Plug adapter for Canada from the United Kingdom
What travellers from the United Kingdom need to charge and power their devices in Canada: plugs, voltage and frequency, with the rest of the trip basics below.
Plug adapter
Needed
Bring a Types A and B adapter (or a universal one that covers both).
Voltage
Lower: 120 V
The United Kingdom 230 V → Canada 120 V. 230 V-only devices need a step-up converter.
Frequency
Different
50 Hz → 60 Hz. Chargers don't mind; mains-timed clocks and some motors may run fast or slow.
Your plug, their socket
does not fit
Your devices in Canada
Look for the “INPUT” line on the charger or label. A range such as 100–240V ~ 50/60Hz means the device adapts by itself and needs only a plug adapter.
| Device | Usually | In Canada |
|---|---|---|
| Phone, tablet and laptop chargers | 100–240 V | Plug adapter only |
| Camera and power-bank chargers, e-readers | 100–240 V | Plug adapter only |
| Electric shavers, toothbrushes | often 100–240 V; check | Check the label: single-voltage ones need a converter |
| Hair dryers, straighteners, curling irons | single voltage | Weak or won't run on 120 V: use the hotel's |
| Kettles, irons, travel cookers | single voltage, high power | Leave at home: converters for these are heavy and costly |
| Plug-in clocks, timers, some fans | 50 Hz | May run fast or slow on 60 Hz |
The rest of the trip basics
- Time
- Canada is 5 h behind of the United Kingdom right now (UTC−5 vs UTC+0, capitals).
- Money
- The Canadian Dollar (CAD): 1 GBP = 1.87 CAD (ECB reference rates, 2026-10-30). Everyday prices are about 98% of the United Kingdom's.
- Driving
- Switch sides: Canada drives on the right (the United Kingdom drives on the left). Look left first when crossing.
- Advisories
- US: Level 1 Exercise normal precautions. UK: no FCDO warnings. Details
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- Calling code
- +1