Traveling is fun (everyone would agree) but packing for your trip, applying for a visa, figuring our driving conditions, and electricity (plug socket types) and global internet is not so much fun. Right?

We understand your pain. As we travel around the world and try to make sure we have a perfect preparation and packing checklist, alas, it seldom happens. But there is good news for you today. We have compiled and made notes for you to help you decide what kind of adapters you might need for your next international trip.

Plug Socket Types

There are currently 15 types of electrical outlet plugs in use today, each of which has been assigned a letter by the US Department of Commerce International Trade Administration, starting with letter A through letter O. Total 15 different socket types. (Sigh.)

Check out the World Standards website for a global map showing the spread of the different plug types used around the world and a detailed list of the countries of the world with their respective plug and outlet types, voltage and frequency. Fun, right!

Type A

Mainly used in the USA, Canada, Mexico, and Japan
Pins: 2 pins
Ground: Not grounded
Amp: 15 A
Voltage: 100 – 127 V
Compatibility: Socket compatible with plug type B

Type B

Mainly used in the USA, Canada, Mexico, and Japan
Pins: 3 pins
Ground: Grounded
Amp: 15 A
Voltage: 100 – 127 V
Compatibility: None

Type C

Commonly used in Europe, South America, and Asia
Pins: 2 pins
Ground: Not grounded
Amp: 2.5 A
Voltage: 220 – 240 V
Compatibility: None

Type D

Mainly used in India and Nepal
Pins: 3 pins
Ground: Grounded
Amp: 5 A
Voltage: 220 – 240 V
Compatibility: Socket compatible with plug type C (unsafe compatibility with E and F)

Type E

Primarily used in France, Belgium, Poland, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic
Pins: 2 pins
Ground: grounded
Amp: 16 A
Voltage: 220 – 240 V
Compatibility: Socket compatible with plug types C and F

Type F

Used almost everywhere in Europe and Russia (except UK & Ireland)
Pins: 2 pins
Ground: grounded
Amp: 16 A
Voltage: 220 – 240 V
Compatibility: Socket compatible with plug types C and E

Type G

Mainly used in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Malta, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Singapore
Pins: 3 pins
Ground: Grounded
Amp: 13 A
Voltage: 220 – 240 V
Compatibility: None

Type H

Used exclusively in Israel (including West Bank and Gaza Strip)
Pins: 3 pins
Ground: grounded
Amp: 16 A
Voltage: 220 – 240 V
Compatibility: Socket compatible with plug type C (unsafe compatibility with E and F)

Type I

Mainly used in Australia, New Zealand, China, and Argentina
Pins: 2 or 3 pins
Ground: 2 pins not grounded / 3 pins grounded
Amp: 10 A
Voltage: 220 – 240 V
Compatibility: None

Type J

Used almost exclusively in Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Rwanda
Pins: 3 pins
Ground: Grounded
Amp: 10 A
Voltage: 220 – 240 V
Compatibility: Socket compatible with plug type C

Type K

Used almost exclusively in Denmark and Greenland
Pins: 3 pins
Ground: Grounded
Amp: 16 A
Voltage: 220 – 240 V
Compatibility: Socket compatible with plug type C (unsafe compatibility with E and F)

Type L

Used almost exclusively in Italy and Chile
Pins: 3 pins
Ground: Grounded
Amp: 10 A & 16 A
220 – 240 V
Compatibility: 10 A socket compatible with plug type C (10 A version)

Type M

Mainly used in South Africa
Pins: 3 pins
Ground: Grounded
Amp: 15 A
Voltage: 220 – 240 V
Compatibility: None

Type N

Used almost exclusively in Brazil
Pins: 3 pins
Ground: grounded
Amp: 10 A & 20 A
Voltage: 100 – 240 V
Compatibility: Socket compatible with plug type C

Type O

Used exclusively in Thailand
Pins: 3 pins
Ground: grounded
Amp: 16 A
Voltage: 220 – 240 V
Compatibility: Socket compatible with plug type C (unsafe compatibility with E and F)

*All plug and sockets image credit: World Standards EU