UK to US plug adapter guide
Type A/B sockets, 120V power, and what British travellers should pack. Travelling from the UK to the US, you need a Type A/B plug adapter for the socket shape — the UK runs on 230V/50Hz and the US on 120V/60Hz, but most modern chargers are dual-voltage (100–240V), so a separate voltage converter usually isn't required.Quick answer Plug: The US and Canada use Type A (two flat pins) and Type B (with earth). UK Type G plugs need a travel adapter. Voltage: The UK is 230V; the US is about 120V. Dual-voltage devices (100–240V) usually need only an adapter. Frequency: The UK uses 50Hz; the US uses 60Hz. Rarely an issue for chargers; check motors and clocks.
| UK | US | |
|---|---|---|
| Plug type | Type G | Type A/B |
| Voltage | 230V | 120V |
| Frequency | 50Hz | 60Hz |
| Converter needed? | Usually not for dual-voltage (100–240V) devices | |
We've lived on both sides of this route ourselves — Type A/B adapters are cheap and small enough to keep one in every bag, and it's the one piece of kit we never travel without.
What plug type does the US use?
Wall outlets in the United States are almost always Type A or B — flat parallel blades, not the chunky UK rectangle pins. Hotels and airports follow the same standard nationwide.
Is US voltage different from the UK?
British mains is about 230V; US homes are about 120V. That is safer for plugging a US device into the UK (you risk under-powering or damage) than the reverse.
For UK travellers: if your device says 230V only, it may not run properly on 120V without a step-up converter. Most phone and laptop chargers list 100–240V and work with a simple adapter.
What to buy
Search for UK to US or Type G to Type A/B adapters. Avoid UK-only power strips — use a US strip with a UK plug if you need multiple USB ports.
Universal adapters work but dedicated US adapters fit more securely in loose airport outlets.
Our recommended adapter for this route
The UK to US Travel Plug Adapter is a solid pick for British travellers heading to America. It converts Type G to Type B (US, Canada, Mexico, Thailand and more), includes 4 USB ports with USB-C fast charging, and is compact enough to not add noticeable weight to your hand luggage.
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What if I forget my adapter?
Adapters are widely sold at US airports, electronics shops, and convenience stores near hotels and tourist areas — usually at a small markup over what you'd pay at home. If you're stuck, ask at your hotel front desk; many keep a few spares to lend.
Check your route in seconds
Open the PlugsRus.net checker with your countries pre-selected. Our database lists plug types, voltage, and frequency for 200+ destinations.
Check United Kingdom → United States in the tool.
Open the plug checkerCommon questions
Does Canada use the same plugs as the US?
Yes — Type A/B at roughly 120V. Select Canada separately in our tool if that is where you are going.
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Disclaimer
This article is general travel information, not electrical advice. Always read device labels and consult the manufacturer for medical or high-wattage equipment. Data is aligned with the IEC World Plugs reference.