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US to Belgium Power Adapter: What Plug Do I Need? (2025)

Brugge Belgium canal
seen in: national geographic, cnn, travel + leisure, new york times
the guardian, lonely planet, usa today, forbes
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From brewing some of the world’s best craft beers to serving as the headquarters of the United Nations – Belgium has an internationally recognized culture, cuisine, and history. Its convenient location in the heart of western and northern Europe makes it an excellent starting point for a European adventure.

Before you embark on your trip to Belgium, there are a few factors to keep in mind while you’re preparing for the journey. One of the most important is how you’ll use and safely charge your electronics.

Belgium’s power outlets are completely different from those in the United States, so keeping all your devices charged and usable will take some planning. Below you’ll find all the details on how to use the power outlets in Belgium and what adapter you’ll need. We’ll also cover what to pack and common FAQs to enhance your trip!

See our product selection criteria and guidelines here.

Which power outlets do they use in Belgium?

Belgium power outlet
Here is an actual photo of a Belgium power outlet

Belgium’s power outlets are type E. These are typical European sockets that appear pushed deeper into the wall than the standard American outlets. The outlet has space for two round 4.8-mm prongs that are 19mm apart, and it has a small rod coming out of the top of the outlet that fits into your adapter or Type E plug. All American appliances will require an adapter in Belgium because the country’s Type E plugs aren’t compatible with Type A and B outlets in the United States.

Belgium has a standard voltage of 230V and a frequency of 50Hz compared to 120V and a frequency of 60Hz in the United States, so it’s best to check your appliance tags for the maximum voltage it can handle. You’ll also need to make sure you buy a power adapter that can convert both electrical volts and frequencies.

What kind of power adapter do I need for Belgium?

Belgium power adapter
Recommended Belgium power adapter available on Amazon.com ➜

Luckily, you won’t need to buy one specific U.S.-to-Belgium power adapter. Instead, you can use a universal power adapter that can be used for future international travels as well.

This universal travel adapter works in more than 100 countries and has a max voltage of 250, perfect for meeting Belgium’s 230 standard voltage. It has two built-in USB ports, allowing you to charge three devices simultaneously. We love that it’s backed by a lifetime replacement guarantee so it could be the last adapter you ever need to buy!

View on Amazon.com ➜

Other Belgium Packing List Items

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

  • 1. Neck Wallet & Passport Holder

    You can never be too safe when it comes to traveling with important documents like your passport, credit card, and driver’s license. This neck wallet is slim and lightweight and comes with a long string to wear around your neck like a lanyard so it stays in your line of sight, or you can wear it across your body like a purse. The neck wallet also makes it easy to take your documents in and out of one place as you move through airports instead of scrambling to find your ID in your purse or luggage.

    Neck-Wallet

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 2. Lipstick-sized Portable Charger

    As you’re navigating Belgium’s historic streets and finding things to do, you’ll use your phone often for maps, directions, and internet searches. Instead of having to stop and find an outlet to plug in your phone, this lipstick-sized charger fits into your pocket and makes it easy to charge up while you’re out exploring the country. Just remember to recharge the charger itself at the end of each day so that it’s ready for the next!

    Lipstick-sized Portable Charger

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 3. Virtual Private Network (VPN)

    The best way to protect your online privacy while traveling abroad is by getting a Virtual Private Network (VPN) before your trip to Belgium. A VPN will encrypt your website data, including important information like your passwords, credit card numbers, and search history. A VPN is especially helpful when you’re traveling, as you’ll be connecting to several different public Wi-Fis at cafes, hotels, airports, and more.

    It also has the handy ability to minimize regional censorship on websites and apps that are often blocked when you travel abroad. A VPN is one of the best investments you can make in your cybersecurity and online freedom for nearly unlimited access (6,000+ servers in 100+ countries!)

    vpn

    View NordVPN.com Options ➜

  • 4. Extra Phone Charging Cables

    An extra set of phone charging cables will come in clutch for your trip to Belgium. Between changing hotels and traveling through airports, it’s always possible a cord gets lost along the way. Having extra charging cables will prevent you from wasting valuable time on your trip finding a cell phone shop to buy new cords. The phone charging cable set linked here is nearly universal, fitting most cell phone types, from cell phones to tablets.

    Extra Phone Charging Cables

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 5. Jet Lag Relief

    Even the shortest flight from the U.S. to Belgium takes about 7 hours, but you could have a layover or longer journey. The time difference between the U.S. and Belgium is just as big, with Belgium 6 hours ahead of the U.S. East Coast time. All of these factors can make you feel intense jet lag when you reach your destination. Instead of sleeping your first days away in Belgium, you can bring these chewable jet lag relief pills to take as you leave the US and again when you land in Belgium. They are plant-based and will help balance your body under extreme changes.

    jet lag relief

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 6. Travel Insurance for Belgium

    Even if you have health insurance, most domestic plans typically do not cover all international travel, or they come with stipulations. We use Faye to create a customizable plan that covers travel incidents like flight delays, cancellations, stolen or lost luggage, theft, injuries, illness, evacuations, or hospital stays.

    Faye is the best provider we’ve come across in years for a multitude of reasons. Their 24/7 support makes you feel like you’re in good hands, and as the first 100% digital provider, claims and reimbursements are handled efficiently through their mobile app. We were wired the funds when we needed it most instead of being stuck with piles of paperwork. They even have an add-on for trip cancellation ‘for any reason!’ which can come in majorly handy these days.

    Travel Insurance for Belgium

    Get a quote in less than 60 seconds with Faye ➜

  • 7. Windproof Travel Umbrella

    Belgium has four distinct seasons where you can expect everything from summer rain showers to cold and windy winter months. This travel umbrella expands to full size and folds into a pouch that fits into a purse or daypack when you’re not using it. This umbrella is also windproof, so it won’t flip inside out on a windy day either. It’s a great accessory to have in Belgium as the weather can change quickly.

    Windproof Travel Umbrella

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 8. Packing Cubes

    You can fold or roll your clothes into each of these five zip-up packing cubes for an organized suitcase as you travel to Belgium. The packing cube set comes in different sizes from small cubes to medium and large sizes. It also comes with two laundry drawstring bags, so you can keep track of what you’ve already worn and leave out what’s still clean, and you can even opt for the three-pack set if you want to start small!

    packing cubes

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 9. Activated Charcoal

    If you’ve ever been sick on vacation, you know that it is brutal! It’s also more common since you’re trying new foods, drinking a new system’s tap water, and indulging in the local experience. Bring these activated charcoal tablets to stay ahead of any stomach pains and keep yourself from spending 1-2 days in the bathroom when you’re meant to be enjoying vacation!

    Activated Charcoal

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 10. TSA-Approved Luggage Locks

    A pair of TSA-approved luggage locks are ideal for keeping your items safe as you’re traveling through airports and security to Belgium. You can create a 4-digit custom pin combination to open and close the lock. Items like important work documents and expensive electronics will stay safe in your suitcase as you check your luggage and send it through the matrix of conveyor belts.

    luggage locks

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 11. Hanging Toiletry Bag

    European bathrooms are notoriously small and leave a lot to be desired as far as storage goes! We never neglect to pack this hanging toiletry bag because it’s been an absolute game-changer for us. The 4 internal pockets are perfect for your skincare, haircare, dental care, and makeup products, while the 3 external pockets are great for things you need to easily access.

    It hangs virtually anywhere (a door, shower pole, hook, towel rack, even a branch if you’re camping!) and creates a shelf-like system that you can tote around the world. It will keep you organized instead of having a chaotic bathroom with products everywhere (especially when you don’t have a countertop, drawers, or cabinets to work with, which is a real possibility in Europe).

    hanging toiletry bag

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 12. Quick-Dry Travel Towel

    Getting a towel can be hit-or-miss when traveling around the world, so we always pack our own. Not to mention, they aren’t always as clean as we’d like and you can’t lug around a big fluffy hotel towel as you hit the Belgian hot springs! This microfiber towel is top-notch quality, super lightweight, and compactly stows away in its carrying case. My favorite part is that it dries 10x faster than cotton so it’s more absorbent than a regular towel anyway!

    Quick-Dry Travel Towel

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 13. Compression Flight Socks

    Flights over 4 hours are more likely to cause blood clots. And while the risk is very low of this, it is common for people to experience swelling and pain due to the pressurized cabin and lack of movement. Be sure to take a couple of strolls around the cabin as turbulence allows, and wear these compression socks to maintain steady circulation. They made a big difference for me on our flight to France and I regretted not having them on a separate long flight because my legs felt swollen!

    Compression Flight Socks

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 14. Luggage Straps

    Luggage straps are one of the most underrated travel accessories and we absolutely love them!

    This set reinforces your zippers for up to 700-pounds of force tension, which you may need with how rough baggage handlers can be these days. Bags are not made to withstand such treatment and I watched a buddy completely panic when his bag burst open mid-transit.

    They also make the arrivals terminal way less chaotic since you can spot your bags from a mile away. You can use them on checked luggage or carry-ons to cinch things in like a belt, they’ll fit way easier in the overhead compartment and you’ll have more peace of mind for the checked ones.

    Luggage Straps

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 15. Packable “Just in Case” Bag

    We all know that feeling of underpacking and overshopping. No one’s ever regretted packing a back-up bag and this option works perfectly since it counts as your personal item tote (no carry-on fees! Woohoo!) Fill it with tons of Belgian goodies like chocolate, Christmas decorations, lace, antiques, beer glasses, and the divine European clothes shopping that compares to none!) I always aim to bring things home for my loved ones and lots of souvenirs for myself to recall the memories.

    Packable “Just in Case” Bag

    View on Amazon.com ➜

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

Belgium power

You will find reliable electrical infrastructure throughout Belgium. Power outages and blackouts are not the norm. For the last several years, Belgium has also made steady progress in increasing its use of renewable energy sources to power the country. Belgium harnesses electricity from sources like natural gas, wind, and solar energy. It’s also part of the European Union, which has an energy goal in place for all E.U. countries to reach at least 27% of renewable energy by 2030.

Belgium has a standard voltage of 230V and a frequency of 50Hz. The voltage is higher than in the U.S., the frequencies are lower, and the outlets look quite different.

Do I need a voltage converter for Belgium?

Most of your travel electronics won’t require a voltage converter. Over the years, small personal items like phone chargers and laptop chargers have been made to handle different voltages. The only exception to look out for are your larger appliances like a hair dryer, straightener, or curling iron. To be safe, you can always check the product’s voltage tag or bring a voltage converter in case.

You may also be wondering, “What happens if the voltage is mismatched?” You run the risk of short-circuiting and frying the power outlet and your personal items plugged into it.

Other FAQs about Traveling in Belgium

  • 1. When to travel to Belgium?

    When to travel to Belgium?

    From summer music festivals in picturesque towns to busy holiday pop-up markets in Brussels, there are many things to do year-round in Belgium. If you’re looking for the driest, warmest time of year, late spring through early fall is a great time to visit. August will be one of the busiest months as Europe is officially on summer break, so if you plan to visit this month, you’ll need to do a bit more proactive planning from making dinner reservations at popular spots to securing a rental car.

    To see decorative lights and take part in the local holiday festivities, visiting from November through January will have plenty for visitors to see and do. You might even be able to catch some of Belgium’s yearly snowfall this time of year. Regardless of when you visit Belgium, there will be no shortage of idyllic towns, stunning architecture, historic sites, and nature.

  • 2. What is the weather like in Belgium?

    Belgium is located in northern Europe, and it has four distinct, moderate seasons similar to its neighbors like the Netherlands and northern France. You can expect pleasant summers that are perfect for spending the day outdoors without getting too hot. Spring starts cool and humid before drying up in April and May. Winter months are quite cold and one of the rainiest times of the year, and you can expect light snowfall that beautifully covers the rooftops before melting away. In fall, the trees change from green hues to orange and red foliage while it cools down after summer, and you’ll get a mix of gloomy and pleasant days this time of year.

  • 3. What to do in Belgium?

    What to do in Belgium?

    Some of Belgium’s highlights are its local cuisine, charming towns, and historic landmarks in the capital Brussels. In Brussels, you’ll find some of the best shops for trying famous Belgian chocolate, craft beer, and waffles. The capital is a beautiful city decked out with Gothic and Baroque architecture. One of its most famous areas is the Grand-Place Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounded by buildings dating back to the 17th century. It’s also a gathering point among locals on nice days where groups are outside enjoying the weather and sunset.

    Smaller cities in the countryside like Ghent, Bruges, and Spa are popular day trips from the capital, where you’ll find a slower-paced atmosphere, inner-city canals, and cobble-stone streets leading to quaint cafes.

    See all Belgium attractions at GetYourGuide.com ➜

  • 4. What language is spoken in Belgium?

    Belgium doesn’t have its own language. Instead, it has three official languages: Dutch, German, and French. Dutch tends to be the most common, although you can expect to hear any of the three mentioned. Although English is not an official language in Belgium, locals usually have good proficiency in it, and they can communicate to help you with directions, give recommendations, and navigate tourist activities like ordering at a restaurant or organizing a tour.