US to Australia plug adapter guide

Type I angled pins, 230V power, and converter advice for American travellers. Updated May 2026
Quick answer Plug: Australia and New Zealand use Type I — two angled flat pins plus an optional earth pin. US plugs need a dedicated adapter. Voltage: Australia is 230V; the US is 120V. Dual-voltage chargers usually need only an adapter. Frequency: Both regions use 50Hz in Australia vs 60Hz in the US — check motor-driven devices.

Type I is unique

Type I looks like a V-shaped pair of flat blades. It is not compatible with US flat parallel pins or UK rectangular pins. Buy US to Australia or Type I adapters before you fly — airport prices are high.

Voltage and safety

The voltage jump from 120V to 230V is the same class as US → UK or US → Europe. Never plug a 120V-only hair dryer into an adapter alone.

Hotels sometimes provide 230V hair dryers with Australian plugs.

New Zealand and Pacific stops

New Zealand also uses Type I at 230V. Fiji and some Pacific islands differ — check each leg in our tool.

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 States → Australia in the tool.

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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.