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Author
Joanna M.
Travel
10 / 2020

What adapter do I need for Nigeria?

Nigerian plug

If you travel a whole lot, you know how annoying it is to have a power plug that does not fit in your socket. That is why getting the right plug, or adapter, is one of the top things to do before traveling abroad. Sockets differ across many countries and, as such, it’s an important thing to research before traveling to a particular country. It is even more annoying when there are no appliance stores nearby to get a matching power plug with the socket.

If you have been planning to travel to Nigeria but don’t know the kind of electrical travel adaptor to take along, then you are in the right place. In this article, we will cover some important things know from the types of power plugs and sockets in Nigeria to the voltage transformers and converters. Then finally we’ll check out the pros and cons of adapters in general. With all this information, you’ll be able to make an informed decision on the type of adaptor to take along with you on your trip.

Types of Power Plugs and Sockets in Nigeria

A power plug refers to an electrical device that adapts to a socket's shape, thanks to those features, someone from a different country can use their electrical appliances efficiently. In Nigeria, there are typically two types of plugs and sockets, namely the Type D Plug, and Type G Plug.

The Type G plug has three circular holes in the form of a triangle and is typical to Nepal, Sri Lanka, India, and other African countries. Meanwhile, the Type D plug has three rectangular holes in the form of a triangle and you’ll find them in the United Kingdom, and other African countries.

Voltage and Frequency in Nigeria

Nigeria operates on a 230 V standard voltage supply and a standard frequency of 50HZ. This voltage and frequency differ from country to country. For example, if the typical voltage in your native country is between 220 – 240V, you can conveniently use your devices in Nigeria safely. Countries with standard voltage include the United Kingdom, Australia, Europe, and most parts of Africa and Asia.

However, if your country's average voltage falls in the range of 100 – 127 V, you will have to get a voltage converter (We will talk more about voltage converters below). Canada, the United States, and large parts of South American utilize this kind of voltage. Therefore keep it in mind that if you are traveling from the U.S to Nigeria, the difference in voltage and frequency can be very dangerous and may slow down your electrical appliances.

However, most modern electrical devices such as laptops, music players, toothbrushes, and tablets may not be significantly affected by geographical differences in voltage and frequency. This is due to the rapidly changing technology.

Voltage Transformers and Converters

As mentioned above, global voltage supplies vary from country to country, so you have to be extremely careful about how you use your electronic appliances. You can solve this problem by using the right voltage adapter, converter, or transformer when you are in Nigeria. Converters and transformers practically work the same way; however, the only difference is their application.

Transformers are used in conjunction with electrical appliances that have to operate continuously, e.g., fridges. In contrast, converters support devices that need short intervals to run (about 1 – 2 hours), e.g., phones and laptops. One bonus is that most voltage converters and transformers already come with their plug adaptors, saving you the money you’d use to get a separate travel adaptor.

Also, keep in mind that transformers and converters have a maximum power rating (AMPS or WATTS); therefore, ensure that the electronic device does not exceed this maximum rating.

Single Voltage and Dual Voltage Rated Appliances

To know if an electronic appliance is single or dual voltage rated, look at the appliance rating plate. Dual voltage rated devices are more convenient because they have a voltage range that most appliances can operate in, e.g., 110 – 240 V, unlike single voltage rated devices with just one voltage supply. So, if you are coming to Nigeria, where the supply voltage is 230 V, check to see if any of your devices fall within that same range, so you’ll know whether to get a converter or transformer.

Where to Get Adapters for Nigeria

It is best to get a travel adapter before reaching Nigeria, just in case you don’t find what you are looking for. The best places to find what you’re looking for are online or airport shops. Getting one online may not be the best solution if you have to catch a flight in a few hours, so place the order well before your departure.

You can purchase the best travel plug adapter here. Also, note that while buying an adapter at the airport may be convenient, it’s a lot more expensive. Prepare to pay about 50% more than the standard price. Even more, depending on how popular your destination is, there will be a higher or lower chance of finding the right adapter for yourself.

Also, don't forget to do some research on the kind of adapter you’ll need before entering airside shops. You may not have the time to comfortably peruse the aisles depending on when your flight is set to take off. But you’ll probably have no problem with that since this article reveals the exact kind of adapter to buy. You’ll also figure out whether you’ll need a voltage converter or transformer.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Adapters

Some advantages of Adapters are:

  • It is easy to use.
  • It is light and compact to carry along on trips.
  • They are affordable (typically under $10USD).

Some disadvantages include:

  • You may need to bring along more than one adapter if you’re traveling to multiple countries with different types of sockets.
  • A standard adapter can only use one device at a go, so you may need multiple adapters to charge different gadgets.
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