When packing your luggage for your Scotland trip you’ll no doubt have a host of electrical items with you – who doesn’t these days! If you’re coming from overseas you might have some questions about travel adapters for Scotland, whether you need them and if they are the same for the rest of Europe.
For some reason I always seem to forget about travel adapters and have been caught out a few times on my trips when I forget them – thankfully you can pick some up easily enough but it’s a pain when you want to be out and about sightseeing.
Read on to get your questions answered about electricity and plugs for traveling in Scotland so that you’re not left without power for your camera and phone!
FAQs about travel adapters in Scotland
What voltage does Scotland have?
The voltage that Scotland uses is the same as the rest of the UK – 230V.
What sockets and plugs does Scotland use?
Scotland uses a 3 pin plug and socket, the same as the rest of the UK. While some US plugs can have 3 pins they are a completely different shape and size to what is used in the UK.
You cannot use plugs from North America, Europe or the rest of the world in British sockets – please don’t try, it could be dangerous!
Are Scotland plugs the same as England plugs?
Yes, Scotland uses exactly the same electrical system and voltage as England does. If you live in the rest of the UK and wondering about traveling north to Scotland you won’t need any adapters.
If you’re traveling on from England from overseas and wondering if your adapter you bought for England will work in Scotland – yes! You won’t need any different plugs.
Are Scotland plugs the same as the rest of Europe?
While Scottish plugs and sockets are the same as England they are NOT the same as the rest of Europe. Europe uses a 2 pin plug and runs at 220V.
If you’re coming from North America and have a travel adapter for Europe it will NOT work in Scotland. Unless you have one that is a multi adapter (see below).
If you’re coming from Europe you will need a travel adapter for your two pin appliances as you cannot use them in Scotland’s sockets.
Just to be awkward – Ireland uses the same plug and voltage system as the rest of the UK even though they are technically the ‘rest of Europe’!
Is an adapter the best idea for using electrical devices in Scotland?
If you’re just looking to charge or use small electrical items in Scotland then a travel adapter should be sufficient for what you need.
I left it too late – can I buy in Scotland?
If you completely forgot about the travel adapter when packing for your Scotland trip and you’re reading this on the plane then don’t worry – you can pick up travel adapters in many shops, especially those catering to tourists. Check out the airports too when you arrive, it won’t be the cheapest place to get them but will save you wasting your precious vacation time hunting one down.
If you are buying when you arrive be sure that you pick up the right version for you and not one that is for UK plugs to be used overseas. I have done this before too!
Best travel adapters for a Scotland trip
International Plug Converter – best for multiple countries
This is the kind of plug converter that I have and it works really well for all sorts of different countries you might be going to and fo different electrical appliances. If you travel a lot this is worth getting!
I love that it’s space saving – if you’re going to Europe and the UK (including Scotland) you can use it happily for both sockets.
This is the URORU product but there are a number of different ones available that are similar.
Buy the International Travel Adapter here
Single adapter with USB Sockets – best for budget
If you don’t have many appliances and just want a simple socket that will be able to charge your laptop, for example, then a single adapter like this one is a good choice.
While it’s just a single adapter and so not so good if you have a lot of things to charge I love that it also has the USB sockets in there as well. With so many items like cameras and cell phones only needing the USB socket this can free up space too.
Buy the single UK plug adapter here
UK Power Strip adapter – best for multiple appliances
If you’re traveling with children or have a number of items that need the actual plug socket to charge rather than just a USB cable then a power strip adapter is a good idea.
This specific adapter is great for if you’re travelling to different areas as it has the European plug as well as the North American and UK adapters. You could even still use it when you’re at home too.
Buy the UK power strip adapter here
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