Power Adaptors: Do You Need Them In Austria?

If you're travelling to Austria from the UK or the US, you will need to take a power adaptor to be able to plug in your appliances. Austria uses two-pin plugs, whereas the UK uses three-pin plugs and the US uses two different types of plug. You can buy a power adaptor before you travel or when you arrive in Austria.

It's also important to check the voltage of your appliances. Austria's power supply is 230V, whereas the US supplies power at 120V. If your appliances aren't dual voltage, you will need a voltage converter.

What plug type is used in Austria?

Austria uses two associated plug types: Type C and Type F. Type C plugs have two round pins, whereas Type F plugs have two round pins and two earth clips on the side. These are also known as Schuko sockets and plugs.

Type F sockets are the same as those used in much of continental Europe, including Germany, Greece, Portugal, Sweden, and Spain. They are compatible with the Europlug and the CEE 7/7 plug.

If you are travelling to Austria from the UK or US, you will need to use a suitable power adapter to fit a UK or US plug into an Austrian power outlet.

Do I need a voltage converter for Austria?

The voltage from electrical outlets in Austria is 230V, which is within the 220V-240V range provided in most countries in Europe, the UK, Africa, and Asia. If you are visiting Austria from a country that uses this voltage range, you will not need a voltage converter.

However, if you are visiting Austria from a country that typically uses a lower voltage, such as the US, where the voltage is 120V, you will need a voltage converter. Using a device with a voltage higher than what it is designed for could be dangerous and cause damage to your devices.

To check if you need a voltage converter for Austria, look at the appliance rating plate. If the input voltage range is 110-240V, you will not need a converter. If your device is single voltage rated and operates at a voltage other than 230V, you will need a converter.

It is important to note that a travel adapter will only change the shape of the plug to fit into an Austrian power outlet and will not convert the voltage. Therefore, if your device does not support 230V, you will need a voltage converter in addition to a travel adapter.

Where can I buy a power adaptor for Austria?

If you're travelling to Austria and need to buy a power adaptor, there are several options available to you.

If you're travelling to Vienna, you can find travel adaptors at the newsagent in the arrivals hall at Vienna airport. The store is located opposite where you emerge once you exit baggage collection and customs.

In town, you can find travel plugs, adaptors, and similar accessories at large electronics stores. The main chain is MediaMarkt, which has several outlets, including at the Wien Mitte railway station and in the Gerngross department store on Mariahilfer Straße, a popular street for shoppers.

If you're not heading to Vienna, you can also buy power adaptors at most major US international airports before you depart. Look in the travel accessories section of airport newsagents, electronic stores, and pharmacists such as Hudson News or Brookstone.

It's also recommended that you research the exact type of adaptor you need before shopping at the airport, as the range of adaptors might be limited to popular destinations.

Alternatively, you can buy a power adaptor online or from high-street electrical stores such as Best Buy, Walmart, Target, Home Depot, or Fry's.

Will my US plug work in Austria?

If you're travelling to Austria from the US, you will need to use a suitable power adapter to fit a US plug into an Austrian power outlet. This is because the voltage and plug type used in Austria are different from those in the US.

Voltage

The standard voltage in Austria is 230V, which is higher than the voltage in the US, which is 120V. Using an electrical appliance that is rated at a different voltage from the power supply can be extremely dangerous. Therefore, you will need to use a voltage converter or transformer in Austria to protect your devices.

Plug Type

Austria uses two associated plug types:

• Type C: This plug has two round pins.
• Type F: This plug has two round pins with two earth clips on the side. This is also known as a Schuko plug.

US plugs have two flat pins, so you will need a power plug adapter to fit a US plug into an Austrian power outlet.

Dual Voltage Appliances

If you are bringing dual voltage-rated appliances, you will not need a voltage converter. You can check if your appliance is dual voltage by looking at the appliance rating plate. A dual voltage appliance will display something like 'INPUT: 110-240V' on the body of the appliance or its power supply. In this case, you will only need a travel adapter, as Austria operates on a 230V supply voltage, which is within the 110-240V range that a dual voltage appliance can operate on.

Where to Buy Adapters and Converters

You can buy power plug adapters and voltage converters at electronics stores in Austria, or online at Amazon. Some hotels may also be able to lend you an adapter. If you are flying into Austria, you may also be able to buy an adapter at the airport.

What is the voltage in Austria?

The voltage in Austria is 230V, with a standard frequency of 50Hz. This is within the range of 220V-240V used in most of Europe, the UK, Australia, Africa, and Asia. However, if you are visiting from North America or South America, where the voltage is typically 100V-127V, you will need a voltage converter, as well as a power adapter, for your electrical devices.

If you are travelling to Austria from the US, you will need a power adapter to fit a US plug into an Austrian power outlet. As the voltage in Austria is 230V, you will also need a power converter if your device is not dual voltage. A dual voltage device will display something like 'INPUT: 110-240V' on the body of the appliance or its power supply.

If you are bringing single voltage rated appliances, you will need to use them alongside a voltage transformer or converter. Converters are typically used with appliances that operate for a short duration (1-2 hours), while most transformers can be used with appliances that operate continuously.

It is also important to note that some travel adapters are not suitable for any appliances that require an earth connection. These types of travel adapters should only be used with double-insulated equipment.

If you are still unsure about what you will need for your appliances, it is recommended that you check your appliances before travelling to Austria.

Frequently asked questions