How Does Electricity & Plugs Work in Egypt?
Last verified: 2025-06 · Middle East
1The Quick Answer
Egypt uses Type C and Type F (European round-pin) sockets at 220V/50Hz — UK and US visitors need a plug adapter.
2What You Need to Know
The standard Egyptian socket accepts Type C (two round pins, Europlug) and Type F (two round pins with grounding clips, Schuko) plugs. The voltage is 220V at 50Hz — the same as Europe. US and Canadian visitors (who use 110V/60Hz) need both a plug adapter and a voltage converter for devices that are not dual-voltage; most modern phone chargers, laptops, and camera chargers are dual-voltage (check for '100–240V' on the label). UK visitors (Type G, three rectangular pins) need an adapter. Power cuts are occasional in older parts of Cairo and in Upper Egypt.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1Check your device chargers for '100–240V' — if listed, only a plug adapter is needed, not a converter
- 2A universal travel adapter with USB ports covers all scenarios and is widely available at Cairo airport shops
- 3Bring a small power bank — power outages can occur, particularly in older hotels and Upper Egypt
How does this compare?
Electricity & Plugs rules in nearby and similar countries:
The UAE uses Type G plugs (British 3-pin square) at 230V/50Hz — the same as the UK.
Morocco uses Type C/E plugs (French-style round pins) at 220V/50Hz — European plugs work directly, but UK and US visitors need adapters.
Saudi Arabia uses both Type G (UK 3-pin) and Type A/B (US 2/3-pin) plugs, and both 127V and 220V voltages — a universal adapter is essential.
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