Egypt is one of the easier countries to plug into, as long as your devices are not North American hair appliances. Sockets take two round pins, the supply is 220V at 50Hz, and most modern chargers handle that without a converter. This guide covers which plug types you will meet, which adapter to buy, what to leave at home and how power behaves on the Nile, in Sinai and in the desert. For the rest of your bag, see our Egypt packing list.
Plug types and voltage in Egypt
| Item | Egypt standard |
|---|---|
| Voltage | 220V |
| Frequency | 50Hz |
| Plug types | C and F |
| Pin shape | Two round pins |
| Typical socket | Recessed round sockets in newer buildings, flat round-pin sockets in older ones |
Type C is the thin two-pin βEuroplugβ, rated for about 2.5A. Type F is the chunkier βSchukoβ plug with two earth clips on the sides. Egyptian sockets accept both. Plugs from Germany, France, Spain, Italy and most of continental Europe fit directly. Some older sockets are narrow or slightly worn, so a chunky Type F plug can feel loose. A slim Type C adapter often seats more firmly.
Which adapter do you need?
UK and Ireland (Type G): you need an adapter. A UK to Type C/F adapter is cheap at home and easy to pack. Buy two, because hotel rooms rarely have enough sockets near the bed.
USA and Canada (Type A and B): you need an adapter and you need to check voltage. Most phones, tablets, laptops, cameras and power banks accept 100-240V. Look for βINPUT: 100-240V 50/60Hzβ on the charger. If it says 120V only, it will be damaged by Egyptβs 220V supply.
Australia and New Zealand (Type I): you need an adapter. Voltage is 230V, so there is no conversion issue.
Continental Europe: you probably do not need anything. Bring a short extension lead if you want to charge several devices at once.
Other regions: South Africa (Type M and N), India (Type D) and Switzerland (Type J) plugs need an adapter. A universal adapter with USB ports covers all of these.
What to leave at home
Hair dryers, straighteners, curling tongs and electric kettles from North America are the main risk. Most are single-voltage and will burn out at 220V. Voltage converters for them are heavy and unreliable. Buy a cheap dual-voltage version, or rely on the hair dryer in your hotel room. Most mid-range and upmarket hotels in Cairo, Luxor, Aswan and the Red Sea resorts provide one, though budget guesthouses often do not.
Adapter shopping list
- One or two Type C/F adapters (or a universal adapter) in your hand luggage
- A multi-port USB charger, ideally with USB-C, so one socket charges phone, watch and camera
- A power bank of 10,000mAh or more for long days at Karnak, the Valley of the Kings or Giza
- A short extension lead or compact travel power strip if you travel with a laptop and camera
- Spare camera batteries, since charging points on boats and in the desert are limited
Keep adapters in carry-on bags, not in checked luggage, so you can charge on arrival. If you forget one, electronics shops in downtown Cairo, including the busy streets around Ataba, sell Type C/F adapters and extension leads for very little. Tourist areas of Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh also have shops that stock them, though at higher prices. Prices change quickly, so ask before you buy.
Power on a Nile cruise
Cabins on Nile cruise ships between Luxor and Aswan have sockets and the shipβs generators supply the usual 220V. Expect one or two outlets per cabin. Bring a multi-port charger so you are not unplugging phone, camera and power bank one at a time. Smaller dahabiya boats generally have limited power, and some switch off generators overnight. Our dahabiya vs Nile cruise guide explains what to expect from each.
Power in Sinai, the Red Sea and the oases
Hotels in Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh and Marsa Alam run reliable power, with generator backup at many larger resorts. In smaller places such as Dahab, Nuweiba and Siwa, short power cuts happen, particularly in summer when demand peaks. We suggest keeping your devices topped up, carrying a power bank and downloading offline maps before you travel. Our Sinai Peninsula guide covers this region in more detail.
Desert camps near Bahariya, the White Desert and Siwa often rely on generators or solar panels and may offer little or no power at night. Treat your power bank as essential kit and bring a head torch.
Power cuts and surge protection
Egyptβs grid has improved a lot in recent years, but brief outages and voltage dips still happen, especially in older buildings and during heat waves. A surge-protected travel strip is worth carrying if you travel with an expensive laptop. In practice, a laptop with a battery is safe from a short cut, while a desktop-style device is not.
Staying connected
Charging is only half the picture. Pick up a local SIM or an eSIM before you land, since data and maps are what drain your battery. Our eSIM guide compares options, and the SIM card guide covers buying at the airport. Save the numbers on our emergency numbers page in your phone before you go.
Quick checklist before you fly
- Read the label on every charger: 100-240V means safe, 120V only means leave it
- Pack two Type C/F adapters or one universal adapter
- Bring a power bank in your carry-on, since airlines do not allow spare lithium batteries in checked bags
- Skip single-voltage hair appliances
- Download offline maps and tickets so a dead battery does not leave you stuck
If you are planning a first trip, a guided Cairo tour is a good way to see Giza and the Egyptian Museum without worrying about your phone battery, since guides help with navigation and tickets.