๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡งUnited Kingdomโ†’๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธUnited States of America

United Kingdom to United States of America do you need an adapter?

The United Kingdom to United States of America route is electrically incompatible. Different plug types and 110V voltage difference.

The verdict

You need a travel adapter, and likely a voltage converter

United Kingdom: Type G ยท 230V โ†’ United States of America: Type A/B ยท 120V

Get a Type A adapter + converterโ†—
โœ— Adapter needed
ยง 01 ยท Side by side

The specs, row by row.

Plug shape, voltage, frequency โ€” the four things that decide whether your gear works on this route.

Spec
๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡งUnited Kingdom
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธUnited States of America
Status
Plug type
Type G
Type G
Type AType B
Type A, B
Mismatch
Voltage
230V
120V
Different
Frequency
50 Hz
60 Hz
Differs
ยง 02 ยท Context

The story behind the route.

Why this specific origin โ†’ destination pair has the quirks it does โ€” local context the data alone won't show.

Why it matters

Traveling from United Kingdom to United States of America means crossing more than just time zones. You're entering a completely different electrical ecosystem. The plug situation is straightforward: United Kingdom's Type G and United States of America's Type A/B don't work together. Voltage is where you need to pay attention. 230V in United Kingdom versus 120V in United States of America means you'll need more than just an adapter. Currency: USD โ€“ US Dollar. This isn't a route where you want to figure things out at the hotel.

Local quirks
  • โ†’Uses 12H time format (e.g., 11:00 PM)
  • โ†’Temperature measured in Fahrenheit (ยฐF)
  • โ†’Electrical system uses 120V at 60Hz with Type A/B plugs
  • โ†’Tap water is safe to drink in most areas
  • โ†’Check if your hotel has universal outlets in rooms (increasingly common in newer properties)
  • โ†’USB ports are everywhere in US hotels. Consider using those for phones/tablets.
  • โ†’Hair dryers and curling irons are the most common casualties of voltage mismatches. Check device labels.
ยง Going to United States of America?

Now build the rest of the trip. From bag to boarding gate.

Build my packing list โ†’Full United States of America guide