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 Japan, the plug types used are A and B. The voltage in Japan is 100 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 Japan, then your devices are of type A or B.

For this reason, you will need an adapter, as the plugs in Russia are not compatible with the devices from Japan 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 Everywhere else, since the 1970s, it has been replaced by the 220 V standard.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 Japan, the electrical voltage is 100 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 Russia. 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.

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 Japan 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 Japan 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 Japan 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?

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 Japan and Russia, we recommend buying a voltage adapter to be able to use your hair dryer safely in Russia.

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

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 Russia with a different voltage than your device.

However, remember that dual voltage only affects the voltage and frequency.Since you are travelling to Russia from Japan, you will still need a plug adapter.

What happens if I connect a 100 V device to a 220 V socket without an adapter?

Under no circumstances should you attempt to connect a 100 V device from Japan to a 220 V socket in Russia without a voltage adapter. Doing this poses a great danger and the device could cause a fire. Before travelling to Russia, make sure you have a voltage adapter.