Saudi Arabia Plug Type: Power Outlet Adapter

Are you planning to come and visit Saudi Arabia anytime soon? Or perhaps you are thinking about coming here for work or business? There are many places in the Kingdom that will surely amaze you; but of course, you have to be prepared!

As a traveler, you probably have gadgets such as mobile phones, tablets, and laptops with you. You need to make sure that the plugs on your devices are compatible with the power sockets in your destination. In this article, we will talk about plugs, sockets, and adapters that you may need when going to Saudi Arabia.

What is the Electrical Outlet Power Socket in Saudi?

Before going on a trip to Saudi Arabia, one of the things that you have to consider is the compatibility of your electrical devices with the power outlets in the Kingdom. You need to determine whether or not you have to bring a travel adapter, a voltage converter, and so on. In other words, it’s important for you to know the types of plugs and sockets that are commonly used in this country.

The power plug that is typically used in Saudi Arabia is Type G, a plug that features three rectangular “pins,” arranged in a triangular pattern. This type of plug originated from the United Kingdom, so it is sometimes called the “UK plug.”

As for the voltage, electric sockets in the Kingdom operate on a standard voltage of 220V to 230V, with a standard frequency of 60Hz. Take note of these figures, as these will help you decide whether you need to bring an adapter or converter!

What is the Plug Adapter Type in Saudi Arabia?

If the plug on your device is not compatible — or does not fit — into a Type G socket, then you will need a plug adapter so you can charge and/or use your device in Saudi Arabia. In particular, you need to have a Type G plug adapter.

Should I Bring a Travel Adapter to Saudi Arabia?

The answer to this question depends on where you are coming from, and whether or not the electric sockets and plugs in your country are compatible with those in Saudi Arabia, which is Type G. Again, if your plug does not fit into a Type G socket, then you will need to bring a travel adapter. On the other hand, if your plug is compatible, then there is no need to bring an adapter at all!

Should I Bring a Voltage Converter to Saudi Arabia?

Here’s the thing… Voltages differ from country to country, ranging from 100V up to 240V. In most countries around Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia — including the Middle East — the standard voltage is usually between 220V and 240V. In contrast, most countries in North America and South America have a standard voltage of 100V to 120V.

As mentioned earlier, the standard voltage in Saudi Arabia ranges from 220V to 230V. If the voltage in your country is the same, then you may not need to bring a voltage converter during a visit to the Kingdom.

Nonetheless, there is still the matter of standard frequency, which is 60Hz in Saudi Arabia. If the frequency in your country is the same… great! Otherwise, if it is different, then it may be necessary to bring a voltage converter with you.

What About Devices with Dual Voltage?

These days, some devices like mobile phones, tablets, and laptops are dual voltage. How can you know this? By looking at the small print on your device. If it says “INPUT: 100-240V” and “50/60Hz,” this means that your device is dual voltage, so you can use it with any voltages and frequencies worldwide.

In cases of devices that are dual voltage, you don’t have to bring a voltage converter to Saudi Arabia. However, you may still need to bring a travel adapter if the plug and socket types are different.

Once again, be sure to read the small print on your devices, and always double check before plugging it into a power outlet when you travel abroad!

Travel Adapter vs. Voltage Converter

Just to be clear, please note the following differences between a travel adapter and voltage converter. A travel adapter is a device that enables you to plug your devices into an electrical outlet with a different plug type. However, the travel adapter does not change or convert electric voltage.

Meanwhile, as the name says, a voltage converter is a device that changes or converts electricity from one level to another. For example, if you come from a country where the standard voltage is 110V to 120V, then you will need a voltage converter when you come to Saudi Arabia, where the voltage is 220V to 240V.

Where Can I Buy Electrical Supplies in Saudi Arabia?

Ideally, it would be wise to buy a travel adapter, voltage converter, or other devices before you travel. However, in case you were unable to pack them, don’t worry because there are many places in Saudi Arabia where you can buy such supplies. Upon arriving at the airport, you may find some stores selling travel adapters. These items are also available in most malls, supermarkets, and convenience stores.

Video: Using Travel Adapters in the Middle East

In the following video, a vlogger shares his experience, and also offers some tips regarding power plugs, sockets, and travel adapters in the Middle East. This video was shared via “Bored Immigrant” channel on YouTube:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about power sockets, plugs, and travel adapters in Saudi Arabia:

1. What type of power sockets are used in Saudi Arabia?

The power plug that is mainly used in Saudi Arabia is Type G, which is sometimes called as the “UK plug,” since it originated from the United Kingdom.

2. What type of adapter do I need?

If your device is not compatible with a Type G socket, then you will need to have a Type G travel adapter when visiting Saudi Arabia.

3. Is the Saudi Arabia plug the same as in the UK?

Yes, the Saudi Arabia plug — Type G — is the same as in the UK.

4. Is the Saudi Arabia plug the same as in the USA?

No, the Saudi Arabia plus is not the same as those in the United States, where power outlets are usually either Type A or Type B.

5. Will I need a voltage converter?

If the standard voltage in your country is the same as in Saudi Arabia, then no, you don’t need a voltage converter. On the other hand, if the voltage is different, then yes… you will need a voltage converter.

6. Where can I buy electrical supplies?

In Saudi Arabia, you can buy electrical supplies at the airport, as well as in most shopping malls, supermarkets, convenience stores, and even drug stores nationwide.

7. Will my hotel room have a USB socket?

Many devices today use a USB plug, so you’re probably wondering whether hotels in Saudi Arabia have USB sockets. To answer your question, it would be best to contact the hotel directly, since some hotels may have USB sockets, while others don’t. Either way, it would be a good idea to bring a Type G travel adapter that has USB sockets, so you can use it when charging your devices.

8. Do I need to bring a power strip?

If you are traveling as a family, or as part of a large group, then you probably have multiple devices with you. In this case, you can consider bringing power strip — Type G, of course — so you can charge several devices at the same time.

9. What other countries use Type G plugs?

Aside from Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom, there are many other countries that use Type G plugs and sockets. Among these are Bahrain, Bangladesh, Botswana, Brunei, China, Cyprus, Ghana, Guatemala, Iraq, Ireland, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nigeria, Oman, Qatar, Seychelles, Singapore, Tanzania, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, Yemen, and Zimbabwe, among others.

Summary

For those who are planning to visit Saudi Arabia for the first time, be it for work, business, or tourism purposes — be sure to take note of the electrical standards in the Kingdom, and whether or not these are compatible with those in your country.

After all, you don’t want to bring multiple devices, only to find that you can’t use them upon arriving in the Kingdom. Likewise, you don’t want to make the mistake of bringing the wrong type of travel adapter. Moreover, always remember to read the fine print on your devices! This is one of the keys to staying safe and making sure that you are adjusting to the electrical standards in your country of destination.

Meanwhile, if you are planning to stay in Saudi Arabia for work, then you are likely thinking about your housing options. If so, check out this list of the best places to live in Saudi Arabia for expats, so you can plan ahead and make the best decision!