When traveling to Sweden, it is important to remember that the electrical plugs used in this Scandinavian country are different from those used in the United States. Sweden uses the Europlug (Type C and F) for electricity, which has two round tips and produces 230 volts of power in Sweden.
Since the United States uses a type A and B electrical outlet, which has either two flat pins or two flat pins and one round plug, you won’t be able to use American appliances in Sweden without plugging them into an adapter and possibly a converter.
Power adapters and step-down transformers (power converters) are relatively cheap, and you can generally easily buy them abroad in any major city. Still, it is a good idea to pack these electrical devices before the trip and confirm that your appliances can accept 230 volts before leaving.
USB power adapters
Virtually everyone who travels has a cell phone that will need a daily charge, and many also carry tablets and laptops that will need power.
The power cords for these devices generally automatically adapt to any voltage, so you probably won’t need a power converter to charge them in Sweden, but you will need a USB power adapter to fit the plugs in Sweden. Just plug the USB end of your device charger into the USB travel adapter, as it normally connects to the power brick you use at home.
If these devices are the only electrical items you travel with, this is the only adapter you need. (Although these devices should automatically adapt to the higher voltage in Sweden and across Europe, it’s a good idea to check the user manual on your specific device before you go.)
Supply voltage for household appliances
If you are trying to use American electrical appliances in Sweden, keep in mind that the electrical system in the United States generally operates on 110 volts output, while that in Sweden operates on 230 volts. (Other countries in Europe operate between 220 and 240 volts).
If you try to plug in an American appliance that is only designed for 110 volts, you could deep fry it. It could also start an electrical fire, so definitely consider what voltage your appliance can handle.
To avoid any problems, check the label near the appliance’s power cord for its voltage rating, which is generally 100 to 240 volts or 50 to 60 Hertz. If your appliance does not have a capacity of up to 240 volts or 50 to 60 hertz, you will need to purchase a power converter, which will reduce the voltage to only 110 for your appliance.
These converters cost a bit more than simple adapters. If you need to use a power converter to limit the voltage flowing from a Swedish outlet, you can easily connect this device to a universal converter or one that converts from Type A and B to Type C and F.
As a general rule, it is a bad idea to bring any type of hair dryer to Sweden because it is difficult to find a suitable converter due to its high power consumption. Instead, you can check if your accommodation in Sweden has one in the room or else buy a cheap one locally.
Buy the right power adapter
When it comes to buying a power adapter for international travel, especially when visiting more than one country on a trip, getting a universal adapter is really the way to go, but you will still have to make sure it is not necessary. Obtain a converter depending on the voltage rating of your appliance.
Type C outlets in Sweden have two round plug holes and are ungrounded, while Type F outlets have these same two round holes with a third ground pin.
American outlets operate essentially the same way, except Type A outlets have two slim rectangular holes, and Type B outlets have an additional third round hole for the floor. Universal outputs allow you to convert types A and B to types C and F easily.
