UK → USA
What plug do I need for the USA from the UK?
United Kingdom → United States
Yes — you need a UK-to-USA travel adapter.
The USA uses Type A and Type B sockets. Your UK Type G plug will not fit them directly.
Plug fit
Adapter required
UK Type G plugs do not fit Type A or Type B sockets directly.
Voltage
Check your appliance
The USA uses 120V, while the UK uses 230V. Check the voltage on your appliance before you plug it in. A single-voltage UK appliance may need a suitable voltage converter.
UK plug → USA sockets
- Sockets
- Type A / Type B
- Voltage
- 120V
- Frequency
- 60Hz
Will my UK devices work in the USA?
- Many phone, tablet and laptop chargers are marked 100–240V, 50/60Hz. If yours is, it should normally work with the US electricity supply. You will still need a plug adapter.
- Hairdryers, straighteners and other appliances marked for one voltage only need extra care. Check the voltage on the label before you use them.
- The USA uses 60Hz, while the UK uses 50Hz. Some appliances with motors, timers or clocks can be affected.
Using UK plugs in the USA
A travel adapter changes the plug shape so it fits a US socket. It does not change the voltage.
For phones, tablets and laptops, check the charger label. If it says 100–240V, 50/60Hz, it should normally work with a suitable plug adapter. Check single-voltage appliances separately before you use them.
Common questions
Do I need a plug adapter for the USA from the UK?
Yes. The USA uses Type A and Type B sockets, so your UK Type G plug will not fit directly. Take a UK-to-USA travel adapter.
Do I need a voltage converter in the USA?
Possibly. The USA uses 120V, while the UK uses 230V. If your device is marked 100–240V, you should not normally need a voltage converter. If it is marked only for 220–240V, check the manufacturer’s guidance before using it. A plug adapter does not change the voltage.
Can I charge my phone or laptop in the USA?
Usually, yes. Check the charger label. If it says 100–240V, 50/60Hz, it should normally work in the USA with the correct plug adapter.
Can I use a UK hairdryer or straighteners in the USA?
Check the voltage label first. Many UK hairdryers and straighteners are designed only for 220–240V, while the USA uses 120V. If your appliance does not include 120V in its rating, do not assume it will work just because you have a plug adapter.