Everything you need to know about electric plugs and adapters for India

There’s no feeling worse than realizing your phone has 3% battery left, with no way to recharge it. As with any international travel, and especially as you plan your move to Dehradun, you want to be sure your electronics will work in India.

There are two very important things to consider before trying to plug your electronics into the wall here in India: plugs and voltage.

Plugs & adapters

The most obvious consideration is the plug, and it is the easiest to resolve. Adapters allow you to fit your foreign charger into Indian electrical outlets, and these can be found easily both locally and online, or you may opt to have an electrician install a new plug that matches the local standards.

Voltage

The second and most important consideration is voltage. Using the wrong voltage on your device can destroy the device or even cause a fire, so it's important to make sure you get it right!

India runs 230v as standard. If you are coming from a country that uses 220-240 like most European countries, your electronics will be fine. If your country uses a lower standard like the US or Mexico, don’t throw your iPhone away just yet, but you will need to do a bit more homework.

For each device look on the charger or device itself for voltage limits. Many devices specify a range of 100-240, these of course will work without issue. If it is designated for less than 230, you’ll need to leave it behind.

Can’t I just convert the voltage?

While it is possible to find voltage converters in India, they are both bulky and expensive. If you are planning to live in India long term, it makes more sense to buy electronics that will meet your needs without requiring a converter.

Surge Protection

Power surges and power outages are both commonplace in Dehradun, and while most modern chargers can handle the fluctuations, it's a good practice to charge any high end electronics like computers with a surge protector to avoid frying your circuits!

While it will never be the most exciting part of living abroad, understanding the issues involved with plugs, voltage, and surge protectors can keep you safe and sane so you can focus on what’s important without any nasty surprises!

ABOUT CARLTON
Carlton moved to Dehradun in 2017 where he fell in love with the Himalayan mountains. He especially enjoys riding motorcycles and hiking in the mornings with his dog, Malay.

Carlton is the Director of the top school for foreigners learning Hindi in Dehradun. Students learn from Indian teachers and help support young people beginning their professional careers while getting the best Hindi instruction in the city. To learn more about Heritage Institute of Languages click here.

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