Travel Adapter for Ethiopia
& Ethiopian Plug Types
Ethiopia Plug Types & Outlets
- Voltage
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220 V
- Frequency
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50 Hz
Ethiopia uses plug types C and F with matching outlets. Voltage: 220 V, Frequency: 50 Hz.
Neither of your American plugs (type A or B) will fit any of the Ethiopian outlets.
You will need a US to type C/F plug adapter.
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Adapter Required?
(See recommended adapters) - Yes
USA to Ethiopia Plug Adapters
Best choice
Our Adapter Recommendation
Types C and F are grounded and ungrounded variants of the same outlet so a type C/F plug adapter is all that you will need for a trip to Ethiopia.
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 Ethiopia travel adapters ensure that you'll always be able to connect your American type A/B plugs to the Ethiopian type C and F outlets.
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
Ethiopia Electrical Supply
Ethiopia uses plug types C and F with matching outlets.
The electrical supply voltage is 220 V and the frequency is 50 Hz.
Voltage Converters
Please be aware that whilst a power adapter will allow you to physically insert a US plug into a Ethiopian outlet it will not change the voltage or frequency of the local mains supply.
Voltage - The Ethiopian mains supply is 220 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 - Ethiopia 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 Ethiopian supply voltage, check our transformers page for further information and available options for transformers and power converters that you can use in Ethiopia. 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.
Ethiopia 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 F
Plug type F (CEE 7/4) is primarily used in Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Eastern Europe and is rated at 16A. Commonly called the Schuko plug it has indentations top and bottom that contain metal contacts performing the grounding function. The plug has 2 4.8mm round pins that are 19mm long and spaced 19mm apart. Due to the symmetry of the plug it is unpolarized.
The outlet is recessed by 15mm to prevent electrocution risk in the event of a partially pulled out plug.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Travel Adapters for Ethiopia
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Ethiopia uses type C and F plugs, which are ungrounded and grounded variants.
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Ethiopia uses type C and F outlets, which are ungrounded and grounded variants.
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American travelers will need a USA (type A/B) to type C/F plug adapter for Ethiopia. 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 Ethiopia is 220 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 220 V supply - it is dangerous.
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To charge your phone in Ethiopia you can use your normal phone charger with a type C/F 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/F outlets used in Ethiopia.
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Modern Ethiopian plug adapters tend to be a hybrid type C/E/F design, which has 2 round prongs, an integral ground socket and a pair of ground clips top and bottom. Here's a picture of a Ethiopia plug adapter.
