What power adapter do foreigners need in India? Traveling to this beautiful country is more than just the places you are visiting: the nitty-gritties like these are important, too. With so many electrical appliances used on a daily basis, it is important to find out about the plug sockets and electrical outlets in India. Read on to find out what power adapter you might need in India.
What plug sockets are used in India?
In India, you will find three types of plug sockets: Type C, Type D, and Type M.
Type C: This plug has two round pins parallel to each other. This is the standard Europlug.
Type D: Type D plug has three round pins in a triangle. This is the common Indian 3-pin plug and can be found on most electrical devices.
Type M: This is similar to Type D, but the round pins are larger and more spaced out.
What is the standard voltage in India?
The standard voltage in India is 230 volts.
The standard frequency is 50 Hz.
Do you need a power plug adapter in India?
If the shape of the plugs of your electronic gadgets is not the same as the type of plug outlets in India, you will definitely need a plug adapter. However, a power adapter will only adapt the shape of the plug to fit in the Indian power socket. It will not convert it to a different voltage. So if you need to use devices with high or low voltages, you will need voltage converters as well.
Do you need voltage converters and transformers?
The electricity supply throughout the world varies from 100V to 240V. Using an electrical device at a voltage different from the supply can be dangerous.
The standard voltage for a lot of countries, like India, is 230 volts, so you need not carry a voltage converter. However, countries like the USA and Canada typically operate at 120V. In that case, you may need a voltage converter to regulate your electronic devices.
Most voltage converters and transformers come with plug adaptors, so you may not need to buy a separate travel adapter.
If your devices are dual-voltage, you will only need a plug adapter to match Indian sockets. The label for dual-voltage appliances will read “Input: 100-240V, 50/60Hz”. Single-voltage appliances (110-120V) will need a plug adapter as well as a voltage converter to regulate the voltage.
Read more: Travel checklist for India
Electrical adapters for India
Travel power strip
Travel power strips can power many appliances at once and are quite useful. Some power strips convert voltage, feature multiple USB ports, or offer surge protection as well. While they work on lower wattage appliances, converters on power strips do not work on higher wattage appliances.
Power plug adapter
A power plug adapter is lightweight, cheaper, and simple to use. Adapters only modify the shape of the plug, so you will need a voltage converter if your device does not support 230V. It is a good idea to pack more than one type of power adapter.
Plug adapter set
A plug adapter set is more economical than buying individual power plugs. Most sets include different types like A, B, C, D, E/F, G, H, I, J, L, M, and N, so they are suitable for Indian power outlets. This is a good idea if you are traveling to various locations.
Travel USB wall charger
This is a good option when you only have to charge USB devices like cell phones. You can pack just one charger instead of multiple different USB power chargers. However, you will need to get a separate power plug adapter for an Indian power outlet.
Travel power strip
Where can I buy a travel adapter?
You can buy travel adapters in stores or online. Research the exact type of adapter you need before shopping. You will also find power adapters at major airports, although the range of adapters may be limited. Before departing for India, the airport will be your last stop to buy an adapter.
In India, you can find power adapters in local electric shops, drug stores, as well as online. It is possible for hotels to have power adapters, although it may not be the type you require. It is better to buy it from a known location beforehand.
Practical tips for using power adapters in India
- Be well-versed with the socket types in India.
- You will often find loose plug sockets in India.
- Power outages, power surges, and voltage dips are also common in India. Make sure to use surge-protected adapters and avoid charging multiple heavy devices at the same time.
- It is a good idea to label your high-voltage items so that you can use a converter for the necessary appliances.
- Carry 230V-compatible high-powered devices like hair dryers and irons to avoid any hassles, or use the ones provided by hotels.
- A universal adapter with surge protection usually supports Type C, D, and M, so it is a great choice.
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Frequently Asked Questions
In India, power outlets are of Type C, D, and M. The standard voltage is 230V and frequency is 50 Hz. So you need a power adapter that can fit these outlets.
Type D and Type M plugs are found in countries like Nepal, Pakistan, and a few East African countries like Tanzania and Kenya. Type C is found in many parts of the United Kingdom and a few other countries in the world.
Check the label or user manual of the electrical device which shows its voltage and current. The device’s voltage and current needs to match that of the adapter’s.
About Aishwarya Shete
Aishwarya Shete is a content writer at India Someday. Her passions are writing, photography, and more importantly, food. She hopes to travel the world someday and document it through her pictures and words.
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