United States of America to Portugal
The United States of America to Portugal route is electrically incompatible. Different plug types and 110V voltage difference.
Need an Adapter?
Yes! Yes, you need a Type A/B to Type C/F adapter
Need a Voltage Converter?
Yes β 230V can damage single-voltage United States of America devices
π Why This Route Matters
Flying from United States of America to Portugal? The electrical infrastructure you're used to won't follow you there. Type A/B (United States of America) and Type C/F (Portugal) are fundamentally different plug shapes. More critically, United States of America's 120V power won't match Portugal's 230V system. That's a 110 volt gap that matters. Electrical system uses 230V at 50Hz with Type C/F plugs. Plan ahead, and you'll avoid the airport electronics store markups.
Side-by-Side Comparison β‘
π― What Locals Know (That Tourists Don't)
- β¦Uses 24H time format (e.g., 23:00)
- β¦Temperature measured in Celsius (Β°C)
- β¦Electrical system uses 230V at 50Hz with Type C/F plugs
- β¦Tap water safety: drinkable
- β¦Airport electronics shops in Portugal charge 3-4x typical adapter prices. Buy before you leave.
- β¦Most phone and laptop chargers handle 100-240V automatically (check the fine print on the brick)
What You Need for This Trip π§³
Plug Adapter
RequiredUnited States of America's Type A/B plugs won't fit Portugal's Type C/F outlets.
Voltage Converter
May Be RequiredPortugal uses 230V vs United States of America's 120V. Most modern electronics handle this automatically.
Airport & Arrival Tip
Landing at Portugal's LIS? Here's what to expect for power and connectivity. International terminals typically have USB charging stations near gates. Bring your own cable though. Airport electronics shops sell adapters, but expect to pay 2-3x normal retail. Better to buy online before departure. Many ride-share drivers have USB chargers available. Don't hesitate to ask. Coffee shops are reliable charging spots while you adjust to the time zone.
Packing Advice
Pack both a plug adapter (Type A/B to Type C/F) AND a voltage converter (120V to 230V). You'll need both. All-in-one adapters with built-in USB charging are worth the investment for frequent travelers. Charge your power bank overnight at the hotel. It's your backup plan for outlet-scarce days. A small cable organizer pouch prevents tangled messes and makes airport security checks easier. Check every device label for "INPUT: 100-240V". If it says that, you don't need a voltage converter for it. Pack adapters in your carry-on. You might need to charge during layovers or if checked luggage is delayed.
Seasonal Considerations
Portugal's seasons affect more than just your wardrobe; they impact your device strategy too. **Summer travel:** Hot weather drains phone batteries faster than you'd expect. Keep devices cool when possible. **Winter travel:** Shorter days mean more screen-on time for navigation and entertainment. Plan accordingly. **Holiday season:** Holiday season means packed accommodations. Claiming outlets early is strategic. Plan for worst-case scenarios with your power setup. You'll be glad you over-prepared.