Power Plugs and Sockets in Spain - Do You Need an Adapter?

If you are travelling to Spain 🇪🇸 from United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪, then IT DEPENDS.

You are not from United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪? Click here to change country.

In Spain, the plug types used are C, E and F. The voltage is 230 V with a frequency of 50Hz. On the other hand, in United Arab Emirates, the plug types used are C, D and G. The voltage in United Arab Emirates is 220 V with a frequency of 50Hz.

Type C Socket Type C Plug

Type C

Type E Socket Type E Plug

Type E

Type F Socket Type F Plug

Type F

✅ Your devices from United Arab Emirates of type C will be valid and will work without an adapter.

⚠️ Your devices from United Arab Emirates of type D and G will not be valid for any socket and you will need an adapter.

What are the plugs like in Spain?

In Spain, the predominant plug types are C, E and F. If you are coming from United Arab Emirates, then your devices are of type C, D or G.

In this sense, you will have to be more careful. Depending on where you stay, you may find valid plugs for your devices or not. We recommend that you always buy an adapter to avoid any worries.

Special considerations

In Spain, the type F (“Schuko”) is the most common. Type C plugs (“Europlug”) are also widespread, especially for low-power devices. However, the outlets are usually type F, which are compatible with both plug types. Type E is found exclusively in the Canary Islands.

Do I need a voltage and frequency converter to travel to Spain?

It is important to know that in Spain the electrical voltage is 230 V, with a frequency of 50Hz. In United Arab Emirates, the electrical voltage is 220 V and the frequency is 50Hz.

For this reason, you will not need a voltage converter to use your devices from United Arab Emirates in Spain.

Regardless of whether you need a voltage converter or not, you need a plug adapter, because the plug types are different in Spain.

Table of Contents

Frequently Asked Questions

Below we will answer some of the most common questions asked by travelers going to Spain.

Can I charge my iPhone or Android mobile device in Spain?

If you are travelling from United Arab Emirates to Spain, you will need an adapter to charge your iPhone or Android mobile device. While it is true that nowadays these devices are designed to work with wide ranges of voltage and frequency, it should be remembered that both countries have incompatible plug types, so you may need an adapter in Spain to charge your iPhone or Android.

Can I plug in my laptop charger in Spain?

If you are travelling from United Arab Emirates to Spain, you will need an adapter to charge your laptop. Generally, these devices are designed to work with wide ranges of voltage and frequency, but it should be remembered that United Arab Emirates and Spain have incompatible plug types, so an adapter may be necessary to charge your laptop in Spain.

Can I use my hair dryer or straightener in Spain?

Yes, with respect to voltage and frequency, you will be able to use devices such as your hair dryer or hair straightener in Spain without any problems.

However, since the plugs in Spain and United Arab Emirates are not fully compatible, we recommend that you acquire a plug adapter to be able to use the hair straightener and hair dryer with peace of mind.

What happens if I connect a 220 V device to a 230 V socket without an adapter?

Fortunately, most devices can operate with a small voltage difference. Therefore, you will not have any problem connecting a 220 V device to a 230 V socket in Spain without a voltage adapter. The worst that can happen is that the device will heat up slightly.

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