What is a type I plug adapter?

A type I travel adapter will convert your American (type A/B) plugs to a 2 prong (ungrounded) or 3 prong (grounded) configuration that will fit the type I outlets found in Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Argentina. They do not convert the voltage or frequency of the electrical supply.

Can you use a 2 prong Type I plug in a 3 prong grounded outlet?

Yes, 2 prong Type I plugs (ungrounded) can be safely used in 3 prong grounded outlets. Modern Type I outlets have tamper resistant shutters which are designed to stop foreign objects from being inserted into the live or neutral slots. A 2 prong plug however can still be used as the shutters open when the 2 flat prongs of the plug press on them simultaneously.

Are type I adapters with USB available?

Yes, many type I adapters have integral USB, USB-C and sometimes PD ports. There are also dedicated type I USB charging hubs that have muliple ports, support QC 3.0 and 100 W+ PD ports can be found on some of the high end GaN models.

Does a universal adapter have a type I plug?

Yes, universal adapters have a 2 prong (ungrounded) type I plug, sometimes achieved by swivelling the prongs of the type A plug. Grounded universal adapters are available if required and these have a 3 prong type I plug, but they are less common.

Will a type C plug work in a type I outlet?

No, type C uses round prongs whereas type I uses flat prongs arranged in a 'V'.

What does a type I adapter look like?

Here's a picture of a Type I plug adapter .

Type I Plug Adapters

Q: Which countries use type I plugs?

Primarily: Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Argentina. Full list: American Samoa, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, China, Cook Islands, East Timor, El Salvador, Fiji, Guatemala, Kiribati, Nauru, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Saint Vincent and The Grenadines, Samoa, Tonga, Uruguay.

Last reviewed: 4 September 2026

Type I Plug Adapter

Traveling from the US? A type I adapter will allow you to connect your US (type A/B) plugs to a type I outlet.
For Use in: Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Argentina (2 Pin ungrounded and 3 Pin grounded variants).

Compatibility

Compatible with: Type I outlets only.
See our full plug & outlet compatibility table for further information.

Variants

10A 2 prong ungrounded (compatible with 3 prong grounded outlets)
10A 3 prong grounded
15A 3 prong grounded
20A 3 prong grounded

The 15A and 20A plugs have progressively wider prong configurationss (10A - 6.35mm (all prongs), 15A - 9.08mm (ground prong only), 20A - 9.08mm (all prongs)). Lower power plugs will fit higher power outlets but not vice versa. The standard 10A plug adapters used by American travelers will fit all of the outlets.

Other Adapter Types

A, B, C, C/E/F, D, G, H, J, K, L, M, N, O, Universal

Planning a trip to Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea or Argentina? Explore our type I power adapters below. These Australian grounded plug adapters are all compatible with US type A/B plugs and will keep your devices powered and charged while you're abroad. Many include integral USB, USB-C and some have high power PD ports for laptop charging. Multiplug extension strips can also be a convenient way to connect several devices.

Countries Where Type I Plugs are Used

American Samoa, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, China, Cook Islands, East Timor, El Salvador, Fiji, Guatemala, Kiribati, Nauru, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Saint Vincent and The Grenadines, Samoa, Tonga and Uruguay.

Frequently Asked Questions
Type I Travel Adapters

: Primarily: Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Argentina.
Full list: American Samoa, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, China, Cook Islands, East Timor, El Salvador, Fiji, Guatemala, Kiribati, Nauru, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Saint Vincent and The Grenadines, Samoa, Tonga, Uruguay.
: A type I travel adapter will convert your American (type A/B) plugs to a 2 prong (ungrounded) or 3 prong (grounded) configuration that will fit the type I outlets found in Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Argentina. They do not convert the voltage or frequency of the electrical supply.
: Yes, 2 prong Type I plugs (ungrounded) can be safely used in 3 prong grounded outlets. Modern Type I outlets have tamper resistant shutters which are designed to stop foreign objects from being inserted into the live or neutral slots. A 2 prong plug however can still be used as the shutters open when the 2 flat prongs of the plug press on them simultaneously.
: Yes, many type I adapters have integral USB, USB-C and sometimes PD ports. There are also dedicated type I USB charging hubs that have muliple ports, support QC 3.0 and 100 W+ PD ports can be found on some of the high end GaN models.
: Yes, universal adapters have a 2 prong (ungrounded) type I plug, sometimes achieved by swivelling the prongs of the type A plug. Grounded universal adapters are available if required and these have a 3 prong type I plug, but they are less common.
: No, type C uses round prongs whereas type I uses flat prongs arranged in a 'V'.
: Here's a picture of a Type I plug adapter.

General FAQs

Compatibility

Variants

Other Adapter Types

Countries Where Type I Plugs are Used

Frequently Asked QuestionsType I Travel Adapters

Frequently Asked Questions
Type I Travel Adapters