Travel Adapter for Australia
& Australian Plug Type
Australia Plug Type & Outlets
Including: Tasmania
- Voltage
-
230 V
- Frequency
-
50 Hz
Australia uses plug type I with matching outlets. Voltage: 230 V, Frequency: 50 Hz.
Neither of your American plugs (type A or B) will fit any of the Australian outlets.
You will need a US to type I plug adapter.
-
Adapter Required?
(See recommended adapters) - Yes
USA to Australia Plug Adapters
Our Adapter Recommendation
A US to type I plug adapter is all that you will need for a trip to Australia.
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 Australia travel adapters ensure that you'll always be able to connect your American type A/B plugs to the Australian type I outlets.
Need some ideas for your trip? We found a helpful guide for planning a trip to Australia that you might be able to get some useful information from, including local info, tips and ideas of interesting places to visit & things to do.
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
Australia Electrical Supply
Australia uses plug type I with matching outlets.
The electrical supply voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz.
Australia - Traveler Notes
As of 2000, the mains supply voltage specified in AS 60038 is 230 V with a tolerance of +10% -6%. This was done for voltage harmonization - however 240 V is within tolerance and is commonly found. Mains voltage is still popularly referred to as being "two-forty volts". Bathrooms in hotels will often have a type I, C and A socket marked "for shavers only".
Voltage Converters
Please be aware that whilst a power adapter will allow you to physically insert a US plug into a Australian outlet it will not change the voltage or frequency of the local mains supply.
Voltage - The Australian 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 - Australia 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 Australian supply voltage, check our transformers page for further information and available options for transformers and power converters that you can use in Australia. 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.
Australia Plug Type Specifications
Plug Type I
Type I plugs have 3 flat prongs in a triangular configuration, and are rated at 10A. The live and neutral prongs are 1.6mm thick, 6.35mm in width, spaced 13.7mm apart and 17.3mm long. They are set at 60° to each other in an upside down V. The ground prong is also 6.35mm wide but is 20mm long and offset by 10.3mm. The prongs are insulated and there is a 2 prong (ungrounded) version with just the 2 V prongs.
There is also a 15A version where the ground prong is wider at 9.08mm. A further 20A version has all 3 prongs wider at 9.08mm. Lower power plugs will fit higher power outlets but not vice versa.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Travel Adapters for Australia
-
Australia uses type I plugs.
-
Australia uses type I outlets.
-
American travelers will need a USA (type A/B) to type I plug adapter for Australia. Adapters with USB or USB-C ports are useful for directly charging compatible devices. Some US appliances may also require a voltage converter.
-
The mains supply in Australia 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.
-
To charge your phone in Australia you can use your normal phone charger with a type I 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. -
Australian plug adapters have 2 flat prongs arranged in a 'V'. Grounded versions have a 3rd prong forming a triangular configuration. Here's a picture of a Australia plug adapter.
