The information here is based on guidance from local electricity authorities, international standards such as the IEC, and insights from fellow travellers worldwide.
Sockets in the United States
The plug types you’ll find in the United States 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.
Recommended Travel Adaptor for the United States
Through detailed reviews and real-world testing, we’ve identified the adaptor that best balances safety, speed, durability and price.
No adaptor with you and already abroad? You’re not out of options — many airports and local shops sell them. Still, bringing your own is the simplest way to avoid paying over the odds or ending up with something that barely works.
The United States is frequently visited alongside Canada and Mexico. It’s a good idea to check the adaptor info for those countries — they don’t all use the same plugs.
Do You Need a Voltage Converter?
Don’t assume your gadgets will work straight away in the United States — the voltage isn’t the same as our 230 V, so a converter may be required.
Make sure to look at the voltage label before travelling. Devices marked ‘100–240 V, 50/60 Hz’ will operate abroad without any converter.
Top Travel Essentials to Take With You
It’s not just your adaptor that matters when you’re abroad. A digital luggage scale keeps check-in drama at bay, a power bank gives you peace of mind on long journeys, and packing cubes make your suitcase far easier to manage. Once you’ve tried them, you’ll wonder how you coped before.
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