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Spain Plugs, outlets & travel adapters
Spain uses Type C and F sockets. The mains supply is 230 V at 50 Hz.
Plugbert's take Europlug and Schuko: two pins for suitable ungrounded chargers, earth contacts for grounded equipment.
Do you need a travel adapter for Spain?
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 and F sockets in Spain. A Type C (Europlug) adapter fits the listed socket families there. For grounded devices, get a Type F (Schuko) adapter for a compatible grounded outlet instead; it does not fit every listed outlet. Socket variants can differ; check the actual outlet and adapter rating.
Spain 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 Spain in full🇬🇧 From the United Kingdom
You need a plug adapter. Plugs from the United Kingdom (Type G) don't fit the Type C and F sockets in Spain. A Type C (Europlug) adapter fits the listed socket families there. For grounded devices, get a Type F (Schuko) adapter for a compatible grounded outlet instead; it does not fit every listed outlet. Socket variants can differ; check the actual outlet and adapter rating.
No voltage converter needed. Both countries use 230 V.
United Kingdom to Spain in fullFrom other countries
Somewhere else?
Sockets you'll find in Spain
What to expect in Spain
A two-pin charger and a grounded appliance need different adapters
Electrical Safety First lists Type C and F for Spain. A small charger that does not need earth can use a suitable Type C Europlug adapter. Equipment requiring grounding needs a Type F-compatible grounded adapter, with the correct earth contacts and an input that accepts your home plug.
Both have round pins, so inspect the design rather than buying whichever listing says “Spain plug.” A two-pin adapter cannot provide grounding. For a universal model, confirm its wall-side output, supported inputs and stated load limit before packing it.
Why one source says 220 V and another says 230 V
Spain.info's travel advice uses 220 V wording. Article 4 of Spain's low-voltage regulation specifies 230 V phase-to-neutral and 50 Hz. We use that regulated nominal figure for ordinary household travel advice; the discrepancy does not establish different regional supplies.
An input rating of 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz includes that supply. A US 120 V-only appliance does not become suitable just because an adapter fits. Check its manufacturer's guidance or use a suitable local device.
Extending the trip
Spain and Germany share the listed plug families, but keep checking each device's input rating. Adding the United Kingdom introduces a different wall plug. Adding Italy brings socket-size and design exceptions worth checking before relying on one adapter.
Will your devices work in Spain?
Sockets in Spain 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.