Travel adapter guide: which plug do you need abroad?
Which travel adapter do you need when travelling from India? Plug types and voltage by country, universal vs single-country adapters, and voltage safety tips.
By TravelGearly Editorial TeamUpdated
Quick answer
India uses plug types C, D and M at 230 V. For most trips abroad you need an adapter: type G for the UK, UAE, Singapore and Malaysia; A/B for the US, Canada and Japan; C/F for most of Europe; I for Australia and New Zealand. A universal adapter with USB ports covers all of them. Adapters don't convert voltage, so check your devices say 100–240 V.
India uses plug types C, D and M at 230 V. Most places you’ll travel to use something different, which is why an adapter is one of the few international trip essentials you can’t improvise.
For a multi-country trip, the international trip checklist works out exactly which plug types you need across your whole route.
Plug types by destination
| Destination | Plug types | Voltage | Indian plug fits? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nepal, Bhutan | C, D, M (G in Bhutan) | 230 V | Usually yes |
| Sri Lanka | D, G, M | 230 V | Often, but G is common |
| UAE, Qatar | G | 230–240 V | No |
| UK, Ireland | G | 230 V | No |
| Singapore, Malaysia | G | 230–240 V | No |
| Thailand | A, B, C, O | 220 V | Two-pin C usually fits |
| Most of Europe | C, F (E in France) | 230 V | Two-pin C often fits |
| Switzerland | J (accepts C) | 230 V | Two-pin C fits |
| Italy | C, F, L | 230 V | Two-pin C fits |
| USA, Canada | A, B | 120 V | No |
| Japan | A, B | 100 V | No |
| Australia, New Zealand | I | 230 V | No |
Universal vs single-country adapters
- Universal adapter: slide-out pins for A, C/F, G and I. Best if you travel to more than one region. Look for built-in USB-A and USB-C ports and a fuse.
- Single-country adapter: smaller and cheaper, fine if you only ever travel to the UAE or UK.
See best travel adapters for what to look for.
Voltage: the part people forget
An adapter changes the shape of the plug, not the electricity. Check the label on each charger:
- “Input: 100–240 V” — works everywhere with just an adapter. Most phone, laptop and camera chargers are like this.
- “230 V” only — will not work properly in the US, Canada or Japan (100–120 V).
Hair dryers, straighteners and kettles are the usual problem. Many hotels provide hair dryers, so leave yours at home.
Tips
- Carry one adapter and a multi-port charger rather than several adapters.
- Adapters with heavy plugs can fall out of loose sockets — support them or use a short extension cord.
- Pack the adapter in your cabin bag so you can charge on arrival.
Related
Turn this into your own checklist
Answer seven quick questions and get a checklist you can tick off, edit and print.
Build my packing listGear that helps
Ceptics Universal Travel Adapter with 65W USB-C
Adapters
- Good for
- International trips, Multi-country trips
Size, specs and price can change — check the listing before you buy.
Check price on Amazon.in (opens in a new tab)
Noise 100W GaN Charger (4 Ports)
Electronics
- Good for
- Business travel, Couples
Size, specs and price can change — check the listing before you buy.
Check price on Amazon.in (opens in a new tab)Some links on this website are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Read our affiliate disclosure.
Frequently asked questions
Which adapter do I need for Dubai from India?
Do Indian plugs work in Europe?
Do I need a voltage converter for the USA or Japan?
We research travel essentials for Indian travellers using official guidance (airlines, BCAS, IATA, tourism boards), manufacturer specifications and our own packing frameworks. We do not publish invented reviews or ratings. Read more about how we research.