Whenever we travel abroad—especially to a new country—one of the first things to figure out is how to charge our iPhone, camera, and other electronics. Questions often arise: What’s the voltage there? Are the plugs and outlets compatible with what we’re used to?
Previously, when we visited Bangkok, we shared some tips on using small appliances and electronics in Thailand. Now, as we travel to Boracay, let’s explore the essential information regarding voltage, plugs, and outlets in the Philippines.
Philippines Voltage and Plug Type
The standard voltage in the Philippines is 220V, a notable difference from the 110V~120V standard in the United States and Canada. Generally speaking, appliances designed for a specific voltage should always be checked for compatibility before use in a country with a different voltage standard.
As for the plug type, the good news is that indoor power outlets in the Philippines are mostly the same as those in the U.S. and Canada: two flat parallel pins (Type A). So most of your usual travel electronics will plug in just fine—no need for a plug adapter.
However, since the voltage is different, it’s crucial to double-check whether your device has a built-in voltage converter (transformer) before plugging it in.
Travelers from countries like the United Kingdom or Australia should note that while the voltage is similar (both use 230V), the plug types are different. The UK uses Type G plugs, and Australia uses Type I plugs, whereas the Philippines primarily uses Type A and Type B outlets.
This means that even though your appliances may support the correct voltage, you’ll still need a plug adapter to use them in the Philippines. Always double-check the plug type and pack a suitable adapter if you're coming from a region that doesn't use flat parallel prongs.
| Country | Standard Voltage | Plug Type | Adapter Needed in the Philippines? |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 110V | Type A / B | No (if using Type A), but check voltage compatibility |
| Canada | 120V | Type A / B | No (if using Type A), but check voltage compatibility |
| United Kingdom | 230V | Type G | Yes (plug adapter required) |
| Australia | 230V | Type I | Yes (plug adapter required) |
| Philippines | 220V | Type A / B / C | N/A |
As mentioned above, the Philippines operates on 220V, unlike the 110V~120V used in the U.S. and Canada. Fortunately, most modern electronic devices come with built-in power adapters or chargers that can handle a wide voltage range.
So what exactly is a voltage converter? For iPhones and other Apple products, it’s that rectangular white block at the end of the charging cable. Cameras and laptops usually have one too—often a small black box built into the cord.
Once you locate the converter, check the voltage range printed on it. The text is often incredibly small, so be sure to look closely.
Taking Apple devices as an example, their power adapters typically support 100V~240V. This means you can safely plug them into Philippine outlets, as 220V is well within that supported range.
We also brought along a Panasonic GX85 camera to Boracay, and its included charger also supports 110V~240V, so it worked perfectly fine without any additional equipment.
Small Appliances Beyond Phones and Laptops
What about other small electronics like curling irons, hair dryers, or straighteners? These devices usually draw a lot of power, and if they don’t support dual voltage, plugging them into a 220V outlet could lead to instant damage.
That’s why it’s important to check if your appliance has an international voltage switch or clearly states compatibility with 220V. If not, it’s better to leave it at home.
You can always buy one locally after arriving, or—if you travel often—invest in a travel-friendly model that supports worldwide voltage.
Most standard hotel rooms in popular tourist areas will provide a basic hair dryer. They’re usually not high-end (we’ve never come across one that really impressed us), but they’ll dry your hair just fine. Unless you're very particular, you can probably skip bringing your own.
However, items like flat irons and curling wands are rarely provided. If yours doesn't support 220V, your only alternative is to bring a voltage converter—but we generally don’t recommend that. They’re bulky, sometimes unreliable, and introduce a lot of uncertainty. Therefore, Think twice before packing one.
Final Tips for Using Electronics in the Philippines
Here’s a quick summary of what you need to know when using electronics in the Philippines:
- Standard voltage is 220V — different from what’s used in the U.S. and Canada (110V~120V).
- Plug type is generally the same as the U.S. and Canada (Type A) — so no plug adapter is needed for most devices.
- Most modern electronics like smartphones, laptops, tablets, and cameras include dual-voltage adapters — so they’re safe to use in the Philippines as long as they support 220V.
- Avoid bringing high-powered appliances like hair dryers or curling irons unless they’re dual-voltage — or consider upgrading to a travel model that is.
- If you're coming from the UK or Australia, you'll need a plug adapter even if your voltage is compatible, due to different outlet shapes.