HomeCanada → Europe
Do I need an adapter from Canada to Europe?
You need a Type C or E or F adapter for Europe.
Canada: Type A/B, 120 V, 60 Hz → Europe: Type C/E/F, 230 V, 50 Hz.
Dual voltage (100–240 V input) covers 230 V. Type A/B plugs do not fit Europe's Type C/E/F sockets. Pack a Type C adapter.
Dual voltage (100–240 V input) covers 230 V. Type A/B plugs do not fit Europe's Type C/E/F sockets. Pack a Type C adapter.
Single-voltage device (120 V) on a 230 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 C plug adapter.
Single-voltage device (120 V) on a 230 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 C plug adapter.
Dual voltage (100–240 V input) covers 230 V. Type A/B plugs do not fit Europe's Type C/E/F sockets. Pack a Type C adapter.
Single-voltage device (120 V) on a 230 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 C plug adapter. Europe runs at 50 Hz, not 60 Hz. Motors and clocks may run at the wrong speed; heating elements are unaffected.
What to buy for Europe (on amazon.ca)
Some links on this site are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Why
Plug shape. Canada uses Type A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins and a round earth pin). Europe sockets are Type C (two round 4 mm pins, 19 mm apart) and Type E (two round 4.8 mm pins and a hole for the socket earth pin) and Type F (two round 4.8 mm pins with earth clips on the sides). They are not compatible, so you need a plug adapter.
Voltage. Canada is 120 V; Europe is 230 V. Different voltage families. Dual-voltage devices (INPUT 100–240 V) are fine; single-voltage devices need a converter or will be damaged.
Frequency. Canada is 60 Hz; Europe is 50 Hz. Chargers and heating elements do not care; motorised appliances and mains clocks may run at the wrong speed.
Europe: Continental Europe runs on 230 V, 50 Hz with round-pin sockets: Type C (Europlug) fits everywhere; Type F (Schuko) in Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, Scandinavia and the east; Type E in France, Belgium, Poland and Czechia. Exceptions: the UK, Ireland, Cyprus and Malta use Type G; Switzerland uses Type J; Italy uses Type L; Denmark uses Type K.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an adapter from Canada to Europe?
Yes. Canada plugs are Type A/B and Europe sockets are Type C/E/F, so you need a Type C adapter.
Do I need a voltage converter from Canada to Europe?
Only for single-voltage appliances. Canada is 120 V and Europe is 230 V, so a Canada hair dryer, straightener or kettle needs a converter (or a dual-voltage model). Phones, laptops and chargers marked INPUT 100–240 V just need the plug adapter.
Will my Canada phone charger work in Europe?
Yes. Phone and laptop chargers are dual voltage (100–240 V). You only need a Type C plug adapter.
What about the reverse trip, Europe to Canada?
See the Europe to Canada guide.