How Does Electricity & Plugs Work in Spain?
Last verified: 2025-06 · Europe
1The Quick Answer
Spain uses Type C and Type F (Schuko) plugs at 230V/50Hz — British visitors need a plug adapter and American visitors need both an adapter and a voltage converter for older devices.
2What You Need to Know
Spain's standard socket type is the two-round-pin Type C or Type F (Schuko/CEE 7/4), operating at 230V and 50Hz. This is the standard continental European format used across most of the EU. Visitors from the UK need a Type C/F adapter as British plugs (Type G, three rectangular pins) are incompatible. Visitors from the United States or Canada need a plug adapter and, for devices that do not support 110–240V dual voltage (check the device label), a voltage converter. Most modern electronics (laptops, phone chargers, cameras) are dual-voltage and only need an adapter. Adapters are available in Spanish supermarkets and electrical shops.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1Check your device's power brick for '100–240V' — if it says this, you only need a plug adapter, not a voltage converter
- 2Buy a universal travel adapter before departure — they are cheaper than buying one at a Spanish airport
- 3USB-C charging has made most modern travel electronics compatible with any voltage worldwide — older devices with motors (hair dryers, shavers) may still need a converter
How does this compare?
Electricity & Plugs rules in nearby and similar countries:
Germany uses Type C and Type F (Schuko) plugs at 230V/50Hz — the same standard as most of continental Europe.
The UK uses Type G (3-pin square) plugs at 230V/50Hz — virtually all visitors except those from Ireland need an adapter.
France uses Type E plugs at 230V/50Hz — UK and US visitors need a plug adapter, though a standard European travel adapter covers French sockets.
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