Remember when we were kids? Every time we packed for a family trip, the adults would remind each other to pack sunscreen, bug spray, Tylenol, or extra band-aids — just in case. It was almost as if being over-prepared was part of the ritual!
These days, though, it’s a whole different story. When friends travel, they’re far more likely to say:
“Did you bring your phone? Don’t forget your charging cables! What about your laptop? iPad? Camera?”
It feels like our gadgets have become the most essential items in our luggage. Honestly? They probably are.
Once you’ve packed all these electronics, the real question becomes:
Will the voltage in Thailand work? Will your plug fit? Do you need a universal travel adaptor — or even a voltage converter?
And most importantly: how do you charge your iPhone in Thailand?
During a recent trip to Bangkok, I put together a short video guide that answers exactly these questions: Can you use your electronics in Thailand? Voltage & plug tips for travelers. In the video, I walk through what you need to know about Thailand’s voltage and show how we charged our camera, iPhone, Apple Watch, MacBook Pro, and other everyday devices.
Thailand’s Voltage and Plug Sockets
First things first: the voltage in Thailand may be very different from what you’re used to at home.
Thailand uses a standard voltage of 220–230V at 50Hz — the same as the UK and most of Europe.
By contrast, North America (including the US and Canada) runs on 120V at 60Hz, which is a significant difference.
Some countries, such as Japan, use even lower household voltage, but for most Western travelers, the key comparison is between 110–120V and 220–230V systems.
If you’re visiting from the US or Canada and bring appliances that only support 100–120V, plugging them directly into a Thai outlet can damage the device or cause it to overheat — and in rare cases, pose a safety risk.
Always check the fine print on your device’s power label to make sure it says “100–240V, 50/60Hz” before plugging it in overseas.
Here’s a quick comparison of Thailand’s voltage and power system with other major regions:
| Country/Region | Standard Voltage (V) | Frequency (Hz) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thailand | 220–230 | 50 | Same voltage standard as the UK and Australia |
| United States | 120 | 60 | Often referred to as 110V; most devices require dual-voltage support |
| Canada | 120 | 60 | Uses the same power system as the United States |
| United Kingdom | 230 | 50 | Fully compatible with Thailand’s voltage and frequency |
| Australia | 230 | 50 | Voltage-wise, fully compatible with Thailand |
| Japan | 100 | 50/60 | Lowest household voltage among major economies |
Quick Tip: Most modern tech devices — including phones, laptops, tablets, and cameras — come with built-in adaptors that support a wide voltage range.
Check the fine print on the charger itself (it’s usually tiny), and you’ll often see “100–240V.”
If that range is listed, you’re good to go. You’ll only need the correct plug adaptor, not a bulky voltage converter.
For example, most Apple devices support 100–240V, which means they’ll work without issue in the US, Japan, or Thailand — no additional voltage converter required.
What About Plug Shapes?
Voltage isn’t the only thing to consider — plug shapes and wall sockets matter too.
In Thailand, many outlets use a universal three-hole socket that accepts both round and flat pins.
Standard flat two-prong plugs and round-pin plugs usually fit without a problem.
Whether your charger has two or three prongs, compatibility is rarely an issue. In most cases, a simple travel adaptor is all you’ll need.
If you’d like to see how this works in practice, watch the video below — it was filmed directly in our hotel room at Hotel Muse Bangkok.
Hotel sockets may look slightly different from those in typical Thai homes, but the overall setup is largely the same.
If you’re planning a trip to Thailand, this should give you a clear and realistic idea of what to expect.