Yes, you'll need an adapter.
UK and Irish plugs (Type G) don’t fit the sockets in France, Italy, Spain, Greece and Portugal (Type C, E, F, L). The voltage is similar (230 V at home, 230 V there), so you won’t need a voltage converter for devices rated for your home voltage.
Side by side
| The UK and Ireland | France, Italy, Spain, Greece, Portugal | |
|---|---|---|
| Plug types | Type G | Type CType EType FType L |
| Voltage | 230 V | 230 V |
| Frequency | 50 Hz | 50 Hz |
| Country | Sockets | Voltage | Adapter needed from the UK? |
|---|---|---|---|
| France | Type C, E | 230 V, 50 Hz | Yes |
| Italy | Type C, F, L | 230 V, 50 Hz | Yes |
| Spain | Type C, F | 230 V, 50 Hz | Yes |
| Greece | Type C, F | 230 V, 50 Hz | Yes |
| Portugal | Type C, F | 230 V, 50 Hz | Yes |
Voltage check
The voltage is similar (230 V at home, 230 V there), so you won’t need a voltage converter for devices rated for your home voltage. Most phone, tablet and laptop chargers say 100–240 V on the label; treat that as something to check, not a guarantee. Read plug adapter vs voltage converter for how to read a label.
Socket details for Europe
- A two-pin Type C plug fits the sockets in France, Italy, Spain, Greece, Portugal, according to the plug-fit rules in our voltage checker (Type C fits Type C, E, F and L sockets).
- Italy also uses Type L (three round pins in a line); a Type C adapter fits Type L sockets, but a Type F (Schuko) plug does not.
- France uses Type E sockets, which have an earth pin sticking out of the socket; Type E and F plugs fit them (our data treats E and F as interchangeable for plugs).
- Your plugs from the UK and Ireland are Type G (three rectangular); in our plug-fit rules they fit Type G sockets, which the voltage checker lists for places such as UK, Ireland, HK, Singapore, Malaysia.
What to pack
- A plug adapter for Type C sockets (one per device you’ll charge at the same time)
- Check the label on each charger: look for “100–240V” or “INPUT: 100–240V ~ 50/60Hz”
- A power board or multi-port USB charger from home means you only need one adapter
Other trips and origins
- Do I need a plug adapter for Europe from Australia or NZ?
- Do I need a plug adapter for Bali from the UK?
- Do I need a plug adapter for Thailand from the UK?
- Do I need a plug adapter for the USA from the UK?
Plugs and voltage in France · Plugs and voltage in Italy · Plugs and voltage in Spain · Plugs and voltage in Greece · Plugs and voltage in Portugal · France travel essentials · Italy travel essentials · Spain travel essentials · All plug adapter guides
Questions
Do I need a plug adapter for Europe from the UK?
Yes, you'll need an adapter. UK and Irish plugs (Type G) don’t fit the sockets in France, Italy, Spain, Greece and Portugal (Type C, E, F, L).
What plugs does Europe use?
France, Italy, Spain, Greece and Portugal uses Type C, E, F, L sockets at 230 V, 50 Hz (Aorista voltage checker data).
Do I need a voltage converter for Europe from the UK?
The voltage is similar (230 V at home, 230 V there), so you won’t need a voltage converter for devices rated for your home voltage. Most phone and laptop chargers are labelled 100–240 V, but check yours before you plug it in.
Will my phone charger work in Europe?
If its label says 100–240 V, it can be used at 230 V; you still need a plug adapter for the socket.
Sources and last checked
- Plug types, voltage, frequency and plug-fit rules: Aorista voltage checker dataset (France, Italy, Spain, Greece, Portugal; United Kingdom, Ireland). Checked 18 Oct 2026.