Travel Tips

Portugal plug type: Complete adapter guide for travelers

Portugal uses plug types C and F and works with 230V at 50Hz. Learn if you need a travel adapter or voltage converter and how to use an eSIM for your trip

Portugal uses type C and F plugs with 230 volts, which is the standard in most European countries.

In this guide, we explore everything about the plug types in Portugal, including whether a travel adapter or a voltage converter is needed, depending on where you’re traveling from.

Plus, we tell you about how to stay connected in Portugal with an eSIM, so you can start preparing your packing list.

In this article

What plug type does Portugal use?

Portugal’s electric plugs range from type C to type F, which is the standard in most European countries, except the UK, Ireland, and Switzerland.

Type C, known as the Europlug, has two round pins and is the most common across the continent. Type F, also known as the Schuko, has two round pins with grounding clips on both sides.

Thanks to the type C design, it fits into both C and F electrical outlets in Portugal, meaning a type C adapter is most convenient for travelers.

Voltage and frequency in Portugal

Portugal’s standard voltage is 230V at 50Hz, the same as in Europe and the UK, but differs from the 110-120V standard in the US, Canada, and other regions.

The good news is that most modern electronics, like phones, tablets, cameras, laptops, and portable chargers, are dual-voltage, meaning a travel adapter can do the work when visiting Portugal.

Still, it’s important for travelers to check the power supply label on their devices to look for the “100-240V” to confirm only a travel adapter is needed.

For devices like hair dryers, curling irons, or other electronics, chances are they are single-voltage, so a voltage converter is needed.

Do you need a travel adapter for Portugal?

Whether a travel adapter for Portugal is needed depends on where you’re traveling from.

If you’re traveling from Europe, with the exception of Switzerland, Malta, Liechtenstein, Cyprus, and the UK, you won’t need a travel adapter.

Here’s what you should know if you’re traveling from other destinations:

From the US or Canada: Yes, type A and B plugs don’t fit in Portugal, so you need a travel adapter.
From the UK or Ireland: Yes, type G plugs don’t fit in Portugal, so you need a travel adapter.
From Australia or New Zealand: Yes, a type I plug doesn’t fit in Portugal, so you need a travel adapter.

All in all, it’s better to double-check your electronics before traveling to Portugal, so you can buy a travel adapter with time if needed.

Do you need a voltage converter for Portugal?

Portugal’s 230V is the same as in Europe and the UK, so these travelers won’t need a voltage converter, just a travel adapter.

For US, Canadian, and other travelers, a voltage converter is needed if they don’t have a dual-voltage electronic device. This is especially important with hair appliances and different travel-size devices, which are usually single-voltage.

Still, it’s always important to check the power supply label on your electronic devices to see whether they work with 100-120V or 100-240V.

Where to buy Portugal travel adapters

If you need a travel adapter, a voltage converter, or both, these are some options to get one:

Before you travel (US): Order it online at Amazon, Walmart, or Target. You can order a type C travel adapter, which will fit in plugs in Portugal. Or get a universal adapter for future trips.
At the airport: You can buy it before traveling at major airports, or upon arrival at the Lisbon Portela or Porto Airport, but these are usually 2 to 3 times more expensive.
In Portugal: Easily found at stores like Media Markt, Pingo Doce, Lidl, and tourist areas in major cities. Price ranges from €5 to €15 (~$5.80 to $17.40), but it’s better to arrive prepared to avoid inconveniences.

Stay connected in Portugal with eSIM

Aside from keeping your devices charged and working, you cover things like how to get mobile internet in Portugal.

You can rely on a SIM card for Portugal, but finding a local store, dealing with the purchase, and the SIM swapping process can be annoying

Another option is to rely on roaming in Portugal, but you can expect to pay over $10 a day for a roaming pass.

That said, using an eSIM for Portugal from Holafly is a great option, as you can buy it before you travel and get unlimited data for as long as you need, with plans starting at $3.90 for 1 day.

Or, if you’re visiting different European countries, you can rely on Holafly Plans instead, which, aside from making it easier to navigate around Lisbon and Porto, book tours to the Douro Valley, and use translation apps, gets you covered in over 170 destinations; so you choose.

Visiting other countries? Learn how plug types work there.

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Julio Osuna

English Content Writer

I first started my content creation journey as a freelancer in 2019, before connecting with Holafly in 2021. At Holafly, my travel and tech interests come together in one place as I craft high-quality articles about the eSIM and related markets. My content aims to help travelers stay connected, wherever they are.

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