltage than the United States. That means:

➡️ Dual-voltage electronics labeled 100–240V are usually fine with the right plug adapter
➡️ Single-voltage 220–240V appliances need a step-down converter to run properly in the USA
➡️ If your home country already uses Type A or B, you may not always need an adapter — but the voltage issue still matters

🇦🇬 Antigua and Barbuda

Home: 230V, 60 Hz, A / B.
USA vs. Home: Plug shapes are the same, but the voltage is much higher at home than in the USA. Dual-voltage electronics are usually easy, but single-voltage 220–240V appliances need a step-down converter.
What to pack:

🇩🇲 Dominica

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, D / G.
USA vs. Home: Very different from the USA. You’ll usually need a plug adapter for Type A/B outlets in the United States, and any single-voltage 220–240V appliance will need a step-down converter.
What to pack:

🇬🇩 Grenada

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, G.
USA vs. Home: The voltage is much higher than in the USA, and the plug shape is different too. You’ll need a plug adapter, and possibly a step-down converter for single-voltage 220–240V tools.
What to pack:

🇰🇳 Saint Kitts and Nevis

Home: 230V, 60 Hz, A / B / D / G.
USA vs. Home: Plug shapes can overlap in some cases, but the home voltage is still much higher than in the USA. Dual-voltage electronics are easy, but single-voltage 220–240V appliances still need a step-down converter.
What to pack:

🇱🇨 Saint Lucia

Home: 240V, 50 Hz, A / B / G.
USA vs. Home: Some plug shapes overlap, but the voltage is much higher than in the United States. That means dual-voltage electronics are usually fine, but single-voltage 220–240V appliances need a step-down converter.
What to pack:

🇻🇨 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, A / B / G.
USA vs. Home: Similar to Saint Lucia: some plugs may overlap, but the voltage is much higher than in the USA. Dual-voltage devices are usually easy, while single-voltage 220–240V tools need a step-down converter.
What to pack:

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🌎South America

Political map of South America showing country borders, major rivers, and geographical features, including the Amazon Basin and Andes Mountains.

🔌 220–240V / 50–60 Hz Countries

⚠️ Adapter Needed, and a Step-Down Converter May Be Needed for Single-Voltage 220–240V Devices

Travelers from these countries are used to higher voltage than the United States. That means:

➡️ Dual-voltage electronics labeled 100–240V are usually fine with the right plug adapter
➡️ Single-voltage 220–240V appliances need a step-down converter to run properly in the USA
➡️ Some countries use plug types that are very different from U.S. Type A / B outlets, so an adapter is often part of the equation too.

🇦🇷 Argentina

Home: 220V, 50 Hz, C / I.
USA vs. Home: Very different from the U.S. setup. Argentina uses higher voltage and different plug types, so travelers to the USA will usually need a plug adapter, and any single-voltage 220–240V appliance will need a step-down converter.

What to pack:

🇨🇱 Chile

Home: 220V, 50 Hz, C / L.
USA vs. Home: Chile runs on much higher voltage than the United States and uses different plugs, so U.S. travel usually means needing both a plug adapter and, for some appliances, a step-down converter.

What to pack:

🇵🇾 Paraguay

Home: 220V, 50 Hz, C.
USA vs. Home: Paraguay’s voltage is much higher than the U.S. standard, and the plug type is different too. Dual-voltage electronics are usually easy, but single-voltage 220–240V appliances need a step-down converter.

What to pack:

🇵🇪 Peru

Home: 220V, 60 Hz, A / C.
USA vs. Home: Peru is a little mixed in feel because Type A appears there too, but the voltage is still much higher than in the United States. That means some plugs may look familiar, but single-voltage 220–240V appliances still need a step-down converter in the USA.

What to pack:

🇺🇾 Uruguay

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, C / F / I / L.
USA vs. Home: Very different from the U.S. setup. Uruguay uses higher voltage and several non-U.S. plug types, so travelers to the USA usually need a plug adapter, and single-voltage 220–240V appliances need a step-down converter.

What to pack:

🔌 110–127V / 60 Hz or Mixed-Voltage Countries

✅ Sometimes Very Easy, Sometimes Mixed — Check Your Exact Setup

This second group is less uniform.

➡️ Countries that already use 120V / 60Hz and Type A / B are usually very easy for USA travel
➡️ Mixed-voltage countries need more attention, because some homes, hotels, or regions may use higher voltage or different plugs
➡️ If you normally use 220–240V appliances at home, those may still need a step-down converter in the United States.

🇧🇷 Brazil

Home: 127 / 220V, 60 Hz, N.
USA vs. Home: Brazil is a mixed-voltage case. Some travelers will be coming from 127V, which is fairly close to the U.S. standard, while others may be used to 220V. The plug shape is different from the USA either way, so you’ll usually need a plug adapter, and some travelers may also need a step-down converter for single-voltage 220V appliances.

What to pack:

🇧🇴 Bolivia

Home: 115 / 230V, 50 Hz, A / C.
USA vs. Home: Bolivia is also a mixed-voltage case rather than a simple high-voltage one. If you normally use 115V devices, the move to the USA is usually easier. If you rely on 230V appliances, those may need a step-down converter in the United States. Plug compatibility can also vary depending on what you use at home.

What to pack:

🇨🇴 Colombia

Home: 110V, 60 Hz, A / B.
USA vs. Home: Extremely easy. Colombia’s electrical setup is very close to the United States, so most travelers won’t need a voltage converter, and many plugs are already compatible.

What to pack:

🇪🇨 Ecuador

Home: 120V, 60 Hz, A / B.
USA vs. Home: Very easy. Ecuador and the United States use essentially the same basic electrical system, so most travelers won’t need a converter or a special adapter.

What to pack:

🇬🇾 Guyana

Home: 240V, 60 Hz, A / B / D / G.
USA vs. Home: Guyana is not really a low-voltage country in the way people sometimes assume. The voltage is much higher than in the United States, even though A / B plugs do appear in the mix. That means some plugs may overlap, but single-voltage 220–240V appliances still need a step-down converter in the USA.

What to pack:

🇸🇷 Suriname

Home: 110 / 220V, 60 Hz, A / B / C / F.
USA vs. Home: Suriname is another mixed-voltage case. If your devices are already used on 110V, the USA may be straightforward. If you rely on 220V appliances, you may still need a step-down converter in the United States. Plug compatibility also varies because several outlet types are in use.

What to pack:

🇻🇪 Venezuela

Home: 120V, 60 Hz, A / B.
USA vs. Home: Very easy from a pure electricity standpoint. Venezuela’s setup is very close to the United States, so most travelers won’t need a converter, and plugs are usually compatible.

What to pack:

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🌏 Oceania

Map of Oceania and Australia highlighting countries, major cities, and geographical features.

🔌 220–240V / 50 Hz Countries

⚠️ Adapter Needed, and a Step-Down Converter May Be Needed for Single-Voltage 220–240V Devices

Most of Oceania uses higher voltage than the United States, and many countries in the region use Type I plugs. That means:

➡️ Dual-voltage electronics labeled 100–240V are usually fine with the right plug adapter
➡️ Single-voltage 220–240V appliances need a step-down converter to run properly in the USA
➡️ Since Type I does not fit U.S. Type A/B outlets, many travelers will need a plug adapter too.

🇦🇺 Australia

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, Type I.
USA vs. Home: Australia uses much higher voltage than the United States, and the plug shape is different too. Travelers to the USA will usually need a plug adapter, and any single-voltage 220–240V appliance will need a step-down converter.

What to pack:

🇳🇿 New Zealand

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, Type I.
USA vs. Home: Very similar to Australia from a power standpoint. The USA uses lower voltage and different plug shapes, so most travelers will need a plug adapter, and some will also need a step-down converter.

What to pack:

🇫🇯 Fiji

Home: 240V, 50 Hz, Type I.
USA vs. Home: Fiji uses much higher voltage than the United States, and the plug shape is different. Dual-voltage electronics are usually easy with an adapter, but single-voltage 220–240V appliances need a step-down converter in the USA.

What to pack:

🇵🇬 Papua New Guinea

Home: 240V, 50 Hz, Type I.
USA vs. Home: Very different from the U.S. setup. Travelers to the USA will usually need a plug adapter, and any single-voltage 220–240V appliance will need a step-down converter.

What to pack:

🇸🇧 Solomon Islands

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, Type I.
USA vs. Home: The United States uses lower voltage and different outlet shapes, so travelers from the Solomon Islands will usually need a plug adapter, and some devices may also need a step-down converter.

What to pack:

🇹🇴 Tonga

Home: 240V, 50 Hz, Type I.
USA vs. Home: Very different from the U.S. system. You’ll usually need a plug adapter, and single-voltage 220–240V appliances will need a step-down converter.

What to pack:

🇼🇸 Samoa

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, Type I.
USA vs. Home: Samoa uses much higher voltage than the United States, and the plug shape is different too. Travelers to the USA will usually need a plug adapter, and single-voltage 220–240V appliances need a step-down converter.

What to pack:

🇹🇻 Tuvalu

Home: 220V, 50 Hz, Type I.
USA vs. Home: The voltage is much higher than in the USA, and the plug shape is different. Travelers will usually need both a plug adapter and, for some appliances, a step-down converter.

What to pack:

🇻🇺 Vanuatu

Home: 220V, 50 Hz, Type I.
USA vs. Home: Very different from the United States. Dual-voltage electronics are usually simple with an adapter, but single-voltage 220–240V appliances need a step-down converter.

What to pack:

🇰🇮 Kiribati

Home: 240V, 50 Hz, Type I.
USA vs. Home: Kiribati uses higher voltage and different plug types than the USA, so a plug adapter is usually needed, and a step-down converter may be needed for single-voltage appliances.

What to pack:

🇳🇷 Nauru

Home: 240V, 50 Hz, Type I.
USA vs. Home: Very different from the U.S. setup. Travelers to the United States will usually need a plug adapter, and any single-voltage 220–240V appliance will need a step-down converter.

What to pack:

🔌 120V / 60 Hz Countries

✅ Usually Very Easy for USA Travel

A few parts of Oceania already use 120V / 60Hz, which is the same basic power system used in the United States.

➡️ Most travelers from these places will not need a voltage converter for the USA
➡️ If they already use Type A / B, plug compatibility is often easy too
➡️ Mixed-plug countries may still benefit from a universal adapter.

🇲🇭 Marshall Islands

Home: 120V, 60 Hz, A / B.
USA vs. Home: Extremely easy. The Marshall Islands use the same basic setup as the United States, so most travelers will not need a converter, and many plugs are already compatible.

What to pack:

🇫🇲 Micronesia

Home: 120V, 60 Hz, A / B.
USA vs. Home: Very easy. Micronesia and the USA use the same basic voltage, frequency, and plug family, so most travelers won’t need anything special.

What to pack:

🇵🇼 Palau

Home: 120V, 60 Hz, A / B.
USA vs. Home: Very easy from an electricity standpoint. Most electronics should work normally in the USA without a converter.

What to pack:

🇦🇸 American Samoa

Home: 120V, 60 Hz, A / B / F / I.
USA vs. Home: The voltage is already the same as in the United States, so a voltage converter is usually not needed. Plug types vary more than in some other places, though, so a universal adapter is still a smart idea if you regularly use something other than Type A/B.

What to pack:

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🌍 Europe

Map of Europe showcasing country borders and names, with various colors indicating different nations.

🔌 230V / 50 Hz Countries

⚠️ Step-Down Converter Needed for Single-Voltage 220–240V Appliances

Travelers from most of Europe are used to 230V / 50Hz power, which is much higher voltage than the USA’s 120V / 60Hz system. That means:

➡️ Dual-voltage electronics labeled 100–240V usually only need an adapter
➡️ Single-voltage 220–240V hair tools and appliances need a step-down converter to run properly in the USA
➡️ Most European plug shapes are also different from U.S. Type A / B outlets, so many travelers will need a plug adapter too.

🇦🇱 Albania

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, C / F
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and the plug shape is different too, so you’ll usually need an adapter. If you’re bringing a single-voltage 220–240V appliance, you’ll also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇦🇩 Andorra

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, C / F
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and C / F plugs are not U.S.-compatible, so you’ll usually need an adapter. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇦🇹 Austria

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, C / F
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and C / F plugs do not fit U.S. outlets, so an adapter is needed. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇧🇪 Belgium

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, C / E
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and C / E plugs are not U.S.-compatible, so you’ll usually need an adapter. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, C / F
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and C / F plugs still need an adapter for U.S. outlets. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇧🇬 Bulgaria

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, C / F
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and C / F plugs require an adapter in the USA. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇭🇷 Croatia

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, C / F
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and C / F plugs are not directly compatible with U.S. outlets. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇨🇿 Czechia

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, C / E / F
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and C / E / F plugs still need an adapter for U.S. Type A / B outlets. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇩🇰 Denmark

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, C / E / F / K
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and these plug types are different from U.S. outlets, so an adapter is needed. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇪🇪 Estonia

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, C / F
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and C / F plugs require an adapter in the USA. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇫🇮 Finland

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, C / F
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and C / F plugs are not U.S.-compatible. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇫🇷 France

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, C / E
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and French plugs still need an adapter for U.S. outlets. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇩🇪 Germany

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, C / F
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and German plugs are not directly compatible with U.S. sockets. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇬🇷 Greece

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, C / F
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and C / F plugs are not U.S.-compatible, so you’ll need an adapter. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇭🇺 Hungary

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, C / F
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and C / F plugs still need an adapter for the USA. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇮🇸 Iceland

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, C / F
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and C / F plugs require an adapter for U.S. outlets. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇮🇪 Ireland

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, G
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and Type G is not compatible with U.S. outlets, so you’ll still need an adapter. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇮🇹 Italy

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, C / F / L
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and Italian plug types are still different from U.S. Type A / B, so an adapter is needed. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇱🇻 Latvia

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, C / F
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and C / F plugs need an adapter for the USA. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇱🇹 Lithuania

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, C / F
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and C / F plugs are not directly compatible with U.S. outlets. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇱🇺 Luxembourg

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, C / F
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and C / F plugs need an adapter for the USA. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇲🇹 Malta

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, G
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and Type G is not U.S.-compatible, so many travelers will still need an adapter. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇲🇩 Moldova

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, C / F
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and C / F plugs still need an adapter in the USA. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇲🇨 Monaco

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, C / E / F
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and those plug types are still different from U.S. outlets. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇲🇪 Montenegro

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, C / F
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and C / F plugs are not U.S.-compatible. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇳🇱 Netherlands

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, C / F
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and Dutch plugs still need an adapter for the USA. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇲🇰 North Macedonia

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, C / F
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and C / F plugs need an adapter in the USA. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇳🇴 Norway

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, C / F
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and Norwegian plugs are not directly compatible with U.S. sockets. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇵🇱 Poland

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, C / E
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and C / E plugs still require a U.S. adapter. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇵🇹 Portugal

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, C / F
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and C / F plugs are not U.S.-compatible. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇷🇴 Romania

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, C / F
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and C / F plugs still need an adapter for the USA. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇷🇸 Serbia

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, C / F
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and C / F plugs are not directly compatible with U.S. outlets. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇸🇰 Slovakia

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, C / E
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and C / E plugs need an adapter for the USA. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇸🇮 Slovenia

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, C / F
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and C / F plugs still need a U.S. adapter. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇪🇸 Spain

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, C / F
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and Spanish plugs are not directly compatible with U.S. sockets. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇸🇪 Sweden

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, C / F
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and C / F plugs require an adapter in the USA. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇨🇭 Switzerland

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, C / J
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and Swiss plugs still need a Type A / B adapter for the USA. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇺🇦 Ukraine

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, C / F
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and C / F plugs are not U.S.-compatible. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, G
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and Type G is not compatible with U.S. outlets, so you’ll need an adapter. If you’re bringing a single-voltage 220–240V appliance, you’ll also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇻🇦 Vatican City

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, C / F / L
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and the plug shapes still differ from Type A / B, so an adapter is needed. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

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🌏Asia

Map of Asia highlighting countries and regions, including Russia, China, India, and others, with labeled capitals and major cities.

🔌 220–240V / 50–60 Hz Countries

⚠️ Step-Down Converter Needed for Single-Voltage 220–240V Appliances

Most of Asia uses 220–240V, which is much higher than the USA’s 120V / 60Hz system. That means:

➡️ Dual-voltage electronics labeled 100–240V usually only need an adapter
➡️ Single-voltage 220–240V hair tools and appliances need a step-down converter to run properly in the USA
➡️ Many Asian plug types are also different from U.S. Type A / B outlets, so travelers will often need a plug adapter too.

🇦🇫 Afghanistan

Home: 220V, 50 Hz, C / F
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and C / F plugs are not U.S.-compatible, so you’ll usually need an adapter. If you’re bringing a single-voltage 220–240V appliance, you’ll also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇦🇲 Armenia

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, C / F
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and C / F plugs need an adapter for U.S. outlets. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇦🇿 Azerbaijan

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, C / F
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and C / F plugs are not directly compatible with U.S. outlets. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇧🇭 Bahrain

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, G
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and Type G is not compatible with U.S. outlets, so many travelers will need an adapter. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇧🇩 Bangladesh

Home: 220–230V, 50 Hz, C / D / G / K
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA. Some local plug types differ from U.S. outlets, so many travelers will need an adapter. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇧🇹 Bhutan

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, C / D / G / M
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA. Plug compatibility varies, but many travelers will need an adapter, and single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇧🇳 Brunei

Home: 240V, 50 Hz, G
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and Type G is not U.S.-compatible. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇰🇭 Cambodia

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, A / C / G
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA. Some plugs may overlap a little, but many travelers will still need an adapter, and single-voltage 220–240V appliances need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇨🇳 China

Home: 220V, 50 Hz, A / C / I
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA. Some plug styles differ from U.S. outlets, so many travelers will need an adapter, and single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter. China commonly uses 220V power with plug types that differ from standard U.S. outlets.

What to Pack:

🇨🇾 Cyprus

Home: 240V, 50 Hz, G
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and Type G does not fit U.S. outlets. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇬🇪 Georgia

Home: 220V, 50 Hz, C / F
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and C / F plugs require an adapter. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇮🇳 India

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, C / D / M
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and C / D / M plugs are different from U.S. Type A / B, so you’ll usually need an adapter. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇮🇩 Indonesia

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, C / F
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and C / F plugs are not U.S.-compatible. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇮🇷 Iran

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, C / F
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and C / F plugs need an adapter. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇮🇶 Iraq

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, C / D / G
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA. Some local plug types differ from U.S. outlets, so many travelers will need an adapter. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇮🇱 Israel

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, C / H
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and C / H plugs are different from U.S. outlets, so an adapter is needed. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇯🇴 Jordan

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, C / D / F / G / J
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA. Plug compatibility varies, but many travelers will need an adapter, and single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇰🇿 Kazakhstan

Home: 220V, 50 Hz, C / F
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and C / F plugs require an adapter. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇰🇼 Kuwait

Home: 240V, 50 Hz, G
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and Type G is not U.S.-compatible. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇰🇬 Kyrgyzstan

Home: 220V, 50 Hz, C / F
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and C / F plugs are not U.S.-compatible. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇱🇦 Laos

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, A / B / C / E / F
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA. Some plugs may already look familiar, but many travelers will still need an adapter depending on what they use at home. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇱🇧 Lebanon

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, C / D / G
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA. Plug compatibility varies, but many travelers will need an adapter, and single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇲🇾 Malaysia

Home: 240V, 50 Hz, G
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and Type G is not compatible with U.S. outlets. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇲🇻 Maldives

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, D / G / J / K / L
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA. Plug compatibility varies, but many travelers will need an adapter, and single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇲🇳 Mongolia

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, C / E
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and C / E plugs are not U.S.-compatible. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇲🇲 Myanmar

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, C / D / F / G
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA. Type G still does not fit U.S. outlets, and other local plug types vary too, so many travelers will need an adapter. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇳🇵 Nepal

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, C / D / M
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and C / D / M are different from U.S. Type A / B. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇴🇲 Oman

Home: 240V, 50 Hz, G
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and Type G does not fit U.S. outlets. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇵🇰 Pakistan

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, C / D / M
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and C / D / M plugs still need an adapter for the USA. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇵🇭 Philippines

Home: 220V, 60 Hz, A / B / C
USA vs Home: Voltage is still much higher than in the USA, even though some plug shapes overlap more than in other parts of Asia. That means some travelers may still need an adapter depending on what they use at home, and single-voltage 220–240V appliances need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇶🇦 Qatar

Home: 240V, 50 Hz, G
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and Type G is not compatible with U.S. outlets. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia

Home: 220–230V, 60 Hz, A / B / C / G
USA vs Home: Voltage is still much higher than in the USA. Some plug types may overlap, but single-voltage 220–240V appliances still need a step-down converter, and some travelers may also need an adapter depending on what plug type they use at home. Saudi Arabia commonly uses 220–230V power with mixed outlet types.

What to Pack:

🇸🇬 Singapore

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, G
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and Type G is not compatible with U.S. outlets. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇰🇷 South Korea

Home: 220V, 60 Hz, C / F
USA vs Home: Voltage is still much higher than in the USA, and C / F plugs still need an adapter for the USA. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇱🇰 Sri Lanka

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, D / G / M
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA. Plug compatibility varies, but many travelers will need an adapter, and single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇸🇾 Syria

Home: 220V, 50 Hz, C / E / L
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and these plugs are not U.S.-compatible, so an adapter is needed. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇹🇯 Tajikistan

Home: 220V, 50 Hz, C / F
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and C / F plugs require an adapter. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇹🇭 Thailand

Home: 220V, 50 Hz, A / B / C / O
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA. Some plugs may look familiar, but Thailand’s power is still 220V, so single-voltage 220–240V appliances need a step-down converter for the USA. Some travelers may also need an adapter depending on the exact plugs they use at home. Thailand commonly uses 220V/50Hz with mixed outlet types including its newer Type O.

What to Pack:

🇹🇱 Timor-Leste

Home: 220V, 50 Hz, C / F / I
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and C / F / I plugs are not U.S.-compatible. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇹🇷 Turkey

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, C / F
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and C / F plugs still need an adapter for U.S. outlets. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇹🇲 Turkmenistan

Home: 220V, 50 Hz, C / F
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and C / F plugs are not U.S.-compatible. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, G
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and Type G is not compatible with U.S. outlets. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇺🇿 Uzbekistan

Home: 220V, 50 Hz, C / F
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and C / F plugs need an adapter for the USA. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇻🇳 Vietnam

Home: 220V, 50 Hz, A / C
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA. Some plug styles may partially overlap, but many travelers will still need an adapter, and single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇾🇪 Yemen

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, A / D / G
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA. Some plug types differ from U.S. outlets, so many travelers will need an adapter, and single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🔌 100–120V Countries

✅ Usually Very Easy for USA Travel

These countries are already much closer to the USA’s 120V / 60Hz system.

➡️ Dual-voltage electronics are fine
➡️ Many travelers won’t need a voltage converter at all
➡️ Plug compatibility is often easy too, especially where Type A / B is already standard. Japan and Taiwan are the main countries in this bucket here, and both use outlet types that overlap heavily with the USA.

🇯🇵 Japan

Home: 100V, 50/60 Hz (50Hz east, 60Hz west), A / B
USA vs Home: Japan is one of the easiest transitions for U.S. travel. The voltage is lower at home, but it is still much closer to the USA than the 220–240V systems used in most of Asia. Many Japanese plugs already fit U.S. outlets, and modern electronics are often straightforward. Japan uses 100V with both 50Hz and 60Hz depending on region, and Type A/B style plugs are standard.

What to Pack:

🇹🇼 Taiwan

Home: 110V, 60 Hz, A / B
USA vs Home: Very easy. Taiwan already uses almost the same setup as the United States, so most travelers won’t need a converter, and many plugs are already compatible. Taiwan is a close match to the USA at 110V/60Hz with Type A/B outlets.

What to Pack:

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🌍 Africa

Map of Africa highlighting countries in different colors, including Algeria, Nigeria, Egypt, and South Africa, among others.
Africa Map

🔌 220–240V / 50 Hz Countries

⚠️ Step-Down Converter Needed for Single-Voltage 220–240V Appliances

(Vast majority of Africa)

The USA’s 120V / 60Hz system is much lower voltage than most of Africa. In many cases, travelers will need the correct plug adapter, and if they are bringing a single-voltage 220–240V appliance, they will also need a step-down converter to run it properly in the United States.

➡️ Dual-voltage devices labeled 100–240V usually only need an adapter
➡️ Single-voltage 220–240V hair tools and appliances need a step-down converter
➡️ Some countries use plug types that overlap a little with U.S. plugs, but the voltage issue still matters

🇩🇿 Algeria

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, C / F
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and C / F plugs are not U.S.-compatible, so you’ll need an adapter. If you’re bringing a single-voltage 220–240V appliance, you’ll also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇦🇴 Angola

Home: 220V, 50 Hz, C
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and Type C does not fit U.S. Type A / B outlets, so you’ll need an adapter. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇧🇯 Benin

Home: 220V, 50 Hz, C / E
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and C / E plugs are not U.S.-compatible, so an adapter is needed. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇧🇼 Botswana

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, D / G / M
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA. Type G is not U.S.-compatible, and D / M are not either, so many travelers will need an adapter. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇧🇫 Burkina Faso

Home: 220V, 50 Hz, C / E
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and C / E plugs still need an adapter for the USA. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇧🇮 Burundi

Home: 220V, 50 Hz, C / E
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and C / E plugs are not directly compatible with U.S. outlets. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇨🇲 Cameroon

Home: 220V, 50 Hz, C / E
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and C / E plugs still need an adapter. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇨🇫 Central African Republic

Home: 220V, 50 Hz, C / E
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and C / E plugs are not U.S.-compatible. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇹🇩 Chad

Home: 220V, 50 Hz, C / E / F
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and C / E / F plugs still need an adapter for U.S. Type A / B outlets. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇰🇲 Comoros

Home: 220V, 50 Hz, C / E
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and C / E plugs are not directly compatible with U.S. outlets. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇨🇬 Congo (Brazzaville)

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, C / E
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and C / E plugs still need an adapter for the USA. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇨🇩 Democratic Republic of the Congo

Home: 220V, 50 Hz, C
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and Type C is not U.S.-compatible. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇩🇯 Djibouti

Home: 220V, 50 Hz, C / E
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and C / E plugs need an adapter for the USA. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇪🇬 Egypt

Home: 220V, 50 Hz, C / F
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and C / F plugs are not compatible with U.S. Type A / B. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇬🇶 Equatorial Guinea

Home: 220V, 50 Hz, C / E
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and C / E plugs are different from U.S. Type A / B. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇪🇷 Eritrea

Home: 220V, 50 Hz, C
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and Type C requires an adapter for the USA. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇸🇿 Eswatini (Swaziland)

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, M
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and Type M needs an adapter for U.S. outlets. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇪🇹 Ethiopia

Home: 220V, 50 Hz, C / F / L
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and C / F / L plugs are not U.S.-compatible. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇬🇦 Gabon

Home: 220V, 50 Hz, C
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and Type C requires an adapter for the USA. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇬🇲 Gambia

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, G
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and Type G is not compatible with U.S. outlets, so many travelers will still need an adapter. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇬🇭 Ghana

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, D / G
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA. Type G devices do not fit U.S. outlets, and Type D does not either, so many travelers will need an adapter. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇬🇳 Guinea

Home: 220V, 50 Hz, C / F
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and C / F plugs still need an adapter for the USA. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇬🇼 Guinea-Bissau

Home: 220V, 50 Hz, C
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and Type C is not U.S.-compatible. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇰🇪 Kenya

Home: 240V, 50 Hz, G
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and Type G is not compatible with U.S. outlets. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇱🇸 Lesotho

Home: 220V, 50 Hz, M
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and Type M needs an adapter for U.S. outlets. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇱🇾 Libya

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, C / F / L
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and these plugs are still different from U.S. Type A / B. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇲🇼 Malawi

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, G
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and Type G is not compatible with U.S. outlets. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇲🇱 Mali

Home: 220V, 50 Hz, C / E
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and C / E plugs still need an adapter for the USA. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇲🇷 Mauritania

Home: 220V, 50 Hz, C
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and Type C requires an adapter.

What to Pack:

🇲🇺 Mauritius

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, C / G
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA. Type G does not fit U.S. outlets, and Type C does not either, so many travelers will need an adapter. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇲🇦 Morocco

Home: 220V, 50 Hz, C / E
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and C / E plugs are not U.S.-compatible.

What to Pack:

🇲🇿 Mozambique

Home: 220V, 50 Hz, C / F / M
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and C / F / M plugs still need an adapter for the USA. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇳🇦 Namibia

Home: 220V, 50 Hz, D / M
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and D / M plugs require an adapter for U.S. outlets. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇳🇪 Niger

Home: 220V, 50 Hz, C / E
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and C / E plugs still need an adapter.

What to Pack:

🇳🇬 Nigeria

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, D / G
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA. Type G devices do not fit U.S. outlets, and Type D does not either, so many travelers will need an adapter. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇷🇼 Rwanda

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, C / J
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and C / J plugs are not U.S. Type A / B, so an adapter is needed. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇸🇹 São Tomé and Príncipe

Home: 220V, 50 Hz, C / F
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and C / F plugs still need an adapter for the USA. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇸🇳 Senegal

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, C / D / E
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and these plug types are not U.S.-compatible, so most travelers will still need an adapter. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇸🇨 Seychelles

Home: 240V, 50 Hz, G
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and Type G is not compatible with U.S. outlets. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇸🇱 Sierra Leone

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, D / G
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA. Type G devices do not fit U.S. outlets, and Type D may not either, so many travelers will need an adapter. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇸🇴 Somalia

Home: 220V, 50 Hz, C / G
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA. Type G devices are not U.S.-compatible, and Type C is not either, so many travelers will need an adapter. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇿🇦 South Africa

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, D / M / N, with some newer compatibility for Type C on certain devices and some mixed use in practice
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and South Africa is not plug-compatible with U.S. Type A / B by default, so most travelers will need an adapter. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇸🇸 South Sudan

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, C / D / E / F / G, with Type G the official standard and older types still common in some places
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA. Type G still does not fit U.S. outlets, and the other local plug types vary too, so many travelers will need an adapter. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇸🇩 Sudan

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, C / D
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and C / D plugs still need an adapter for the USA. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇹🇿 Tanzania

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, D / G
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA. Type G devices do not fit U.S. outlets, and Type D still needs an adapter for many travelers. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇹🇬 Togo

Home: 220V, 50 Hz, C
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and Type C is not U.S.-compatible.

What to Pack:

🇹🇳 Tunisia

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, C / E
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and C / E plugs still need an adapter for the USA. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇺🇬 Uganda

Home: 240V, 50 Hz, G
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA, and Type G is not U.S.-compatible.

What to Pack:

🇿🇲 Zambia

Home: 230V, 50 Hz, C / D / G
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA. Plug compatibility varies, but many travelers will need an adapter, and single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🇿🇼 Zimbabwe

Home: 220V, 50 Hz, D / G
USA vs Home: Voltage is much lower in the USA. Type G devices do not fit U.S. outlets, and Type D may not either, so many travelers will need an adapter. Single-voltage 220–240V appliances also need a step-down converter.

What to Pack:

🔌 120V or Mixed-Voltage Countries

✅ Very Easy or Mixed — Check Your Exact Setup

Dual-voltage devices labeled 100–240V are usually fine. Countries in this bucket are either already closer to the USA’s 120V / 60Hz system or use a mixed-voltage setup, so the exact advice depends on what kind of devices the traveler normally uses at home.

🇱🇷 Liberia

Home: 120V, 60 Hz, A / B / C
USA vs Home: Liberia is one of the easiest transitions for U.S. travel. The voltage is already close, and Type A / B plugs are familiar. Many travelers won’t need a converter at all.

What to Pack:

🇲🇬 Madagascar

Home: 127V / 220V mix, 50 Hz, C / E
USA vs Home: Madagascar is a mixed-voltage case. If your devices are already used on the lower-voltage side, the USA may be fairly straightforward. If you normally use single-voltage 220V appliances, those will still need a step-down converter in the USA. Plug shape may also require an adapter.

What to Pack:

↑ Back to Jump Menu

✅ Universal Packing Checklist

A chaotic arrangement of various electrical plugs, adapters, and cords in different colors and shapes, scattered on a light surface.

Use this checklist no matter where you’re traveling from. Adjust only adapter vs. step-down converter based on your home country.

Essential Power Gear

Conditional (Only If Needed)

Step-down converter
(Required only if you bring single-voltage 220–240V appliances like hair dryers or straighteners and you’re traveling to the USA from a higher-voltage country)

Organization & Protection

Quick Safety Check

Look for “100–240V” printed on chargers and devices.

✔ Adapter only
✖ No step-down converter needed

🎒 Final Tips for the USA

Many travelers only need an adapter. Phones, laptops, cameras, and power banks are often dual-voltage, which makes the USA easy as long as you have the right plug shape.

Adapters change plug shape, not voltage. If a device is single-voltage, plugging it into the wrong power system can keep it from working properly or damage it.

The USA uses Type A and Type B plugs nationwide, with 120V / 60Hz power. That part is consistent across the country, so once you know your setup, it’s easy to plan.

Outlets can still be limited. In older hotels, historic inns, national park lodges, smaller motels, budget stays, and awkward airport hotels, convenient outlets may be in short supply. A travel power strip helps a lot.

USB ports are not guaranteed. Do not assume your hotel room, airport gate area, older rental property, bedside lamp, or café corner will have built-in USB charging.

Hair tools are one of the biggest problem categories. If yours is not compatible with 120V, either bring the right step-down converter, use hotel-provided tools, or switch to a dual-voltage travel version.

Power banks are incredibly useful. Long sightseeing days, road trips, national parks, theme parks, flight delays, layovers, train travel, and navigation-heavy city days can drain your phone fast.

The USA’s power is consistent nationwide. Once you are prepared, you are set from New York to Miami, Chicago, New Orleans, Yellowstone, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Hawaii, Alaska, and beyond.

Power outages are not a major issue for most travelers, but they can happen occasionally during storms, heat waves, wildfire-related disruptions, or local outages. Devices with batteries like phones, laptops, cameras, and Kindles will be fine, but smaller plug-in appliances may be temporarily unusable until power returns.

💡 Bottom line:

If your gear says 100–240V and you have a universal adapter with Type A/B coverage, you are probably good to go. If you are bringing a single-voltage 220–240V appliance, you will need a step-down converter for the USA.

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