Thailand adapters - What adapter do I need for Thailand?
Power adapters for Thailand
When organizing a vacation it can often be helpful to know if you can charge your common gadgets like mobile phones and tablets when you're there. By not knowing which wall socket is being used you are likely to bring the wrong charger, therefore leaving you needing to purchase a suitable adaptor when you're there. Varying different standards and voltages can often cause confusion when planning to stay in a different country, especially if you've never visited before. With only a handful of different types of standards being used throughout the world this guide shows exactly what you'll need in advance to charge your device in Thailand. This page has links to useful instructions telling you exactly which power adapters you'll need to supply power to your devices when going to Thailand by using their Type B, A or C Thai 220 volt 50Hz wall outlets, you will find most Thai use Type B power outlets. You'll find power is different depending on which country you are travelling to so we recommend reading the power adapters page for a complete list of countries.
What is the best power adapter for Thailand?
The best power adapter for Thailand will be a Type B plug adapter which will allow you to use any 220 volt appliance or device. [2] [AD]
What is a power adapter?
Power adapters are small and cheap plastic adapters which permit a different shaped power plug from another country to correctly slot into a Thai power outlet. [3]
Do I need a plug adapter in Thailand?
If the type of wall outlet in Thailand power plug you are using then you will need a power adapter.
What does a power adapter do?
A power adapter allows a visitor travelling from another country to use electronic appliances and devices in Thailand by altering the shape of the power plug.
Can a power adapter change the voltage in Thailand?
A power adapter only adapts the shape of a plug to fit into a 220 volt Thai power outlet and can't convert to a different voltage. Should you need to safely use any 100, 110 or 120 volt appliance then you will also need to bring a step down power converter for Thailand along with the right adapter.
Where to buy a power adapter for Thailand in the UK
Thailand to UK power adapters will most likely be available to buy in the UK from airports such as Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Stansted, Luton, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Birmingham prior to departure, however the range of adapters might be limited to popular destinations. It is recommended to research the exact type of adapter required prior to shopping at the airport. Look in the travel accessories section of airport newsagents, electronic stores and pharmacists such as WH Smith, Dixons or Boots but expect to pay 50% more than regular prices.
It will be more convenient and cheaper to buy the correct power adapter in advance of your trip. UK high street electrical shops, newsagents and chemists such as Currys PC World, WH Smith or Boots normally typically only sell popular types of travel adapters covering a limited number of countries however for widest choice it is recommended to buy a power adapter online. In January 2019 we checked 2 high street branches of WH Smiths without seeing any power adapters available to purchase and 1 branch of Boots only had a pack of European adapters available.
Where to buy a power adapter in Thailand
On arrival power adapters could be found in local electrical high street shops and drug stores, but always check the build quality first as safety standards might be different in a foreign country as this is important when dealing with electrical goods. Keep in mind that a shopping trip searching for power adapters in an unknown location might be impractical, especially as this needs to happen quickly before batteries run out.
Hotel receptions could have a power adapter for sale, hire or as a complimentary extra for guests; however, availability is normally limited and a hotel might not have the exact type required for your country. If in doubt, call ahead to the hotel first and request a reservation as it is unlikely that an adapter will be found in your room on arrival.
External links
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- Wikipedia - Thai Wikipedia web page.
- Type B plug adapter - A Type B adapter, rated at 15 A and 125 V, featuring two parallel flat blades and a longer grounding pin, in compliance with NEMA 5-15 specifications. Suitable for travel to the US plug types and Canadian plugs..
- Wikipedia - power adaptor