Remember when we were kids? Every time we packed for a family trip, the adults would remind each other to bring stomach medicine, medicated oils, balm, or band-aids — almost as if getting a little sick abroad somehow made all that careful packing worthwhile!
These days, though, it’s a whole different story. When friends travel, they’re more likely to say:
“Did you bring your phone? Don’t forget your charging cables! What about your laptop? The laptop charger? iPad? Camera batteries? Camera charger?”
It really feels like all these gadgets have become the most essential items in our luggage — and honestly, they are!
But once you’ve packed up all these electronics, the big question is:
Will the voltage at your destination work? Will your plug fit? Do you need a universal travel adaptor? A voltage converter?
How do you charge your iPhone in Thailand, anyway?
I’m no seasoned globetrotter, but during my recent trip to Bangkok, I put together a short video guide: Can you use your electronics in Thailand? Voltage & plug tips for travelers. In the video, I share what you need to know about Thailand’s voltage and how we charged our camera, iPhone, Apple Watch, MacBook Pro, and other gadgets on this trip.
Thailand’s Voltage and Plug Sockets
First off, the voltage in Thailand is different from what you might be used to back home.
Thailand’s standard voltage is 220–230V at 50Hz — the same as the UK and most of Europe.
By comparison, North America (like the US and Canada) typically uses 120V at 60Hz, while Japan runs on an even lower 100V at 50 or 60Hz depending on the region.
So if you’re visiting from the US, Canada, or Japan and you bring small appliances that only support 100–120V, plugging them in directly in Thailand can seriously damage them — or worse, cause a fire.
Always check your device’s power label to confirm it says “100–240V, 50/60Hz” before you plug it in abroad.
Here’s a quick look at how Thailand’s voltage compares with other major countries:
| Country/Region | Standard Voltage (V) | Frequency (Hz) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thailand | 220–230 | 50 | Same as most of Europe |
| US / Canada | 120 | 60 | Sometimes called 110V; check for dual voltage |
| Japan | 100 | 50/60 | Lowest household voltage among major economies |
| UK / Europe | 220–240 | 50 | Labeled 230V; actual range 220–240V |
Quick Tip: Most modern tech devices — phones, laptops, tablets, cameras — come with built-in adaptors that support a wide voltage range. Look closely (the print is tiny!) and you’ll usually see “100–240V” on your charger. If it does, you’re good to go — you’ll just need the right plug adaptor, not a heavy voltage converter.
For example, most Apple devices support 100–240V, so they’ll work just fine whether you’re in the US, Japan, or Thailand — no extra converter needed.
What About Plug Shapes?
But hold on — it’s not just about voltage. What about plug shapes and sockets?
Good question! Thailand’s outlets often use a universal three-hole socket that works with both round and flat pins.
This means your usual flat two-prong plug or round-pin plug will work just fine.
Whether your charger has two or three prongs, you generally won’t have any issues.
So don’t stress too much — just bring a travel adaptor that fits local sockets if you need one.
If you’d like to see exactly how this works, watch the video — we filmed it right in our hotel room at Hotel Muse Bangkok. Hotel sockets may look a bit different from typical Thai homes, but they’re more or less the same. If you’re planning a trip to Thailand, this will give you a clear idea of what to expect!