Laos Power Plugs, Wall Sockets & Electrical Outlets
In Laos, power plugs and sockets (electrical outlets) of Type A (NEMA 1-15, two flat parallel pins, ungrounded), Type B (NEMA 5-15, two flat parallel pins plus round grounding pin, grounded), Type C (CEE 7/16 (Europlug), two round pins, ungrounded), Type E (CEE 7/5, two round pins plus hole for socket grounding pin, grounded) and Type F (CEE 7/4 (Schuko), two round pins with grounding clips on sides, grounded) are used. Wall sockets run at 230V and 50Hz. Check if you need a travel adapter, electrical adapter or voltage converter before travelling to Laos.
Check Adapter Compatibility
Do you need an adapter for your trip?
Laos uses:
Laos Travel Adapter Guide
A Laos power plug can take several different forms, since the country does not rely on a single standardized outlet design. Visitors will commonly encounter Type A and Type C two-pin plugs alongside grounded Type B, Type E, and Type F plug tops, reflecting a mix of American and European electrical influences. Because of this variety, packing a universal travel adaptor is the simplest way to ensure your devices will connect to whatever socket you find in your hotel room, guesthouse, or cafe.
Type A and Type B plugs, familiar to travelers from North America, Japan, and parts of Asia, feature flat parallel pins and are typically used for smaller electronics or, in the case of Type B, appliances that require a grounded connection. Type C, the compact two-pin Europlug, is the most universally accepted plug worldwide and works well for phone chargers, cameras, and laptops rated up to 2.5 amps. Type E and Type F plugs, both associated with continental European standards, are rounder and sturdier, designed for higher-power equipment such as kettles or hair dryers.
Grounding and the Earth Pin
Grounding matters most for higher-wattage appliances, and this is where Type B, Type E, and Type F plugs come into play. Type B plugs use a round grounding pin in addition to their two flat blades, while Type E relies on a socket-mounted grounding pin that inserts into a hole in the plug itself. Type F plugs instead use side grounding clips that contact strips inside a recessed socket, an approach that also offers protection against accidental contact with live parts. If your device has a three-prong plug, check that the Laos outlet you're using actually provides a working ground connection, particularly in older buildings.
Plug Sockets, Voltage & Adapters in Laos
Voltage and Frequency in Laos
Electricity in Laos is supplied at 230V and 50Hz, matching the standard used across most of Europe, Africa, and Asia. This means visitors from regions running on 100-127V systems, such as the United States, Canada, or Japan, will need a voltage converter for appliances that aren't dual-voltage, even if their plug shape happens to fit a Laos socket. Most modern electronics, including phone chargers and laptop power supplies, are already built to handle 220-240V, making a simple plug adapter sufficient in those cases.
Because Laos sockets can accept a range of plug types, it helps to carry an adapter that supports multiple pin configurations rather than a single fixed design. A compact plug top adapter with interchangeable inserts for Type A, C, E, and F pins will cover nearly every situation you're likely to encounter, from budget guesthouses to modern hotels.
- Type A/B two-pin or three-pin adapters for North American style devices
- Type C Europlug adapters for small low-power electronics
- Type E/F grounded adapters for higher-power appliances like hair dryers or kettles
- A voltage converter if traveling with non-dual-voltage 100-127V equipment
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, most travelers will need a travel adaptor since Laos uses a mix of Type A, B, C, E, and F plug sockets rather than a single standard. Bringing an adapter with interchangeable pins ensures compatibility across hotels, guesthouses, and public charging points.
In most cases, yes. Phone chargers are typically dual-voltage and can handle the 230V, 50Hz supply used in Laos without needing a separate voltage converter, so you'll only need a plug adapter to match the socket shape.
Laos operates on a 230V electrical system at a frequency of 50Hz, consistent with the standard used throughout much of Europe and Asia. Devices designed for 100-127V systems will require a voltage converter unless they are dual-voltage rated.
Pack a multi-standard travel adaptor that covers Type A, C, E, and F pin configurations, since Laos sockets vary between properties. If you're bringing higher-power appliances, look for a grounded adapter with a proper grounding pin connection, and add a voltage converter for any non-dual-voltage devices.
