Travel Adapter for Sri Lanka
& Sri Lankan Plug Types
Sri Lanka Plug Types & Outlets
- Voltage
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230 V
- Frequency
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50 Hz
Sri Lanka uses plug types D, G and M with matching outlets. Voltage: 230 V, Frequency: 50 Hz.
Neither of your American plugs (type A or B) will fit any of the Sri Lankan outlets.
Type G outlets are the most common so our recommendation is a US to type G plug adapter for maximum compatibility.
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Adapter Required?
(See recommended adapters) - Yes
USA to Sri Lanka Plug Adapters
Best choice
Our Adapter Recommendation
Our primary recommendation is for a type G plug adapter as that will fit the most commonly found outlets in Sri Lanka. You may however be presented with any one of the outlets shown (types D, G and M). 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.
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 Sri Lanka travel adapters ensure that you'll always be able to connect your American type A/B plugs to the Sri Lankan type D, G and M outlets.
Other Travel Adapters You May Find Useful in Sri Lanka
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
Sri Lanka Electrical Supply
Sri Lanka uses plug types D, G and M with matching outlets.
The electrical supply voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz.
Sri Lanka - Traveler Notes
Increased use of type G in new houses/establishments. Mainly in Colombo and high end hotels.
Voltage Converters
Please be aware that whilst a power adapter will allow you to physically insert a US plug into a Sri Lankan outlet it will not change the voltage or frequency of the local mains supply.
Voltage - The Sri Lankan 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 - Sri Lanka 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 Sri Lankan supply voltage, check our transformers page for further information and available options for transformers and power converters that you can use in Sri Lanka. 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.
Sri Lanka Plug Type Specifications
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 M
Type M plugs resemble the Indian type D plugs but have larger pins and are rated at 16A. The plug has 3 round pins arranged in a triangle. The live and neutral pins are 7.1mm in diameter, 18.6mm long and spaced 25.4mm apart. The ground pin is 8.7mm in diameter, 28.6mm long and offset by 28.6mm.
The live and neutral pins are insulated to prevent electric shock in the case of a partially pulled out plug.
Type M plugs are also used in India, Nepal, Israel and the United Arab Emirates for high current appliances such as air conditioning units.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Travel Adapters for Sri Lanka
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Sri Lanka uses type D, G and M plugs. Type G are the most commonly used.
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Sri Lanka uses type D, G and M outlets. Type G are the most commonly used.
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There are multiple outlets used in Sri Lanka. A type G adapter would be a good choice as that will fit the most commonly found outlets. 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 Sri Lanka 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 Sri Lanka you can use your normal phone charger with a type G 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. -
Sri Lankan plug adapters have 3 rectangular prongs in a triangular configuration. Here's a picture of a Sri Lanka plug adapter.
