Canada is one of the biggest countries in the world, and it is home to plenty of breathtaking natural wonders as well as metropolitan cities. There’s the vibrant cities of Vancouver, Victoria, and Calgary to the west; Halifax and St. John’s to the east. Of course, in central Canada there’s Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec, and Toronto — each with its own set of amazing attractions tourist destinations.
Without a doubt, there are many places that you can discover and explore in Canada… So much that you should be ready with your camera at all times! That being said, you should also remember to pack a travel adapter, especially if your gadgets have a different plug type than those in Canada.
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What is the Electrical Outlet Power Socket in Canada?
In Canada, there are two main plug types: Type A and Type B. Both types are typically used in Canada, United States, Mexico, Japan, and other countries.
The Type A plug features two parallel pins, whereas the Type B plug has two parallel pins plus one grounding pin. Type A sockets are compatible with Type A plugs only. Meanwhile, Type B sockets are compatible with both Type A and Type B plugs.
Here’s what the Type A plug and socket look like:
Meanwhile, here’s what the Type B plug and socket look like:
When it comes to voltage and frequency, the standard voltage in Canada is 120V, with a standard frequency of 60Hz. This is actually the case for countries and cities in the entire North America.
What is the Plug Adapter Type in Canada?
If your gadgets’ plugs are not compatible with power sockets in Canada, be sure to bring a Type A plug adapter or travel adapter. This type of adapter can fit into both Type A and Type B sockets, which are commonly used in Canada.
Here’s what a typical Type A plug adapter looks like. Notice that it can fit most types of plugs, including Type G ones:
Should I Bring a Travel Adapter to Canada?
If you are coming from a country that uses a different type of plug and socket, then yes, you should bring a travel adapter to Canada. To be more precise, bring a Type A travel adapter, which would enable you to plug your gadgets into power outlets in this country.
Should I Bring a Voltage Converter to Canada?
Keep in mind that different countries have different standards of electric voltage and frequencies. For instance, most countries in North America (including Canada) and South America have a standard voltage of 100V to 120V. In contrast, most countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East have a standard voltage of 220V to 240V.
In Canada, the standard voltage is 120V. If the same voltage applies to your country of origin, then you don’t have to bring a voltage converter. However, if the standard voltage in your home country is different, then it might be necessary to bring a voltage converter to Canada.
Meanwhile, the standard frequency in Canada is 60Hz. If the standard frequency in your home country is the same, then a converter is not necessary; otherwise, if it is different, then you might need to bring a converter.
Travel Adapter vs. Voltage Converter
Before we continue, let’s make the distinction between travel adapters and voltage converters clear. A travel adapter is a gadget that allows you to charge phones, laptops, and other devices into power sockets that have a different plug type. Travel adapters cannot convert electric voltage.
On the other hand, a voltage converter is a gadget that can change or modify electricity from one level to another. For instance, if you come from a country where the standard voltage is 240V, you will need a converter in Canada, where the standard voltage is 120V.
What About Devices with Dual Voltage?
These days, most devices are “dual voltage,” which means that they can be plugged into power outlets of any voltage or frequency. If this is the case, then you don’t need to bring a voltage converter when you travel.
How can you check if your device is dual voltage? Just look at the fine print; if it says “INPUT: 100-240V” and “50/60Hz,” this means that your device is dual voltage.
A quick reminder, though… Even if your device is dual voltage, you may still need a travel adapter, especially if the device’s plug is not compatible with the power sockets in Canada, which are Type A and Type B.
Where Can I Buy Electrical Supplies in Canada?
There are many places in Canada where you can buy electrical supplies: shopping malls, supermarkets, convenience stores, and even at the airports. Some of the most popular places you should check out are Home Depot, Rona, Reno Depot, Canadian Tire, and so on. That being said, we suggest you buy a travel adapter even before you leave for Canada, to save time and money.
Video: All About Travel Adapters and Voltage Converters
Learning more about travel adapters and voltage converters can help you understand them better, especially if you are planning to travel to multiple countries. In this video shared by “Travel Fashion Girl” YouTube channel, these two devices are discussed, so you can be better prepared for your travel adventures!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Below are some commonly asked questions and answers about power sockets, plugs, and travel adapters in Canada:
1. What type of power sockets are used in Canada?
In Canada, two types of power sockets are often used: Type A, which has two parallel pins; and Type B, which has two parallel pins and a ground pin.
2. What other countries use Type A and B plugs?
Aside from Canada, there are many other countries that use Type A and Type B plugs. Among these are: Bolivia, Cambodia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Japan, Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica, Jordan, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Puerto Rico, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, United States, Venezuela, Vietnam, and Yemen.
3. What type of adapter do I need?
The type of adapter that you will need in Canada is a Type A travel adapter. You can use this to charge your devices in power outlets in the country, which are mostly Type A and Type B.
4. Any tips when buying a travel adapter?
Before purchasing a travel adapter, it helps to make a list of the features that you are looking for. For example, you may want one that has “fast charging” features, or one that has multiple USB ports. Knowing the features that you want can help you decide which travel adapter you should purchase before heading to Canada.
5. Will I need a voltage converter?
This would depend on the standard voltage in your home country. If your home country has a standard voltage of 120V, which is the same as in Canada — you don’t need to bring a voltage converter. However, if the standard voltage in your home country is 240V, for example, then a voltage converter would be necessary.
Nevertheless, many devices today are “dual voltage,” which means that they can be plugged into power sockets of any voltage or frequency. If your phones, tablets, and other devices are dual voltage, then you might not need to bring a converter.
6. Is the Canada plug the same as in the UK?
No, the Canada plug is not the same as in the United Kingdom, which uses Type G, a plug with three rectangular pins, arranged in a triangular pattern.
7. Is the Canada plug the same as in the US?
Yes, the Canada plug is the same as in the United States. Both countries use Type A and Type B plugs and sockets.
8. Where can I buy electrical supplies?
In Canada, you can buy electrical supplies in most shopping malls, supermarkets, and convenience stores. These are also available at stores in airports, although they are usually pricier than those sold outside the airport.
9. Will my hotel room have a USB socket?
Before you leave, contact the hotel where you’ll be staying to ask about their electrical facilities, and whether you need to bring a travel adapter with USB sockets for your gadgets. Some hotels may have them, but others may not, so it’s always a good idea to inquire beforehand.
10. Do I need to bring a power strip?
This depends on the size of your travel group. If you are traveling alone, or with your spouse only, then there should be more than enough power sockets in your hotel room.
On the other hand, if you are checking in with your entire family — or with a large travel group — consider bringing a power strip that would allow you to plug in several gadgets simultaneously.
Summary
Indeed, Canada is one of the top destinations in the world, for tourists, expats, and immigrants alike. There are so many natural wonders and landmarks worth visiting in this country… places where you will surely take lots and lots of pictures! Just don’t forget to bring a travel adapter so you can keep your gadgets fully charged!
Meanwhile, if you are a Filipino who is thinking about working or migrating to Canada, have you decided where you want to stay in this vast country? If not, here is a list of the top cities for Filipinos who are planning to go to Canada.
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