Electricity in Greece: Sockets, Adaptors and Holiday Charging
Greece uses 230V at 50Hz, commonly with Type F earthed sockets. Slim Type C chargers usually connect directly. For other plug systems, choose an adaptor that suits both the shape and the appliance’s earthing requirements, and check voltage compatibility before use.
The common socket
Type F is round and recessed, with two holes and side metal earth contacts. A slim Type C plug can normally fit, but it has no earth connection.
The images distinguish slim pins, thicker contour plugs and combined E/F earthed plugs. Do not force a plug into an older or incompatible socket.
Matching your own equipment
British G, North American A/B, Australian I and Israeli H plugs need a suitable adaptor to F. A compatible original European plug may need no adaptor.
Preserve earth where the device requires it. Do not remove a pin or substitute an unearthed two-pin connection merely to make an appliance power on.
A Type F plug and socket, also used in Greece. Number 2 marks the side earth contacts. This illustrates the connector design. · Chameleon, bran and plugwash · Public domain · Unmodified
A slim Type C plug (a), an unearthed contour plug (b), and an earthed E/F plug (c). Two round pins do not always mean the same connection. · SomnusDe; composite: MikeRun · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Unmodified
Voltage and frequency
The domestic supply is 230V at 50Hz. Equipment rated for compatible 220–240V, 50Hz operation normally needs no voltage conversion.
Single-voltage 100V or 120V appliances do not become compatible through a shape adaptor. Check motors and frequency-sensitive equipment as well as simple chargers.
Read INPUT rather than OUTPUT
An INPUT rating of 100–240V, 50/60Hz normally covers Greece. OUTPUT values such as 5V or 20V describe what the charger supplies to its device, not the permitted wall supply.
Include toothbrushes, camera chargers and medical devices in your checks. Ask the manufacturer about unreadable or unclear specifications before travel.
When conversion is needed
An adaptor changes shape. A transformer or converter changes voltage and must suit power demand and appliance type; it does not automatically change frequency. Compatible 230V equipment generally needs only the correct connection.
For a high-power single-voltage hairdryer, a local appliance is often simpler. Set a dual-voltage selector while unplugged and check adaptor ratings before connecting a heating appliance.
Hotel and apartment charging
Pack a quality multi-port charger and spare cable. Check whether room sockets stay powered when the key card is removed and whether the charger supplies enough combined output.
Charge on a ventilated surface away from water, sand and bedding. Keep batteries out of direct balcony sunshine or a hot parked car. Report loose or scorched sockets instead of improvising repairs.
Islands, ferries and essential equipment
Sockets may be limited on ferries or in smaller rooms. A power bank and offline booking information help when immediate charging is unavailable.
Arrange continuous power and backup with the property for essential medical equipment. Do not assume a generator serves every room. EV charging requires a suitable charging point, not a travel adaptor.
Planned cuts and faults
Check DEDDIE’s planned power interruptions by region and municipality. It lists scheduled work, not every unexpected fault.
The DEDDIE fault service also provides reporting and assistance. Contact the host first at a rental property because they hold the supply details. No online notice does not rule out a building-level problem.
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