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Electricity in Spain

By , About.com Guide

Spanish plugs use 220-240 volts and the physical connection may be different from what you have at home. Read on for information on if your electrical appliances will work in Spain and what to do if they won't.

Bringing Your Own Electrical Appliances to Spain...

  • ...from the UK & Ireland* You will have no problems plugging in your electrical appliance in Spain except for the physical fact that it won't fit! A cheap adapter can be bought in advance (from Currys or Boots) or (even cheaper) in Spain in stores like El Corte Inglés.
  • ...from North & South America American appliances use 110V, however, many are adapter to work on both sides of the Atlantic.
    Find out if your US appliance will work in Spain.
    • If your appliance ISN'T compatible with the Spanish power supply you'll need an adapter which changes both the physical plug that goes into the wall and the voltage that your appliance gets. World Traveler does an adapter to allow Americans to take their appliances anywhere in the world: search for "Auto Dual Wattage International Converter Set" or type in product code "EAG40417" into the search box.
    • If your appliance IS compatible with the Spanish power supply all you need to do is change the physical plug so that it will fit in the wall in Spain. World Traveler do a simple adapter set to allow you to plug your US appliance into the wall in Spain - search for "5 Piece Adapter Set" or type in the product code "EAG40407", but you must do the above check first - if in doubt, buy the Auto Dual Wattage International Converter Set instead.

  • ...from Australia & New Zealand Same as for UK (though the adapter you need will be different).
  • ...from South Africa Same as for UK (though the adapter you need will be different).
  • ...from elsewhere in Europe Most of Europe uses the same power supply as Spain and uses the same plugs too, so no adapter is required.
  • *Also Cyprus, Malta, Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong

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