Travel Adapter for Pakistan
& Pakistani Plug Types
Pakistan Plug Types & Outlets
- Voltage
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230 V
- Frequency
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50 Hz
Pakistan uses plug types C and D with matching outlets. Voltage: 230 V, Frequency: 50 Hz.
Neither of your American plugs (type A or B) will fit any of the Pakistani outlets.
Type C outlets are the most common so our recommendation is a US to type C plug adapter for maximum compatibility.
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Adapter Required?
(See recommended adapters) - Yes
USA to Pakistan Plug Adapters
Best choice
Our Adapter Recommendation
Our primary recommendation is for a type C plug adapter as that will fit the most commonly found outlets in Pakistan. You may however be presented with any one of the outlets shown (types C and D). In addition to our primary recommendation you might want to consider the secondary travel adapters shown below if you want to be absolutely certain of being able to plug in and access power anywhere.
A simple ungrounded adapter is compact and enough for phone chargers and most travel electronics. Models with USB or USB-C ports are useful when charging several devices, while PD ports are suitable for compatible laptops. For grounded equipment or several mains-powered appliances, choose a grounded adapter or power strip.
Our recommendations for the best US to Pakistan travel adapters ensure that you'll always be able to connect your American type A/B plugs to the Pakistani type C and D outlets.
Other Travel Adapters You May Find Useful in Pakistan
These are particularly important to consider if you have critical equipment (eg medical) to plug in and can't verify exactly what outlets will be present at your destination and need to cover all the possibilities.
Choosing the Right Power Adapter
Having overcome the pesky differences in plug types and outlet configurations you now need to decide what sort of adapter suits your own, specific needs.
If you decide to buy an adapter, here are some useful features to consider:
- Grounded vs ungrounded adapters
- Multiplug adapters
- Extensions / power strip adapters (great for families)
- Integral USB / USB-C ports for charging devices like phones and tablets
- Dedicated charging hubs with multiple ports
- USB-C port with power delivery (PD) using GaN technology for laptop charging up to 140W
- Universal adapters (any plug to any outlet) for the ultimate in versatility
- Combined transformer / adapters
Pakistan Electrical Supply
Pakistan uses plug types C and D with matching outlets.
The electrical supply voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz.
Pakistan - Traveler Notes
Official standard is 230 V / 50 Hz. Voltage tolerance is 230 V ±5% (218 V to 242 V). Frequency tolerance 50 Hz ±2% (49 Hz to 51 Hz) But Karachi Electric Supply Corporation (KESC) is 240 V / 50 Hz.
Voltage Converters
Please be aware that whilst a power adapter will allow you to physically insert a US plug into a Pakistani outlet it will not change the voltage or frequency of the local mains supply.
Voltage - The Pakistani mains supply is 230 V which is well above the normal US range of 120 V +/- 5%. Single-voltage US appliances designed for 120 V will need a transformer or voltage converter to operate safely. If it is not marked as able to accept the local voltage do not plug it in! It is extremely dangerous to attempt to operate appliances at voltages that are higher than they are rated for and it could result in damage to the appliance, fire and serious injury to the operator
Frequency - Pakistan operates at 50 Hz, compared with 60 Hz in the US. Most modern travel electronics are designed to work at either frequency and will be marked 50/60 Hz. However, some appliances containing motors, clocks and other frequency-sensitive equipment may not operate correctly at 50 Hz. Check the frequency rating on your device before use; if it is marked 50/60 Hz, it is suitable for either frequency. If you are unsure, particularly with specialist or medical equipment, check with the manufacturer.
Most modern travel gadgets, chargers and laptops are dual voltage and will work worldwide; check the appliance or power supply for an input such as 100-240 V, 50/60 Hz.
If you have equipment that is not compatible with the Pakistani supply voltage, check our transformers page for further information and available options for transformers and power converters that you can use in Pakistan. Voltage converters and transformers only change the voltage, not the frequency, of the supply. Changing the frequency requires specialist frequency-conversion equipment, which is not normally practical for travelers.
If you need to take items like hair dryers / straighteners that draw high current then see our hair straighteners page for information on how it can affect your choice of travel adapter.
Pakistan Plug Type Specifications
Plug Type C
Plug type C (CEE 7/16) is the most widely used electrical plug in the world but most common in Europe. It has 2, insulated, 4mm round pins spaced 19mm apart and 19mm long. The spacing of the pins tapers to 17.5mm at the tips assisting in gripping the outlet.
A second version (CEE 7/17) has 2, uninsulated, 4.8mm pins and is rated at either 10A or 16A for high power, ungrounded appliances.
Type C outlets are being phased out in most countries around the world and are being replaced with their grounded equivalents (Types E and F in Europe).
Plug Type D
Type D plugs are based on the UK standard prior to 1947 and are almost exclusively used in India and Nepal. The plugs have 3 round pins in a triangular configuration. The live and neutral pins are 5.1mm diameter, 14.9mm long and spaced 19.1mm apart. The grounding pin is 7.1mm in diameter and 20.6mm long with an offset of 22.2mm from the other 2 pins. They are rated at 6A with the type M plugs (rated at 16A and with bigger pins) being used for higher current appliances.
The pins are uninsulated, making them dangerous as a partially pulled out plug can remain connected but the blades are exposed and could be touched, particularly by the fingers of a small child.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Travel Adapters for Pakistan
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Pakistan uses type C and D plugs. Type C are the most commonly used.
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Pakistan uses type C and D outlets. Type C are the most commonly used.
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There are multiple outlets used in Pakistan. A type C adapter would be a good choice as that will fit the most commonly found outlets. Adapters with USB or USB-C ports are useful for directly charging compatible devices. Some US appliances may also require a voltage converter.
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The mains supply in Pakistan is 230 V which is well above the normal US range of 120 V +/- 5%. Many travel gadgets are dual voltage and will work worldwide; check the appliance or power supply for an input such as 100-240 V, 50/60 Hz. Single voltage US appliances designed for 120 V will need a voltage converter or transformer to operate safely. Do not plug a 120 V-only appliance into a 230 V supply - it is dangerous.
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To charge your phone in Pakistan you can use your normal phone charger with a type C plug adapter. Modern phone chargers are normally dual voltage, but check the input rating before use.
Alternatively, you can use a travel adapter with built-in USB or USB-C ports and connect your phone directly with the appropriate charging cable. The adapter's USB ports convert the local supply to the voltage required by your phone, so no separate voltage converter is needed. -
Yes, type C plugs are fully compatible with the type C outlets used in Pakistan.
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Pakistani plug adapters have 2 round prongs. Here's a picture of a Pakistan plug adapter.
