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

In Philippines, the plug types used are A, B and C. The voltage is 220 V with a frequency of 60Hz. On the other hand, in Barbados, the plug types used are A and B. The voltage in Barbados is 115 V with a frequency of 50Hz.

Type A

Type B

Type C

What are the plugs like in Philippines?

In Philippines, the predominant plug types are A, B and C. If you are coming from Barbados, then your devices are of type A or B.

In this sense, you will not have any problems with your electronic devices, as the plugs in Philippines are compatible with the devices from Barbados.

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

It is important to know that in Philippines the electrical voltage is 220 V, with a frequency of 60Hz. In Barbados, the electrical voltage is 115 V and the frequency is 50Hz.

Due to the large voltage difference, you will need to use a voltage converter to use your devices in Philippines. However, it is important to mention that nowadays many electronic devices (such as mobile phones) are dual voltage, in which case a converter would not be necessary. In the Frequently Asked Questions section, we show you how to verify if your devices are dual voltage.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

If you are travelling from Barbados to Philippines, you will be able to charge your iPhone or Android mobile device without any problems. Nowadays, these devices are designed to work with wide ranges of voltage and frequency. Additionally, since both countries use compatible plug types, you will not need an adapter in Philippines to charge your iPhone or Android.

Can I plug in my laptop charger in Philippines?

If you are travelling from Barbados to Philippines, you will be able to charge your laptop without any problems. Nowadays, laptops are designed to work with wide ranges of voltage and frequency. Additionally, since both countries use compatible plug types, you will not need an adapter in Philippines to charge your laptop.

Can I use my hair dryer or straightener in Philippines?

The truth is that you have to be careful with products like hair dryers or hair straighteners, because they are generally not dual voltage. Since the voltage difference is so great between Barbados and Philippines, we recommend buying a voltage adapter to be able to use your hair dryer safely in Philippines.

How do I know if my electrical device is dual voltage?

To know if your electrical device is dual voltage, you must check the label or product specifications. If the label indicates a voltage range, such as 100~240V and a frequency range like 50~60Hz, then your device is dual voltage and can be used without any problems. If your device is not dual voltage, then you will need a voltage converter to be able to use it in sockets in Philippines with a different voltage than your device.

What happens if I connect a 115 V device to a 220 V socket without an adapter?

Under no circumstances should you attempt to connect a 115 V device from Barbados to a 220 V socket in Philippines without a voltage adapter. Doing this poses a great danger and the device could cause a fire. Before travelling to Philippines, make sure you have a voltage adapter.

What happens if I connect a 50Hz device to a 60Hz socket without an adapter?

When connecting a 50Hz device to a 60Hz socket in Philippines without a frequency adapter, the worst that can happen is that the device may run at a faster speed than expected. Most electronic devices nowadays should not be damaged, but it is true that in older devices, the motors could heat up and risk being damaged.