In the Persian Gulf, situated between Saudi Arabia and Iraq, is the country of Kuwait. If you’ve never been here before, then you are certainly missing out! It has plenty of historical and cultural landmarks, such as the famous Kuwait Towers, Grand Mosque, and the Kuwait National Museum, among many other amazing places!
Other popular attractions include Al Hamra skyscraper, Kuwait Zoo, Al Shaheed Park, and Failaka Island. Of course, before coming to Kuwait, you need to make sure that you’ve packed all the essential items, including the correct travel adapter!
Contents
- What is the Electrical Outlet Power Socket in Kuwait?
- What is the Plug Adapter Type in Kuwait?
- Where Can I Buy Electrical Supplies in Kuwait?
- Travel Adapter vs. Voltage Converter
- Should I Bring a Travel Adapter to Kuwait?
- Should I Bring a Voltage Converter to Kuwait?
- What About Devices with Dual Voltage?
- Video: Why Do Countries Use Different Plugs?
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- 1. What type of power sockets are used in Kuwait?
- 2. What type of adapter do I need?
- 3. Any tips when buying a travel adapter?
- 4. Will I need a voltage converter?
- 5. Is the Kuwait plug the same as in the US?
- 6. Is the Kuwait plug the same as in the UK?
- 7. What other countries use Type G plugs?
- 8. Will my hotel room have a USB socket?
- 9. Where can I buy electrical supplies?
- 10. Do I need to bring a power strip?
- Summary
What is the Electrical Outlet Power Socket in Kuwait?
Just like any other country, Kuwait has a standard plug and socket that everybody uses. And if you are coming here, then you might need a travel adapter that would fit into local power sockets.
The standard plug and socket used in Kuwait is Type G. It contains three rectangle-shaped pins, arranged in a triangle pattern. Because this type of plug originated from the United Kingdom, it is oftentimes referred to as the British or “UK plug.” Notably, Type G plugs are often used in countries located at the Arabian Peninsula.
Please note that the The Type G plug is compatible with Type G sockets only. Here’s an illustration of what the Type G plug and socket look like:
Meanwhile, when it comes to voltage and frequency, power sockets in Kuwait typically operate on a standard voltage of 240V and a standard frequency of 50Hz. This is actually quite similar among countries located across the Middle East region.
What is the Plug Adapter Type in Kuwait?
As mentioned earlier, the standard type of power plugs and sockets in Kuwait is Type G. This means that if your mobile phone, tablet, and other gadgets do not have this type of plug, then you’re going to need a Type G travel adapter so you can charge all your devices, as needed.
In case you were wondering, here’s what a Type G plug adapter looks like:
Where Can I Buy Electrical Supplies in Kuwait?
Not sure where to buy electrical supplies in Kuwait? Don’t worry… you can buy them almost anywhere, including the airport! However, prices at the airport are usually more expensive. It would probably be better to buy travel adapters, extension cords, power strips, and other supplies in shopping malls, supermarkets, and convenience stores, which are located all over the country!
Travel Adapter vs. Voltage Converter
Before we continue, let us differentiate between travel adapters and voltage converters. As the term implies, a travel adapter is a gadget that enables you to plug or charge devices into power sockets that have a different plug type.
Travel adapters are not able to convert electric voltage; that’s what a voltage converter is for! Voltage converters are able to change electricity from one level to another. For example, if your devices have a standard voltage of 100V to 120V, you need to use a voltage converter in Kuwait, where the standard voltage of power sockets is 240V.
Should I Bring a Travel Adapter to Kuwait?
The answer to this question depends on the type of plugs and sockets that are often used in your country of origin. If your country uses Type G plugs and sockets, then it’s not necessary to bring a travel adapter to Kuwait. Otherwise, if your country uses a different type of plug, then yes, consider bringing a travel adapter to Kuwait.
Should I Bring a Voltage Converter to Kuwait?
Keep in mind that every country has a “standard” voltage and frequency. In particular, most countries in the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and Australia have a standard voltage of 220V to 240V. Meanwhile, most countries in North America and South America have a standard voltage ranging from 100V to 120V.
In Kuwait, the standard voltage is 240V. If this figure is the same in your country of origin, then you don’t have to bring a voltage converter. On the other hand, if the standard voltage in your home country is different, then consider bringing a voltage converter, just to be on the safe side!
Similarly, when it comes to standard frequency, you don’t have to bring a converter if the standard frequency in your country is the same as in Kuwait (i.e. 50Hz). But if the standard frequency is different, then a converter could be necessary.
What About Devices with Dual Voltage?
Have you heard of the term “dual voltage?” This refers to gadgets that may be charged or plugged into power sockets of any voltage or frequency. If your gadgets are dual voltage, you can plug them into any power socket, around the world!
To determine if your gadgets are dual voltage, check the small print on their labels. If it says “INPUT: 100-240V” and “50/60HZ, this means that they are dual voltage and you can charge them anywhere!
Nevertheless, don’t forget to check the plug type! Even if your gadget is dual voltage, but its plug doesn’t fit into power sockets in Kuwait — you will still need a travel adapter, but not a voltage converter.
Video: Why Do Countries Use Different Plugs?
“Why do countries use different plugs?” This is a question that has probably entered your mind, especially when you travel abroad. Here’s a video that attempts to explain why different countries worldwide use different plugs. It is shared via “KhAnubis,” a YouTube channel that features videos “to help you better understand the world.” Very useful, indeed!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some commonly asked questions and answers about power sockets, plugs, and travel adapters in Kuwait:
1. What type of power sockets are used in Kuwait?
In Kuwait, the standard type of plugs and power sockets is Type G. This type of plug has three rectangle-shaped pins, arranged in a triangular pattern.
2. What type of adapter do I need?
Before coming to Kuwait, you need to have a Type G travel adapter, especially if your mobile phones, tablets, and other devices do not use this type of plug.
3. Any tips when buying a travel adapter?
Once you’ve decided to buy a travel adapter, create a list of the specific features that you need. For instance, are you looking for an adapter with “fast charging” features? Or perhaps you’d like an adapter with multiple USB ports? You’d be amazed at the flexibility of most travel adapters today! Certainly, having a list of your preferred features can help you decide which one is the best for you!
4. Will I need a voltage converter?
The standard voltage in Kuwait is 240V. If this figure is the same in your country of origin, you don’t have to bring a voltage converter to Kuwait. However, if the standard voltage in your country is different, then a voltage converter might be necessary.
5. Is the Kuwait plug the same as in the US?
No, the Kuwait plug is not the same as in the US. The types of plugs and sockets that are often used in the United States are Type A and Type B.
6. Is the Kuwait plug the same as in the UK?
Yes, the Kuwait plug is Type G, which is the same as in the UK. In fact, this type of plug is often called the British or “UK plug,” since that’s where it originated from!
7. What other countries use Type G plugs?
Aside from Kuwait and the United Kingdom, there are many other places that use Type G plugs and sockets. These include Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brunei, China, Cyprus, Ghana, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Iraq, Ireland, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nigeria, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Singapore, Tanzania, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, Yemen, and Zimbabwe, among many others.
8. Will my hotel room have a USB socket?
Some hotels in Kuwait, especially the newer ones, are likely to have different types of power sockets, including USB sockets. However, some of the older hotels and establishments may not have USB sockets, so it’s better to ask your hotel in advance. Either way, you can always bring a Type G travel adapter with USB sockets… Just to be sure!
9. Where can I buy electrical supplies?
Upon arriving at the airport in Kuwait, you are likely to see travel adapters, extension cords, and other electrical supplies. However, please keep in mind that these items could be more “pricey” compared to the same products sold in stores outside the airport. Fortunately, electrical supplies such as these are usually available in most shopping malls, supermarkets, and convenience stores across the country.
10. Do I need to bring a power strip?
The answer to this question depends on the size of your travel group. If you are traveling with a big family or group, and you will all be staying in one room, considering bringing a Type G power strip. This way, you can plug or charge several gadgets at the same time.
However, if you are traveling alone, or with your husband/wife only, then it’s probably not necessary to bring a power strip at all.
Summary
Without a doubt, a trip to Kuwait would not be complete without visiting its popular attractions and taking lots and lots of pictures! Fortunately, using a Type G plug adapter, you can make sure that your mobile phones, tablets, and cameras are always fully charged, and you don’t have to worry about “low battery” levels!
Speaking of Kuwait, now that summer season is drawing near, you might want to consider exploring the country’s famous beaches. Here’s a list of the must-visit beaches in Kuwait, where you can take as many pictures and videos that you want!