What power plugs are used in Algeria?
Algeria uses the European two-round-pin plugs, types C and F, on 230 volts at 50 Hz. Travellers from the UK, US, Australia or Japan need an adapter; most European visitors do not. US and Japanese devices may also need a voltage converter unless they are dual-voltage.
Algeria runs on the European standard: plug types C and F — the familiar two round pins, with type F adding earthing clips — at 230 volts, 50 Hz.
If you are coming from continental Europe, your plugs fit and your devices work. Nothing to buy.
If you are coming from the UK, Ireland, the US, Canada, Australia, Japan or the Gulf, you need a travel adapter. Buy it before you leave; adapters are not reliably available in Algerian shops in the shapes visitors need.
Voltage matters separately from plug shape. Phone, laptop and camera chargers are almost always dual-voltage (check for “100–240V” on the brick) and are fine. Single-voltage 110 V appliances from North America or Japan — some hair dryers, shavers and older electronics — will be damaged without a converter, not merely an adapter.
Two Algeria-specific notes. Power cuts happen, particularly in summer and in smaller towns; hotels usually cope, but a charged power bank saves an evening. And in the Sahara there is no mains supply at all once you leave the oasis towns. Desert camps run on vehicle inverters and solar at best, with charging rationed and prioritised for the team’s satellite and navigation equipment. Bring a large power bank, a solar charger if you shoot a lot, and spare camera batteries — cold desert nights drain them faster than you expect.
See our packing list for Algeria for the rest of the kit.
Key facts
| Plug types | C and F (two round pins) |
| Voltage | 230 V, 50 Hz |
| UK/US/AU visitors | Adapter required |
| Desert camps | Bring a power bank — no mains |