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

In New Zealand, the plug types used are I. 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 I

What are the plugs like in New Zealand?

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

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

Do I need a voltage and frequency converter to travel to New Zealand?

It is important to know that in New Zealand 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 New Zealand.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I charge my iPhone or Android mobile device in New Zealand?

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

Can I plug in my laptop charger in New Zealand?

If you are travelling from Philippines to New Zealand, 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 New Zealand have incompatible plug types, so an adapter is necessary to charge your laptop in New Zealand.

Can I use my hair dryer or straightener in New Zealand?

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

However, since the plugs in New Zealand and Philippines 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 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 New Zealand 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 New Zealand 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.