Plugs, Voltage & Adapters

Electricity in Egypt

Type C and Type F sockets, 230V / 50 Hz. Here’s what you need to bring depending on where you’re traveling from — and the voltage check that North American travelers often miss

Plug TypesC & F

Voltage230V

Frequency50 Hz

UK / North America / AUAdapter needed

Verified for 2026

Egypt uses Type C and Type F plugs running at 230 volts / 50 Hz. If you’re from continental Europe, most of your devices will work without any adapter. If you’re from the UK, North America, Australia, or Japan, you’ll need an adapter — and if you’re from North America or Japan, you’ll also need to check whether your devices can handle the higher voltage.

Plug Types

Type C

Two round pins, no grounding

The standard across most of continental Europe, South America, and much of Asia. Type C plugs fit into Type F sockets, so the two types are largely interchangeable in practice.

Type F

Two round pins with grounding clips

Common in Germany, Russia, and much of mainland Europe. Egyptian sockets accept both Type C and Type F — they are effectively compatible.

UK plugs (three rectangular pins), North American plugs (two flat parallel blades), and Australian plugs (two angled flat pins) all require adapters to fit Egyptian sockets.

Voltage: The Check North Americans Often Miss

Egypt runs on 230V / 50 Hz. From Europe, most of Asia, Africa, or the Middle East, your devices are designed for this voltage — no voltage converter needed, just a plug adapter if your plug type differs.

From North America (USA, Canada) or Japan: your home voltage is typically 110–120V. Many modern devices — laptops, phone chargers, camera chargers — are labeled “100–240V” or “Input: 100V–240V” on the brick or cable, meaning they handle both voltages automatically. Check before you plug in. If your device is labeled for 110V only, you need a voltage converter, not just a plug adapter.

Hairdryers, straighteners, and small appliances are frequently single-voltage and won’t work safely on 230V even with a plug adapter. Either leave them at home, buy a dual-voltage model, or buy or borrow locally.

Plug Adapter

Changes the shape of the plug so it physically fits the socket. Does not change the voltage. Most modern electronics only need this.

Voltage Converter

Actually changes the voltage from 230V to 110V. Needed only if your device is single-voltage and not rated for 230V. Check the label.

Do You Need a Travel Adapter?

Nationality	Plug adapter needed?	Voltage converter needed?
Continental Europe (excl. UK/Ireland)	Usually no	No
UK and Ireland	Yes — UK to Type C/F	No
USA and Canada	Yes	Check each device
Australia and New Zealand	Yes	Check each device
Japan	Yes	Check each device

The reliable option: bring a compact universal travel adapter from home. One that covers Type C and Type F costs very little online and eliminates all uncertainty about socket compatibility.

USB and USB-C Charging

Most Egyptian hotel rooms — particularly in older hotels and guesthouses — do not have USB or USB-C ports built into the wall outlets. If you travel primarily with USB-C devices (laptop, phone, tablet, camera), bring a USB-C charger with the appropriate plug adapter, or a multi-port USB charger.

Newer properties in Luxor are increasingly installing international-standard outlets or USB ports, but this is not yet consistent across the city. Relying on the hotel to provide USB charging is often disappointing.

Egyptian Hotel Electrical Outlets

Electrical outlets in older Egyptian properties can be less robust than you may be used to — loose sockets, outlets with only partial contact, and older wiring are not unusual in budget accommodation.

Avoid

Cheap adapters that allow devices to wobbleA poor connection in an older socket is a genuine hazard. Use a quality adapter with a firm fit.

Be Cautious

Running multiple high-draw devices at onceDon’t run a laptop, hairdryer, and kettle from a single outlet or extension lead — especially in budget hotels where wiring may be older.

Worth Bringing

A quality surge protector with a Type C plugParticularly worthwhile if you’re traveling with expensive electronics. Electrical supply in budget properties can be inconsistent.

Where to Buy Adapters in Egypt

If you forget your adapter, options in Luxor include:

Location	Notes
Luxor International Airport	Shops sell universal adapters at airport prices — expensive, but functional and immediately available on arrival.
Electronics shops in Luxor city center	Better selection, more reasonable prices than the airport.
Luxor Souq area	Some vendors sell adapters, though quality varies — inspect before buying.

The reliable option is to bring a universal travel adapter from home. A compact multi-country adapter covering Type C and Type F costs very little online, weighs almost nothing, and eliminates all uncertainty.

Packing for Luxor?

See the full packing list

Adapter sorted — now check clothing, sun protection, footwear, and everything else the climate demands.

What to Pack for Luxor → Weather Guide