Plugs and Electricity in Greece: Which Adapter Do You Need?

At a glance

What are types C and F

Type C has two round pins and no earthing. Type F has two round pins and two metal clips on the sides for earthing. A type C plug fits into a type F socket, which is why most phone and laptop chargers work without any other accessory.

The 50 Hz frequency is not a problem for most modern devices. Their chargers say «50/60 Hz» on the label.

What each visitor needs

The label you need to read

Look at the charger or the device label. If it says «Input: 100–240V, 50/60Hz», the device works in Greece with a simple adapter. Phone, tablet and laptop chargers, electric toothbrushes and Kindles are almost always devices like that.

If you are coming from the US or Canada

American plugs do not fit Greek sockets. They have two flat pins, and type B has a third round pin for earthing, while Greek sockets accept only round pins. Without an adapter they will not connect, and even then not every device will work. Sockets in the US and Canada are type A/B with 120 V. In Greece the voltage is 230 V, almost double. You need an adapter for the plug and, depending on the device, possibly a voltage converter.

• Phones, tablets, laptops, watches, Kindles, electric toothbrushes: usually 100–240V. An adapter is enough.
• Hair dryers, straighteners, shavers, heating pads, lamps: check the label. If it says 120V only, they must not go into a 230 V socket with a simple adapter.
• American power strips and extension cords: an American power strip or surge protector is built for 120 V. The adapter makes it fit the socket, it does not make it safe for 230 V. If the label does not say 230 V or 100–240V, leave it at home and buy one here.
• Converter: if you need one, pick one with a power rating higher than the watts of the device, written on its label.

Hair dryers, straighteners and heaters

This is where mistakes happen. Hair dryers, hair straighteners, electric shavers and heating pads use a lot of power and are often built for a single voltage.

• It says 100–240V: it works with an adapter.
• It says 120V only: you need a converter rated above the device's watts. Often it is simpler to buy a device here or leave it at home.
• Converters: every converter has a power limit. Hair dryers and straighteners exceed it easily, so read the watts on both devices.

What to pack

• One adapter for every two devices: if you charge a phone, a watch and a laptop at night, a single adapter is not enough.
• A power strip or adapter with USB ports: it solves the problem when sockets are few.
• A power bank: for days with lots of walking, when you do not get back to your accommodation early.
• A check of each device's label, before you close the suitcase.

A charger forgotten in the socket behind the bed is a common loss. Look around before you leave the room.

If you forgot the adapter

Ask at the reception of your accommodation or search Google Maps for «electronics» near you. From Ioulianou 50 Victoria station is a 3-minute walk, and Omonia, the next stop on Line 1, is 4 minutes. See also the article on SIM and eSIM if you travel with your phone as your main tool.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a voltage converter from the UK?

No. The voltage is 230 V in both countries. You only need an adapter for the plug.

Do I need a converter from the US?

It depends on the device. If the label says 100–240V, an adapter is enough. If it says 120V only, you need a converter or another device.

Will my phone charger work?

Yes, if it says 100–240V. Most phones, tablets and laptops do.

Can I bring my hair dryer?

Only if it says 100–240V. If it says 120V, do not plug it into a 230 V socket with a simple adapter.

Which socket types are used in Greece?

Type C and type F (Schuko). A type C plug fits both.

— Kathy