Things worth knowing before you go.
Quick facts to keep in your back pocket — currency, language, the time difference, which side of the road they drive on.
Are your devices safe? Run the check.
Germany runs at 230V / 50Hz. Find out which of your devices plug in safely and which need a converter — before you pack.
Every plug type, in one place. All 15.
Type A through Type O — what they look like, where they're used, which countries share them. The full reference our visitors come back to most.
What every traveler should pack — and why.
Five picks for any international trip — what they actually do, and the moments where they pay for themselves.
We may earn a commission from purchases — it keeps PlugHopper free.
Everything we'd actually pack.
Curated Amazon lists, organized by what you actually need at each phase of the trip — from packing the suitcase to landing in a new country.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps keep PlugHopper free.
The plug used in Germany.
East German buildings constructed between 1950-1990 sometimes feature Soviet-influenced outlet placement, particularly in residential blocks where outlets appear in unusual locations due to standardized prefab construction methods. These buildings often have outlets positioned for collective furniture arrangements rather than individual room layouts. Tourist areas in Bavaria and the Rhine Valley increasingly install USB-enabled outlets in hotels and restaurants, while industrial regions like the Ruhr Valley maintain purely traditional setups. Rural areas, especially in former East Germany, may have older wiring that affects outlet reliability despite using standard plug types.
Full Type C guide →Other places that use Type C.
Power adapter guides for routes to and from Germany.
Country-to-country guides with the exact adapter, voltage, and packing tips for each route.
What type of power plug is used in Germany?+
Germany uses Type C and Type F power plugs and electrical outlets. The standard voltage is 230V with a frequency of 50Hz.
Do I need a travel adapter for Germany?+
Yes, travelers from the United States, Canada, Mexico, and other countries using Type A/B plugs will need a travel adapter for Germany. The Type C/F outlets are not compatible with American flat-blade plugs.
Do I need a voltage converter for Germany?+
Germany uses 230V. Dual-voltage electronics (smartphones, laptops, cameras) labeled "100-240V" work fine with just a plug adapter. Single-voltage appliances from a different voltage zone (hair dryers, curling irons, kettles) must NOT be plugged in directly — they can be damaged or dangerous. Check every device label before plugging in.
Can I charge my iPhone or Android phone in Germany?+
Yes. All modern smartphone chargers (including iPhone and Android USB chargers) are dual-voltage (100-240V) and work in Germany. You only need a plug adapter to fit the Type C/F outlets.
Can I use my laptop charger in Germany?+
Yes. Laptop chargers from Apple, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and other major brands are universal (100-240V). You only need a Type C/F plug adapter for Germany.
What is the emergency phone number in Germany?+
The emergency phone number in Germany is 112. Save this number in your phone before your trip.