Plugs, sockets & voltage
Plugs in the USA: adapter yes, hair dryer maybe not
US sockets take flat-pin Type A and B plugs at 120V, about half the UK's voltage. Phones and laptops are fine with a plain adapter. UK hair dryers and straighteners usually aren't.
- No adapter needed
- Bring a UK adapter
- Adapter + check voltage
This is the trip where people fry their straighteners. A 230V appliance on 120V runs weakly at best. Plug a cheap voltage converter into the mix and it can overheat. Most US hotels have a hair dryer in the bathroom, so leave yours at home.
What works and what doesn't
- Phones, tablets, laptops, camerasBring a UK adapter
Labelled 100-240V, so just add a US adapter.
- Hair dryers, straighteners, kettlesAdapter + check voltage
230V only in most cases. Buy a dual-voltage version or use the hotel's.
- Canada, Mexico and the CaribbeanAdapter + check voltage
The same Type A/B sockets at 110 to 127V.
Sockets you'll find
- Type AUS two-pin · 100-127V
- Type BUS three-pin · 100-127V
What works, what doesn't
- Phones, laptops, tablets, cameras: fine with a plug adapter. Check the charger says '100-240V'.
- Electric toothbrushes and shavers: most are dual voltage, but check the label on the charger.
- Hair dryers, straighteners, kettles: usually 230V only. Leave them at home or buy a cheap US one.
- Anything with a motor or heater: a converter can overheat it. Not worth the risk.
Two pins or three?
US sockets take two flat pins (Type A) or two flat pins plus a round earth pin (Type B). A Type B adapter fits both. Older hotels and holiday rentals sometimes only have two-pin sockets, so a three-pin adapter won't go in. Canada, Mexico, most of the Caribbean and Central America, Japan and the Philippines use the same plugs.
Before you go
- Get an adapter with an earth pin (Type B) for laptops. It's more secure in the socket.
- US sockets are often loose, so heavy adapters can fall out. A short extension lead helps.
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