The details you see are backed by local authority advice on electricity, international standards (IEC), and first-hand accounts from seasoned travellers.
Recommended Travel Adaptor for California
Our team researched and tried many adaptors while travelling. We looked closely at quality, safety and price. This adaptor proved the most reliable.
Abroad with no adaptor? You’ll find some for sale at airports and in town. Just bear in mind they’re often overpriced and not the best quality.
California is often visited alongside Mexico and Canada. Check the adaptor info for those too — not every country in North America uses the same system.
Sockets in California
The plug types you’ll find in California are Type A and B plugs and sockets.
Type A
Type A sockets have two flat parallel pins and no grounding. Unlike Type G, they don’t include an earth pin, which makes them less secure.
Type B
Type B sockets have two flat parallel pins plus a round grounding pin. Unlike Type G, the pins are thinner and there’s no built-in fuse.
Do You Need a Voltage Converter?
Some of your kit may need a voltage converter in California, since the local mains doesn’t line up with Britain’s 230 V.
Before charging abroad, glance at the mains label: ‘100–240 V, 50/60 Hz’ confirms it’ll run safely without a converter.
Top Travel Essentials to Take With You
Packing smart is half the battle when you’re travelling. A digital scale helps you avoid overweight fees, a power bank keeps your tech ticking over, and packing cubes stop everything from ending up in a jumble. We’ve tried them all, and they’ve earned their place.
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