Travel Adaptor for the Maldives
& Maldivian Plug Types
Maldives Plug Types & Sockets
- Voltage
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230 V
- Frequency
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50 Hz
The Maldives uses plug types C, D, G, J, K and L and socket types D, G, J, K and L. Voltage: 230 V, Frequency: 50 Hz.
Your British (type G) plugs will fit some (but not all) the Maldivian sockets.
There isn't one particular socket type that is the most common so our recommendation is to take a universal adaptor.
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Adaptor Required?
(See recommended adaptors) - Yes
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Voltage Converter
Useful?
(More info) - No
UK to Maldives Plug Adaptors
Best choice
Our Adaptor Recommendation
We recommend a universal plug adaptor for versatility as there are multiple sockets used in the Maldives (types D, G, J, K and L) and no one type is the most common. In addition to our primary recommendation you might want to consider the secondary travel adaptors shown below if you want to be absolutely certain of being able to plug in and access power anywhere.
The majority of universal adaptors are unearthed which are suitable 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. Earthed versions are available if needed but they're not common and can be hard to find.
Our recommendations for the best UK to Maldives travel adaptors ensure that you'll always be able to connect your British type G plugs to the Maldivian type D, G, J, K and L sockets.
Other Travel Adaptors You May Find Useful in the Maldives
These are particularly important to consider if you have critical equipment (eg medical) to plug in and can't verify exactly what sockets will be present at your destination and need to cover all the possibilities.
Choosing the Right Power Adaptor
Having overcome the pesky differences in plug types and socket configurations you now need to decide what sort of adaptor suits your own, specific needs.
If you decide to buy an adaptor, here are some useful features to consider:
- Earthed vs unearthed adaptors
- Multiplug adaptors
- Extensions / power strip adaptors (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 adaptors (any plug to any socket) for the ultimate in versatility
- Combined transformer / adaptors
Maldives Electrical Supply
The Maldives uses plug types C, D, G, J, K and L and socket types D, G, J, K and L.
The electrical supply voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz.
Voltage Converters
Please be aware that whilst a power adaptor will allow you to physically insert a UK plug into a Maldivian socket it will not change the voltage or frequency of the local mains supply.
Voltage - The Maldivian mains supply is 230 V, which is within the normal UK range of 230 V +10%/-6%, so British appliances are compatible.
Frequency - The Maldives operates at 50 Hz, the same as the UK. Frequency compatibility is therefore not a problem for UK appliances.
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 Maldivian supply voltage, check our transformers page for further information and available options for transformers and power converters that you can use in the Maldives. 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 travellers.
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 adaptor.
Maldives 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 socket.
A second version (CEE 7/17) has 2, uninsulated, 4.8mm pins and is rated at either 10A or 16A for high power, unearthed appliances.
Type C sockets are being phased out in most countries around the world and are being replaced with their earthed 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 earthing 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.
Plug Type G
Type G plugs have 3 rectangular pins in a triangular configuration, and are rated at 13A. The live and neutral pins are 4mm x 6.35mm, 17.7mm long and spaced 22.2mm apart. The earth pin is 4mm x 8mm, 22.7mm long and offset by 22.2mm.
The live and neutral pins are insulated and the plugs individually fused. The sockets have safety shutters preventing access to the live and neutral until they are opened by the insertion of the (longer) earth pin. This makes type G plugs one of the safest designs in the world.
Plug Type J
Type J plugs (SEV 1011) have 3 round pins and are rated at 10A. The pins are 4mm in diameter and 19mm long. The live and neutral pins are spaced 19mm apart and the earth pin is offset by 5mm. The live and neutral pins are insulated.
This plug looks similar to the type N plug used in Brazil but the two are incompatible as the earth pin has a larger offset in the type J plug.
Plug Type K
Type K plugs (DS 60884-2-D1) are rated at 16A and they are similar to the European type E plugs but the earth pin is incorporated into the plug, rather than the socket. The live and neutral pins are round, 4.8mm in diameter, 19mm long and are spaced 19mm apart. The earth pin is D shaped in cross section measuring 6.5mm x 4mm, is 14mm long and is offset by 13mm.
The pins are uninsulated but the sockets are recessed to prevent electrocution in the event of a partially pulled out plug.
Plug Type L
Plug type L (CEI 23-16/VII) comes in 2 variants rated at 10A and 16A. Both plugs have 3 round pins arranged in a straight line but they differ in pin diameter and spacing.
The 10A version has 3 round pins of 4mm diameter and 19mm long with the live and neutral pins spaced 19mm apart and the earth pin in the centre. The plugs are unpolarised and the live and neutral pins are insulated to prevent electric shock in the case of a partially pulled out plug.
The 16A version has 3 round pins of 5mm diameter and 19mm long with the live and neutral pins spaced 26mm apart and the earth pin in the centre.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Travel Adaptors for the Maldives
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The Maldives uses type C, D, G, J, K and L plugs.
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The Maldives uses type D, G, J, K and L sockets.
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A universal adaptor is a good choice and provides versatility as there are multiple sockets used in the Maldives (types D, G, J, K and L). Adaptors with USB or USB-C ports are useful for directly charging compatible devices. No voltage converter is required for UK appliances.
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British travellers do not need a voltage converter. The Maldivian mains supply is 230 V, which is within the normal UK range, so British appliances are compatible.
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To charge your phone in the Maldives you can use your normal phone charger with a universal plug adaptor. Modern phone chargers are normally dual voltage, but check the input rating before use.
Alternatively, you can use a universal adaptor with built-in USB or USB-C ports and connect your phone directly with the appropriate charging cable. The adaptor's USB ports convert the local supply to the voltage required by your phone, so no separate voltage converter is needed.