WORLD ELECTRIC GUIDEThis site is featured in the Electricity section of the Fodors Online Resource Center.ELECTRIC POWER AROUND THE WORLDThe table below summarizes information on the electrical systems in use in most countries of the world.The voltages listed here are the “nominal” figures reported to be in use at most residential or commercial sites in the country or area named. Most electrical power systems are prone to slight variations in voltage due to demand or other factors. Most appliances are built to tolerate current a certain percentage above or below the rated voltage to accommodate these differences. However, severe variations in current can damage electrical equipment.The electric power frequency is shown in the number of hertz (cycles per second). Even if voltages are similar, a 60-hertz clock or tape recorder will not function properly on 50 hertz current. All systems described here use alternating current (AC) except in the few instances where direct current (DC) is noted.The plug types listed indicate all types known to be in use in that country. Not all areas of a country may use all types of plugs listed for that country, since there may be regional differences based on the power system in a certain area.Finally, Ive only included information that is likely to be relevant for travelers. Just about everywhere listed here has higher voltage lines available for heavy duty appliances (not to mention commercial or industrial applications). While this would be relevant for those moving to another country, Im assuming most travelers will leave their clothes dryers, air conditioners and arc welders at home!COUNTRYVOLTAGE FREQUENCYPLUGCOMMENTSAfghanistan220V50 Hz*D*Charikar 60HzAlgeria127/220V50 HzC* to be converted to 220VBahamas120V60 HzA complete in principal citiesIran22050 HzC Iraq220V50 HzC, D, Western Japan 60 Hz (Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, Hiroshima)Jordan220V50 HzC, D, F, G Arequipa 50 HzPhilippines110/220V*60 HzA, B, C, E, FMerca 110/220VSouth Africa220/230V*50 HzM*Grahamstad also found in King WilliamsSpain220V50 HzC also found in MaracayVietnam127/220V*50 HzA, C*To be standardized at 220VVirgin Islands (British and U.S.)110V60 HzA World Electricity Supplies and Electrical Plugs; an International Survey, (both 1993), British Standards Institute. Additionally, since this table was first posted in late 1995, numerous revisions have (and continue to be) made as a result of personal observations or reports from other travelers.Special Thanks To: Ivan Alves, Brazil; Lars-Erik strm, Sweden/South Africa; Bill Bartolotta, Canada; Rob Fisher, South Africa; Anders Hagstrom, Finland; Hideki Kuwamoto, Japan; Pl Marthinsen, Norway; Hans Michalec, Austria; Peter Swart, South Africa; Svein Yngvar Willassen, Norway; David Walker, Hong Kong; Ronald R. Wellman, USA; Andrew Willett, Australia.To report any known changes or errata, please send a note via E-mail. Back to the Main Electric PageThis stuff is provided for the personal use of my fellow travelers on the Internet. Original sources have been cited. Im not responsible for the accuracy of this information. - S.K.Main Travel Page International Dialing Codes World Wide Phone Guide World Television Guidehttp:/kropla.com/electric2.htm - Updated 19 October 1999 Copyright 1996-1998 Steve Kropla All rights reserved.Electricity Around the Worldhttp:/kropla.com/electric2.htm (8 of 8) 1999/12/22 05:18:39 PMType AFlat blade attachment plugWhere found:American Samoa, Antigua, Aruba, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Bermuda, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Cayman Islands, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guam, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Japan, Korea, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Maldives, Montserrat, Netherlands Antilles, Nicaragua, Niger, Okinawa, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Puerto Rico, St. Vincent, Saudi Arabia, Tahiti, Taiwan, United States, Venezuela, Vietnam, Virgin Islands (U.S.), Yemen.Type BFlat blades with round grounding pinWhere found:All of the above noted for Type A except Bangladesh, Bolivia, Liberia, Maldives, Peru, St. Vincent, Tahiti,Type A & B Electric Plugshttp:/kropla.com/!ab.htm (1 of 2) 1999/12/22 05:19:16 PMVietnam, Yemen. Also found in Azores, Belize, Trinidad and Tobago.Return to World Wide Electric GuideMain Travel page World Phone Plug Guide International Dialing Codeshttp:/kropla.com/ab.htm - Updated 14 October 1999 Copyright 1996-99 Steve Kropla All rights reserved.Type A & B Electric Plugshttp:/kropla.com/!ab.htm (2 of 2) 1999/12/22 05:19:16 PMType CRound pin attachment plugWhere found:Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Azores, Balearic Islands, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma (Myanmar), Burundi, Cameroon, Canary Islands, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Channel Islands, Chile, Comoros, Congo, Dem. Rep. of Congo (Zaire), Cote dIvoire (Ivory Coast), Cyrpus, Denmark, Djibouti, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Faeroe Islands, Finland, France,