If you are traveling to the United Kingdom, you will need adapter plugs to charge your cell phone, iPad and power your laptop computer. England uses two types of plugs. One plug is called the United Kindgom plug (GUD) and has three rectangle pins. The other plug used in England is the South Africa plug (GUE) that has three large round pins.
So why does England use a South Africa plug? It is common for countries to have more than one type of outlet. Most areas in England will use the GUD plug, however in some older parts of England you might see an outlet for the GUE plug. The reason that South Africa and England share a plug type is because the British Empire controlled South Africa for quite some time.
Most likely when you are in England you will encounter the GUD plug, but it is prudent to take along the GUE plug just in case. Many countries share adapter plug types so don't be surprised if an adapter works in more than one country worldwide. You can always check Going In Style's Adapter Guide to make sure you have the correct adapter for your trip.
Countries that use the GUE type plug include:
- Azores
- Botswana
- England
- India
- Ireland
- Lesotho
- Mozambique
- Northern Ireland
- Scotland
- South Africa
- Swaziland
- United Kingdom
- Wales
- Zambia
Still Not Sure? Read our Adapter Guide >> http://www.goinginstyle.net/not-sure-read-our-adapter-guide/