Is the Australian Plug the Same as UK? Essential Guide for Shipping Electricals

No, Australian and UK plugs are not the same and are not physically compatible. This means you’ll need a plug adapter for smaller items or professional rewiring for larger appliances to use your UK electrical goods safely in Australia.

The good news is that both countries use the same voltage (230V) and frequency (50Hz), so many items can work safely with just minor adjustments, making it well worth the effort and cost to bring your existing appliances.

In this guide, we’ll explain which UK electricals you can use in Australia, what to leave behind, how plug types, voltage, and amps affect safety and performance, and how to safely ship your electrical goods. 

At 1st Move International, we can get your electrical items safely moved to Australia, all while helping with the customs process. Whether you’re relocating permanently or sending goods to family abroad, we’ll make sure your electronics make the move stress-free.

Plug Types: UK vs Australia

The UK has Type G plugs and Australia’s are Type I. UK plugs have 3 rectangular prongs, whilst Australia has 2 flat angled prongs and 1 vertical pin. 

Here we compare the differences and compatibility, looking at voltage, frequency, and adapters. 

Feature	UK Plug	Australian Plug
Plug Type	Type G	Type I
Plug Shape	3 rectangular prongs	2 flat angled prongs + 1 vertical pin
Pin Configuration	Triangle layout	V-shape layout with ground
Voltage	230V	230V
Frequency	50Hz	50Hz
Built-in Fuse	Yes	No
Plug Size	Larger and bulkier	Slimmer and more compact
Compatibility	Only fits UK sockets	Only fits Australian sockets
Adapter Needed?	Yes, for use in Australia, not recommended for long-term use of large items.	Yes, for use in the UK

Voltage, Frequency and Amps Explained

Voltage (230V) and frequency (50Hz) are the same in both the UK and Australia, so if your device says 100–240V or 230V / 50Hz, it’s safe to use in Australia with an adapter. However, the difference in amps, voltage range, and wattage might make some electrical items incompatible. 

UK plugs are designed to handle up to 13 amps, whereas it is just 10 amps in Australia. This means that although electrical items may work at first, they are prone to overheating in Australia and potentially blowing the fuse. 

Items 10 amps and less won’t need a voltage converter in most cases, only a plug adapter. It’s also important to check your device’s wattage, as anything over 2300W may not be safe without a dedicated circuit.

What Electricals Can You Bring from the UK to Australia?

Here are some electrical items that are 10 amps or less, under 2300W, and are safe to use in Australia with a plug adapter. You will need to get a Type G to Type I plug adapter to use the following:

Kitchen Items: 

• Blender – This is usually small enough to fit in the range.
• Toaster – 2-slice toasters are fine if they are compact and under 10 amps.
• Electric/travel kettle – Smaller travel kettles are fine, full-size ones are typically over 2400W.
• Rice cooker – These are usually low wattage. 

Cleaning Items:

• Vacuum cleaner – If compact and has a thin head.
• Iron – These are often below the wattage limit, around 800–2200W, but check the amps.
• Steam mop – Make sure it is clean and dry before packing.

Electronics:

• Phone chargers – Safe to use with just an adapter.
• Laptop chargers – Again, adapters are fine.
• Monitor – Safe to use if under 2300W.
• Printer – Depending on size and wattage, they are usually compatible.
• TV – Most flat screens are fine.
• Game consoles – PS5 and Xbox are usually dual voltage. 
• Cameras/battery chargers – Always check the voltage.
• Bluetooth speakers – These are typically fine if small enough and below voltage range.

Other Personal Items:

• Electric toothbrushes and charger 
• Hair straighteners 
• Electric razors

These items are not always guaranteed to work, depending on amps and wattage, and should be used with caution: 

• Hairdryers – Some exceed 10 amps, so check if yours is below, and it should work.
• Coffee Machines – Espresso or pod-style machines are usually fine, but professional ones are often high-wattage.
• Microwaves – Typically close to or higher than the wattage, so you might be better off buying one in Australia. Compact ones should be fine.
• Dyson Airwrap/similar – These often have a low voltage, but as long as it is in the range of 100-240V, it will work in Australia with the right adapter. 
• White Goods and Large Appliances – Items like fridges or washing machines are often compatible, but they need a new Australian plug. If it is low amperage and under 2400W, then it should be acceptable.

What UK Electricals Won’t Work in Australia?

For large items that use more than 10 amps, you will need to use them with caution in Australia. Always read the label and use a high-quality plug adapter. For peace of mind, it’s often recommended to get the items rewired in Australia to avoid blowing the fuse. 

Certain larger items are often too high-powered or not compatible with Australian plugs, even with the use of adapters. You can get the plugs changed once in Australia, but you’ll have to weigh up the cost of shipping heavy items and replacing plugs compared to buying when you arrive. 

• Full-size Kettles – These often exceed 2400W, higher than Australia’s plug socket limit. Often easier to buy a new kettle in Australia. 
• Toasters – The amps range between 10-13 in the UK, which, if exceeded 10 will trip circuits in Australia. It’s safer and easier to buy a new toaster in Australia. 
• Ovens – Ovens brought into Australia from the UK will have to be rewired as they are not compatible with Australian household power outlets. With many large appliances, it is often still cheaper to ship them and rewire than buy all new. 
• Electric Heaters – These often have a high wattage, so always double-check if you can use them.

Getting Electrical Items Rewired in Australia vs Buying New

Rewiring large electrical items is common for many moving to Australia, and is often the most cost-effective option. You should only ever use a licensed electrician to rewire your items, which simply consists of changing the UK plug to a Type I Australian plug.

Shipping your items and rewiring them is typically cheaper and easier than replacing your white goods. The cost of shipping furniture and personal effects to Australia from the UK ranges from £760 for a small shipment to £3,177 for a larger move. Add in the cost of rewiring your items in Australia, and you are often much better off financially than buying brand new appliances. 

Rewiring is especially useful for items like fridges, ovens, washing machines, and other white goods, which are expensive to replace and often built to last.

Can I Ship Batteries to Australia?

There are strict regulations around shipping batteries overseas. If you are shipping via sea freight, then the rules are less strict than by air. Batteries in devices like laptops, remote controls, etc, are allowed to stay in the device. Any spare batteries must be packed in protective cases and declared. 

You should always remove lithium batteries like AA or AAA in case of leakage, but if they are contained in a durable plastic case, they are typically fine. Lithium batteries over 100Wh may require special approval or be banned.

Do You Need an Adapter or a Converter?

Most of the time, a Type G to Type I plug adapter or getting a new plug to match Australia’s criteria will work, but sometimes you may need a converter, depending on the voltage.

• 100–240V: This voltage is safe for worldwide use as this is dual voltage. You will simply need to use a plug adapter.
• 220–240V: This means items are safe in the UK and Australia, with no converter needed.
• 110–120V only: Not safe in Australia or the UK without a step-down voltage converter, which is often not recommended for high-power items.
• 110V only: Will require a voltage converter. 

Shipping Electrical Items From the UK to Australia 

If you are arriving from outside of Australia and have owned and used your personal effects, furniture, and household goods for more than 12 months, you can import these items free of duty and tax.

All large electrical items like fridges and ovens will need to be declared to Australian customs. Australia’s customs department is strict about biosecurity, so electrical items with removable parts, like vacuum cleaners, lawnmowers, or fridges, should be thoroughly cleaned and dried inside and out. They’ll often be inspected upon arrival for a contamination check.

Remember, you will need to check the amperage, voltage range, and wattage to check if your UK electrical items will be compatible in Australia. Always use a reputable international shipping company that is familiar with Australia’s customs processes, like 1st Move International. We can help you navigate duty-free imports and guide you through shipping your furniture and electrical goods to Australia. 

Removals to Australia 

If you’re ready to move to Austraia, let 1st Move International do the hard work. For over 25 years we have been offering guaranteed weekly shipping to Australia from all over the UK, so you get settled into your new home quicker than with others. 

Our shrink-wrap palletised packing and shipping service is unique, ensuring your electrical items and personal effects are 100% safe and secure. 

Get your free personalised quote for your removals to Australia today. Simly fill out our quick and easy form with details of your move or call our expert team for free on 0800 3890784.