Yes, you'll need an adapter.
UK and Irish plugs (Type G) don’t fit the sockets in the USA (Type A, B). The voltage is lower there (120 V, against 230 V at home). Check the label on anything that heats up: a hair dryer or straightener rated only 220–240 V is not designed for 120 V.
Side by side
| The UK and Ireland | The USA | |
|---|---|---|
| Plug types | Type G | Type AType B |
| Voltage | 230 V | 120 V |
| Frequency | 50 Hz | 60 Hz |
Voltage check
The voltage is lower there (120 V, against 230 V at home). Check the label on anything that heats up: a hair dryer or straightener rated only 220–240 V is not designed for 120 V. 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 the USA
- US sockets are Type A (two flat pins, no earth) or Type B (two flat pins plus a round earth pin). A three-pin Type B plug only fits Type B sockets; a two-pin Type A plug fits both.
- In the voltage-checker dataset, 13 other countries have the same socket types and voltage group as the USA: Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Jamaica and more. An adapter for Type A/B sockets bought for the USA also fits sockets there.
- 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.
- Mains frequency is 60 Hz there and 50 Hz at home. Chargers marked “50/60Hz” work on both; a few older appliances with motors or mains-timed clocks can run slightly fast or slow.
What to pack
- A plug adapter for Type A 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”
- Leave single-voltage hair dryers and straighteners rated only 220–240 V at home, or check for a 110–240 V setting
- A multi-port USB charger rated 100–240 V means you only need one adapter
Other trips and origins
- Do I need a plug adapter for the USA 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 Europe from the UK?
Plugs and voltage in United States · United States travel essentials · All plug adapter guides
Questions
Do I need a plug adapter for the USA from the UK?
Yes, you'll need an adapter. UK and Irish plugs (Type G) don’t fit the sockets in the USA (Type A, B).
What plugs does the USA use?
The USA uses Type A, B sockets at 120 V, 60 Hz (Aorista voltage checker data).
Do I need a voltage converter for the USA from the UK?
The voltage is lower there (120 V, against 230 V at home). Check the label on anything that heats up: a hair dryer or straightener rated only 220–240 V is not designed for 120 V. Most phone and laptop chargers are labelled 100–240 V, but check yours before you plug it in.
Will my phone charger work in the USA?
If its label says 100–240 V, it can be used at 120 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 (United States; United Kingdom, Ireland). Checked 18 Oct 2026.