Vanuatu Power Plugs, Wall Sockets & Electrical Outlets
In Vanuatu, power plugs and sockets (electrical outlets) of Type I (AS/NZS 3112, two angled flat pins plus vertical grounding pin, 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 Vanuatu.
Check Adapter Compatibility
Do you need an adapter for your trip?
Vanuatu uses:
Electrical Standards in Vanuatu: Voltage, Frequency & Plug Type
A Vanuatu power plug follows the Australasian AS/NZS 3112 standard, known as Type I. This plug features two angled flat pins set at a 30 degree angle plus a vertical grounding pin, and it is rated for 10A at 220-240V. Travelers arriving from countries with different AC power plugs and sockets will need to plan accordingly before relying on local outlets.
Voltage and Frequency in Vanuatu
Vanuatu operates on a 230V supply at 50Hz, consistent with most of the Pacific region and countries that follow the broader Australasian and European electrical conventions. This standard applies uniformly across the islands, so visitors do not need to worry about regional variation within the country. However, it does matter for anyone bringing devices designed for a different voltage system, as mismatched equipment can be damaged or operate incorrectly.
Dual-Voltage Devices and Vanuatu
Many modern electronics, including phone chargers, laptop power supplies, and camera battery chargers, are dual-voltage and designed to accept anywhere from around 100V to 240V. For these devices, only a plug shape adapter is needed to fit Vanuatu's Type I sockets, not a voltage converter. It's worth checking the fine print on your device's charger or power brick, as it will state the accepted voltage range explicitly.
Understanding Vanuatu's Power Plugs and Sockets
The Type I plug used in Vanuatu is the same style used in Australia, New Zealand, and several other Pacific Island nations. Its angled pin configuration is designed to provide a secure connection and reduce the chance of accidental disconnection, while the vertical grounding pin offers protection for appliances that require an earthed connection. Modern outlets often include safety shutters that guard against foreign object insertion, an added safety feature common to Australian-standard electrical design.
Because Type I plugs vary slightly between countries that use them, it's a good idea to confirm that your travel adaptor is compatible with the New Zealand/Australian pin dimensions specifically, since Argentina's mirror-image version and other variants may not fit as snugly.
- Two angled flat pins set at 30 degrees
- One vertical flat grounding pin
- Rated for 10A at 220-240V
- Pin length of 8mm and width of 6.5mm
- Common in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga, and other Pacific nations
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, if your home country doesn't use Type I plugs, you'll need a travel adapter to fit Vanuatu's angled three-pin sockets. The adapter simply changes the plug shape and does not affect voltage, so check your device separately for voltage compatibility.
Pack a Type I travel adapter compatible with the AS/NZS 3112 standard, which features two angled flat pins and a vertical grounding pin. If any of your devices are not dual-voltage, you may also need a voltage converter, since Vanuatu runs on 230V at 50Hz.
Most phone chargers are dual-voltage and can handle Vanuatu's 230V, 50Hz supply without any issue. You'll just need a Type I plug adapter to physically fit the local sockets, not a voltage converter.
Yes, Vanuatu's Type I sockets are grounded, with a vertical grounding pin included alongside the two angled flat pins. This provides reliable earthing protection for household appliances, electronics, and other equipment rated at 10A.
