Electricity and sockets
An adapter is required: Portugal uses Types C and F, which does not accept plugs from the UK.
Sockets at the destination
Portugal runs on 230 V at 50 Hz, with sockets following Types C and F. No surprises on voltage: Portugal runs at 230 V, the same range as at home in the UK.
Handy for multi-stop trips: Bulgaria, Greece, Slovenia and Lithuania use the same plug types. Nearby but different: Ireland, the United Kingdom and Gibraltar – an adapter for Portugal will not fit there. 31 of the 50 destinations in Europe share the plug types of Portugal.
Protective earth
Portugal has sockets with a protective earth (Type F) and without (Type C). A plug that fits mechanically does not guarantee earthing.
Quick check by home country
| From the UK | adapter for Types C and F | Check route → |
|---|---|---|
| From the US | adapter for Types C and F | Check route → |
Chargers, laptops and hair dryers work in Portugal as they do in the UK. Check your own device →
The same sockets are used further afield: Angola, Sao Tome and Principe, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Egypt and Afghanistan.
Common questions
Yes. UK plugs do not fit the sockets in Portugal.
Portugal uses Types C and F at 230 V and 50 Hz.
No converter needed – Portugal runs at 230 V.
If a socket gets hot, crackles or smells burnt, unplug the device straight away.
Data for Portugal from IEC World Plugs and IEC TR 60083. Sources and method →