⚡ GLOBESOCKET Checker › the UK to the USA

Do you need a travel adapter the UK to the USA?

Yes, you'll need a travel adapter

Your the UK plugs don't fit the sockets used in the USA.

Sockets in the USA

Type AType B

Voltage

230 V → 120 V

Voltage drops from 230 V to 120 V. Dual-voltage gear is fine; single-voltage appliances will underperform rather than break.

Flying from the UK to the United States is one of the most common trips there is, and the power side catches people out in a predictable way. The US uses flat Type A/B pins, so your UK Type G plug fits nothing there, and it runs on 120V, roughly half the UK's 230V.

What to pack

Bring a UK-to-US (Type A/B) adapter; a grounded Type B one is the safer pick for laptops.
Your phone and laptop chargers are dual-voltage (look for '100-240V'), so they just need the plug change.
UK hair dryers and straighteners usually won't heat properly on 120V; use the hotel's or buy a cheap dual-voltage one.
One adapter covers the whole US and Canada.

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Frequently asked questions

Do UK plugs work in America?

No, the UK Type G plug fits no US socket. You need a Type A/B adapter.

Is US voltage dangerous for UK devices?

It's the safer direction: 120V is lower than 230V, so single-voltage UK appliances underperform rather than get damaged. Dual-voltage electronics are fine.

Do I need a voltage converter from the UK to the USA?

Only for single-voltage appliances. Dual-voltage electronics need just a plug adapter.

Do you need a travel adapter the UK to the USA?

Yes, you'll need a travel adapter

What to pack

Frequently asked questions

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