Voltage by country matters because the wrong voltage can damage a device, even when the plug physically fits. For travel, the main question is simple: does your device label say Input: 100–240V? If yes, you usually need only the right plug adapter. If not, you may need a voltage converter or a different travel-safe device.
Most modern phone chargers, laptop chargers, camera chargers, and USB-C power adapters are designed for worldwide use because they commonly support Input: 100–240V, 50/60Hz. Many high-power appliances are different. Hair dryers, curling irons, kettles, clothes irons, and some electric shavers may be made for only one voltage range.
| Country Voltage Range | Common Examples | Main Travel Risk | What You Usually Need |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100V | Japan | Some 120V devices may run weakly; some 230V devices may not work properly. | Check device label and plug type. |
| 110V–127V | United States, Canada, Mexico, parts of Latin America | 230V-only appliances usually will not work safely. | Plug adapter plus voltage check. |
| 220V–240V | Much of Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania, and many other countries | 120V-only appliances can overheat or be damaged. | Dual-voltage device or voltage converter for single-voltage appliances. |
| Mixed voltage | Some countries and older buildings | Voltage may vary by city, outlet, hotel, or building. | Check the outlet, hotel information, and device label carefully. |
What Voltage Means for Travelers
Voltage is the electrical pressure supplied by a power outlet. Around the world, household electricity is commonly grouped into two broad travel categories: lower-voltage systems around 100V, 110V, 120V, or 127V, and higher-voltage systems around 220V, 230V, or 240V.
This difference matters more than the plug shape. A plug adapter only changes the physical shape of your plug so it can fit into a foreign socket type. A plug adapter does not convert voltage. If your device is not designed for the country’s voltage, a simple travel adapter cannot make it safe.
Frequency also matters. Many countries use either 50Hz or 60Hz. Most modern chargers handle both, but some devices with motors, clocks, heating elements, or timing functions may behave differently if the frequency does not match.
Voltage and Frequency by Country: Complete Worldwide Table
The table below covers 197 country-level destinations: the 195 widely recognized sovereign states, plus Kosovo and Taiwan because travelers commonly search them separately. It lists the commonly published household supply used for travel planning. The values refer to ordinary single-phase household electricity, not industrial three-phase systems.
Countries described as 220V, 230V, or 240V all belong to the same broad 220–240V travel voltage family. The exact nominal label can differ between standards, older references, and local practice. Countries with regional, building-level, or outlet-level variation are marked clearly in the final column.
| Country | Nominal Voltage | Frequency | Important Travel Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan | 220V | 50Hz | — |
| Albania | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Algeria | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Andorra | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Angola | 220V | 50Hz | — |
| Antigua and Barbuda | 110V / 220–230V | 60Hz | Voltage can vary by installation or location; confirm locally before using single-voltage devices. |
| Argentina | 220V | 50Hz | Commonly published as 220V; it belongs to the 220–240V travel voltage family. |
| Armenia | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Australia | 230V | 50Hz | 230V is the official nominal value; older references often describe the supply as 240V. |
| Austria | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Azerbaijan | 220V | 50Hz | — |
| Bahamas | 120V | 60Hz | General-purpose outlets use the 120V system. |
| Bahrain | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Bangladesh | 220V | 50Hz | — |
| Barbados | 115V | 50Hz | The frequency is 50Hz despite the lower-voltage supply. |
| Belarus | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Belgium | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Belize | 110V / 220V | 60Hz | More than one supply voltage may be encountered; confirm the outlet voltage. |
| Benin | 220V | 50Hz | — |
| Bhutan | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Bolivia | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Botswana | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Brazil | 127V / 220V | 60Hz | Voltage varies by state, city, building, or outlet. |
| Brunei | 240V | 50Hz | — |
| Bulgaria | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Burkina Faso | 220V | 50Hz | — |
| Burundi | 220V | 50Hz | — |
| Cabo Verde | 220V | 50Hz | — |
| Cambodia | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Cameroon | 220V | 50Hz | — |
| Canada | 120V | 60Hz | Homes also have 240V dedicated circuits for some high-power appliances. |
| Central African Republic | 220V | 50Hz | — |
| Chad | 220V | 50Hz | — |
| Chile | 220V | 50Hz | Commonly published as 220V; it belongs to the 220–240V travel voltage family. |
| China | 220V | 50Hz | Commonly published as 220V; it belongs to the 220–240V travel voltage family. |
| Colombia | 120V | 60Hz | Often described as 110V in travel references; treat it as the 110–120V family. |
| Comoros | 220V | 50Hz | — |
| Costa Rica | 120V | 60Hz | General-purpose outlets use the 120V system. |
| Côte d’Ivoire | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Croatia | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Cuba | 110–120V | 60Hz | Some modern hotels also provide 220V outlets; verify the outlet before use. |
| Cyprus | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Czechia | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Democratic Republic of the Congo | 220V | 50Hz | — |
| Denmark | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Djibouti | 220V | 50Hz | — |
| Dominica | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Dominican Republic | 120V | 60Hz | General-purpose outlets use the 120V system. |
| Ecuador | 120V | 60Hz | General-purpose outlets use the 120V system. |
| Egypt | 220V | 50Hz | Commonly published as 220V; it belongs to the 220–240V travel voltage family. |
| El Salvador | 115V | 60Hz | Often grouped with the 110–120V travel category. |
| Equatorial Guinea | 220V | 50Hz | — |
| Eritrea | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Estonia | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Eswatini | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Ethiopia | 220V | 50Hz | — |
| Fiji | 240V | 50Hz | — |
| Finland | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| France | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Gabon | 220V | 50Hz | — |
| Gambia | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Georgia | 220V | 50Hz | — |
| Germany | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Ghana | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Greece | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Grenada | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Guatemala | 120V | 60Hz | General-purpose outlets use the 120V system. |
| Guinea | 220V | 50Hz | — |
| Guinea-Bissau | 220V | 50Hz | — |
| Guyana | 110–240V | 50Hz / 60Hz | Published systems vary; confirm the actual outlet voltage and frequency locally. |
| Haiti | 110V | 60Hz | Treat it as the lower-voltage travel category. |
| Honduras | 120V | 60Hz | General-purpose outlets use the 120V system. |
| Hungary | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Iceland | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| India | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Indonesia | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Iran | 220V | 50Hz | — |
| Iraq | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Ireland | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Israel | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Italy | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Jamaica | 110V | 50Hz | Lower voltage with 50Hz frequency. |
| Japan | 100V | 50Hz / 60Hz | Eastern Japan generally uses 50Hz; western Japan generally uses 60Hz. |
| Jordan | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Kazakhstan | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Kenya | 240V | 50Hz | — |
| Kiribati | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Kosovo | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Kuwait | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Kyrgyzstan | 220V | 50Hz | — |
| Laos | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Latvia | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Lebanon | 220V | 50Hz | — |
| Lesotho | 220V | 50Hz | — |
| Liberia | 120V | 60Hz | Published references conflict and some locations may use other systems; verify locally. |
| Libya | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Liechtenstein | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Lithuania | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Luxembourg | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Madagascar | 220V | 50Hz | — |
| Malawi | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Malaysia | 230V | 50Hz | 230V is the official nominal value; older references often describe the supply as 240V. |
| Maldives | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Mali | 220V | 50Hz | — |
| Malta | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Marshall Islands | 120V | 60Hz | General-purpose outlets use the 120V system. |
| Mauritania | 220V | 50Hz | — |
| Mauritius | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Mexico | 127V | 60Hz | Some references round this to 120V; check sensitive single-voltage equipment. |
| Federated States of Micronesia | 120V | 60Hz | General-purpose outlets use the 120V system. |
| Moldova | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Monaco | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Mongolia | 220V | 50Hz | — |
| Montenegro | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Morocco | 220V | 50Hz | Commonly published as 220V; it belongs to the 220–240V travel voltage family. |
| Mozambique | 220V | 50Hz | — |
| Myanmar | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Namibia | 220V | 50Hz | — |
| Nauru | 240V | 50Hz | — |
| Nepal | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Netherlands | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| New Zealand | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Nicaragua | 120V | 60Hz | General-purpose outlets use the 120V system. |
| Niger | 220V | 50Hz | — |
| Nigeria | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| North Korea | 220V | 50Hz | — |
| North Macedonia | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Norway | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Oman | 240V | 50Hz | — |
| Pakistan | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Palau | 120V | 60Hz | General-purpose outlets use the 120V system. |
| Palestine | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Panama | 120V | 60Hz | Some 240V circuits may exist for high-power equipment. |
| Papua New Guinea | 240V | 50Hz | — |
| Paraguay | 220V | 50Hz | — |
| Peru | 220V | 60Hz | Higher-voltage supply combined with 60Hz frequency. |
| Philippines | 230V | 60Hz | Older references often state 220V; use 230V as the current nominal travel reference. |
| Poland | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Portugal | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Qatar | 240V | 50Hz | — |
| Republic of the Congo | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Romania | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Russia | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Rwanda | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Saint Kitts and Nevis | 230V | 60Hz | Higher-voltage supply combined with 60Hz frequency. |
| Saint Lucia | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | 230V | 50Hz | Petit Saint Vincent is commonly listed as 110V / 60Hz. |
| Samoa | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| San Marino | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| São Tomé and Príncipe | 220V | 50Hz | — |
| Saudi Arabia | 230V | 60Hz | Higher-voltage supply combined with 60Hz frequency. |
| Senegal | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Serbia | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Seychelles | 240V | 50Hz | — |
| Sierra Leone | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Singapore | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Slovakia | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Slovenia | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Solomon Islands | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Somalia | 220V | 50Hz | — |
| South Africa | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| South Korea | 220V | 60Hz | Higher-voltage supply combined with 60Hz frequency. |
| South Sudan | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Spain | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Sri Lanka | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Sudan | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Suriname | 127V / 220V | 60Hz | More than one supply voltage may be present; verify the outlet. |
| Sweden | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Switzerland | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Syria | 220V | 50Hz | — |
| Taiwan | 110V | 60Hz | General outlets are usually 110V; 220V circuits are used for some high-power appliances. |
| Tajikistan | 220V | 50Hz | — |
| Tanzania | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Thailand | 230V | 50Hz | Nominal supply is 230V; some older travel references describe it as 220V. |
| Timor-Leste | 220V | 50Hz | — |
| Togo | 220V | 50Hz | — |
| Tonga | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Trinidad and Tobago | 115V / 230V | 60Hz | Both voltage levels may be present; verify the outlet and accommodation. |
| Tunisia | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Türkiye (Turkey) | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Turkmenistan | 220V | 50Hz | — |
| Tuvalu | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Uganda | 240V | 50Hz | — |
| Ukraine | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| United Arab Emirates | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| United Kingdom | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| United States | 120V | 60Hz | Homes also have 240V dedicated circuits for some high-power appliances. |
| Uruguay | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Uzbekistan | 220V | 50Hz | — |
| Vanuatu | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Vatican City | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Venezuela | 120V | 60Hz | General-purpose outlets use the 120V system. |
| Vietnam | 220V | 50Hz | Commonly published as 220V; it belongs to the 220–240V travel voltage family. |
| Yemen | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Zambia | 230V | 50Hz | — |
| Zimbabwe | 220V | 50Hz | — |
Important: A plug adapter changes only the plug shape. It does not convert voltage. Always check the device or charger label before use, especially in mixed-voltage countries and when traveling with hair dryers, straighteners, kettles, irons, motor-based devices, or medical equipment.
110V, 120V, 220V, 230V, and 240V: What Is the Difference?
For travel planning, these numbers are often easier to understand as voltage families.
- 100V: Commonly associated with Japan. Some 120V devices may work, but performance can vary.
- 110V–127V: Common in North America and parts of Latin America. Devices made only for this range can be risky in 220V–240V countries.
- 220V–240V: Common across much of Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania, and many other destinations. Devices made only for 120V should not be plugged in directly.
A device rated for exactly 120V is not the same as a device rated for 100–240V. The label is more important than the country name.
How to Check Your Device Label
Before using any device abroad, look for the small printed electrical label on the charger, power brick, plug, or device body. You are looking for the word Input.
If the Label Says Input: 100–240V
This usually means the device is dual voltage or worldwide voltage. It can normally handle both 120V and 230V systems. Many phone chargers, laptop chargers, tablet chargers, camera chargers, and USB-C power adapters fall into this group.
You may still need a plug adapter because the plug shape may not match the power outlet in your destination country.
If the Label Says Input: 120V Only
This device is designed for lower-voltage countries. It should not be plugged directly into a 220V, 230V, or 240V outlet. A plug adapter is not enough. You would need a suitable voltage converter, or it may be safer to use a travel version of the device designed for the destination voltage.
If the Label Says Input: 220–240V Only
This device is designed for higher-voltage countries. It may not work properly in a 100V, 110V, or 120V country unless it is designed to support that lower voltage or is used with the right transformer.
Travel Adapter vs Voltage Converter
A travel adapter and a voltage converter solve different problems.
| Item | What It Does | What It Does Not Do | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plug adapter | Changes plug shape so your plug fits the foreign socket. | It does not change 120V into 230V or 230V into 120V. | Phones, laptops, cameras, and dual-voltage chargers. |
| Voltage converter | Changes voltage for a device that is not compatible with the local voltage. | It does not change the plug shape unless built with adapter support. | Some single-voltage appliances, depending on wattage and device type. |
| Transformer | Can step voltage up or down for certain devices. | It may be heavy and not suitable for every appliance. | Longer-term use or specific electronics that require stable voltage. |
Phone and Laptop Chargers
Phones and laptops are usually lower-risk travel devices because their chargers commonly support wide input voltage. Look for a label such as:
Input: 100–240V ~ 50/60Hz
If you see this, the charger can usually handle common travel voltages worldwide. You still need the correct plug adapter for the socket type used in your destination country.
Do not assume every charger is worldwide voltage. Some older chargers, replacement chargers, or low-cost chargers may have narrower input ranges. The printed label is the safest guide.
Hair Dryers, Curling Irons, Kettles, and Clothes Irons
High-power heat appliances are the main travel voltage risk. Hair dryers, curling irons, straighteners, kettles, and clothes irons often use much more power than a phone charger. They may be single voltage, and they may not work safely with small travel converters.
If a 120V-only hair dryer is plugged into a 230V outlet with only a plug adapter, it can overheat, fail, or become unsafe. If a 230V-only appliance is used in a 120V country, it may run weakly or not work correctly.
The safest option is usually to use a dual-voltage travel appliance or use the appliance provided by the hotel or accommodation. Always check the voltage switch if the appliance has one, and set it correctly before plugging it in.
What About 50Hz and 60Hz?
Frequency describes how many times per second the electrical current alternates. Many countries use 50Hz, while others use 60Hz.
For phone chargers, laptop chargers, and many modern power adapters, frequency is usually not a problem if the label says 50/60Hz. For some motor-based devices, electric clocks, pumps, CPAP machines, and appliances with timing functions, frequency can matter more.
If you travel with a medical device such as a CPAP machine, check the label, power supply, and manufacturer instructions before travel. Many CPAP power supplies support 100–240V and 50/60Hz, but you should not assume this without checking.
Device-by-Device Travel Voltage Guide
| Device | Adapter Needed? | Converter Needed? | What to Check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone charger | Usually yes, if plug shape differs. | Usually no if input is 100–240V. | Check charger label, not only the phone. |
| Laptop charger | Usually yes, if plug shape differs. | Usually no if input is 100–240V. | Check the power brick label. |
| Camera battery charger | Often yes. | Usually no if input is 100–240V. | Check charger input voltage. |
| Electric shaver | Possibly. | Depends on voltage rating. | Some are dual voltage, some are not. |
| Hair dryer | Yes, if plug shape differs. | Possibly, but wattage can make this risky. | Check voltage, wattage, and dual-voltage switch. |
| Curling iron or straightener | Yes, if plug shape differs. | Possibly, if not dual voltage. | Look for 100–240V or a clear dual-voltage rating. |
| CPAP machine | Usually yes, if plug shape differs. | Usually no if the power supply says 100–240V, but verify carefully. | Check power supply, frequency, and medical travel instructions. |
Common Travel Voltage Mistakes
- Assuming the plug shape means the voltage is safe: A plug can fit while the voltage is still wrong.
- Using only a plug adapter for a 120V hair dryer in Europe: This can damage the appliance and may be unsafe.
- Checking the device instead of the charger: For phones and laptops, the charger or power brick label is usually what matters.
- Ignoring mixed-voltage countries: Some destinations may have more than one voltage depending on region, building, or outlet.
- Forgetting frequency: 50Hz and 60Hz usually do not affect simple chargers, but they can affect some motors and timing devices.
Travel Power Checklist
- Check the voltage and frequency used in your destination country.
- Look at each device label for Input: 100–240V.
- Separate low-power chargers from high-power heat appliances.
- Pack the correct plug adapter for the destination socket type.
- Do not rely on a plug adapter to convert voltage.
- Be extra careful with hair dryers, curling irons, kettles, irons, and medical devices.
- For mixed-voltage countries, confirm the voltage at the accommodation before using single-voltage appliances.
FAQ
Is 110V the same as 120V for travel?
They are not exactly the same, but they are often treated as part of the same lower-voltage travel category. Always check the device label to see the accepted input range.
Can I use a 120V device in a 230V country?
Only if the device label says it supports 230V or a range such as 100–240V. If it says 120V only, you should not plug it directly into a 230V outlet.
Can I use a 230V device in the United States?
A 230V-only device may not work properly on a 120V outlet. Some devices need a step-up transformer, while others are not practical for travel use.
Do phone chargers work in 220V and 240V countries?
Most modern phone chargers work in 220V and 240V countries if the label says Input: 100–240V. You may still need a plug adapter for the local socket.
Do I need a voltage converter or just a plug adapter?
If your device supports the destination voltage, you usually need only a plug adapter. If the device is single voltage and the country uses a different voltage, a converter may be needed.
Does 50Hz or 60Hz matter when traveling?
It usually does not matter for modern chargers labeled 50/60Hz. It can matter for some motors, clocks, pumps, CPAP machines, and appliances with timing functions.