Plug adapter for Saudi Arabia from the United States
What travellers from the United States need to charge and power their devices in Saudi Arabia: plugs, voltage and frequency, with the rest of the trip basics below.
Plug adapter
Needed
Bring a Type G adapter.
Voltage
Higher: 230 V
The United States 120 V → Saudi Arabia 230 V. Devices made for 110–120 V only need a step-down converter.
Frequency
Same
60 Hz → 60 Hz.
Your plug, their socket
It does fit the Types A and B sockets also found in Saudi Arabia, but you can't count on finding one.
It does fit the Type B sockets also found in Saudi Arabia, but you can't count on finding one.
In Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia completed its move from 127 V to 230 V; sockets are Type G. US-style sockets survive in some older buildings and may still carry 127 V or 230 V: check.
Your devices in Saudi Arabia
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 Saudi Arabia |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Will burn out on 230 V: buy a dual-voltage model or use the hotel's |
| Kettles, irons, travel cookers | single voltage, high power | Leave at home: converters for these are heavy and costly |
A plug adapter does not change voltage. Plugging a 120 V-only appliance into 230 V through an adapter will destroy it within seconds and can start a fire.
The rest of the trip basics
- Time
- Saudi Arabia is 8 h ahead of the United States right now (UTC+3 vs UTC−5, capitals).
- Money
- The Saudi Riyal (SAR). Everyday prices are about 50% of the United States'.
- Driving
- On the right, as at home.
- Advisories
- US: Level 3 Reconsider travel. UK: FCDO advises against all travel to parts of the country; advises against all but essential travel to parts of the country. Details
- Next holidays
- 22 Feb Founding Day Holiday · 9 Mar Eid al-Fitr Holiday · 10 Mar Eid al-Fitr Holiday All 12
- Calling code
- +966