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US to Australia Power Adapter: What Plug Do I Need? (2024)

US to Australia Power Adapter: What Plug Do I Need? (2024)
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Despite the extreme distance involved, Australia remains a popular destination among American travelers for its otherworldly landscapes and easy-going vibe. From Perth to Sydney and everything in between, this enormous island country boasts an eclectic array of exciting attractions to explore.

Although it’s among the most developed nations on Earth, you’ll still need to do some planning to ensure your trip goes off without a hitch. And that includes getting your power supply in check and knowing the basics regarding Australian outlet requirements to avoid damaging your precious electronics!

See our product selection criteria and guidelines here.

Which power outlets do they use in Australia?

australian power outlet
Here is an actual photo of an Australian power outlet in a hotel

Despite being a former British colony, Australia uses a different outlet type to the UK. All power sockets in Australia are Type I, which have two diagonal slits and one vertical slit (as you can see in the image below). Even though many charging cables only have the diagonal slits, these can still be used in Australia as the vertical slit isn’t strictly necessary.

Power outlets in Australia tend to be good as there are strict safety regulations in place. At the very least, they’ll snugly hold your adapter in place and have an on/off switch to control the electrical current. Australia runs on a frequency of 50 Hz and a voltage of 230 Volts.

Therefore, any American electronic devices rated to 50 Hz and between 220 and 240 V will work with the correct US to Australia power adapter.

What kind of power adapter do I need for Australia?

australia power adapter
Recommended Australia power adapter available on Amazon.com ➜

When planning your trip, you’ll ask yourself, “What plug do I need for Australia?” Americans traveling down under will need to invest in an adapter to charge their electronics. Fortunately, there are some great US-to-Australia power adapter options out there.

When shopping for an adapter, ensure you get one that is capable of converting Type A/B to Type I.

We highly recommend this Universal Adapter that will charge all of your personal electronics on your travels throughout Australia. It also works in over 100 additional countries around the world and comes with a lifetime replacement guarantee so you can trust the quality craftsmanship behind it. Not to mention, there is a built-in fuse protector that will protect your device should any power surges occur.

Other Australia Packing List Items

In addition to your US-to-Australia power adapter, these items will help you pack with intention and expand the possibilities of your getaway. Also, check out our Australia packing list for more inspiration and ideas.

  • 1. Neck Wallet / Passport Holder

    You’ll likely be more of a target as a tourist and pickpocketing can happen anywhere. Besides, it’s easy enough to simply lose your valuables, and you certainly don’t want to put that precious passport or credit cards at risk. Strap them safely to your body by using a neck wallet instead. It organizes all cash, travel documents, and financial items as well as having RFID-blocking material to stop e-thieves.

    neck wallet

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 2. Jet Lag Relief

    Have you looked at the time difference between the US and Australia? They’re pretty much on the opposite side of the world, which means you’re going to get some severe jet lag from the 15-hour flight. On the way back, you actually arrive a few hours before you depart due to crossing the International Date Line. With that in mind, grab a few jet lag relief pills to mitigate the effects.

    jet lag relief

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 3. Virtual Private Network (VPN)

    Wi-Fi is abundant in Australia, from coffee shops to hotel lobbies and everywhere in between. Nevertheless, public networks are notoriously susceptible to cyber-attacks and I learned this after having my credit card number stolen at (what I thought was a safe) Airbnb. It pays to invest in a VPN to keep your precious data safe, like your PayPal password, credit card numbers, and social security data.

    It’s also great for minimizing online censorship in countries that block the use of your favorite websites like Netflix, Facebook, YouTube, and more. We use NordVPN at home and on the road, and recommend them to any traveler joining vulnerable public networks. It’s majorly affordable and will make you more anonymous to creepy onlookers who want to spy on your online activity.

    how a vpn works

    View options at NordVPN.com ➜

  • 4. Lipstick-Sized Portable Charger

    Our cell phones are the lifeblood of the modern age, and travel is no exception. Whether you’re snapping a selfie in front of a landmark, navigating your way to Trip Advisor’s top-rated restaurant, or catching an Uber home after a boozy night on the town, the smartphone is the ultimate 21st-century travel accessory. Thankfully, portable chargers are tiny these days, which means there’s really no reason to not have one on you at all times. This one will ensure your battery never runs flat while on the road again!

    Lipstick-Sized Charger

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 5. Quick-Dry Travel Towel

    We never travel without a travel towel. You never know if your hotel or Airbnb will provide them (or if they’ll be clean) and these are light as a feather, which means it’s ideal for hiking to waterfalls or carrying around. You don’t want a big, fluffy one that throws off your balance. So use this travel-sized microfiber option that dries 10x faster than cotton.

    Quick-Dry Travel Towel

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 6. Travel Insurance for Australia

    The costs of medical care in Australia are high and travelers are not covered under their universal medical scheme. Also, your domestic provider will not cover you outside of the country. Therefore, American tourists would be foolish not to take out travel insurance to cover them in the event of an injury, delays, cancelations, or illness.

    We use Faye because they are the best provider we’ve found (and we’ve worked with a bunch!) Faye is the first all-digital provider to handle claims and reimbursements through their app. They add a human touch that is usually missing from insurance and really supported us when we needed to reach my doctor back in the States. It’s affordable and worth the small cost for peace of mind. Plus, they have plans that allow you to cancel your trip “for any reason!”

    Travel Insurance for Australia

    Get a quote in less than 60 seconds with Faye ➜

  • 7. Waterproof Phone Pouch

    Australian beaches are one of the greatest perks of visiting here! With all of the epic water activities, you’ll need a trusty phone case to protect your lifeline from the elements. My wife’s phone lenses even got scratched by sand once, ruining its camera ability. So we always put our phones in these waterproof pouches that protect it from sand and water. It even allows you to film gorgeous underwater videos for your social media!

    Waterproof Phone Pouch

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 8. Activated Charcoal

    Traveler’s diarrhea can plague even the most experienced wanderluster – especially since food poisoning or water-borne illness can happen from anything from a gourmet meal to dirty ice in a soda. Activated charcoal will detoxify any harmful pathogens from your system and help spare you from a painful tummy ache! You’ll be back on your feet in no time.

    Activated Charcoal

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 9. Hanging Toiletry Bag

    This streamlined hanging toiletry bag will be your consistent travel companion. Once you try it, you won’t want to throw your liquid items in little plastic bags or risk suitcase explosions like shampoo all over your favorite dress. This bag folds up to pack away neatly and then hangs virtually anywhere to create vertical storage. Even if you don’t have tons of countertop space or places to put things, this bag ensures everything remains organized and easy to find.

    This bag by Eco Sun is top-notch and drives positive impact since a percentage of all sales go back to supporting women’s education. You’ll have plenty of room for all makeup, skincare, haircare, and other hygienic items with the 4 internal pockets and 3 external compartments. We’re SO happy with it!

    hanging toiletry bag

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 10. Windproof Travel Umbrella

    It rains about 130 days a year in Australia, more than a third of the time, so bring a travel-sized umbrella with you. It will ensure the adventures don’t have to end just because of some grey clouds! This umbrella is our favorite because it’s windproof, well-crafted, and only weighs one pound. It also covers two people, so you don’t need two separate ones.

    Windproof Travel Umbrella

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 11. Luggage Straps

    Australia is one of the longest journeys you can make from the US, and I wouldn’t make the trip without attaching these luggage straps to all of my bags. Not only do they work for checked bags (ensuring the zippers don’t break due to rough handling), but you can also compress your carry-on bag so it fits in the overhead compartment without struggle (even after you’ve done some vacation shopping!)

    These are lightweight yet just feel like quality with a heavy-duty belt and built-in ID tag in case anything gets misplaced. My family loves recognizing our bags from across the room since the bright-colored straps look different than everyone else’s. We never pick up the wrong case or have ours taken by accident, even if everyone and their mother use the same generic black bag.

    luggage straps

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 12. Packable “Just in Case” Bag

    It’s common to under pack. Heading to Australia with a full suitcase would be a mistake since you’ll likely to a little shopping and bring back some souvenirs from your journey. This “just in case” bag is perfect because it counts as your personal item bag on the flight home, which means (woo-hoo) no carry-on fees! I love the lightweight duffel material, and it’s better than breaking your suitcase trying to fit in new additions.

    Packable “Just in Case” Bag

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 13. TSA-Approved Luggage Locks

    Another thing we don’t fly without – luggage locks. After sadly having something stolen out of our checked luggage, we don’t take any chances. These are TSA-approved, so security won’t have to take giant scissors to these if you’re selected for a random search. These are ideal for suitcases, backpacks in crowded places, lockers, or securing anything that will be out of your sight for long periods of time.

    TSA-Approved Luggage Locks

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 14. Cooling Towels

    As an Australian native, I can attest that Australia is HOT! One of the most valuable items on your packing list will be this cooling towel. If you’ve never heard of these, they’re magical little cloths that drop to 30-degrees colder than the outside temp. Just add a little water and this baby will help you beat the heat on beach days, hikes, or any activity where you’ll be in the sun. It’s chemical-free and will make the afternoons way more comfortable and tolerable.

    Cooling Towels

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 15. Mosquito-Repellent Bracelets

    Don’t freak out, but there are more than 250 species of mosquitoes in Australia… and they can be RAVENOUS! Particularly at sunset and sunrise, you want to protect yourself against these pesky vampires. Mosquito-borne illnesses have been reported in the area (and it’s better to be safe than harbor dengue fever!) These wearable wristbands are great because they’re natural, waterproof, safe for kids, and you don’t have to worry about respraying toxic fumes all day.

    Mosquito-Repellent Bracelets

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 16. Packing Cubes

    If you’ve never traveled with packing cubes, then you’re in for a treat! These simple yet ingenious cubes allow you to store various clothing types together to organize your luggage with ease. Just put your shirts in one and trousers in another (and so on) to keep all your belongings nice and tidy. They’re luxury organizers without the luxury price tag, and even come with bonus laundry bags! If you’re scared of commitment, go for the smaller 3-pack set.

    packing cubes

    View on Amazon.com ➜

What’s the electricity and power supply like in Australia?

Australian power plant
Australian power plant

As one of the wealthiest countries in the world per capita, it should come as no surprise to hear that Australia has a reliable power grid in place. Strict legal regulations mandate that only quality power outlets can be used, while high-tech infrastructure ensures the power supply is constant and that surges are rare.

Blackouts can occur during extreme weather events such as storms and heatwaves when demand outstrips supply. Generally speaking; however, it’s unlikely you’ll ever be without electricity on your trip to Australia, even if you choose to visit remote rural towns.

Do I need a voltage converter for Australia?

Although America actually uses 120 V and 60 Hz, it’s worth noting that almost all personal electronic devices are dual voltage/frequency these days, meaning they’re capable of being used both here and in Australia. Among these are our everyday favorites such as laptops, cell phones, cameras, and electric razors, etc.

One common exception is the high powered hair dryer, typically rated at a fixed 110V, which tends to use a lot of juice. If in doubt, read the manufacture’s fine print. It should say: “INPUT: 100-240V / 50-60 Hz.” If not, you might not be able to use that device in Australia.

Other FAQs about traveling in Australia

  • 1. When should I travel to Australia?

    When to Go To AustraliaThe best time of year boils down to where you want to go. Even though it can get stinking hot, summer (Dec-Feb) is a popular time to visit as the country comes alive with a string of fun events and a more festive vibe. The lead up to Christmas is particularly exciting as the country gears up to take a few weeks off work. You can expect extreme humidity in the north and high temperatures all throughout, however.

    Winter (June-Aug) is a nice time to visit as most of Australia doesn’t get too cold. You won’t need much warm weather gear outside of a select few cities in the south such as Canberra and Melbourne. Spring (Sep-Nov) and Autumn (Mar-May) offer excellent value for money with lower airfares, cheaper lodging, and fewer crowds. It tends to be balmy in most destinations during these months as well. Be sure to check current Australia travel advisories before you go.

  • 2. What is the weather like in Australia?

    Everything you’ve heard is true, as Australia generally has a hot and perpetually sunny climate. There are a few exceptions, though. Melbourne is known for its “four seasons in one day” climate, several southern cities get pretty chilly in winter, and there are even a few snowfields in New South Wales and Victoria. Generally, however, you can expect plenty of warmth and sunshine on your trip down under.

  • 3. What’s there to do in Sydney?

    Sydney Opera HouseAs Australia’s biggest metropolis and the home of the “best ever” Olympic Games, Sydney is among the most vibrant cities in the world. And there’s no shortage of star-studded attractions to keep an intrepid traveler entertained. Most of the action focuses on Circular Quay, A.K.A the epicenter of Australian tourism. From there, you can walk across or climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge, catch a live concert at the oddly shaped Opera House, or jump on a ferry to Manly Beach to enjoy a scenic harbor cruise on the cheap.

    Bondi is a must for beach bums, the Rocks is the go-to neighborhood for a colonial history fix, and Darling Harbour is an ideal upscale dining and drinking district with glitzy views. Be sure to give its world-class museums a look, especially the National Maritime Museum, the Powerhouse Museum, and the Australian National Museum.

    You can check out all Australian tours and activities on Get Your Guide, our favorite booking service for discounted excursions.

    See all Australian attractions at GetYourGuide.com ➜

  • 4. What’s there to do in Australia?

    Australia is ripe for exploration, no matter what you’re into. Outdoor enthusiasts will be spoiled for choice as pristine national parks can be found at every turn. Depending on your itinerary and time constraints, Uluru, the Yarra Valley, the Blue Mountains, Fraser Island, Kakadu, and the Great Ocean Road are well worth a look. If you’re more into marine environments, then a SCUBA or snorkeling trip to the Great Barrier Reef is a must.

    City slickers will relish in the urban vibe of its bustling metropolises, particularly around Sydney’s internationally renowned harbor and the vibrant pulse of Melbourne’s hipster-friendly CBD.

  • 5. What’s the best way to get around in Australia?

    travel australiaThe ideal mode of transportation really depends on where you want to go, and the kind of traveler you are. Long term backpackers tend to rent a van, often sharing the cost between a group of like-minded folk. Australian roads are in tip-top shape, which makes driving between major cities a breeze. Buses are a viable option, depending on the distance in question. Greyhound Australia is the biggest operator and services most major routes.

    Australia’s a pretty big country (only marginally smaller than the US), so you’ll need to fly between certain destinations. Local carriers Qantas and Virgin Australia are the full-service airlines, while Jetstar and Tiger run on a low-cost model. On the whole, airfares are more expensive than in the United States. Book ahead for the best rates.