# What Plug Adapter Do I Need for Portugal?

> Portugal uses Type C and Type F plugs at 230V/50Hz. Here's exactly which travel adapter you need from the UK, US or elsewhere — and when you need a converter.

- Source: https://www.growinportugal.com/knowledge/what-plug-adapter-do-i-need-for-portugal
- Publisher: GrowIN Portugal (https://www.growinportugal.com)
- Published: 2023-05-10
- Last reviewed: 2026-07-11
- Language: en

Short answer: Portugal uses the standard two-round-pin European plug, so you need a **Type C / Type F adapter**, and the mains runs at **230V, 50Hz**. Here's the detail, including the one thing that trips people up.

## Portugal's Plugs and Voltage

- **Plug types:** Type C and Type F — the round two-pin European sockets. Type F sockets also take Type E plugs, so a standard "Europe" adapter covers you.
- **Voltage:** 230V.
- **Frequency:** 50Hz.

This is the same standard used across most of continental Europe (Spain, France, Germany and so on), so if you're travelling within Europe your plugs will usually already fit.

## Which Adapter You Need

- **From the UK or Ireland:** you need a **UK-to-Europe** adapter (Type G to Type C/F). Your voltage is already 230V, so no converter is required — just the adapter.
- **From the US or Canada:** you need a **US-to-Europe** adapter (Type A/B to Type C/F). But voltage matters here: North America runs on ~120V, while Portugal is 230V. Check each device is dual-voltage before plugging it in (see below).
- **From Australia or New Zealand:** you need a **Type I-to-Europe** adapter. Your voltage is already 230V, so an adapter alone is fine.
- **From elsewhere in Europe:** your existing plugs will almost always fit, no adapter needed.

## Adapter vs Voltage Converter — The Bit People Get Wrong

An **adapter** only changes the shape of the plug. A **voltage converter** actually changes the voltage. The two are not interchangeable, and this is where travellers damage devices.

- **Phone and laptop chargers** are almost always **dual-voltage** — look for "INPUT: 100–240V" printed on the plug or brick. If you see that, a simple adapter is all you need anywhere in Portugal.
- **High-wattage single-voltage items** — hairdryers, straighteners, curling irons, some shavers rated only for ~120V — will **not** work on 230V with just an adapter. Plug a 120V-only hairdryer into a Portuguese socket through a plain adapter and you'll likely destroy it, or worse. Either buy a proper voltage converter rated for the wattage, or simply buy a cheap dual-voltage or local version once you arrive.

Always read the label on the device first. That single check prevents nearly every "it went bang" story.

## A Quick FAQ

**Do I need a special adapter for Portugal specifically?**
No — a standard European (Type C/F) adapter works throughout mainland Portugal, Madeira and the Azores.

**Are three-pin (earthed) devices fine?**
Yes. Type F sockets are earthed, so grounded appliances are properly supported. Buy an adapter that includes the earth contact for anything with a three-pin plug.

**Will my US laptop charger work?**
Almost certainly — check it says 100–240V and use a plug adapter. No converter needed.

**Can I just buy an adapter when I land?**
Yes, they're sold at the airport, in electronics shops and supermarkets. Buying a universal adapter before you fly is usually cheaper and less stressful, though.

**What about USB charging?**
Many Portuguese hotels and newer flats have USB ports, and a compact multi-port USB adapter is often the most useful thing to pack.

For the technical standards, the [IEC's World Plugs reference](https://www.iec.ch/world-plugs) lists Portugal's plug types and voltage. Sorting your electronics is a small task, but it's part of a bigger picture — if you're moving rather than just visiting, start with our [relocation guide](/relocation/) and our overview of [living in Portugal](/living-in-portugal/).

> Turning a trip into a move? Our team handles the real paperwork — NIF, residency and settling in — so you can focus on the fun parts. [Explore our services](/services/nif/) to get started.

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© GrowIN Portugal. Cite as: GrowIN Portugal, "What Plug Adapter Do I Need for Portugal?", https://www.growinportugal.com/knowledge/what-plug-adapter-do-i-need-for-portugal