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

malaysia power adapter
seen in: national geographic, cnn, travel + leisure, new york times
the guardian, lonely planet, usa today, forbes
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Malaysia is a wonderful blend of the old and new. Where else can you experience the bright lights of a modern, vibrant city on the same day as you search for orangutans and elephants in the jungle? Malaysia is home to palm-fringed beaches, tropical jungles, and smiling locals who welcome visitors with their famous hospitality.

In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about the electrical system in Malaysia, with tips on what power adapter you’ll need to bring to protect your favorite electronics, as well as other essential travel items and tips!

See our product selection criteria and guidelines here.

Which power outlets do they use in Malaysia?

UK power outlet
Here is an actual photo of a Malaysia power outlet

Just about every traveler today uses their electronic devices to keep in touch with family, translate foreign languages, take pictures, and book lodging while on vacation. Malaysia uses a different type of power outlet than many other Southeast Asian countries, and travelers coming from the US will need to bring the right power adapter in order to be able to charge their American devices while in Malaysia.

In Malaysia, you will find type G power outlets, which are the same type used in the UK, Ireland, Malta, Cyprus, Kenya, Uganda, Singapore, Hong Kong, and much of the Arabian Peninsula. Type G power outlets have three rectangular holes in a triangular configuration, with two smaller holes at the bottom and a larger one at the top. The standard voltage in the country is 240 volts and the frequency is 50 Hz.

What kind of power adapter do I need for Malaysia?

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

If you are planning on visiting Malaysia from the USA, you may be wondering what type of power adapter you will need to bring. Since US devices aren’t able to be charged directly from a Malaysian outlet, American travelers will need to bring a power adapter to Malaysia.

I always recommend a Universal Power Adapter for travelers to Malaysia. This adapter works in 100+ countries, has a built-in fuse protector to safeguard your devices in a power surge, AND is backed by a lifetime replacement guarantee so you can trust the quality. It will have no problem charging your cell phone, tablet, laptop, or other devices anywhere in Malaysia.

View on Amazon.com ➜

Other Malaysia Packing List Items:

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

  • 1. Neck Wallet & Passport Holder

    I keep this Neck Wallet in my suitcase so that I’m ready to fly to another country at a moment’s notice. This handy wallet slips underneath your clothes so you can keep your cash, passport, credit cards, keys, and other valuables safe from any potential pickpockets. It also has a protective RFID lining to keep you safe from e-theft.

    Neck-Wallet

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 2. Lipstick-Sized Portable Charger

    I keep one or two of these portable chargers on me at all times. This tiny charger is barely the size of a tube of lipstick, but it holds enough power to completely recharge most phones. Best of all, it’s super affordable. I bought three of them and never worry about my phone running out of battery in an emergency, even on long trips.

    Lipstick-Sized Portable Charger

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 3. Virtual Private Network (VPN)

    Until just recently, I never realized how helpful a VPN service could be for international travelers. This VPN service alters the location on your device, so you can log into your online accounts from a variety of countries around the world. It also protects you from tracking, ads, and malware, and provides safe untraceable internet browsing, as well as helps with password protection. I learned this personally when my credit card number was stolen on a public network that I thought could be trusted.

    NordVPN is our go-to since they provide unlimited bandwidth for faster streaming and access to over 6K servers in 100+ countries! So basically there’s no corner of the internet you won’t have access to, even with the online censorship in the East.

    vpn

    View options at NordVPN.com ➜

  • 4. Windproof Travel Umbrella

    Malaysia is located just north of the Equator, so it’s subjected to both hot sun and tropical rain throughout the year. Sometimes the rain can be quite extreme, especially during the monsoon season. In order to be protected from both extreme sun and monsoon rains, I always make sure to keep my windproof travel umbrella close by at all times. It covers two people and comes with a handy carrying case to keep other items dry.

    Windproof Travel Umbrella

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 5. TSA-Approved Luggage Locks

    Most of Southeast Asia is considered safe for foreign travelers, and Malaysia rarely reports incidents of violence toward tourists. That said, theft can be an issue in certain areas, and it’s best to play it safe, just in case.

    I like to keep my luggage protected with these luggage locks, especially when checking them at the airport for international flights (since we’ve had something stolen out of our checked bag, unfortunately). These have now kept my belongings secure on dozens of international trips all over the world and also work for city lockers, hostel lockers, or your backpack in crowded areas prone to theft.

    luggage locks

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 6. Travel Insurance for Malaysia

    Some people choose to gamble on their safety by taking long trips without travel insurance, and a certain percentage of them end up regretting it every year. Any travel veteran knows that it’s all too easy to fall victim to a canceled flight or health emergency overseas, particularly since your domestic provider does not cover you outside of the country.

    Faye is the best provider we’ve found in decades of travel! They cover common issues like baggage loss, theft, flight delays, rental issues, costly international medical care, and even entire trip cancelation. This is the first 100% digital provider, so claims and reimbursements are all handled swiftly through their mobile app. They’re also available 24/7 to support you with any questions or concerns you have like how to reach your doctor back home or nearby locations to store your luggage. I guarantee you won’t regret having it.

    Travel Insurance for Malaysia

    Get a quote in less than 60 seconds with Faye ➜

  • 7. Packing Cubes

    Just about any avid traveler will agree that proper organization makes any trip a lot less stressful. I use these packing cubes to keep all my clothing sorted on all of my trips since each label can be adapted to your liking – tops, pants, socks, underwear, essentials, etc. These also make it possible to pack your clothes in a much smaller space, so your suitcase will have more room for other essentials! And the 2 bonus laundry bags are a nice touch since you can separate dirty and clean items with ease.

    packing cubes

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 8. Jet Lag Relief

    For me, the worst part about a trip to Malaysia is the long flight it takes to get there from the US. I’m always exhausted after a long flight, especially when my destination is on the far side of the world with a drastic time change and possible layovers. These jet lag relief pills go a long way towards easing the discomfort of exhaustion so you can enjoy your trip as soon as possible after landing.

    jet lag relief

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 9. Quick-Dry Travel Towel

    One of the best additions to your packing list is this microfiber travel towel! It’s more lightweight than a bulky hotel towel that will be inconvenient to carry around for beach days and island hopping. It also dries 10x faster than cotton and comes with a carrying case to be easily stored for on-the-go adventures.

    Quick-Dry Travel Towel

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 10. Waterproof Phone Pouch

    Along this same line of thinking, you’ll be enjoying the nearly 900 beaches in Malaysia, 90 lakes, and 180 rivers. So you will need a waterproof phone case to protect your lifeline from the elements. As you dive, kayak, raft, snorkel, parasail, jet ski, and more – this pouch will also allow you to film underwater videos without investing in a full-blown GoPro or waterproof camera.

    Waterproof Phone Pouch

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 11. Filtered Water Bottle

    The water in urban Malaysia is considered generally safe but the locals don’t tend to like it. It’s common to have sediment content or a strong chlorine flavor due to their purification system. Even if plastic bottled water is available for sale, you don’t want to contribute to plastic waste or spend a fortune on water.

    We bring this water bottle with a built-in filter to maintain control over our water supply, even during beach days or rural adventures where the water purification can be hit-or-miss. This one is a little pricey but will save you money and keep you healthy in the long run since it removes harmful bacteria, viruses like Hepatitis, sediment, chlorine, pesticides, microplastics, and more.

    Filtered Water Bottle

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 12. Activated Charcoal

    I wouldn’t venture to the other side of the world without these activated charcoal supplements. If you get hit with any food poisoning or upset stomach, these will detoxify pathogens and bacteria before they can absorb into your stomach and make things really distressful! They are a lifesaver that will spare you from spending a day or two in the bathroom when you should be out exploring and feeling great.

    Activated Charcoal

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 13. Hanging Toiletry Bag

    Bathrooms in Malaysia may not always come equipped with proper storage or even a countertop. Instead of juggling bottles on the edge of a sink or scattering them in chaos around your hotel room – use this hanging toiletry bag to stay organized! This bag hangs virtually anywhere and can be compactly folded up to fit in a corner of your suitcase.

    There are 4 large internal pockets for all of your skincare, haircare, dental care, hygiene, and makeup items, plus 3 external pockets to easily find tiny things like Q-tips, hair pins, and chapstick. It’s one of our favorite discoveries for travel and we’ll never go back to sorting things in messy plastic ziplocks.

    hanging toiletry bag

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 14. Packable “Just in Case” Bag

    You’ll definitely do some shopping while in Malaysia! Use this compact duffel bag that can fold down in your suitcase on the way there, but on the way home, can count as your personal item bag! It’s the perfect solution for overpacking and avoiding the dreaded carry-on fees. Some of the best Malaysian souvenirs to bring back for yourself (and loved ones!) are: songkets and pua kumbus (beautiful textiles), labu sayong (black pottery), nyonya beaded slippers, Sabah pearl jewelry, bamboo and pewter crafts, spices, candy, and more.

    Packable “Just in Case” Bag

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 15. Cooling Towel

    The heat can get quite humid and sticky in Malaysia. These cooling towels are the ideal remedy for feeling bogged down by the peak summer temperatures and staying comfortable. Simply add water and wring it out, this magical microfiber towel will drop to 20-30 degrees colder than the outside temp! They’re chemical-free and reusable, when you’re ready for more frosty relief, just add more water. You’ll love these for beach days, hikes, workouts, concerts, and more.

    Cooling Towel

    View on Amazon.com ➜

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

Malaysia power

Most of the electricity in Malaysia comes from either natural gas or coal, with hydropower providing a further 10 percent of electricity for the country. The electrical grid is connected to both Singapore and Thailand. In rural areas, some of the population still lives with little or no electricity, and wood fires are still a popular source of energy for cooking.

Despite great improvements in recent years, Malaysia is still considered a developing country, so travelers should be prepared for potential blackouts, just like in any other third-world nation. Realistically, most travelers to Kuala Lumpur and other large cities are unlikely to have to deal with power outages during their stay. That said, blackouts are always a possibility, and there have been several nationwide blackouts in recent years. I always make sure to travel with a portable battery bank and small solar panel so that I can still use my devices even during a power outage.

Do I need a voltage converter in Malaysia?

In Malaysia, the standard voltage is 240 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. Since the standard voltage in the United States is only 120 V, it’s a good idea to use a voltage converter to protect your devices while in Malaysia. It’s important to remember that a power adapter only works to change the shape of the plug but doesn’t convert the voltage of the electricity. Some American devices could be damaged or ruined if they are plugged in without a voltage converter in Malaysia. You’ll also want to make sure that the voltage converter that you buy also changes the frequency. The frequency of electricity in the USA is 60 Hz as opposed to 50 Hz in Malaysia.

Not all devices will require a converter in order to be safely used in Malaysia, but it’s always best to travel with one just in case. Most laptop and cell phone chargers can work anywhere in the world without a voltage converter, but you need to be especially careful with high-powered, moving or time-related devices like hair dryers, straighteners, and curling irons. Remember to check the voltage range for each device you plan to bring to Malaysia. You can usually find the voltage range posted on the side or the bottom of the device.

Other FAQs About Traveling in Malaysia:

  • 1. Is Malaysia a budget travel destination?

    Is Malaysia a budget travel destination?

    Malaysia deserves more attention as a low-budget travel destination, especially for US travelers. It is true that tourists in Malaysia will probably spend a little more than they would in other Asian countries like Thailand, Indonesia, India, and Nepal – which are all famous for being extremely cheap. That said, average costs in Malaysia are only 17% higher than in Thailand, which means you can still travel around Malaysia for a fraction of the cost of a similar-length trip around the US or Europe. Even after factoring in the cost of flights, Malaysia is still a very affordable country to visit.

  • 2. Are there religious restrictions for foreigners traveling in Malaysia?

    The official religion of Malaysia is Islam and some travelers who have never been to a Muslim country may be nervous about visiting Malaysia. Fortunately, Malaysia is a far cry from Saudi Arabia when it comes to enforcing its religious laws on locals and visitors. With that in mind, it’s still important to research the laws and customs of the country prior to your trip to avoid breaking any laws or insulting locals. For example, it’s considered inappropriate to show signs of affection in public in Malaysia, and drug use is punished harshly.

  • 3. Should I travel to West Malaysia or Malaysian Borneo?

    Should I travel to West Malaysia or Malaysian Borneo?

    The vast majority of visitors to Malaysia stick to West Malaysia, the part of the country that is located on the Asian mainland between Thailand and Singapore. Here you can find everything from the bright lights and nightlife of Kuala Lumpur to the beaches and islands of Langkawi. But there is a whole other side to Malaysia that lies off the beaten track – Malaysian Borneo. Here you can trek through the jungle in search of some of the oldest and tallest trees in the world, find wild Orangutans, and travel through one of the most mysterious and beautiful parts of Southeast Asia.

  • 4. Do I need a visa to travel to Malaysia?

    Travelers with US and Canadian passports will be happy to hear that you don’t need a visa to travel to Malaysia for stays up to 90 days, which should be plenty of time to see the country.

  • 5. What is the best way to get around Malaysia?

    What is the best way to get around Malaysia?

    Fortunately for travelers, public transport in Malaysia is both cheap and reliable. It’s also easy to get around the country by bus, train, van, or taxi, especially in West Malaysia. One of the most interesting and fun ways to travel along the coast of Malaysia is by boat. You can also take cheap flights around Malaysia. If you end up traveling to Malaysian Borneo, you’ll need to take a flight since there is currently no ferry service between East and West Malaysia.