Travel adapter from Cuba to Vatican City — do you need one?

Q: What plug is used in Vatican City?

Vatican City uses Type C and Type F and Type L plugs at 230 V, 50 Hz.

Compare the plug shapes, voltage and frequency in Cuba and Vatican City, and find out which adapter you need before you travel.

Adapter required

Yes — coming from Cuba, you will need a travel adapter for Vatican City. Cuba uses Type A/Type B plugs, and Vatican City uses Type C/Type F/Type L, so the pin shapes will not fit any wall socket. Voltages differ (120 V at home vs 230 V abroad), so check the label on each device. Most modern dual-voltage chargers handle the swing without a converter, but heating appliances usually do not. The mains frequency is also different (60 Hz vs 50 Hz). This rarely matters for electronics but can affect motor-driven devices like clocks and shavers.

Voltage converter may be needed. Check your device label — most modern electronics (phones, laptops) support 100–240 V and only need a plug adapter. Hair dryers, kettles, and older appliances may need a step-up or step-down converter.

Frequency differs (60 Hz vs 50 Hz). Rarely an issue for most electronics, but can affect motor-driven devices like clocks and shavers.

Cuba (home)

Type A Two flat parallel pins 100–127V Type B Two flat pins + round ground 100–127V

Vatican City (destination)

Type C Two round pins (Europlug) 220–240V Type F Two round pins + side earth contacts 220–240V Type L Three round pins in a row 220–240V

Electrical specifications in Vatican City

Voltage

Cuba 120 V

Vatican City 230 V

Differs

Frequency

Cuba 60 Hz

Vatican City 50 Hz

Differs

More about plugs in Vatican City

In Vatican City, the standard power plug is Type C and Type F and Type L. The country runs on 230 volts at 50 Hz. That means wall sockets in Vatican City can be one of 3 different shapes — Type C, Type F, Type L, and your plug needs to physically match the socket to fit.

Full Vatican City plug guide