Palau Power Plugs, Wall Sockets & Electrical Outlets
In Palau, power plugs and sockets (electrical outlets) of Type A (NEMA 1-15, two flat parallel pins, ungrounded) and Type B (NEMA 5-15, two flat parallel pins plus round grounding pin, grounded) are used. Wall sockets run at 120V and 60Hz. Check if you need a travel adapter, electrical adapter or voltage converter before travelling to Palau.
Check Adapter Compatibility
Do you need an adapter for your trip?
Palau uses:
Do You Need a Travel Adaptor for Palau?
If you are traveling to Palau from a country that uses Type A or Type B plugs, such as the United States, Canada, or Japan, you will not need a travel adaptor. A Palau power plug matches the same NEMA-style flat-pin design used across North America, so devices with Type A or Type B plugs will fit directly into the local electrical outlet. Visitors from Europe, the UK, Australia, or most of Asia and Africa, however, will need a plug adaptor since their round or angled pin designs are incompatible with Palau's wall socket configuration.
Is a Voltage Converter Necessary?
Palau runs on a 120V supply at 60Hz, matching the electrical standard used in the United States and much of Central America. Travelers from countries with 220-240V systems should check whether their devices support dual voltage, as using incompatible equipment without a converter can cause damage. Most modern electronics, including phone chargers, laptops, and camera batteries, are dual voltage and will work safely without any additional converter.
What Plug Type Does Palau Use?
Palau uses both Type A and Type B plugs, the two standard flat-pin connectors found throughout North America. Type A is the two-pin ungrounded version commonly used for small electronics, while Type B adds a third round pin for grounded connections required by larger appliances. Both plug types are rated for 15A at 100-127V, and any wall socket in Palau will typically accommodate either style since Type B outlets are backward compatible with Type A plugs.
Grounding and the Earth Pin
The Type B plug used in Palau includes a grounding pin in addition to the two flat power blades, providing an extra layer of protection against electrical faults. This rounded grounding pin is slightly longer than the power pins, so it connects first and disconnects last, reducing the risk of shock. Grounded Type B outlets are especially important for larger appliances, computers, and power tools where a safe earth connection is essential.
- Type A (NEMA 1-15): two flat parallel pins, ungrounded, 15A, 100-127V
- Type B (NEMA 5-15): two flat pins plus a grounding pin, 15A, 100-127V
Frequently Asked Questions
You won't need an adapter if your devices already use Type A or Type B plugs, as these are the standard plug types in Palau. Travelers with other plug styles, such as those from Europe or Australia, will need a suitable adaptor to fit the local wall socket.
Yes, in most cases. Palau's electrical supply runs at 120V and 60Hz, and most phone chargers are dual voltage, meaning they can handle this range without needing a separate voltage converter.
Palau uses Type A and Type B plugs, the same flat-pin standards found in the United States. Type A is a two-pin ungrounded plug, while Type B includes an additional grounding pin for safer use with larger appliances.
Palau operates on a 120V electrical system at a frequency of 60Hz. This matches the voltage standard used throughout North America, so devices built for that region will work without issue.