What Electric Plug and Adapters to Use in Nepal?

What Is the Nepal Power Plug Type?

In Nepal, power plugs are of Type C, D, and M. So if your charger or device uses a plug of a different variety, it would certainly not fit in Nepalese sockets. 

Type C Plug

C-type plugs are very common in Europe. They constitute two round pins.

Something like this: ⚪ ⚪

These plugs fit in many sockets in the world.  Most of the phone chargers carry this plug.

Type D Plug

Type D is commonly used in India and Nepal. It consists of three round pins in a triangular setting.

It looks thus:

  ⚪

⚪ ⚪

Type-M Plug

Type M is like D, but bigger. Also, could be said to have three round pins, only they are thicker and bigger.

It looks like this: 

  ⚫

⚫ ⚫

Big machines or heavy appliances use the Type M. Some hotels and guesthouses may have this plug as well.

What wall sockets look like in Nepal

Wall sockets are a bit different in Nepal compared to several other nations. Mostly, the socket has round holes. These are for plugs of Type C, D, and M.

• Type C has two round pins.
• Type D has three round pins.
• Type M is a bigger-shaped version of Type D.

They commonly occur in Nepali homes, hotels, and cafes. If you are from the UK, USA, or Europe, you might find your plug does not fit there. So it's good to know what your plug looks like before coming to Nepal.

Can you plug your device right into a socket?

Sometimes yes, and sometimes no. If you have a plug of similar shape as of Nepal (say a Type C), it will go inside if pushed. But if it is a flat-pin sort of plugs used in the USA or Japan, it won't fit. Also, if it is of some other shape, it cannot enter the socket.

In this case, you need a plug adapter. That small piece of help makes your plug fit into the Nepali socket. No worries — they are quite easy to find and use. I'll explain more about that later on in the chapter. So check your plug before you fly. You'll be sure whether it fits or needs an adapter.

Do I Need a Travel Adapter for Nepal?

Generally, any traveler heading to Nepal will require a travel adapter. If you are from the USA, UK, or the greater parts of Europe, indeed, you are going to need an adapter to charge your gadgets.

Who Will Need a Travel Adapter?

People coming from the United States will certainly need adapters because the plugs in Nepal have round pins. An American charger or a laptop plug does not just fit without an adapter.

Coming from Britain, the plugs will look different to you. In Nepal, Type C, D, and M plugs are used. Of course, this means you are going to need an adapter.

In Europe, someone from France or Germany may also find that theirs will not necessarily fit. Some European plugs may well be the same as Nepalese ones (Type C), but it is safer to bring an adapter just in case the wall sockets are indeed different.

When You Don’t Will Need an Adapter

You might be lucky if your charger plug is Type C! That is the same type of plug used throughout much of Nepal.

Still, those wall sockets do have a few very different shapes here and there. So it might not slide in all the way. That is essentially the very reason a travel adapter would be a smart thing to carry even if you almost feel that you will not need it.

Nepal Voltage and Frequency Explained Simply

Nepal uses 230V and 50Hz.

It just means that the electricity is a strong one in Nepal as compared to those countries like the USA. In the USA, the voltage is mostly 110V. But the voltage in Nepal is 230 volts.

"Hz" stands for how fast the electricity moves. Pitching speed is 50 hertz (Hz) in Nepal. That is the common rate in many Asian and European countries.

So what does this mean for your devices?

If on your cell phone, laptop, or charger it says "Input: 100-240V, 50/60Hz," then it is safe to use in Nepal. New-generation electronics including smartphones, tablets, cameras, and laptop computers will all run on a number of voltages, so they would be just fine in Nepal.

You just need to make sure that you have the right plug for their socket. Voltage-wise, these devices are fine.

But stay alert with the ones

Certain things like hair dryers, electric shavers, or kettles might not work if they are only made for 110V operation. If they do not support 230V, they may burn out or get damaged.

So, always check your label before plugging it in. In the case only at 110V, your device will require a voltage converter to safely use it in Nepal.

Will My Electronics Work in Nepal?

Mostly all small devices, be it phones, tablets, or laptops, are usable in Nepal. This is because these devices commonly support varying voltages and frequencies. They run pretty well on Nepal's electricity, which measures 230 volts and 50 hertz.

However, you do need to be more cautious with big appliances like hair dryers and electric kettles. The big ones require more power, and there might be sometimes when they simply don't work on Nepal's power supply.

You may damage them or stop them working after plugging them in without checking. Simply check for a label, whereby the label will say if the device supports 230 volts. If it doesn't, then you might have to use a special converter to protect those big devices safely. So, the small ones can go by themselves, big electrical ones, though, need watching.

What Happens If I Use the Wrong Plug or Voltage?

Using the wrong plug or voltage might hinder the operation of a device, or sometimes worse, it might actually cause the device to break or permanently cease functioning.

Electricity can be tricky and funny at times. If the plug does not fit the socket, forcing it might damage the plug and the socket.

If your device is supplied with the incorrect amount of power, it could overheat and eventually cease to function.

Safety Tip: Don't Burn Your Devices

• To ensure the safety of your devices, always use an adapter that properly fits the socket.
• Never force in any plug if it does not quickly fit.
• Never plug a device directly into Nepal's 230V power unless it is built for this voltage. 
• It is advisable to confirm the voltage at the back of your device before utilising it.

Benefits of Using the Right Adapter

• Using the right adapter offers the safest charging to your devices.
• It protects your phone, camera and laptop against damage.
• If you use the right adapter, you can never blow a fuse or short circuit.
• Enjoy your trip in complete harmony without any hiccups on your electronics.

Best Travel Adapter for Nepal

If your phone or other devices are to be used in Nepal, you will need a travel adapter of good quality. A travel adapter allows you to insert your device into power sockets of Nepal.

What goes into a good travel Adapter?

On a first note, it should work with the plug types used in Nepal. Nepal mainly uses plug types C, D, and M.

Second, a good adapter fits many different plugs. In other words, you should be able to use it not just in Nepal, but also in a large number of other countries.

Third, it should be a worthy product that is safe to use. In other words, I need an adapter that will either not break or cause any doubtful activity with electricity.

Preferably, go for an adapter that works with different voltages as well. Nepal uses 230 volts, so that should be your working voltage.

Most travel adapters come with USB ports which are very handy because it means you can charge your phone or tablet without needing to carry extra chargers.

An adapter that fits all plug types is called a universal travel adapter. If you frequently visit other countries, this is what you ought to buy.

With a universal, you do not need to buy a new one for every trip.

So an adapter that you choose for Nepal should be one that is safe and strong and fits a lot of plugs.

That way, you will be able to keep your devices charging smoothly throughout the trip with no hitches.

Nepal Plug Adapter for UK, US, and EU Travelers

Nepal does things differently with plugs and volts from many others worldwide. Which basically means, if you hail from the UK, US, or Europe, you need to buy an adapter for your phone, camera, or whatever collector of gadgets you may be bringing along!

Let's break it down in simple terms for each country.

The Easy Way for Each Country

For the UK Visitors

In the UK, you use Type G plugs with three square pins. But the most common sockets in Nepal are of Type C, D, and M. So, your UK plug isn't going to fit into Nepal. Bring an adapter of Type C or a universal one. Also, Nepal is 230V, so is the UK.

Hence, you do not have to worry about converters-the adapter for the plug is all that you will need.

For the US Travelers

In the US, Type A and B plugs are used, with two flat pins, but again, Nepal mostly uses Type C and D and M sockets. Hence, your plugs either work or won't on Nepalese sockets.

You need a Type C or universal adapter. The voltage in Nepal is 230V, and in the US, it is 110V. You therefore might need a voltage converter, especially for hair dryers or electric shavers.

Most of the phone chargers and laptops can handle 230V anyhow. Check your device's label. It should read "100-240V" as a sign that it's safe. 

For EU Travelers

Most European countries use Type C or E/ F plugs. Now that is the good news: Type C works in Nepal! So, if your plugs are Type C, then by and large, you are absolutely fine. Just try to carry a universal adapter: you might need it. Also, since Europe has 230V, converters are not at all needed.

Can I Buy a Plug Adapter in Nepal? 

Yes, you can buy a plug adapter in Nepal.

Where to find one: If you are landing in Kathmandu, you will find many small electronics shops or general stores that sell plug adapters. These are very common in busy places like Thamel (a tourist hotspot) or by hotels and markets.

Some airports may have travel stores that sell universal adapters, including Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. But the selections are limited and prices tend to be steep at the airport.

Why it’s better to bring one before you fly:

Besides being easily bought in Nepal, it’s better and safer from home. This way, you are not scrambling around on arrival when you are extremely tired after the flight.

In fact, if your travels take you into any more remote areas outside the capital city, hard to find could well be an understatement. So it saves time and stress to carry one in your bag from the very start.

Charging Devices in Nepal – Is It Safe? 

Mostly, it is safe to charge your devices in Nepal. Still, use a surge protector if you've got one. Electricity in Nepal is tolerable in most cities and towns. Plug points will be found in hotels, cafes, or even some buses. So yes, you do have that option to charge your phone, camera, laptop, or power bank. 

At times, the electricity supply is abrupt in going off. It is called a power cut. It doesn't happen all the time, but it still can.

The power might surge very strongly while it returns. That surge in electricity can ruin your charger or even the device itself. Hence, I strongly recommend you keep a surge protector handy.

Charging is difficult quite often when you are away in remote locations. Keeping a power bank thus becomes a good idea. Charge it fully whenever you get the chance.

Again, don't wait till your phone is down at 5 percent. Try to charge it whenever you can; just in case there will be no power later.

How Many Adapters Should I Bring?

You should have one adapter per each important device. For instance, if you have a phone and a laptop, you bring two adapters: one to plug in the phone charger and one for the laptop charger.

Think about what you really need to use on a daily basis. If something is not important, you can skip bringing an adapter for that. Also, bringing an extension cord with USB ports can really help.

It means you only need one adapter for the cord, and then you can plug in many things. Many of these cords have places to plug in USB cables too. That makes things easier. It also helps if you’re in a hotel room with just one plug.

Electricity in Nepal for Tourists – What to Expect?

Power Cuts May Occur Firstly, to make sure of it—power cuts (also called load-shedding) may still happen in some parts of Nepal.

That means the electricity might just go off at times in sudden bursts of interruption. They are certainly not as frequent now as they once used to be; however, they sometimes occur in little towns or while there is a vacuum. So, do not worry during such moments; it is quite a common affair in some places here.

Hotels Usually Have Backup Systems. These hotels almost certainly prepare for power cuts in the tourist hubs such as Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Typically, they will have some sort of backup source of power, alternative power in the form of a generator, or solar, or inverter, or some other means to keep essential support systems like light, Wi-Fi, and sometimes even hot water going. So in case the main power goes off in the hotels, your comfort will not be compromised.

Quick Checklist: What to Pack for Power in Nepal?

✅ Travel Adapter

Nepal uses plugs types C, D, and M. Your charger and electronics plug may simply not fit there. So the travel adapter is therefore a must-have item. It assists a charger in fitting into Nepalese power sockets. Try to grab a universal one so that it works well in other countries too.

✅ Power Bank

Power cuts or load shedding occur in certain places in Nepal. Sometimes while traveling, you just can't find a spot to charge your phone. Power bank saves your life. It allows you to charge your phone or small gadgets anywhere and anytime. Ensure that it's fully charged before you leave your hotel or room.

✅ USB Cable

Don't forget your USB charging cable. Even if you carry your adapter and power bank, you need a cable to connect to your phone or device. It's a very small thing, but very crucial. If possible, carry an extra one- just in case your main one breaks. 

✅ Optional Items:

• Surge Protector:  At times, the electricity can act a little unstable. With voltage spiking suddenly, a surge protector will protect your electronics.
• Voltage Converter: Nepal uses 230V power supply. If your device is designed only for 110V (like some from the U.S.), then you must get a converter. But, do check if your device can already handle 110 and 230V voltage; most modern ones including mobile phones and laptops already do- check your charger label.