Travel Tips

Sri Lanka plug type: Complete adapter guide for travellers

Discover the Sri Lanka plug type, voltage, and adapter requirements. Learn whether UK plugs work, and what travel adapter you need before your trip.

Sri Lanka uses plug types D, G, and M at a standard voltage of 230V and 50Hz. If you’re planning a trip, figure out the Sri Lanka plug type, voltage, and frequency, and whether bringing a plug adapter is crucial.

This guide covers everything you need to know about plug sockets in Sri Lanka, voltage compatibility, and what to pack before you go. Pick up an unlimited data eSIM for Sri Lanka while you’re at it, and you’ll land with everything sorted.

In this article

What plug type does Sri Lanka use?

Sri Lanka plug types are D, G, and M. Types D and G are the most common plug sockets in Sri Lanka.

A Sri Lanka plug type D has three large round pins arranged in a triangle pattern. Plug type G has three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern and is the same design used in the UK.

Plug type M looks similar to type D but has thicker round pins and a larger male earthing pin on the socket.

Sri Lanka plug types D, G, and M.

Voltage and frequency in Sri Lanka

The standard voltage in Sri Lanka is 230V at 50Hz, the same as Australia’s mains voltage.

That means Australian electrical appliances will operate normally with the local power supply. If your devices already work on 230V, you’ll just need the right travel adapter for plug sockets in Sri Lanka.

Check the power supply input label before plugging your device in. If the label shows “INPUT: 100-240V”, the appliance supports multiple voltage levels and works fine with just a plug adapter.

Do you need a travel adapter for Sri Lanka?

This depends on where you’re travelling from.

From Australia: Yes. Australian plugs are Type I, and they don’t fit any of Sri Lanka’s Type D, G, or M sockets, so a travel adapter goes on your packing list. Because the voltage matches, both run 230V at 50Hz, that adapter is all you need without a converter.
From New Zealand: Also yes. New Zealand uses the same Type I plug as Australia, so you’ll need an adapter too.
From the UK or Ireland: In most cases, no. Sri Lanka’s plug sockets use Type G, the same three-pin plug used across the UK, so your devices will often plug straight in.
From the US or Canada: Yes, North American plug types A and B with flat pins don’t fit Sri Lanka plugs. You’ll need a travel adapter that accommodates (ideally) all three Sri Lanka plug types.
From Europe: Yes, Europe’s plug types C, E, and F are not compatible with plug sockets in Sri Lanka. You’ll need a plug adapter for Sri Lanka.

Coming from Australia, you’ll need an adapter wherever you stay, because none of Sri Lanka’s sockets take a Type I plug. A universal adapter is the safest pick: Type G is common in newer buildings, but older and more rural areas often use Type D or M, so one that covers all three saves you guessing.

Do you need a voltage converter for Sri Lanka?

If you’re travelling from Australia, the voltage in Sri Lanka is the same as home (230V and 50Hz), so you won’t need a voltage converter.

However, for travellers from other regions, this may vary. Most modern electrical appliances are dual-voltage and support 100-240V input. In this case, a plug adapter is enough.

However, single-voltage tools, such as some US hair dryers or older appliances designed only for 110V, may require a converter. If you tend to travel abroad frequently, it’s easier to pack dual-voltage travel versions instead of carrying a bulky converter.

Where to buy Sri Lanka adapters

You generally have three options to buy an adapter for Sri Lanka.

Before you travel: Buying a plug adapter before you leave is always the easiest option. Australian retailers like Officeworks, JB Hi-Fi, Kmart, and Australia Post stock universal travel adapters.
Buy at the airport: You can also find a plug adapter at airport electronics shops at your Australian departure airport or upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo. Prices are usually 2-3 times higher than ordering online in advance.
In Sri Lanka: Plug adapters are widely available in Sri Lanka in stores like Cargills, Keells, or Arpico, as well as shops in tourist areas such as Colombo, Kandy, Galle, and Ella.

However, it’s always a better idea to have a plug adapter for Sri Lanka ready before you land, especially if you’re heading to quieter or rural areas.

Stay connected in Sri Lanka with an unlimited data eSIM

Sri Lanka has a lot to offer, from the temples of Kandy and the tea fields of Ella to the beaches of the south coast. Having reliable data throughout makes it easier to get the most out of every part of the trip.

Relying on international data roaming with your Australian carrier can get costly quickly, and picking up a Sri Lanka SIM card after a long flight means registration queues before you’ve even left the airport. An eSIM is the simpler way to arrive connected.”

Holafly’s eSIM for Sri Lanka offers a simple alternative. With unlimited data, 24/7 customer support, and a daily hotspot allowance of 1GB, you can choose your flexible eSIM plan according to your trip dates. If your plan extends, you can always add days on the Holafly app.

Staying longer or combining Sri Lanka with other destinations? Holafly Plans offers a rolling monthly eSIM subscription across more than 170 countries with no long-term contracts and no cancellation fees.

For more, check out our detailed guides on:

Plans that may interest you

eSIM Sri Lanka

eSIM Vietnam

SEO Content Writer

哈囉我是來自台灣的 Wen，平常最喜歡旅遊，也喜歡將旅遊的種種化成文字跟大家分享，希望大家能在我的文章中找到有用的資訊，加上 Holafly 的 eSIM，讓你的旅程更美好！✈️✈️✈️ Hi! I'm Wen, a passionate content writer and travel enthusiast from Taiwan. I transform my wanderlust adventures into engaging stories and practical guides, helping fellow travelers make the most of their journeys.Through my articles, I strive to provide travel tips while introducing how our eSIM technology can enhance your travel experience - keeping you connected wherever your adventures take you!

Read full bio