๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธUnited States of Americaโ†’๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡งUnited Kingdom

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

Traveling from United States of America to United Kingdom? You'll need an adapter, and a voltage converter for the 110V difference.

The verdict

You need a travel adapter, and likely a voltage converter

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

Get a Type G 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‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธUnited States of America
๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡งUnited Kingdom
Status
Plug type
Type AType B
Type A, B
Type G
Type G
Mismatch
Voltage
120V
230V
Different
Frequency
60 Hz
50 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

United States of America and United Kingdom couldn't be more different when it comes to power systems, and that matters for every device you pack. United States of America uses Type A/B plugs, while United Kingdom runs on Type G. They're completely incompatible. Where things get tricky: United States of America supplies 120V of power, but United Kingdom delivers 230V. That's enough difference to damage devices without proper conversion. A little preparation goes a long way on this route.

Local quirks
  • โ†’Uses 12H time format (e.g., 11:00 PM)
  • โ†’Temperature measured in Celsius (ยฐC)
  • โ†’Electrical system uses 230V at 50Hz with Type G plugs
  • โ†’Tap water safety: drinkable
  • โ†’Most United Kingdom hotels have a limited number of adapters at the front desk. Ask early.
  • โ†’Many UK outlets have individual on/off switches. Make sure yours is flipped on.
  • โ†’Older electric razors and heated styling tools often aren't dual-voltage. Leave them home or buy locally.
ยง Going to United Kingdom?

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

Build my packing list โ†’Full United Kingdom guide