How Does Electricity & Plugs Work in Sri Lanka?
Last verified: 2025-06 · Asia
1The Quick Answer
Sri Lanka uses Type D (3-pin round) and Type G (British 3-pin square) sockets at 230V/50Hz — bring both adapters or a universal adapter.
2What You Need to Know
Sri Lanka uses 230V at 50Hz. The most common socket types are Type G (the British 3-pin square-blade plug found in many hotels) and Type D (the 3-pin round plug of Indian origin, found in older buildings and guesthouses). Having both a Type D and Type G adapter — or a universal travel adapter — is strongly recommended as you may encounter either depending on where you stay. Power cuts (load shedding) are possible, particularly in rural areas and during periods of electricity shortage, so a portable power bank is a useful item to carry.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1A universal travel adapter covering both Type D and Type G covers all bases in Sri Lanka
- 2Carry a portable power bank — power cuts can occur in rural and hill-country areas without notice
- 3Most modern hotels in tourist areas have Type G British sockets; older guesthouses and rural stays are more likely to have Type D
How does this compare?
Electricity & Plugs rules in nearby and similar countries:
Japan uses Type A plugs (flat 2-pin) at 100V — the lowest voltage in the world. Check your device labels before use.
Thailand uses 220V/50Hz and accepts Type A, B, and C plugs, meaning most international devices plug in without an adapter.
Singapore uses Type G British 3-pin square plugs at 230V/50Hz — US and European visitors will need a plug adapter.
Traveling to Sri Lanka?
You might also need:
More About Sri Lanka
Tip 10% at tourist restaurants, 500–1,000 LKR per day for guides and drivers, and round up for tuk-tuk rides.
Updated 2025-06
PickMe and Uber work in Colombo; tuk-tuks are everywhere; trains are iconic and scenic; buses are cheap but very crowded.
Updated 2025-06
Good private hospitals exist in Colombo (Nawaloka, Lanka, Asiri); healthcare outside the capital is limited, making travel insurance essential.
Updated 2025-06
LGBTQ relationships are criminalized, posing disrespectfully with Buddha statues can get you arrested, and drugs carry severe penalties.
Updated 2025-06
Police: 119; Ambulance: 110; Fire: 111; Tourist Police: 1912.
Updated 2025-06
Cover shoulders and knees at all Buddhist temples, remove shoes and hats at every religious site, and dress modestly in cultural areas.
Updated 2025-06
🔌 See Electricity & Plugs rules in all countries
Compare all countries →