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

If you are travelling to Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 from Mali 🇲🇱, then IT DEPENDS.

You are not from Mali 🇲🇱? Click here to change country.

In Sri Lanka, the plug types used are D, G and M. The voltage is 230 V with a frequency of 50Hz. On the other hand, in Mali, the plug types used are C and E. The voltage in Mali is 220 V with a frequency of 50Hz.

Type D Socket Type D Plug

Type D

Type G Socket Type G Plug

Type G

Type M Socket Type M Plug

Type M

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

⚠️ Your devices from Mali of type E will not be valid for any socket and you will need an adapter.

What are the plugs like in Sri Lanka?

In Sri Lanka, the predominant plug types are D, G and M. If you are coming from Mali, then your devices are of type C or E.

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 Sri Lanka, there’s an increasing use of type G outlets in new constructions, mainly in Colombo and major hotels.

Do I need a voltage and frequency converter to travel to Sri Lanka?

It is important to know that in Sri Lanka the electrical voltage is 230 V, with a frequency of 50Hz. In Mali, 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 Mali in Sri Lanka.

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

Table of Contents

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I charge my iPhone or Android mobile device in Sri Lanka?

If you are travelling from Mali to Sri Lanka, 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 Sri Lanka to charge your iPhone or Android.

Can I plug in my laptop charger in Sri Lanka?

If you are travelling from Mali to Sri Lanka, 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 Mali and Sri Lanka have incompatible plug types, so an adapter may be necessary to charge your laptop in Sri Lanka.

Can I use my hair dryer or straightener in Sri Lanka?

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

However, since the plugs in Sri Lanka and Mali 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 Sri Lanka without a voltage adapter. The worst that can happen is that the device will heat up slightly.

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