PhilFAQS

One of the most consistent questions asked by persons living overseas and thinking about travel or a move to the Philippines is “can I use my electric-powered xyz there?”

Fortunately, the answer is almost always “yes”.  But you can’t always just plug it in and go.  Here are some basics:

• Philippine commercial power is standardized at (nominally) 220 Volts, AC, 60 Hertz (Hz or cycles)
• Most North American power is 110 volts, AC, 60 Hz … an obvious mismatch
• The rest of the world most commonly uses 220 Volts, AC, 50 hertz … another mismatch
• A complete listing of countries and power standards is here:

The very first thing to do is something only the questioner is well-prepared to do.  Look at the power input for the device and read what it says.  In today’s much more international world a great many appliances are made to accept multiple power standards.  If the label reads something like the title of this post, you are home free.  Worst case is you’ll need a simple adapter for the power plug.  You can buy one at any Ace Hardware store (always in SM malls) anywhere in the Philippines for a dollar or less.

If your device is 110 Volt only your task is still relatively easy.  Ace and thousands of other stores in the Philippines sell simple “step down’ transformers (power adapters) that change the Philippine standard 220 volts to 110.  Usually the 110 Volt receptacle will match your US appliance plug, but, if not, you can just use a simple plug adapter also.

If you happen to have a device (typically from Europe or the UK) that is labeled for 50 Hertz only, you may have a problem.  if the device is clock or timing related, such as an alarm clock, clock radio, etc., then don’t bother bringing it.  There is no effective, economically practical way to convert 50 to 60 Hertz or vice versa.  If the device is simply resistance (like a heater, you _are_ bringing a space heater to the Philippines, aren’t you? ;-)) or motor-driven, like say an electric shaver, mixer, blender, etc., then I would just bring it an use it as is.  The difference between 50 and 60 Hertz will not bother most appliances (technically they might run a little faster) but they still should be good to go.  Naturally on anything expensive, electronic, (such as a television, computer/stereo and such) and certainly on anything life-critical … check with the manufacturer first.

Happy traveling, and don’t let power standards get in your way, read your data plate and recognize it is just not that big of a deal.

Related posts:

1. Watt Did He Say? He Said, "If You Aren’t Careful This Might Hertz"
2. More Help On Adapters — Fit Any Plug

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