Travel Adapter for the Maldives
& Maldivian Plug Types
Maldives Plug Types & Outlets
- 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 outlet types D, G, J, K and L. Voltage: 230 V, Frequency: 50 Hz.
Neither of your American plugs (type A or B) will fit any of the Maldivian outlets.
There isn't one particular outlet type that is the most common so our recommendation is to take a universal adapter.
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Adapter Required?
(See recommended adapters) - Yes
USA to Maldives Plug Adapters
Best choice
Our Adapter Recommendation
We recommend a universal plug adapter for versatility as there are multiple outlets 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 adapters shown below if you want to be absolutely certain of being able to plug in and access power anywhere.
The majority of universal adapters are ungrounded 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. Grounded versions are available if needed but they're not common and can be hard to find.
Our recommendations for the best US to Maldives travel adapters ensure that you'll always be able to connect your American type A/B plugs to the Maldivian type D, G, J, K and L outlets.
Other Travel Adapters 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 outlets will be present at your destination and need to cover all the possibilities.
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
Maldives Electrical Supply
The Maldives uses plug types C, D, G, J, K and L and outlet 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 adapter will allow you to physically insert a US plug into a Maldivian outlet it will not change the voltage or frequency of the local mains supply.
Voltage - The Maldivian 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 - The Maldives 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 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 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.
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 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 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 grounding 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 ground 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 outlets have safety shutters preventing access to the live and neutral until they are opened by the insertion of the (longer) ground 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 ground 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 ground 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 ground pin is incorporated into the plug, rather than the outlet. The live and neutral pins are round, 4.8mm in diameter, 19mm long and are spaced 19mm apart. The ground 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 outlets 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 ground pin in the center. The plugs are unpolarized 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 ground pin in the center.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Travel Adapters 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 outlets.
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A universal adapter is a good choice and provides versatility as there are multiple outlets used in the Maldives (types D, G, J, K and L). 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 the Maldives 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.
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To charge your phone in the Maldives you can use your normal phone charger with a universal plug adapter. Modern phone chargers are normally dual voltage, but check the input rating before use.
Alternatively, you can use a universal 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.