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 the United Kingdom, the plug types used are G. The voltage in the United Kingdom is 230 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 the United Kingdom, then your devices are of type G.

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

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 the United Kingdom, 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 the United Kingdom in Philippines.

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

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 the United Kingdom to Philippines, 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 Philippines to charge your iPhone or Android.

Can I plug in my laptop charger in Philippines?

If you are travelling from the United Kingdom to Philippines, 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 the United Kingdom and Philippines have incompatible plug types, so an adapter is necessary to charge your laptop in Philippines.

Can I use my hair dryer or straightener in Philippines?

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

However, since the plugs in Philippines and the United Kingdom 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 Philippines without a voltage adapter. The worst that can happen is that the device will heat up slightly.

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.