The United States uses flat two-pin Type A and grounded three-pin Type B plugs, running on 120 V at 60 Hz. For almost every overseas visitor - from the UK, Europe, Australia or Asia - that means two things at once: a different plug shape AND a much lower voltage than home. The plug adapter handles the shape; the voltage is where European and Australian travellers need to pay attention, because their 230-240 V appliances meet only half the voltage they expect.
| Coming from | Plug adapter | Voltage |
|---|---|---|
| From the United States | Not needed | Compatible |
| From the UK | Adapter needed | Check converter |
| From continental Europe | Adapter needed | Check converter |
| From Australia / New Zealand | Adapter needed | Check converter |
Plug adapters change the shape only. A "Check converter" flag means the voltage differs from your home country - fine for dual-voltage gear (phones, laptops, cameras marked 100-240 V) but risky for single-voltage appliances like hair dryers and travel kettles.
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Yes - US sockets take flat Type A/B pins, incompatible with European plugs. Your phone and laptop chargers handle the 120 V automatically.
Only if it is dual-voltage. A 230 V-only dryer will barely work on US 120 V even with an adapter.
120 V at 60 Hz, roughly half of Europe's 230 V.