If you’re heading to London and packing your phone, laptop, or hair dryer, you might be wondering: Will my devices even turn on? It’s not just about finding the right plug-it’s about voltage, safety, and avoiding fried gadgets. Many travelers assume ‘electricity is electricity,’ but that’s where things go wrong. In the UK, the system is different from most places, and using the wrong adapter can ruin your trip before it starts.
What Does a UK Plug Look Like?
The UK uses a unique three-pin plug, officially called Type G. It’s bulky, rectangular, and has three flat pins arranged in a triangle. The top pin is the ground, and the bottom two are live and neutral. You won’t find this plug type in the US, Canada, Europe, or most of Asia. Even if you’ve traveled to Germany or France before, your EU plug won’t fit into a UK socket. Don’t rely on force-forcing a plug can break the socket or cause a short circuit.
UK sockets also have safety shutters. These are small plastic flaps inside the socket that only open when all three pins are inserted at once. That’s why a two-pin European plug won’t work-it can’t trigger the shutters. Even if you find an adapter that physically fits, it might not make contact unless it’s designed for Type G.
What’s the Voltage in London?
The UK runs on 230 volts at 50 Hz. That’s higher than the 110-120 volts used in North America and parts of Japan. Most modern electronics like phones, laptops, and cameras are dual-voltage-they handle 100-240 volts. Check the label on your charger. If it says “Input: 100-240V,” you’re good. You only need a plug adapter.
But if your device says “Input: 110V” or “120V,” you’re in trouble. Plugging a 110V device into a 230V outlet will overload it. Your hair straightener, electric shaver, or coffee maker might smoke, spark, or catch fire. No adapter can fix that. You need a voltage converter.
Real example: A traveler brought a 110V curling iron from the US to London. They used a simple plug adapter. The device worked for 12 seconds before the heating element burned out. They lost $80, missed their photoshoot, and had to buy a new one in Oxford Street.
Do You Need a Converter or Just an Adapter?
This is the most common mistake travelers make. Let’s break it down:
- Adapter = changes the plug shape to fit the socket. No voltage change.
- Converter = changes the voltage from 230V to 110V. Heavy, bulky, and only needed for non-dual-voltage devices.
Here’s how to tell which you need:
- Look at the label on your device or charger.
- If it says “100-240V,” you only need a plug adapter.
- If it says “110V” or “120V,” you need a converter-or better yet, buy a new device in the UK.
Most electronics bought in the last 10 years are dual-voltage. Your iPhone charger? Dual-voltage. Your MacBook? Dual-voltage. Your Bluetooth speaker? Likely dual-voltage. Your old hair dryer from 2010? Probably not.
Best UK Travel Adapters for 2025
You don’t need to buy the most expensive one. But cheap, no-name adapters can melt or spark. Look for these features:
- CE or UKCA safety mark
- Surge protection
- USB ports (for charging phones without extra cables)
- Compact design (fits in a pocket or small bag)
Top choices trusted by travelers:
- Universal Travel Adapter by Ceptics - 4 USB ports, surge protection, fits UK, EU, US, Australia. Weighs under 4 oz.
- ANPOWER UK Travel Adapter - Slim, no frills, just a solid Type G plug with one USB-C and one USB-A port.
- Epicka Universal Adapter - Works in 150+ countries, includes a built-in voltage converter for 110V devices (useful if you’re bringing an old appliance).
Pro tip: Buy your adapter before you leave. Airport adapters cost 3-5x more and are often low quality.
What Devices Can You Use Without a Converter?
Here’s a quick list of common items that work fine with just a plug adapter in London:
- Smartphones and tablets (iPhone, Samsung, Pixel)
- Laptops and Chromebooks
- Camera chargers
- Wireless earbuds and Bluetooth speakers
- Electric toothbrushes (most are dual-voltage)
- Kindle and e-readers
- Power banks
Devices that need a converter (or should be left at home):
- Traditional hair dryers and straighteners (unless labeled 100-240V)
- Coffee makers and kettles (UK kettles boil faster anyway)
- Old electric shavers
- Some gaming consoles (check the power brick)
Pro tip: Buy a UK kettle in a supermarket for £15. It’ll boil water in 3 minutes. Your 110V kettle will take 10 minutes and still not work right.
Where to Buy Adapters in London
If you forget yours, don’t panic. You can buy adapters easily in London:
- WHSmith - Found in train stations and airports. Reliable brands, decent prices.
- Argos - Wide selection of adapters and converters. Open late.
- Currys - Best for serious electronics. They sell branded adapters with warranties.
- Amazon Locker - Order online and pick up in 2 hours at locations across the city.
Avoid street vendors or random stalls near tourist spots. Their adapters are often fake, untested, and dangerous.
What About USB Charging?
Most modern UK sockets have USB ports built in. Hotels, hostels, and even some public charging stations offer USB-A and USB-C. But don’t rely on them. Always carry your own adapter with USB ports-it’s more reliable and faster.
Also, USB-C is now the standard. If your phone or laptop charges via USB-C, you can use a single cable for everything. No need to carry five different chargers.
Safety First: What Not to Do
Here are three dangerous mistakes travelers make:
- Using a two-pin EU adapter - It won’t fit properly. Even if you wedge it in, it’s unsafe.
- Plugging in a 110V device without a converter - This can cause fires. Don’t risk it.
- Using a multi-socket power strip from home - If it’s not rated for 230V, it can overheat. Buy a UK-approved one if you need extra outlets.
Also, never remove the ground pin from a UK plug. That’s the safety feature. Without it, you’re risking electric shock.
Final Checklist Before You Fly
Before you pack your bag, run through this:
- Check every device’s voltage label (100-240V = safe with adapter only)
- Pack a UK Type G adapter with USB ports
- Leave behind non-dual-voltage appliances (hair dryer, iron, kettle)
- Bring a universal USB-C cable for phones, tablets, and laptops
- Buy a cheap UK kettle in London if you need hot water
That’s it. No stress. No fried gadgets. Just plug in and enjoy your trip.
Can I use my American plug in London without an adapter?
No. US plugs (Type A or B) won’t fit into UK sockets (Type G). Even if you force it, the pins are shaped differently and the socket has safety shutters. You need a proper UK adapter to make contact safely.
Is the voltage in London the same as in the rest of the UK?
Yes. The entire United Kingdom uses 230 volts at 50 Hz. Whether you’re in London, Edinburgh, or Cardiff, the electrical system is the same. Your adapter will work anywhere in the UK.
Do hotels in London provide adapters?
Some higher-end hotels might offer them at the front desk, but it’s not guaranteed. Budget hotels and hostels almost never do. Don’t count on it. Always bring your own.
Can I charge my electric car in London with my home charger?
Electric car chargers are not the same as regular plug adapters. London has public charging stations (like Pod Point, Chargemaster, and Tesla Superchargers). You’ll need a compatible cable for the station, not a simple plug adapter. Most EVs use Type 2 or CCS connectors, which are different from household plugs.
What if my adapter gets hot while in use?
If your adapter gets warm, it’s normal under heavy load. If it gets hot to the touch, smells like burning plastic, or sparks, unplug it immediately. This means it’s overloaded or low quality. Stop using it. Replace it with a certified adapter from a reputable brand like Ceptics or ANPOWER.