It is important to know that Spanish electrical outlets use 220-240 volts and the physical connection may be different from the one you have at home. Read on for information on whether your appliances will work in Spain and what to do if they don’t.
Modern dual voltage rated electronic devices such as laptops, mobile phones, tablets, and e-readers will work. Also, any device that charges via USB will be fine. Older devices and small appliances, particularly things like hair straighteners and hair dryers, could be more of a problem.
Voltage and plug differences
Depending on where you are from, you may need to bring a plug converter in order to use your essential electronic gadgets or devices.
If you are visiting from …
- In the UK and Ireland * you won’t have a problem plugging in your electrical appliance in Spain, except for the physical fact that it won’t fit! You will need to bring a plug adapter. Note that although the plugs and sockets of the British shaver look like the European ones, they are not the same.
- Australia and New Zealand, your considerations will be the same as for UK-based travelers, although the adapter you need will be different.
- South Africa, again, your considerations will be the same as for UK-based travelers, although the adapter you need will be different.
- Other European countries use the same power supply and plugs as Spain, so no adapter is required.
- North America, Central America, South America, and Japan use 110V, however many devices are dual rated (check the device or the power brick to make sure) so you will only need a plug adapter to use them on both Atlantic sides.
Adapters required for Spain
If your appliance is compatible with the Spanish power supply, all you need to do is change the physical plug to fit the wall in Spain. You can buy a cheap adapter in advance (at Currys or Boots) or (even cheaper) in Spain in stores like El Corte Inglés.
If your appliance IS NOT compatible with the Spanish power supply, you will need an adapter that changes both the physical plug that connects to the wall and the voltage your appliance receives.
- Voltage converters for heating appliances are good for hair straighteners, hair dryers, and flat irons. These are the most likely devices to need a converter.
- Converters for motorized or electronic appliances are for other devices. However, today’s laptops, cameras, and mobile phones generally don’t need a voltage converter.
Double check if necessary
To find out if your device will work in Spain, do this simple check.
- Look at the picture and find similar information on your device (it will be on the plug or on the device itself)
- Look at the green arrow in the photo. You can see that this product will take 100-240V. This means that the device will work in both the US (which takes 110V) and Spain (and indeed the rest of the world, most of which use 220-240V).
- If your product has a similar label, your product will also work in Spain. The only problem is that the plug does not physically fit, for this you will need an adapter.
- If your device does not mention 240V compatibility, then you will need to adapt the power it receives from the wall. You will have to buy a voltage converter.
* Also Cyprus, Malta, Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong
