Power plugs in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia uses Type A and B and F and G power outlets, running at 230V / 60Hz.
Mix — universal adapter recommended. Frequency is 60Hz (most of the world is 50Hz).
What the plugs look like
Type A
Two flat parallel pins (US/Japan, ungrounded)
Type B
Two flat pins + round ground pin (US/Canada grounded)
Type F
Two round pins + side grounding clips (Schuko — Germany, most of Europe)
Type G
Three rectangular pins (United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, Singapore)
Do you need an adapter? (from your home country)
Look up your home country below. The verdict tells you whether you need a plug adapter, a voltage converter, both, or nothing.
From United States (Type A/B, 120V):
Plug fits but voltage differs (120V → 230V). Check your device's label — most laptops, phones, and modern shavers are dual-voltage (100-240V) and work fine. Hair dryers, curling irons, and old appliances often need a voltage converter.
From United Kingdom (Type G, 230V):
✓ Plug fits AND voltage matches — no adapter or converter needed.
From Germany (Type C/F, 230V):
✓ Plug fits AND voltage matches — no adapter or converter needed.
From France (Type E, 230V):
Voltage matches but plug shape is different. Bring a simple adapter — no voltage converter needed.
From Australia (Type I, 230V):
Voltage matches but plug shape is different. Bring a simple adapter — no voltage converter needed.
From Japan (Type A/B, 100V):
Plug fits but voltage differs (100V → 230V). Check your device's label — most laptops, phones, and modern shavers are dual-voltage (100-240V) and work fine. Hair dryers, curling irons, and old appliances often need a voltage converter.
From Canada (Type A/B, 120V):
Plug fits but voltage differs (120V → 230V). Check your device's label — most laptops, phones, and modern shavers are dual-voltage (100-240V) and work fine. Hair dryers, curling irons, and old appliances often need a voltage converter.
Quick check on your device: look for the input rating — usually printed on the power brick. If it says "100-240V" you only need a plug adapter (no converter). If it says "120V" or "230V" only, you need a converter for the other voltage.
What to buy
- Universal travel adapter — covers Types A/B/C/E/F/G/I in one unit ($15-30). Best for one-bag travelers crossing multiple regions. Look for one with built-in USB-C PD for phone fast-charging.
- Single-country adapter — $5-10 if you're only going to Saudi Arabia and home. Smaller, lighter, less to fuss with.
- Voltage converter (step-down) — only if you're bringing a US-only 120V hair dryer, curling iron, or appliance. Modern laptops, phones, cameras, and shavers don't need one.
- Multi-outlet strip from home — let one adapter charge 5 devices. Saves bringing 5 adapters.