Whether you’re planning a long trip to Thailand or a permanent move, it’s essential to understand if your UK electrical appliances will work with Thailand’s plugs. Fortunately for UK movers, Thailand uses a mix of plug types, but the voltage and frequency are compatible with UK appliances.
In this guide, we’ll explore Thailand plugs, what will work and what won’t, and how to safely ship your UK electrical appliances to Thailand. Using a reputable company like 1st Move International will make sure your electronics arrive safely, pass customs smoothly, and are ready to use the moment you settle in.
Table of Contents
Thailand Plugs Explained
The UK and Thailand use different plugs, so your items won’t fit in Thai plug sockets. While the UK uses Type G, Thailand uses 4 different plug types:
- Type A – 2 flat parallel pins
- Type B – 2 flat pins and 1 round grounding pin
- Type C – 2 round pins
- Type F – 2 round pins with grounding clips
- Type O – 3 round pins in a triangle
Type A is widely used for small electronics, and Type C is common for chargers and small appliances. The Thailand plug Type B is used for grounded appliances, while Type F is used occasionally and sometimes found in modern buildings. Finally, Type O plugs are the official Thai standard in new buildings.
Will My UK Items Work in Thailand?
Most UK electrical items will work with the correct UK to Thailand plug adapter. Thailand runs on 220V/50Hz, and the UK is slightly different at 230V/50Hz, meaning a voltage converter is typically not needed, as most UK items are designed to handle this. Most UK items can handle 220–240V, so even with the difference in plug, an adapter will work with:
- Phone chargers
- Laptops and tablets
- USB-powered devices
- Camera chargers
- Bluetooth speakers
- Kindles
- WIFI routers
- Electric toothbrushes
- Shavers and grooming tools
Generally, items that are safe to use with an adapter should:
- Be low wattage, typically under 1000W
- Be dual voltage or already rated for 220–240V
- Be below 10 amps
- Not rely on frequency-sensitive motors
- Not be heat-generating
Comparing UK and Thailand Plugs
Although the plug types are different, fortunately the voltage and frequency are almost the same, meaning most items should work and not underperform. However, the plugs in the UK and Thailand can support different amperage limits. The UK can support items up to 13 amps, whereas Thailand ranges between 10 and up to 16.
| Feature | UK | Thailand |
|---|---|---|
| Plug Type(s) | Type G | Types A, B, C, F, O |
| Voltage | 230V | 220V |
| Frequency | 50 Hz | 50 Hz |
| Amperage | Up to 13 amps | Typically 10–16 amps |
Amperage and Fuse Difference Explained
UK plugs are designed with fuses to protect appliances and support up to 13 amps. Plug sockets in Thailand are not required to have fuses, so some Thailand plugs have modern grounded outlets that can support up to 16 amps. Meanwhile, some older buildings will have non-grounded, mixed sockets with a 10-amp limit. If you plug a UK device with a 13-amp item into a 10-amp socket in Thailand, your item may not perform to its best and poses a risk of overheating.
Since Thai plugs don’t have fuses, any fault may affect the whole circuit, whereas in the UK, the fuse in the plug blows first to protect your device and wiring. To avoid this happening, there are some precautions you can take:
- Understand your property’s amperage limit
- Do not use high-powered items unless you know the plugs can support it
- Use a good-quality adapter with surge and overcurrent protection
UK Appliances to Be Cautious With
As long as the electrical supply in your home supports items up to 13 amps, your items should work efficiently with the right adapter or after getting your items rewired for long-term use. The following UK appliances are often high-powered and are typically better off being bought in Thailand or getting rewired if your home supports the amperage.
- Kettles – UK kettles typically draw around 2,000–3,000 watts, so they exceed some Thai plugs’ amperage limit.
- Toasters – Again, these high-powered appliances like toasters can quickly overpower plugs that have a 10-amp limit.
- Hairdryers and styling tools – If the wiring in your home isn’t modern or grounded, these high-powered tools can overheat the sockets.
- Irons – These draw around 3,000 watts, and are better suited to fused and grounded circuits. It may be beneficial to replace your iron when you arrive in Thailand.
- Microwaves – Typically fine if in a modern Thai home, but older homes might not be able to support these and pose a fire risk.
When To Get Items Rewired?
It’s not recommended to use adapters and voltage converters long-term, so if you’re planning to be in Thailand a long time or even permanently, you’ll be safer getting your items rewired. This involves replacing the UK plug for Thai plugs, and adjusting the fuse or checking the wattage. It’s often the most cost effective solution if you are taking large and expensive appliances like fridges and washing machines.
Do I Need a Voltage Converter in Thailand?
As both Thailand and the UK share similar frequencies, a voltage converter is typically not needed. You may need to use one if your items aren’t dual voltage and not marked 220–240V.
If the label reads ‘Input: 100–240V, 50/60Hz’, you are safe to use in Thailand without a voltage converter.
What Kind of Adapter Will I Need?
You will need an adapter that helps the UK’s Type G plug fit into a variety of Thai plugs, including A, B, C, F, and O. A universal or multi-type adapter is the most reliable option, and it must be voltage compatible with Thailand’s 220V / 50Hz.
It’s also important that your adapter has built-in surge protection. As Thailand is prone to power surges, built-in surge protection helps shield your devices by cutting off excess voltage before it reaches them.
Do I Need to Pay Duty and Tax on Shipping Items to Thailand?
You’ll be exempt from paying duty and VAT when shipping personal items to Thailand if you have a Thai work permit or non-immigrant visa and are moving to Thailand, not just visiting. Your items must also have been used by you for 6 months or more. You will need to sign a TM 6 Immigration Form to clear your items at Thai customs. Your removal company will typically provide this and help you complete it.
Using an International Removals Company
A reputable international removals company, like 1st Move International, will take care of the customs process for you and make sure you’ve completed all the necessary documents before the move.
We are a team of customs experts with over 25 years of experience carrying out moves to Thailand. From preparing you for customs to packing your electronics and household goods safely and securely, we’ll be by your side for the entire journey.
We also offer weekly guaranteed shipping to Thailand, as we don’t have to wait for containers to be filled before shipping. This gets you moved to Thailand quicker, safer, and smarter.
How Much Does Shipping to Thailand From the UK Cost?
To ship household goods and personal effects, including electrical appliances, to Thailand, it’ll cost on average between £636 and £1,599 for a small move. Prices increase to between £2,122 and £3,050 for a shared container move, which typically involves moving the contents of a 1-bedroom flat. A 3-bedroom house move costs £4,119 – £5,724 and will provide you with your own 20ft shipping container to fill. A 4-bed, 40ft shipping container move to Thailand will cost £7,277 – £8,981.
The best way to budget for your move is to request a free, tailored quote for your move to Thailand. You’ll get an accurate idea of how much shipping your items will cost, so you can fully prepare.
About 1st Move International
1st Move International are a specialist international moving and shipping company offering packing, shipping and insurance for shipping household goods and personal effects overseas. We have a global reach covering over 80 countries and 6500 worldwide destinations. You can get an international removals quote here or find more information on our international moving services here.
