HomeAustralia → US
Do I need an adapter from Australia to the US?
You need a Type B adapter for the United States.
Australia: Type I, 230 V, 50 Hz → United States: Type A/B, 120 V, 60 Hz.
Dual voltage (100–240 V input) covers 120 V. Type I plugs do not fit the United States' Type A/B sockets. Pack a Type B adapter.
Dual voltage (100–240 V input) covers 120 V. Type I plugs do not fit the United States' Type A/B sockets. Pack a Type B adapter.
Single-voltage device (230 V) on a 120 V supply. A plug adapter alone will damage it; you need a voltage converter, or a dual-voltage model. You will also need a Type B plug adapter.
Some models are dual voltage and some are not. Check the INPUT line on the charger: 100–240 V works on 120 V with just a plug adapter; a single voltage needs a converter. Type I plugs do not fit the United States' Type A/B sockets. Pack a Type B adapter.
Some models are dual voltage and some are not. Check the INPUT line on the power supply: 100–240 V works on 120 V with just a plug adapter; a single voltage needs a converter. Type I plugs do not fit the United States' Type A/B sockets. Pack a Type B adapter.
Single-voltage device (230 V) on a 120 V supply. A plug adapter alone will damage it; you need a voltage converter, or a dual-voltage model. You will also need a Type B plug adapter. The United States runs at 60 Hz, not 50 Hz. Motors and clocks may run at the wrong speed; heating elements are unaffected.
What to buy for US (on amazon.com.au)
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Why
Plug shape. Australia uses Type I (two flat pins in a V shape and a flat earth pin). Sockets in the US are Type A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins and a round earth pin). They are not compatible, so you need a plug adapter.
Voltage. Australia is 230 V; the US is 120 V. Different voltage families. Dual-voltage devices (INPUT 100–240 V) are fine; single-voltage devices need a converter or will be damaged. Adapter or converter?
Frequency. Australia is 50 Hz; the US is 60 Hz. Chargers and heating elements do not care; motorised appliances and mains clocks may run at the wrong speed.
Australia: Australia's nominal supply is 230 V (AS 60038) although many areas still measure close to 240 V; either way it is in the same band as Europe. Sockets are Type I only. The same Type I plug is used in New Zealand, and fits sockets in China, Argentina and Papua New Guinea.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an adapter from Australia to the US?
Yes. Australian plugs are Type I and sockets in the US are Types A or B, so you need a Type B adapter.
Do I need a voltage converter from Australia to the US?
Only for single-voltage appliances. Australia is 230 V and the US is 120 V, so an Australian hair dryer, straightener or kettle needs a step-up converter (or a dual-voltage model). Phones, laptops and chargers marked INPUT 100–240 V just need the plug adapter.
Will my Australian phone charger work in the US?
Yes. Phone and laptop chargers are dual voltage (100–240 V). You only need a Type B plug adapter.
What about the reverse trip, the US to Australia?
You need a Type I adapter for Australia, plus a voltage converter for your hair dryer or straightener. Full US to Australia guide.