What Plugs Are Used in Portugal: Best Portugal Plug Adapter

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What plug do you need for Portugal? What about an adaptor for Portugal? Find out in this guide.

If you’re traveling to the country soon, you’re probably wondering about Portugal’s electric plugs.

Preparing your gear in advance is a good idea—the last thing you want to do is run all over Lisbon searching for a travel adaptor plug for Portugal when you’ve run out of cell phone battery!

As someone who lived in Spain, I had the chance to travel all across the Iberian Peninsula including Portugal. So, I’m well versed in which plug Portugal uses (Hint: it’s the same as in Spain!).

In this guide to electrical plugs in Portugal, I’ll show you the power plugs and sockets to expect, plug types, and voltage, as well as share where to buy a travel adapter for Portugal if you need one!

Which Power Plugs Does Portugal Use?

As far as plugs in Portugal, which ones do the Portuguese use?

Portugal uses Type C and Type F power plugs.

Both Type C and F plugs consist of two round pins (also referred to as prongs). Nevertheless, there are a few small differences—although each will work in outlets in Portugal.

The Type C plug, or “Europlug,”  is the most commonly used plug internationally. You actually will find the unearthed Type C plugs in almost every European country! There are two Type C plugs with differently shaped heads, the normal one that is used for low energy-consuming appliances and a higher amp, round version for things like hair dryers, heaters, etc. (See the first three plugs in the photo, above, to see the two C plugs.)

Type F plugs (known as “Schuko plugs”) are similar to Type C, except that they are round and have top and bottom indentations with conductive clips in them to earth or ground the appliance.

Now, that you know which plugs to look for you may still be wondering, “Which are the Portugal power outlets?”

When it comes to which outlets Type C and F pins fit into, you’ll find Type F sockets to plug your electronics into throughout Portugal. These round sockets in Portugal are recessed into the wall, so you’ll need a round adaptor head to fit inside.

It’s important to note that you may still find ungrounded, un-recessed Type C sockets in Portugal (although they should be replaced by now). Your appliances that require more “juice” may not charge as quickly or work in these sockets.

Do I Need a Travel Adaptor for Portugal?

Yes, you need to bring a travel adapter if you’re traveling to Portugal from a country that uses a different type of plug. Adapters (also spelled adaptors) will allow you to plug in devices that have a differently shaped plug.

For example, travelers from America, Canada, and the UK all need a Portugal adaptor plug!

See this (non-exhaustive) electrical adapter for Portugal chart for quick reference:

Country	Plug Type	Voltage	Frequency	Portugal Power Adaptor Needed?
United States	A/B	120 V	60 Hz	✅ Yes
UK	G	230 V	50 Hz	✅ Yes
Canada	A/B	120 V	60 Hz	✅ Yes
Australia	I	230 V	50 Hz	✅ Yes
Ireland	G	230 V	50 Hz	✅ Yes
France	C/E	230 V	50 Hz	⛔ No
Netherlands	C/F	230 V	50 Hz	⛔ No
Spain	C/F	230 V	50 Hz	⛔ No

What Kind of Adapter Do I Need for Portugal?

There are a couple of options when it comes to the best plug adaptor for Portugal.

A Universal Travel Adapter is a great choice for charging your personal electronics abroad.

These adaptors are compact and compatible with the plugs and outlets of multiple countries around the world (US, EU, UK, and Australia)!

This one takes input from multiple countries and charges up to 6 devices at a time. Universal adaptors are good for backpackers who want to travel light while traveling to multiple countries that use different plugs.

My favorite travel adaptor plug for Portugal is a simple Type C adaptor like this one. It’s compact and lightweight, and I can plug in multiple devices with the USB or USB C inputs.

I don’t need a universal adapter when I’m only going to Portugal (or other European countries like Spain). On longer trips, I prefer to bring a couple—one for next to my bed and one for elsewhere in the room or apartment.

I also like to bring a few power adapters for Portugal like these that I can leave on my laptop or other items (with prongs) that need to stay plugged in.

I’ve met many travelers over the years who use a power strip to charge multiple devices like laptops. Not only are plugs sometimes hidden away behind furniture, but it’s convenient when you’re traveling long term and have many devices to charge.

Besides, it’s always nice to offer an open socket to other travelers or digital nomads, too!

Please note that plug adaptors do not convert voltage or frequency (more on that, below).

Where to Buy an Adaptor Plug for Portugal

The quickest way to get an adaptor plug for Portugal is Amazon. On Amazon, you can get a good deal on a Portugal adaptor, which is often sold in multiples.

The ability to check the reviews to see if people have used the plug successfully in electrical outlets in Portugal offers additional peace of mind, too!

If you forget to order a plug adaptor before your trip, you can purchase travel adapters at airports, travel or tourist stores, or electronics stores.

Do I need a Voltage Converter for Portugal?

Let’s go over voltage for Portugal to determine whether you need a voltage converter in addition to an adapter.

Portugal voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz.

This is the same in most European countries. So, if your appliances are rated the same, you won’t need to worry about getting a voltage converter for Portugal. A travel plug adaptor for Portugal is all you need! 

If you’re coming from the US or Canada (which uses a different voltage and frequency from Portugal) you’ll need to look at your devices to verify they are dual-voltage.

Fortunately, most electronic devices like laptops, phone and tablet chargers, and camera chargers are dual voltage. Even better, many hair styling tools like hair dryers and flat irons (known to be problematic for some travelers) are dual voltage these days. Do note that while some devices convert voltage automatically, some require you to flip a switch between voltages.

That means you can use them in both your home country (the US or Canada, in this example) and in Portugal—without a voltage converter! A travel adapter plug for Portugal would be all you need.

Editor’s Note: If you plan to travel a lot (or are spending extended time in Portugal), you may want to consider getting European hair tools (and other frequently-used appliances) upon arrival. They are a little more expensive than in the United States, but worth it for frequent travel to Europe.

To see if your device is dual voltage, look for “100-240V 50/60Hz” printed on the device. If you verify those numbers, the device will work with all voltages and frequencies used worldwide.

(Sometimes, the numbers vary a little, but that’s okay as manufacturers account for small variations. Technically, appliances rated between 220V and 240V are safe to plug into Portugal outlets using an adaptor only. 60 Hz electronics will also operate on 50 Hz.)

In the unlikely event your appliances don’t have two numbers side by side, that means they are single voltage and won’t work in Portugal without a voltage converter. Get a voltage converter for Europe. ⤵

Portugal Electrical Plugs FAQ’s

Does Portugal use the same outlets as the US?

No, the electrical outlets in Portugal are not the same as in the United States. The plug sockets in Portugal are Types C & F. The United States uses electrical outlets Types A & B. To use your electronics and other dual-voltage appliances in Portugal, Americans need an adapter for Portugal.

Do you need a European plug for Portugal?

Since the electrical outlets used in Portugal are type F, you will need C Type Europlug or a F Type plug to charge or power your electronics or small appliances in Portugal. This is the same type of plug used in many European countries. (Please be aware that power adapters for Portugal don’t convert voltage or frequency.)

Does Spain and Portugal use the same outlets?

Yes, all the connectors used in Spain are the same as those used in Portugal. If you’re visiting both countries, you can use the same travel adaptor (US to Portugal or UK to Portugal, for example).

Are iPhones dual voltage?

Yes, Apple iPhones and chargers are universal in voltage (100-240 volts) so you can charge your iPhone, iPad, etc. abroad. Just pick up a power adapter, and you’ll be able to charge your phone and other devices in electrical outlets in Portugal.

Can I charge my iPhone in Portugal?

Yes, iPhones were designed for international use so they can withstand a wide range of voltages. However, you will need to get a Portugal plug adaptor in order to charge your phone (as well as other devices).

Can I use my US phone in Portugal?

Yes, most of the newer American cell phones with GSM capabilities will work in Portugal. To use your phone, you can either purchase international data through our carrier or get a SIM card (physical or eSIM). We recommend trying Airalo, the world’s first eSIM store that allows you to set up everything on your phone before you land! Don’t forget to unlock your phone with your carrier, and get a power adaptor plug before traveling.

Can I use my hair dryer in Portugal?

If your hair dryer is dual voltage, you should be able to insert it into Type F plug outlets in Portugal with just a travel plug adaptor. Since adapters don’t convert the voltage or frequency, you’ll need to check that your hair dryer is rated dual voltage. Fortunately, many companies now make travel hair styling tools that are dual-voltage including the Babyliss travel hair dryer, this curling iron that I’ve used for years, and straighteners.

Conclusion: What Plug Do They Use in Portugal?

Now you know what type of plug is used in Portugal, you can enjoy your trip without any worry over whether or not your electronics will work in Portuguese power outlets.

Next steps: Order a travel adaptor for Portugal now!

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