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Australia Plugs, outlets & travel adapters
Australia uses Type I sockets. The mains supply is 230 V at 50 Hz.
Plugbert's take Type I only. The sockets look mildly alarmed, but they're very dependable.
Do you need a travel adapter for Australia?
It depends on where your plugs come from.
🇺🇸 From the United States
You need a plug adapter. Plugs from the United States (Type A and B) don't fit the Type I sockets in Australia. A Type I (Australian) adapter fits the listed socket families there. Socket variants can differ; check the actual outlet and adapter rating.
Australia uses 230 V, much higher than the 120 V in the United States. An input rating of "100–240V" covers the listed supply voltage; you still need a suitable plug or adapter. For single-voltage devices, follow the manufacturer's guidance on conversion; using a suitable local device may be simpler.
United States to Australia in full🇬🇧 From the United Kingdom
You need a plug adapter. Plugs from the United Kingdom (Type G) don't fit the Type I sockets in Australia. A Type I (Australian) adapter fits the listed socket families there. Socket variants can differ; check the actual outlet and adapter rating.
No voltage converter needed. Both countries use 230 V.
United Kingdom to Australia in fullFrom other countries
Somewhere else?
Sockets you'll find in Australia
What to expect in Australia
The angled pins matter
Tourism Australia describes two flat pins forming an inverted V, with a third pin for earth on grounded plugs. This is Type I. Straight, parallel US pins and round European pins need an appropriate adapter.
Choose an Australian Type I adapter that accepts your home plug. Equipment requiring grounding needs a grounded output and a supported earth connection throughout the adapter. A two-pin output may suit an appropriately insulated charger, but cannot provide earth to a device that requires it.
230 V nominal, 50 Hz
Electrical Safety First lists 230 V, 50 Hz, corroborated by Tourism Australia's packing advice. Tourism Australia's general tips also use 220–240 V wording; our facts use the nominal 230 V figure.
A device labelled 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz covers the listed supply. A US 120 V-only hair dryer does not. Check the input label and follow the device maker's conversion guidance before bringing single-voltage equipment.
Universal adapter checklist
Confirm that its Australian output is actually included, rather than an optional accessory. Check supported home plugs, grounding and its documented current or wattage limit. An adapter accepting several international plugs still does not convert voltage. Treat plug resemblance on a multi-country trip as a reason to check specifications, not a promise that every outlet will accept the same product.
Will your devices work in Australia?
Sockets in Australia supply 230 V. Find the "input" line on each device or its charger. An input rating of "100–240V" covers the listed supply voltage; you still need a suitable plug or adapter. Check that the input frequency also covers 50 Hz. An adapter changes the plug shape, not the voltage or frequency. For switchable devices, follow the manufacturer's instructions before plugging in.
Often rated 100–240 V; confirm on the charger: phone charger, laptop charger, camera battery charger.
Check the label first: electric toothbrush, electric shaver, CPAP machine, hair straightener / curler.
Usually single voltage: hair dryer, kettle / coffee maker, anything with a heating element.
Plug twins
These countries list the same plug types and a similar voltage range. Check each guide for socket variants and local exceptions.