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

If you are travelling to Germany 🇩🇪 from Philippines 🇵🇭, then IT DEPENDS.

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In Germany, the plug types used are C and F. The voltage is 230 V with a frequency of 50Hz. On the other hand, in Philippines, the plug types used are A, B and C. The voltage in Philippines is 220 V with a frequency of 60Hz.

Type C

Type F

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

⚠️ Your devices from Philippines of type A and B will not be valid for any socket and you will need an adapter.

What are the plugs like in Germany?

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

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 Germany, the type F (“Schuko”, short for “Schutzkontakt”) is the standard. Type C plugs (“Euro-plug”) are common, especially for low-power devices, however, type C sockets are very rare, only found in very old installations. The Schuko sockets accept type C, E, and F plugs.

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

It is important to know that in Germany the electrical voltage is 230 V, with a frequency of 50Hz. In Philippines, the electrical voltage is 220 V and the frequency is 60Hz.

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

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

Table of Contents

What are the plugs like in Germany?
Do I need a voltage and frequency converter to travel to Germany?
Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

If you are travelling from Philippines to Germany, 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 Germany to charge your iPhone or Android.

Can I plug in my laptop charger in Germany?

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

Can I use my hair dryer or straightener in Germany?

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

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

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

When connecting a 60Hz device to a 50Hz socket in Germany without a frequency adapter, the worst that can happen is that the device may run at a slower speed than expected. Nowadays, most devices are prepared for these small frequency differences, but in older devices, the difference may be more noticeable.