Power Plug Guide Will your devices work abroad?

What plug is used in United States?

In United States, the standard power plug is Type A and Type B. The country runs on 120 volts at 60 Hz. That means wall sockets in United States can be one of 2 different shapes — Type A, Type B, and your plug needs to physically match the socket to fit.

Coming from another country? Pick yours to see if you need an adapter.

United States

Type A
Two flat parallel pins
About Type A ↗
Type B
Two flat pins + round ground
About Type B ↗

Home country

Select your home country above to see if you need an adapter.

Electrical specs

United States
120 V
60 Hz

Travel adapters for United States

Most modern phones, laptops, cameras, and tablets are rated for 100–240 V, so you only need a simple plug-shape adapter when the voltage matches what your charger supports. Because United States runs on the lower 120 V range, travelers from 220–240 V regions (Europe, the UK, Australia, most of Asia) usually do not need a voltage converter for low-power electronics. Hair dryers, curling irons, and kettles brought from a 220 V country, however, will run weakly or not at all here. For a Type A/Type B socket, a universal travel adapter or a region-specific adapter is enough for chargers that handle dual voltage.

Frequently asked

What plug does United States use?

United States uses Type A and Type B plugs and runs at 120 volts, 60 Hz.

Do I need a travel adapter for United States?

Yes, if your home country does not use Type A and Type B. Most modern phone and laptop chargers handle 100–240 V, so a simple plug-shape adapter is enough.

What voltage is used in United States?

Mains voltage in United States is 120 V at 60 Hz.

Can I use my phone or laptop charger in United States?

Almost always yes. Modern phone, laptop, tablet and camera chargers are dual-voltage (rated 100–240 V), so they handle United States's 120 V automatically. You only need a plug-shape adapter, not a voltage converter. Check the small print on the charger to confirm.