What Plug Type Does Europe Use?
Most of Europe uses the same round two-pin plug, but not all of it. Here's a simple guide to what you'll find, and what to pack.
The common one: Type C
Type C is the thin, round two-pin plug, sometimes called the Europlug. It fits almost every socket in mainland Europe, including:
- France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Greece, Poland and most of Scandinavia
Most "European travel adapters" are Type C.
Types E and F
Many countries use Type E (France, Belgium) or Type F, also called Schuko (Germany, the Netherlands, Spain and others). These sockets are round and recessed. A Type C plug fits them both, so a Type C adapter works there too.
The exceptions
- Italy also uses Type L, three round pins in a line. Many Italian sockets accept Type C as well, but not all.
- Switzerland uses Type J. Many Swiss sockets accept Type C, but bulky adapters may not fit the recessed socket.
- The UK and Ireland use Type G, three rectangular pins. A Type C adapter won't fit at all.
Some adapters list compatibility with these. The Unidapt Type C adapters list support for Swiss and Italian outlets, for example.
What to pack
- Mainland Europe only: a Type C adapter. A multi-outlet one charges everything from one socket.
- Europe plus the UK or Ireland: a universal adapter with sliding plugs, like the EPICKA universal adapter, or separate Type C and Type G adapters.
- Italy or Switzerland: a slim Type C adapter fits most sockets; bring a universal one if you're not sure.
Voltage is the same almost everywhere
Most of Europe, including the UK, runs at about 230V. Dual-voltage devices (labeled 100-240V) work everywhere with an adapter. See our voltage converter guide.
For five adapters compared, see our travel adapter for Europe comparison.