Information For Travellers: Using Electricals Overseas

Don't assume you are as well-protected abroad as in the UK.

Because electricity safety standards in the UK are higher than many other countries, there are three key questions to consider before travelling.

Which travel adaptor should I use?

Not all travel adaptors are designed to be used in more than one country. Check our advice to make sure yours is suitable before you travel.

Do I need anything in addition to an adaptor?

If you are travelling to Europe, the voltage and frequency are the same as the UK (230 Volts and 50 Hertz) so you will just need to take a travel adaptor.

But if you are travelling outside Europe, it may not be safe to use UK electrical products unless you also bring a voltage convertor or transformer.

See our FAQs section below for more information.

Should I buy electrical products abroad to use in the UK?

It is not recommended to buy electrical products abroad for use in the UK unless the plug has been converted for UK use as using it may cause a fire or electric shock.

Remember, all UK 13A plugs are fitted with a fuse which protects the cable from overheating and cuts off the electrical current if there is a fault.

EU conversion plugs are also fitted with a fuse and so could be used with some non-UK appliances. Our advice explains how to check before using.

Travel adaptor advice

Some adaptors are not suitable for appliances requiring an earth connection and should only be used with double-insulated equipment (the symbol for double-insulation is usually two rectangles)
Before plugging an appliance into an adaptor, check it doesn’t exceed the maximum power rating (shown in AMPS or WATTS on the adaptor).
All travel adaptors sold in the UK must meet the electrical safety standard BS 8546.
Always buy from a reputable retailer rather than a third-party seller online, as the adaptor may not have passed all necessary safety checks.

Which travel adaptor do I need?

Popular destinations

Using UK appliances abroad

Check the type of socket, voltage and frequency of the electricity supply in the country you are visiting.
In most cases a travel adaptor will be needed.
If the frequency is different, your electrical appliance may work but not properly e.g. a 50Hz clock running faster on a 60Hz electricity supply.
If the supply voltage is different, a voltage transformer or converter is needed unless the electrical appliance (or its power supply) is “dual voltage rated”. Look for the appliance rating plate. A dual voltage rated appliance will display (for example) ‘INPUT: 110-240V’ on the body of the appliance or its power supply. This means the appliance can work with any supply between 110V and 240V.
Buy travel adaptors and voltage converters before you go as some products abroad don’t meet UK safety standards.
On cruise ships, the voltage and type of sockets in cabins can vary (even within the same cruise operator) and may not be the same as that used in the country the ship departs from. Check with the cruise operator or your travel agent.

In your accommodation

Never touch electrical equipment with wet hands or use mains-powered electrical appliances in a bathroom.

Don't use light switches or plug sockets if they are cracked, show signs of damage, or any part of the cover is missing.

Check cables are securely attached and are not cut, nicked or damaged in any way. There should be no joints in the cable and no repairs with insulating tape. Look for signs of overheating such as discoloration.

Use the correct travel adaptor for the country you are in. Don't force it into a socket if it doesn’t fit.

Don’t ignore burning smells, sounds of arcing (buzzing and crackling) or fuses blowing.

On campsites, check there is Residual Current Device (RCD) protection (or similar) to cut off the electricity supply if there is a problem.

Travel FAQs

Check out frequently asked questions about travelling abroad.

Should I buy products from abroad?

We recommend you don't bring home electrical products purchased from outside the UK.

However, an EU conversion plug could make some appliances safe for use in the UK:

Check if the type of conversion plug is suitable for use with the EU plug.
Follow manufacturer's instructions when fitting a conversion plug.
Remember, travel adaptors are not a suitable or safe alternative.
If the plug is not suitable for conversion, replace the appliance with a UK product.

Do I need a voltage converter?

If your electrical appliance (or its power supply) is “dual voltage rated”, you won't need a voltage converter or transformer.

But, if not, follow this advice:

In countries where the voltage is 100-127 volts, a voltage transformer or converter allows your appliance to work safely and properly.
Both voltage converters and transformers increase the voltage, but some ‘electronic’ appliances (such as game consoles, TV’s, radios, computers) aren’t suitable for use with converters.
If you are unsure, check with the manufacturer first.

Travel advice