← All countries§ 01 · Power in United States of America

🇺🇸Power in United States of America.

The United States uses Type A and B outlets at 120V/60Hz, the NEMA standard shared with Canada, Mexico, and parts of Central America and the Caribbean. Domestic travelers need nothing at all.

International visitors from Europe, Asia, Australia, or Africa need a North American plug adapter. The US has excellent electrical infrastructure, with outlets abundant in hotels, airports, coffee shops, and public spaces.

One quirk: older buildings in cities like New York, San Francisco, and Boston may have ungrounded two-prong (Type A) outlets that won't accept three-prong plugs. The 120V system means devices from 220-240V countries may charge slower, but any modern charger labeled 100-240V works fine.

§ Compatibility check

Do I need an adapter?

§ 04 · More about United States of America

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.

Capital
Washington, DC
Currency
USD – US Dollar
Language
English
Time zone
UTC-5
Driving
Right
Tap water
Good
Emergency
Save this before you fly. Police, ambulance, fire — all on 911.
911
§ Travel essentials

What every traveler should pack — and why.

Four picks for any international trip — what they actually do, and the moments where they pay for themselves.

Stay secureFrom $3.09/mo
NordVPN

Hotel and airport WiFi in United States of America is open and shared. NordVPN encrypts everything you do — banking, email, streaming — so no one on the same network can snoop.

When it pays off
  • Banking from a café in Washington, DC
  • Streaming your usual subscriptions abroad
  • Working from co-working spots without trust issues
NordVPNTry NordVPN
Stay connectedFrom $4.99
Saily eSIM

Skip the SIM card hunt and the roaming charges. Saily activates the moment you land in United States of America — turn on your phone, you have data. No physical card to swap, all on your existing line.

When it pays off
  • Calling a taxi from the airport
  • Google Maps the second you step outside
  • Translating menus and signs on the go
SailySaily for United States of America
Cover the unexpectedFrom $0.99/day
Ekta Insurance

One unplanned hospital visit abroad can wipe out a year of vacation budget. Ekta covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and lost baggage — the three things that actually go wrong on real trips — for less than a coffee a day.

When it pays off
  • Got food poisoning on day 3 of 10
  • Bag never showed up at baggage claim
  • Flight cancelled, hotel non-refundable
Ekta Travel InsuranceGet Ekta
Roads worth drivingFrom $25/day
EconomyBookings

United States of America is a country you actually need a car for — most of the best places aren't well-served by public transit. EconomyBookings compares rates across 800+ companies so you book the best rate, not the first one you see.

When it pays off
  • Picking up at the airport, returning to a different city
  • Comparing big names and local agencies side-by-side
  • Multi-day road trips through national parks or coastlines
EconomyBookingsCompare cars in United States of America

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§ The PlugHopper shop

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.

Available on Amazon
Browse the full PlugHopper storefront
Visit storefront

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§ 02 · Plan with Pluggy
Pluggy AI · Online

Pack for United States of America in about a minute.

Tell Pluggy where you're going and your dates. We handle weather, packing, the right adapter, eSIM, transport from the airport — all in one conversation.

Plan my United States of America trip — free
Weather
10-day forecast
Packing
Tailored list
Power
Type A / B ready
Food
Local picks
Transport
Airport → city
Tips
From real travellers
§ 06 · Type A plugs
A

The plug used in United States of America.

Hawaii and some older East Coast buildings may have different outlet configurations or voltage variations. US territories like Puerto Rico and Guam follow the same 120V standard, while some military bases overseas maintain US electrical systems.

Full Type A guide →
§ 08 · Common questions
What type of power plug is used in United States of America?+

United States of America uses Type A and Type B power plugs and electrical outlets. The standard voltage is 120V with a frequency of 60Hz.

Do I need a travel adapter for United States of America?+

United States of America uses plug types that may be compatible with your devices, but carrying a universal travel adapter is still recommended for convenience.

Do I need a voltage converter for United States of America?+

United States of America's 120V is compatible with devices rated for the 100-127V range. If you're coming from a country in a different voltage zone, check your device labels. Single-voltage appliances may need a converter.

Can I charge my iPhone or Android phone in United States of America?+

Yes. All modern smartphone chargers (including iPhone and Android USB chargers) are dual-voltage (100-240V) and work in United States of America. You only need a plug adapter to fit the Type A/B outlets.

Can I use my laptop charger in United States of America?+

Yes. Laptop chargers from Apple, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and other major brands are universal (100-240V). You only need a Type A/B plug adapter for United States of America.

What is the emergency phone number in United States of America?+

The emergency phone number in United States of America is 911. Save this number in your phone before your trip.

§ 09 · Ready to go

Plan your United States of America trip with Pluggy.

Get my packing list — free
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