Sri Lanka Travel Adapter – [Power Adapter for Sri Lanka]

When it comes to traveling in Sri Lanka you’ll need to consider the type of sockets to be able to charge your devices.  Charging your phone or devices in Sri Lanka needs to take into consideration two different things.  Firstly you need to consider the plug that you have and if it will fit into the electric sockets in Sri Lanka.  Secondly, you need to consider the voltage in Sri Lanka and it may be different to the voltage that you’re used to at home and what your devices operate on. We travel with phones, kindles, laptops, cameras, electric shavers, and portable batteries (I’m pretty sure there’s more..).  And our general rule is ABC (always be charging).  So a key consideration when we arrive in any country is to figure out how we keep our electronics charged. So here’s all you need to know about Sri Lanka power adapters.  I’ll cover Sri Lanka plug adapters, whether you need an adapter for Sri Lanka and Sri Lankaese electric adapter requirements too.  Ready?

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SK Ross

Best Travel Adapter

This fabulous adapter will cover you no matter where you’re from. And it’ll cover you wherever you’re going to.

So let’s start with the basics.  As I don’t know where you’re reading this from and because people from all over the world travel to Sri Lanka, so I’ll try and cover all the bases.

The electricity supply is different around the world.  There are different voltages from 100 volts to 240 volts and appliances are rated to different voltage levels.  Plugs and sockets are also different around the world.  Problems with voltage mainly relate to items that have heating elements – like hairdryers, so with them, it’s always best to use what your hotel provides.  However, in Sri Lanka, it’s usually the socket that’s different from the plug on your devices.

What’s the Electricity Supply like in Sri Lanka?

In Sri Lanka, the electricity supply is 230 volts. 

The voltage in Sri Lanka is different from North America, which is 120 volts.  Sri Lanka’s voltage is the same as Central Europe’s, which is 230 volts.  The United Kingdom operates at 230 volts.  Australia operates at 220 -240 volts.  New Zealand operates at 230-240 volts.

This SK Ross travel adapter supports Sri Lanka and another 204 countries.  This fabulous world traveler piece of kit covers you regardless of the plug type you’re using and whatever socket you need to plug into.  It does NOT however convert the voltage.

Voltage converters are heavy and expensive and you really shouldn’t be taking them on holiday.  As I mentioned if the voltage is different it’s usually an issue with heating devices, so just use the hairdryer that your hotel provides.  It’s way easier.  And safer.

The Sri Lanka Electrical Standards

  • Electric plug type D, G, or M (see the photos)
  • Voltage 230 volts
  • Frequency 50Hz

Type D electric plugs tend to be used in Sri Lanka, India, Nepal, and some African countries.

Type G electric plugs are used in the United Kingdom.

Type M electric plugs are similar to type D, but the pins are a little bit bigger.

Sri Lanka Sockets

The sockets differ all over the island, the above photo is from our 2023 visit to Sri Lanka where we found these sockets (both worked) at our hotel in Nuwara Eliya.

What does it mean that the voltage is different in Sri Lanka?

If the voltage of your device is different from what’s used in Sri Lanka, then you usually need to use a converter to safely use it.  The main issue is with hair dryers, curling irons, and hair irons.  However, most electrical items have a published safe operating limit – it will say something like

“Voltage 100 volts to 240 volts”.  And you will usually find this on phone chargers, cameras, and laptops.

What types of plugs are used in Sri Lanka?

Three types of plugs are used in Sri Lanka.  Type D, Type G, and Type M.  There is no primary type, over the two months we’ve spent in Sri Lanka we’ve found sockets for all of them. And our SK Ross adapter has been invaluable.

Plug Type D has three round pins.  A Type D plug looks like this and a Type D socket looks like this.

Type D Electric Socket and Plug

Plug Type G has three flat but fat pins.  This is the same type as the plug that’s used in the UK.  A Type G plug looks like this and a Type G socket looks like this.

Type G Electric Socket and Plug

Plug Type M has three round pins, they’re just a bit fatter than a Type D plug. A Type M plug looks like this and a Type M socket looks like this.

Type M Electric Socket and Plug

What types of sockets are used in Sri Lanka?

You will all these types of sockets in Sri Lanka for electricity.  And there’s a mix.  You’ll need to account for finding any one of these three types of sockets.

Does Sri Lanka use the same plug as the USA?

No.  Sri Lankan sockets and plugs are different from those in the USA.  Unless you have an adapter your American devices will NOT charge in a Sri Lankan electric socket.

Do you need a voltage converter in Sri Lanka?

Possibly, it depends on which devices you are planning on taking.  Most people traveling with laptops, phones, and other such devices – like us – simply use a plug adapter.  Some of your devices may be certified to “work” at 120 or 230 volts, but some of them won’t.  99% of travelers manage with just a plug converter.  Voltage converters tend to be heavy and expensive and most devices that we use every day are fine with a plug converter

What type of plugs are needed in Sri Lanka?

You’ll find several types of sockets (and plugs) in Sri Lanka.  You will find a mix of plug types D, G, and M in Sri Lanka.

What is the recommended power adapter for Sri Lanka?

A recommended power adapter for Sri Lanka will ensure that your plug then fits into the socket in Sri Lanka.  We’ve used SK Ross devices around the world for more than 10 years now, and this power adapter has covered us in all the 110 countries, that we’ve traveled to, including Sri Lanka.

Electricity and Sockets Around the World

Read our guides to what plug adapters you’ll need when traveling

Travel Tips for Exploring Sri Lanka

Final Words on Travel Adapters for Sri Lanka

The will find different electrical sockets as you travel around Sri Lanka.  An electrical adapter is essential to be able to safely charge your electric devices.  Unless you’re coming from India or the UK and hit lucky on the places that you stay, you’ll need an adapter to charge your devices.  It is very difficult once you arrive in Sri Lanka to buy an adapter that will convert the plug on your device to fit into a Sri Lankan electrical socket, so you’ll need to be organized and plan ahead.

Stock images in this article are courtesy Deposit Photos.

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