Travel Adaptor for the Philippines
& Filipino Plug Types
Philippines Plug Types & Sockets
- Voltage
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220 V
- Frequency
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60 Hz
The Philippines uses plug types A, B and C with matching sockets. Voltage: 220 V, Frequency: 60 Hz.
Your British (type G) plugs will not fit any of the Filipino sockets.
Type A/B sockets are the most common so our recommendation is a UK to type A/B plug adaptor for maximum compatibility.
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Adaptor Required?
(See recommended adaptors) - Yes
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Voltage Converter
Useful?
(More info) - No
UK to Philippines Plug Adaptors
Our Adaptor Recommendation
Our primary recommendation is for a type A/B plug adaptor as that will fit the most commonly found sockets in the Philippines. You may however be presented with any one of the sockets shown (types A, B and C). 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.
A simple unearthed adaptor 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 earthed equipment or several mains-powered appliances, choose an earthed adaptor or power strip.
Our recommendations for the best UK to Philippines travel adaptors ensure that you'll always be able to connect your British type G plugs to the Filipino type A, B and C sockets.
Other Travel Adaptors You May Find Useful in the Philippines
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.
Hybrid Sockets
- Universal sockets are common
- May accept type A, B, C, D, E, F, G, I and O plugs
- Fit can be loose making them unsafe
Hybrid sockets are quite common in the Philippines.
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
Philippines Electrical Supply
The Philippines uses plug types A, B and C with matching sockets.
The electrical supply voltage is 220 V and the frequency is 60 Hz.
Philippines - Traveller Notes
Most plugs and sockets are Type A, but some are C. Type B are commonly found in high powered appliances and computers. Sockets and switches are built to USA dimensions and fit USA sized wall boxes. Some areas have 110V as in Baguio.
Voltage Converters
Please be aware that whilst a power adaptor will allow you to physically insert a UK plug into a Filipino socket it will not change the voltage or frequency of the local mains supply.
Voltage - The Filipino mains supply is 220 V, which is within the normal UK range of 230 V +10%/-6%, so British appliances are compatible.
Frequency - The Philippines operates at 60 Hz, compared with 50 Hz in the UK. 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 60 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 Filipino supply voltage, check our transformers page for further information and available options for transformers and power converters that you can use in the Philippines. 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.
Philippines Plug Type Specifications
Plug Type A
NEMA 1-15 class II unearthed, rated at 15A. Commonly found in Central and North America.
The plug has 2 flat blades 1.5mm thick, 15.9 - 18.3 mm long and spaced 12.7mm apart. The neutral blade is 7.9mm wide whilst the live is 6.3mm wide, meaning the plug is polarised and can only be inserted into the socket one way around. Some Japanese plugs have 2 equal width blades, making them unpolarised. Unearthed type A sockets have not been permitted in new buildings across the USA and Canada for many years but they can still be found in older buildings.
Plug Type B
NEMA 5-15 class I earthed, rated at 15A. Commonly found in Central and North America.
The plug has 2 flat blades 1.5mm thick, 15.9 - 18.3 mm long and 6.3mm wide spaced 12.7mm apart. There is also a 4.8mm round or U shaped earth pin which is 3.2mm longer than the 2 blades in order to ensure that the appliance is earthed before the live electrical connection is made. The earth pin is offset from the 2 blades by 11.9mm.
The blades 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 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).
Frequently Asked Questions
About Travel Adaptors for the Philippines
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The Philippines uses type A, B and C plugs. Type A/B are the most commonly used.
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The Philippines uses type A, B and C sockets. Type A/B are the most commonly used.
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There are multiple sockets used in the Philippines. A type A/B adaptor would be a good choice as that will fit the most commonly found sockets. 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 Filipino mains supply is 220 V, which is within the normal UK range, so British appliances are compatible.
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To charge your phone in the Philippines you can use your normal phone charger with a type A/B plug adaptor. Modern phone chargers are normally dual voltage, but check the input rating before use.
Alternatively, you can use a travel 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. -
Some (but not the most common) sockets in Philippines are compatible with type C plugs so you would be advised to check ahead with your destination to verify what type of sockets are fitted.
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Filipino plug adaptors have 2 parallel, flat blades and a round earth pin. Here's a picture of a Philippines plug adaptor.
