Travel essentials by country
Australia's Type I plug fits almost nowhere else, and the two things worth knowing before you buy an adapter are which plug shape you need and whether your chargers handle the local voltage. Nearly all modern laptop and phone chargers are rated 100 to 240 volts and are fine anywhere. Hair dryers, straighteners and shavers frequently are not. This table covers the plug, the voltage, and whether you can drink the tap water.
Travel essentials in 36 destinations
How these comparisons are made
Plug types, voltages and frequencies come from the international electrotechnical standards data for each country, stated per destination with what that means for Australian appliances specifically - what needs an adapter, what needs a converter, and what should stay home. Read the full editorial policy.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need a voltage converter or just a plug adapter?
Check the small print on the charger. If it says 100-240V, you need a plug adapter only, and that covers virtually every phone, laptop and camera charger. If it says 240V alone, a high-wattage appliance on a 110V supply will underperform, and a 110V appliance on 240V will be destroyed.
Will my Australian plug fit in New Zealand?
Yes. New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Argentina and China all use the same Type I plug shape as Australia, and New Zealand and Fiji also share the 230V supply, so no adapter is needed.
Is a universal adapter worth buying?
For one trip to one country, a single cheap adapter is enough. If you travel often, one universal adapter with USB-C power delivery replaces both the adapter and a charger, which is usually the better buy.
What is actually worth booking.
New destination guides and side-by-side comparisons for Australian travellers - which eSIM, which travel card, which insurance is worth paying for, and what to sort before you go. Prices in Australian dollars, a few emails a year.