Travel adapter from São Tomé and Príncipe to Japan — do you need one?

Q: What plug is used in Japan?

Japan uses Type A and Type B plugs at 100 V, 50/60 Hz.

Compare the plug shapes, voltage and frequency in São Tomé and Príncipe and Japan, and find out which adapter you need before you travel.

Adapter required

Yes — coming from São Tomé and Príncipe, you will need a travel adapter for Japan. São Tomé and Príncipe uses Type C/Type F plugs, and Japan uses Type A/Type B, so the pin shapes will not fit any wall socket. Voltages differ (230 V at home vs 100 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.

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.

São Tomé and Príncipe (home)

Type C Two round pins (Europlug) 220–240V Type F Two round pins + side earth contacts 220–240V

Japan (destination)

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

Electrical specifications in Japan

Voltage

São Tomé and Príncipe 230 V

Japan 100 V

Differs

Frequency

São Tomé and Príncipe 50 Hz

Japan 50/60 Hz

Match

More about plugs in Japan

In Japan, the standard power plug is Type A and Type B. The country runs on 100 volts at 50/60 Hz. That means wall sockets in Japan can be one of 2 different shapes — Type A, Type B, and your plug needs to physically match the socket to fit.

Full Japan plug guide