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India Plugs, outlets & travel adapters
India uses Type C, D and M sockets. The mains supply is 230 V at 50 Hz.
Plugbert's take India keeps it straightforward: Type C, D, M at 230 V.
Do you need a travel adapter for India?
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 C, D and M sockets in India. A Type D (Indian 3-pin) adapter fits 1 of the 3 listed socket families there. Socket variants can differ; check the actual outlet and adapter rating.
India 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 India in full🇬🇧 From the United Kingdom
You need a plug adapter. Plugs from the United Kingdom (Type G) don't fit the Type C, D and M sockets in India. A Type D (Indian 3-pin) adapter fits 1 of the 3 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 India in fullFrom other countries
Somewhere else?
Sockets you'll find in India
What to expect in India
Start with an Indian Type D adapter
The Bureau of Indian Standards identifies Type D as India's most common household plug. For US or UK equipment, pack a suitable Type D adapter that accepts your home plug. Equipment requiring earth needs a supported grounded connection.
Electrical Safety First also lists Type C and M. D and M both have three round pins in a triangle, but M has larger pins. One does not automatically fit the other's outlet. Ask your accommodation about the outlets available for any equipment you must use.
Why “universal” needs a closer look
A product offering UK, US, European and Australian outputs has not necessarily included Indian Type D or the larger M design. Check the wall-side outputs and supported input plugs explicitly. A small Type C charger may fit a compatible C outlet, but is not a solution for every Indian socket or for grounded equipment.
Do not force pins into a socket or rely on a loose connection. Check the adapter's current or wattage limit against your device rather than assuming that a larger plug means unlimited power.
230 V is not a US-compatible supply
Both sources above confirm 230 V, 50 Hz. A label showing 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz covers that supply; a 120 V-only appliance does not. Use the input-label guide, and follow the manufacturer's instructions for any conversion. A plug adapter cannot change voltage or frequency.
Will your devices work in India?
Sockets in India 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.