Australia uses the Type I power socket — a flat 3-pin plug that's unique to Australia, New Zealand, and a handful of other countries. Almost everywhere else in the world uses a different socket type, which means you'll need a travel adapter for virtually every international trip. This guide tells you exactly what you need for every major destination Australians visit.
Quick Reference: Which Adapter Do I Need?
- Bali, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia: Type C (European 2-pin round) — most common in Southeast Asia
- UK, Ireland, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia: Type G (3-pin rectangular)
- Europe (France, Germany, Spain, Greece, Netherlands): Type C/E/F (2-pin round)
- Italy, Switzerland: Type L (3-pin round, unique configuration)
- USA, Canada, Mexico: Type A/B (2-pin flat, different orientation to Australia)
- Japan: Type A (2-pin flat, runs on 100V — check your device voltage)
- India: Type D/C (3-pin round or 2-pin round)
- South Africa: Type M (large 3-pin round)
Adapter vs Converter: What's the Difference?
A travel adapter only changes the shape of the plug — it does NOT convert voltage. A voltage converter changes the electrical voltage from one standard to another.
Most modern devices — phones, laptops, tablets, cameras — are dual-voltage (100–240V) and work fine worldwide with just an adapter. Check the small print on your device's power brick. If it says "Input: 100–240V", you only need an adapter. If it says "240V only", you need a converter for countries running on 110V (USA, Japan, Canada).
Shop Adapters by Destination
We stock the full Korjo International Adaptor range, with destination-specific adapters for every major region. Browse our complete international travel adapters collection for all brands and options.
Do I Need a Universal Adapter?
Universal adapters cover multiple socket types in one unit — convenient for multi-country trips but often bulkier than destination-specific adapters. If you're visiting just one region, a destination-specific Korjo adapter is more compact. If you're doing a multi-country Europe + UK trip, a universal adapter makes more sense. See our Europe adapter guide for a full breakdown.
USB Ports: A Must-Have Feature
Most modern travel adapters include 1–2 USB-A ports, letting you charge your phone or tablet without needing a separate USB charger. Look for adapters with at least 2.1A output per USB port for fast charging. Some newer models include USB-C ports for laptops and newer devices.
Voltage by Country: Key Facts for Australians
- Australia: 230V, 50Hz
- UK & Europe: 220–240V, 50Hz — compatible with Australian devices
- USA & Canada: 110–120V, 60Hz — check device compatibility
- Japan: 100V, 50/60Hz — lowest voltage in the world, check all devices
- Southeast Asia: Generally 220–240V, 50Hz — compatible
Frequently Asked Questions
What adapter do I need for Bali?
Bali uses Type C sockets (European 2-pin round). A standard European travel adapter works perfectly. Most of Southeast Asia — Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia — also uses Type C, so one adapter covers the whole region.
Can I use my Australian hairdryer in Europe?
Only if your hairdryer is dual-voltage (100–240V). Most travel hairdryers are dual-voltage, but standard household hairdryers are usually 240V only and will be damaged if used in the USA or Japan without a converter.
Do I need an adapter for New Zealand?
No — New Zealand uses the same Type I socket as Australia. Your Australian plugs work directly in NZ without any adapter.