Plugs, sockets & voltage
Countries that use the same plug as the UK
About 50 countries and territories use the UK's Type G three-pin plug at 230V, so nothing to buy. Most are former British colonies, from Malta and Cyprus to Singapore, Kenya and the Caribbean.
- No adapter needed
- Bring a UK adapter
- Adapter + check voltage
A few of them mix in other sockets, so an adapter is still worth packing for some. In the Gulf, older hotels may have European two-pin sockets too. In Sri Lanka and the Maldives you'll find old round-pin Type D sockets alongside UK ones.
Where you'll find UK sockets
- Europe: Ireland, Malta, Cyprus, GibraltarNo adapter needed
UK sockets throughout.
- Gulf: UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, OmanNo adapter needed
UK sockets in most hotels. Some older ones also have European two-pin.
- Asia: Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, BruneiNo adapter needed
UK sockets. Hong Kong also has some round-pin Type D.
- Indian Ocean: Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius, SeychellesBring a UK adapter
A mix of UK and other types. Pack a universal adapter to be safe.
- Africa: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Ghana, NigeriaNo adapter needed
Mostly UK sockets, with some older types in places.
Sockets you'll find
- Type GUK three-pin · 230V
Same socket, different habits
- Ireland, Malta, Cyprus: the same UK plugs and voltage. Nothing to pack.
- Dubai and the Gulf: UK sockets in most hotels, with a mix of two-pin in older ones.
- Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong: UK sockets throughout.
- Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda: UK sockets, but power cuts and surges happen, so bring a power bank.
Is the voltage the same?
Yes. Every country using UK Type G sockets runs at 220 to 240V, so your hair dryer, straighteners and chargers work as they do at home. Switches are often on the wall next to the socket, just like in the UK, so if something isn't charging, check the switch first.
Before you go
- Hotel sockets in the Gulf and Asia are often universal and take several plug types.