Whenever we travel abroad—especially to a new country—one of the first practical questions 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?
Do I need a travel adapter or voltage converter for the Philippines? It’s a common question—especially for travelers from North America—so let’s clear it up before you plug anything in.
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 110–120V standard used in the United States and Canada. Generally speaking, appliances designed for a specific voltage should always be checked for compatibility before being used 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). This means most common travel electronics will plug in without any issues—no plug adapter required.
That said, because the voltage is different, it’s still important to double-check whether your device has a built-in power adapter that supports a wide voltage range before plugging it in.
Travelers from countries such as 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 if your devices support the correct voltage, a plug adapter is still required when traveling to the Philippines from these regions. Always double-check the plug type and pack a suitable adapter if your home country does not use flat, parallel prongs.
| Country | Standard Voltage | Plug Type | Adapter Needed in the Philippines? |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 110V | Type A / B | No, but check voltage compatibility |
| Canada | 120V | Type A / B | No, 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 (Type C may appear in some places) | N/A |
As mentioned above, the Philippines operates on 220V, unlike the 110–120V standard 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 should you check before plugging anything in? Look at the power adapter or charger—the rectangular white block for iPhones and other Apple devices, and often a small black box along the cable for many cameras and laptops.
Once you locate it, check the input voltage range printed on the adapter. The text is often incredibly small, so take a close look.
For example, Apple power adapters typically support 100–240V. That means they can be safely used in the Philippines, since 220V falls well within that range.
We also brought a Panasonic GX85 mirrorless camera to Boracay, and its charger supports 110–240V, 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 significantly more power, and if they don’t support dual voltage, plugging them into a 220V outlet can result in immediate damage.
That’s why it’s important to check whether your appliance has an international voltage switch or clearly states compatibility with 220V. If not, it’s generally better to leave it at home.
You can always buy a compatible model locally after arrival, or—if you travel frequently—invest in a travel-friendly appliance designed for worldwide voltage.
Most standard hotel rooms in popular tourist areas provide a basic hair dryer. They’re usually not high-end (we’ve yet to encounter one that truly impressed us), but they get the job done. Unless you’re particularly picky, bringing your own is often unnecessary.
However, items such as flat irons and curling wands are rarely provided. If yours doesn’t support 220V, the only workaround is using a voltage converter—but we generally don’t recommend it. Converters are bulky, sometimes unreliable, and introduce unnecessary uncertainty. In most cases, they’re simply not worth packing.
If you’re bringing high-end hair tools such as a Dyson Airwrap or specific Shark styling tools, be extra cautious. Many of these devices are strictly single-voltage and rely on sensitive internal electronics. Even when used with a voltage converter, they may not perform correctly—and in some cases, can still be damaged. For expensive styling tools, it’s usually safer to leave them at home or use a model designed specifically for international voltage.
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 (110–120V).
- Plug types are generally the same as in the U.S. and Canada (Type A / B) — so no plug adapter is needed for most devices.
- Most modern electronics such as smartphones, laptops, tablets, and cameras come with wide-range power 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 opt for a travel-friendly model designed for worldwide use.
- 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 designs.