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Canadian Guide to International Power Adapters
With 15 kinds of plugs currently in use across the world, knowing which power adapter you need for next your trip is key. You wouldn’t want to be stuck without being able to charge your phone, computer or trusty camera!

Skyscanner Canada investigates the world of power adapters to create a shopper’s guide for our readers.

How Do I know if I Need a Power Adapter?
Plug types tend to vary from region to region. In Canada, we use type A and B… A is two-pronged and B is three-pronged. The standard voltage here is 120 V. Luckily, both North and Central America use the same plug types as us so you don’t need a power adapter. But if you are travelling to other regions such as Asia, Europe or the UK, you’ll need a power adapting device to be able to use your electronics.

Universal Adapters vs. Specialized
When shopping for an adapter, consider how often you travel and where to. If you travel to the UK periodically, buying a good quality adapter for their G type plug makes sense. But if you are an international jet setter, investing in a universal adapter will save you money in the long run.
Specialized Universal Pros: Small, lightweight, compact Chunky and heavy Inexpensive Slightly more expensive Cons: Limited usage Versatile to use in most places Many have extra features, like USB ports Adapters vs. Converters Depending on what you plan to plug in while travelling, you may need a converter instead of an adapter.

The difference between the two comes is the electricity – adapters help fit your electronics into foreign plugs, whereas a converter actually changes the voltage in the outlet itself to. Luckily, not many modern electronics require a converter because they are already dual or multi-voltage items, which means they can operate using multi kinds of electricity. The main item that requires a converter is a hair dryer or other hair items like a curling iron or straightener.

Many good quality adapters are also converters. This is another reason to invest in an all-in-one universal power adapter.

Where to Buy the Best Power Adapters
International power adapters and converters are available widely. In Canada, you can buy them at electronics stores like The Source or Best Buy, at large retail stores such as Walmart, or at adventure shops like Mountain Equipment Co-op. You can also buy adapters of all sorts online on Amazon.

Born Free plug adapters / Skyscanner Canada Full List of International Plug Types Region Adapter/ plug in type Voltage in region USA, Canada, Mexico & Japan Type A & Type B 100 – 127 V Europe, South America & Asia Type C 220 – 240 V India Type D 220 – 240 V France, Belgium, Poland and Czech Republic Type E 220 – 240 V Europe & Russia (except for the UK and Ireland) Type F 220 – 240 V UK, Ireland, Malta, Malaysia and Singapore Type G 220 – 240 V Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip Type H 220 – 240 V Australia, New Zealand, China and Argentina Type I 220 – 240 V Switzerland and Liechtenstein Type J 220 – 240 V Denmark & Greenland Type K 220 – 240 V Italy & Chile Type L 220 – 240 V South Africa Type M 220 – 240 V Brazil and South Africa Type N 100 – 240 V Thailand Type O 220 – 240 V Ready for your next adventure? Use the flight search below and start your hunt for the best flight bargains going everywhere. On the go? Download our free app and get the best prices right at your fingertips.
Canada power adapters - What power adapter do I need for Canada? Home > Power outlets > Continents > North America > Canadian power outlet > Canada power adapters

Power adapters for Canada

If you are packing for a vacation it's helpful to know if you can charge any essential devices such as mobile phones or laptop computers when you're there. But, by not knowing which power socket is used in Canada you are more likely to bring the wrong power charger, meaning having to buy or borrow a potentially expensive power adaptor when you're there that might not be compatible. Complicated combinations of standards and plugs can all cause confusion when planning on travelling to a different country especially for the first time traveller. This isn't as complex as it appears, with only a handful of different types of plug sockets being used throughout the world this guide shows exactly what you'll need in advance to power your device in Canada. This page contains links to useful instructions showing how to power your devices when staying in Canada by using their 120 volt 60Hz A Type Canadian wall outlet, with the Canadians using NEMA 1-15 P ungrounded plugs for wall outlets. Power adapters change depending on which area you're taking a trip to so please read our Wiki Connections travel power adapters list for a full list of powering devices in different countries.

What is the best power adapter for Canada?
The best power adapter for Canada will be a Type A power adapter which is suitable for powering any 120 volt appliance or device. [2] [AD]

What is the best power adapter for Canada?
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What is a power adapter?

Power adapters are small and lightweight plastic adapters that allow a Canadian power outlet to accept a different type of power plug from a foreign region. [3]

Do I need a plug adapter in Canada?

If the shape of the plug outlet in Canada is different to the shape of the Canadian power outlet then you will need a power adapter.

What does a power adapter do?

A power adapter for Canada enables a visitor from a different country to use their own electronic appliances and devices in Canada by altering the shape of the plug to fit the power outlet.

Can a power adapter change the voltage in Canada? A power adapter only adapts the shape of a plug to fit into a 120 volt Canadian power outlet and can't convert to a different voltage. If you wish to safely use any 220-240 volt device you also need to bring a step up power converter.

Where to buy a power adapter for Canada Power adapters for sale in an airport

Where to buy a power adapter for Canada
Power adapters are most likely be available in major airports prior to departure, however the range of adapters might be limited to popular destinations. It is recommended to research the exact type of adapter required prior to shopping at the airport. Look in the travel accessories section of airport newsagents, electronic stores and pharmacists but expect to pay 50% more than regular prices. Airports will be your last chance to buy a power adapter before departure, always check the returns policy to ensure you can easily exchange or refund a faulty or unsuitable product in an airside shop.

It will be more convenient and cheaper to buy the correct power adapter in advance of your trip. High street stores normally sell popular types of travel adapters to popular locations but for widest choice it is recommended to buy a power adapter online.

Arriving at an airport
Where to buy a power adapter in Canada

On arrival power adapters could be found in local electrical high street shops and drug stores, but always check the build quality first as safety standards might be different in a foreign country as this is important when dealing with electrical goods. Keep in mind that a shopping trip searching for power adapters in an unknown location might be impractical, especially as this needs to happen quickly before batteries run out.

Hotel receptions could have a power adapter for sale, hire or as a complimentary extra for guests; however, availability is normally limited and a hotel might not have the exact type required for your country. If in doubt, call ahead to the hotel first and request a reservation as it is unlikely that an adapter will be found in your room on arrival.

Canada power adapters
Power adapters for Canada
What is the best power adapter for Canada?
What is a power adapter?
Do I need a plug adapter in Canada?
What does a power adapter do?
Can a power adapter change the voltage in Canada?
Where to buy a power adapter for Canada
Where to buy a power adapter in Canada
Electrical adapters for Canada
Travel Power Strips
Power Plug Adapters
Travel USB Wall Chargers
Universal Travel Power Adapters
Plug Adapter Sets
Voltage Converters
Canada power outlets and plug sockets
What plug sockets are used in Canada?
How do I use a 220 volt appliance in Canada?
What is the frequency used in a Canadian power outlet?
Is the power grid reliable in Canada?
What is access to electrical power in Canada like
Do I need a power bank for Canada?
How well do solar powered chargers work in Canada
Sources
Canada chargers

What is a USB travel power charger?

What USB charger do I need for Canada?
Why use a travel USB charger for Canada?
What is the best USB charger for Canada?
Power converters for Canada

What is a power converter for a Canadian power outlet?
What is the difference between a power converter and a plug adapter for Canada?
Do I need a power converter for Canada?
What kind of converter do I need for Canada? What is the difference between a transformer and a converter?
How to convert 120 volts to 220 volts
What voltage is used in Canada?
How can you tell if you have a single voltage or dual voltage device?
What type of adapter do you need for Canada?
Which type of plug adapter do you need for Canada?
How many electrical items will you be packing for Canada?
Will you only be planning on charging USB devices in Canada?
What different types of electrical items do you need to charge with a Canadian power outlet?

Do your devices and appliances only work with a 120 volt power outlet?
Is Canada the only country you plan on visiting?
How many Canadian power outlets will be available?
Are you planning to visit anywhere abroad in the future?
What is your budget?
Would you like to use your charger when returning home?
Will you always have reliable access to electrical power?
Are you only bringing hand luggage?
Are you flying long haul to get to Canada?
Devices which connect to a Canadian power outlet
Travel electronics, Beats Bluetooth speakers, Jabra Bluetooth speakers, Cell phones, Apple phones, Samsung phones, Amazon tablets, Apple tablet