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

In Russia, the plug types used are C and F. The voltage is 220 V with a frequency of 50Hz. On the other hand, in Australia, the plug types used are I. The voltage in Australia is 230 V with a frequency of 50Hz.

Type C

Type F

What are the plugs like in Russia?

In Russia, the predominant plug types are C and F. If you are coming from Australia, then your devices are of type I.

For this reason, you will need an adapter, as the plugs in Russia are not compatible with the devices from Australia and you will not be able to use your devices.

Special considerations: In Russia, the USSR (along with much of Eastern Europe) used GOST-type sockets with 4mm plugs similar to the Type C plugs of Western Europe, and sockets with 4.8mm plugs like the standard used by Type E/F plugs of Western Europe. Now, the old Soviet sockets are only found in old houses and rural areas. The obsolete standard of 127 V/50 Hz AC is only used in some remote villages. Everywhere else, since the 1970s, it has been replaced by the 220 V standard. The industry uses a three-phase supply of 380 V AC.

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

It is important to know that in Russia the electrical voltage is 220 V, with a frequency of 50Hz. In Australia, the electrical voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50Hz.

For this reason, you will not need a voltage converter to use your devices from Australia in Russia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

If you are travelling from Australia to Russia, 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 will need an adapter in Russia to charge your iPhone or Android.

Can I plug in my laptop charger in Russia?

If you are travelling from Australia to Russia, 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 Australia and Russia have incompatible plug types, so an adapter is necessary to charge your laptop in Russia.

Can I use my hair dryer or straightener in Russia?

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

However, since the plugs in Russia and Australia are not compatible, you will need a plug adapter to be able to use the hair straightener and hair dryer.

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

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