From United States to Portugal
When travelling from United States to Portugal: None of your United States plug types fit in Portugal. You will need a travel adapter. Voltage is different (120V → 230V). Check your charger label; if it doesn’t list 230V you’ll also need a voltage converter. Frequency differs (60Hz → 50Hz). Modern phone and laptop chargers are usually fine, but some clocks, motors, and appliances may behave incorrectly.
United States
PortugalYour plugs
Type A
No fit
Type B
No fit
Accepted in Portugal
Type C
Type F
0 of 2 plug type(s) match
You: A, B • Portugal: C, F
No fit for: A, B
Voltage: 120V → 230V
Different voltage
You may need a voltage converter.
Frequency: 60Hz → 50Hz
Different frequency
Check device supports both 50/60 Hz.
You will need an adapter and likely a converterAdapters you may need
Your plug shape does not fully match. Voltage differs; check for 100–240V support.
About electricity in Portugal
Portugal runs on 230V/50Hz with Type C and F sockets, the standard continental European setup.
Grid & history
Portugal has one of Europe’s highest renewable shares: hydro, wind, and solar together cover most of the year’s demand. Strong interconnects with Spain mean Iberian outages are rare, though when they happen they tend to affect both countries (as in April 2025).
Availability
The grid is highly reliable. Madeira and the Azores run on local grids, but supply is steady.
Sockets & hotels
Type F (Schuko) is the standard, and Type C plugs slot in without an adapter.
Energy mix
Hydro and wind dominate.
Practical tips
- A European C/F adapter works everywhere.
- Voltage is the standard 230V, and modern chargers handle it.
Frequently asked questions
- Will my United States plug work in Portugal?
- No. None of your United States plugs (Type A, Type B) fit in Portugal sockets (Type C, Type F), so you will need a travel adapter.
- What plug type does Portugal use?
- Portugal uses Type C, Type F. The supply is 230V at 50Hz.
- Do I need a voltage converter for Portugal when travelling from United States?
- Portugal runs on 230V, while United States uses 120V. Check your charger label for a 100 to 240V rating; if it does not list 230V you will also need a voltage converter.
- Is the electrical frequency in Portugal the same as United States?
- Frequency in Portugal is 50Hz, while United States uses 60Hz. Modern phone and laptop chargers handle either, but clocks, motors, and some heating appliances may behave incorrectly.