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Dead phone. Wrong charger. No photos of your wine-tasting tour in Douro Valley. Avoid this travel headache by understanding Portugal’s plug types and power compatibility before you board your flight.
Portugal is known for its stunning coastline, historic cities, and world-class wine, making it a top destination for travelers. But before you pack your bags, it's important to check whether your devices will work with the country’s electrical outlets. The last thing you want is a dead phone battery when capturing the perfect sunset in Lisbon or navigating Porto’s winding streets.
In this guide, we’ll cover the plug types used in Portugal, whether you need an adapter or voltage converter, and where to buy one before your trip.
Portugal primarily uses two plug types: Type C and Type F, which are also commonly found in many other European, South American, and Asian countries.
This plug features two round pins and is commonly used in countries such as Spain, France, Germany, Italy, Brazil, and Indonesia.
Also known as the Schuko plug, Type F has two round pins with two grounding clips on the side. This plug type is typically used for higher-powered appliances. Type F plugs are standard in Austria, the Netherlands, Sweden, Russia, Turkey, and many other European nations.
If your devices aren’t compatible with Portugal’s outlets, you’ll need a travel adapter. Here are some options:
This 8-in-1 European travel plug adapter features 4 American outlets, 2 USB-A, and 2 USB-C ports, supporting up to 2500W and 3.1A charging, allowing you to charge 8 devices simultaneously without blocking larger plugs. The compact, foldable design makes it ideal for travel, and its smart charging technology ensures fast and efficient charging for devices like phones, tablets, and power banks. However, it is not a voltage converter, so high-powered devices like hair dryers and straighteners must be dual voltage (100V-250V) to work safely.
Where to buy: Amazon
Price: $16.99
Going In Style’s Deluxe Adapter Plug Kit includes both earthed (grounded) and non-earthed (non-grounded) plugs, allowing U.S. and European appliances to fit into Portugal’s outlets. It comes with a handy travel bag for added convenience. The adapters are CE certified, meaning they meet European safety, health, and environmental protection standards. They support polarized plugs and allow connections up to 240V, but they do not convert voltage.
Where to buy: Going In Style
Price: $15
This European plug adapter is made of pure copper conductors and ABS flame-retardant material, ensuring safety and durability with a voltage range of 6A/125-250V and a maximum power of 600W. Its compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry, perfect for travelers and business professionals. It is ideal for charging smartphones, laptops, tablets, and other devices.
Where to buy: Amazon
Price: $5.99
You will need a voltage converter in Portugal if your device is not dual-voltage.
Portugal operates on 230V and 50Hz, according to Electrical Safety First.
If your device only supports 120V, using it in Portugal without a converter can cause damage. However, most modern electronics—such as smartphones, laptops, and tablets—are designed to handle 100V-240V and will only require a plug adapter.
Before using a plug adapter in Portugal, it's important to follow basic safety precautions to protect your devices and prevent electrical hazards. Here are a few key tips to ensure a safe and hassle-free charging experience during your trip.
If you're traveling to Portugal, staying connected is as essential as making sure your devices are always powered. Consider getting a Portugal SIM card for local calls and data or a Portugal eSIM card for an easy, digital alternative. If you prefer to share your connection across multiple devices, a Portugal pocket WiFi might be the best solution for your trip.
Understanding the different plug types used worldwide is important. Below’s a visual guide to the most commonly used plug types globally:
Refer to the infographic below for a detailed look at each plug type.
The UK uses Type G plugs, which are different from Portugal's Type C and F outlets. You'll need a plug adapter, but no voltage converter is necessary as both countries use 230V.
Yes, Type C plugs can fit into Type F sockets and vice versa. However, ensure your device doesn't require grounding if using a Type C plug in a Type F socket.
Most modern smartphones are designed to handle voltages from 100V to 240V. Check your device's specifications; if it supports this range, you'll only need a plug adapter.
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