Electric Plugs In Austria: A Traveler's Guide To Local Sockets

If you're travelling to Austria, you'll need to know about the country's plug types to be able to use your electrical appliances. Austria has two associated plug types: type C and type F. Plug type C has two round pins, while type F has two round pins and two earth clips on the side. The standard voltage in Austria is 230V at a frequency of 50Hz, which is higher than in some countries, so you may need a voltage converter as well as a travel adapter to use your appliances safely.

Plug types in Austria

If you're travelling to Austria, you'll need to know about the different plug types used there. Austria has two associated plug types: Type C and Type F. Knowing which plug type is used in the country is essential, as you may need to pack a travel adapter to use your electrical appliances safely.

Type C Plug

The Type C plug has two round, parallel pins. This type of plug is commonly used in Europe, South America, and Asia. It is important to note that Type C plugs are not earthed and are therefore considered unsafe in Austria. While they can physically fit into Austrian sockets, their use is not recommended due to the lack of grounding.

Type F Plug

The Type F plug, also known as the Schuko plug, is the standard plug type in Austria. It has two round, parallel pins, a hole above them, and two grounding clips on the side. This plug type is commonly used in continental Europe, including Germany, Greece, Portugal, Sweden, and Spain. Austrian sockets are designed to accept Type F plugs, ensuring a safe and secure connection.

Voltage and Frequency

In addition to knowing the plug types, it is crucial to be aware of the voltage and frequency differences between your home country and Austria. The standard voltage in Austria is 230V, and the frequency is 50Hz. This may differ from the voltage and frequency in your home country, so it is important to check if you need a voltage converter for your electrical appliances.

Travel Adaptors and Converters

If you are visiting Austria from a country with different plug types, such as the UK or US, you will need to bring a travel adapter to fit your appliances into the Austrian sockets. Additionally, as mentioned earlier, voltage converters or transformers may be necessary to protect your devices from damage due to voltage differences.

It is always recommended to do your research before travelling and to check the specific requirements of your electrical appliances. By being prepared and equipped with the right adapters and converters, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to Austria without any electrical surprises.

Voltage and frequency

Austria operates on a 230V supply voltage and a 50Hz frequency. The voltage in Austria is higher than in some other countries, such as the US, where the voltage is 120V. The frequency in Austria is also different from the US, which operates at 60Hz.

The mains voltage in Austria is 230V, which is incompatible with most US appliances, as US voltage is specified as 120V +/- 5%. It is extremely dangerous to use an appliance with a voltage that is different from the power supply, and it may result in damage to the appliance, fire, or serious injury. Therefore, it is important to check the voltage specified for any appliances you wish to use in Austria carefully. Some items, such as laptops, will often specify "100-240V" either on the equipment or the power supply, which means they can be used in Austria without a transformer. If the appliance is not marked as able to accept the local voltage, do not plug it in.

The frequency of 50Hz in Austria is slightly lower than in the US, which operates at 60Hz. In practical terms, this makes little difference, as most travel appliances will run at either frequency. Some items with motors, such as hairdryers and some clocks, will run a little slower than intended, but it is not likely to be problematic. However, it is recommended to check the device, as some equipment may be damaged by running on an incorrect frequency.

It is important to note that travel adapters do not convert voltage or frequency. Therefore, if you are travelling to Austria from a country with a different voltage or frequency, you may need to use a voltage converter or transformer in addition to a travel adapter.

Travel adaptors

If you're travelling to Austria, you'll need to pack the right kind of travel adaptor to fit the local sockets. Austria has two associated plug types: type C and type F. Type C plugs have two round parallel pins, while type F has two round parallel pins and one hole above them, as well as two grounding clips. The standard voltage in Austria is 230V, with a frequency of 50Hz. This is different from the US, where the voltage is 120V and the frequency is 60Hz. Therefore, if you're travelling from the US, you'll need a power plug travel adapter for type F sockets in Austria, as well as a voltage converter.

It's important to note that travel adapters will only allow you to physically plug a US plug into a different outlet, but they will not change the voltage or frequency of the supply. To protect your devices, you'll need a voltage converter in Austria, as the standard voltage is much higher than the voltage in the US. The difference in frequency can also be dangerous for certain devices, so it's recommended to find a voltage converter that can also change the frequency.

If you're travelling from the UK, you'll also need an adapter to fit a 3-pin British plug to an Austrian socket. You can buy travel adapters online at e-commerce websites like Amazon or eBay, or at most major airports. You can also find them at electronics stores in Austria, such as MediaMarkt, which has several outlets in Vienna.

It's always a good idea to do some research before your trip to ensure you bring the correct travel adapter and any necessary voltage converters. Check the appliances you plan to bring to determine their voltage and frequency requirements. Some devices, like tablets, laptops, and cell phones, can be used in every country, while others may require a converter or transformer to work safely in Austria.

Voltage converters

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. Converters are also more suitable for simple electrical appliances that generate heat or use motors, such as hair dryers and clothes irons. Transformers, on the other hand, are designed for more complex electronic items such as televisions and games consoles.

When buying a voltage converter, it is important to check the maximum power rating (AMPS or WATTS) to ensure that any appliance you intend to use does not exceed this rating. It is also worth noting that some travel adapters are not suitable for appliances that require an earth connection, so these should only be used with double-insulated equipment.

If you are travelling with devices that require a lot of power, it may be more practical and cost-effective to purchase a dual voltage travel appliance rather than a heavy power converter.

Where to buy travel adaptors

If you're travelling to Austria, you'll need to buy a travel adaptor if you're coming from a country with different plug types. Austria uses 2-pin Schuko sockets and plugs (Type C and Type F). These have two round pins, and Type F has two earth clips on the side. The standard voltage is 230V at a frequency of 50Hz.

You can buy travel adaptors at large electronics stores, such as MediaMarkt, which has outlets at the Wien Mitte railway station and the Gerngross department store on Mariahilfer Straße. You can also find travel adaptors at newsagents in airport arrivals. If you're staying at a hotel, your accommodation may be able to lend you one.

If you're buying a travel adaptor online, you can find them on Amazon, or from electronics stores such as Best Buy and Target.

Frequently asked questions