A European plug will not fit a British socket. The United Kingdom uses the Type G socket, with three rectangular pins, while most of Europe uses the round two-pin Types C, E and F. The good news is that you only need an adapter, not a converter, and choosing one takes a minute.
Which countries use the Type G socket?
The United Kingdom, Ireland, Malta and Cyprus in Europe, and further away Hong Kong, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates, among others. If you are travelling to any of them from Sweden, Germany, France or elsewhere in continental Europe, your plugs will need an adapter.
Adapter or voltage converter?
The UK runs on 230 V, the same as the rest of Europe, so you do not need a voltage converter for European devices. An adapter simply changes the shape of the plug. Phone and laptop chargers are usually marked 100 to 240 V and work everywhere.
What to look for in a UK adapter
- The plugs it accepts. A good EU to UK adapter takes Type C (the flat two-pin plug), Type E (French) and Type F (Schuko), so every European charger fits.
- Its rating. 10 A at 250 V, up to 2,500 W, is enough for laptops, chargers and a travel hairdryer.
- Its size. A compact adapter fits in a jacket pocket and does not block the socket next to it.
- One device at a time. An adapter is made for a single plug. For several devices, plug in a power strip at home or use a charger with several USB-C ports.
Elliot, our EU to UK adapter
We designed Elliot in Stockholm for exactly this journey: a compact EU to UK adapter that takes Type C, E and F plugs, rated for 10 A and up to 2,500 W. It comes in Onyx Black and Ice White, small enough to live in a washbag between trips.
Quick answers
Can I use my European hairdryer in London? Yes, with an adapter. The voltage is the same; check that the hairdryer is not above 2,500 W.
Do I need a different adapter for Ireland? No. Ireland uses the same Type G socket as the UK.
Does an adapter charge faster or slower? Neither. It only passes the power through, so your charger works exactly as at home.