Power Sockets in the Netherlands: Adapter and Voltage

In the Netherlands the mains supply is 230 volts at 50 hertz, and the sockets are type C and F, the same as in most of continental Europe. If you come from France, Germany, Spain or Italy your chargers work without an adapter; from the UK, the US, Japan, China or Australia you need one, and sometimes a check of the voltage. This guide explains the sockets, the voltage, what to pack for your country, risky devices (hair dryers, straighteners) and where to recharge on the spot.

Dutch sockets at a glance

Voltage: 230 V.
Frequency: 50 Hz.
Sockets: type C (two round pins) and type F (two round pins with two side earthing contacts, known as "Schuko").

A travel adapter for European sockets

Dutch wall sockets are F sockets, slightly recessed, with no central earth pin. They accept type C plugs (the flat "Europlug" on most phone and laptop chargers) and type F plugs. A French type E plug, with its central hole, also fits a Dutch socket.

Which adapter for your country

Your country	Socket at home	Adapter needed?
France, Belgium	E, sometimes C	No: the plugs fit
Germany, Spain, Austria	F, C	No
Italy	L, C	No for type C plugs; a type L plug on its own needs an adapter
Switzerland	J, C	No for C plugs; three-pin J plugs need an adapter
UK, Ireland	G	Yes
US, Canada, Japan	A, B	Yes, and check the voltage
China	A, C, I	Yes depending on the plug, and check the voltage
Australia, New Zealand	I	Yes

If in doubt, pack a universal adapter before you leave: buying one on the spot, at the airport or in the centre, generally costs more than at home.

Voltage: do you need a converter?

The US, Canada and Japan run on 100 to 127 V. But most modern chargers (phones, tablets, laptops, cameras, power banks) are "multi-voltage": read the label, which should say 100–240 V. In that case a simple plug adapter is enough, with no converter.

Beware of heating appliances:

Hair dryers, straighteners, kettles, heated-blade razors: if they are made for 110–120 V only, they overheat or burn out on 230 V. Leave them at home or buy a dual-voltage model locally.
Dual-voltage appliances: a 110/220 V switch must be set before plugging in.
A plug adapter does not change the voltage: it does not protect a 120 V appliance.

Many accommodations provide a hair dryer: check your hotel's description before deciding to bring yours.

Where to recharge in Amsterdam

Hotels and rentals: in an old canal house, sockets may be few or far from the bed. A travel power strip solves the problem.
Trains and stations: sockets are not guaranteed at every seat or on every journey. A power bank is more reliable.
Cafés and libraries: the OBA library is a large work space with free entry; other places are in our guide to coworking and remote work in Amsterdam. In a small café, ask before plugging in.

USB ports and chargers

Newer rooms have built-in USB-A or USB-C ports; if your phone needs a fast charger, bring your own. A charger with two round pins, type C, is the simplest solution for a trip around Europe: it plugs in in the Netherlands as in France, Germany or Spain.

Checklist before you go

Read the label on each charger: 100–240 V or not.
Take a type C/F (or universal) adapter if you come from the UK, the US, Asia or Australia.
Bring a travel power strip if you share a room: one adapter is enough for several devices.
Leave 110 V heating appliances at home.
Think of a power bank for sightseeing days.