In Asmara, they use Type C and L power plugs and outlets. The voltage is 230V, and the frequency is 50Hz.
⚠️ So, you’ll need a travel adapter in Asmara. Their plugs and outlets are different from the Type A and B ones we use back in the States.
Quick Overview of the Plugs in Asmara:
- Plug type in Asmara: C and L
- Standard voltage: 230V
- Frequency: 50Hz
- Need a travel adapter? Yes, you do need a travel adapter
- Need a voltage converter? Device-specific — check before you pack
- Recommended plug adapter: Vintar Universal Travel Adapter Kit
This page is based on verified information from local power agencies, international standards organizations such as the IEC, and feedback from travelers who’ve recently been there.
Power Outlets in Asmara
In Asmara, they use Type C and L power plugs and outlets.
Type C
Type C outlets have two round prongs and no grounding pin. Type E and F plugs usually fit too, but grounded plugs will need an adapter.
Type L
Type L outlets have three round prongs in a straight line and support different power ratings. Some Type C plugs may also fit.
The Only Travel Adapter You’ll Need in Asmara
Need a reliable travel adapter for Asmara? We don’t sell them, but we’ve researched the best option based on voltage, safety, and plug types. Here’s what we recommend:
Already on the road or just arrived and forgot your power adapter? It happens. Luckily, airports and local shops often carry basic ones. Still, packing one ahead of time saves you the hassle and guarantees you’ve got one that works for your needs.
Asmara is often combined with regional destinations like Ethiopia, Sudan, or Djibouti. Make sure to confirm which plugs you’ll need.
Do You Need a Voltage Converter?
A voltage converter is likely needed in Asmara because your device must match the country’s voltage. The U.S. runs on 120V, but Asmara uses a different voltage, so a converter is necessary.
Always double-check the label on your electronics before traveling abroad. If you see “100-240V, 50/60 Hz”, your device is built for global use and doesn’t require a converter. This applies to most smartphones, laptops, cameras, and rechargeable devices.
Which Travel Devices May Need a Converter?
Not sure which voltage converter to get? Take a look at the best-rated ones right here.
| Device | Need Converter? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Phone | ❌ No (usually) | Most modern phone chargers are dual voltage (100–240V) |
| Laptop | ❌ No (usually) | Check the power brick label for 100–240V |
| Hairdryer | ✅ Yes (often) | High wattage; many models are not dual voltage |
| Electric toothbrush | ⚠️ Check voltage | Some models are 110V only |
| Camera / DSLR | ❌ No (usually) | Most chargers are dual voltage |
| Power bank | ❌ No | Charges via USB, adapter is enough |
| Electric shaver / trimmer | ⚠️ Check voltage | Older or cheaper models may not support 230V |
| Tablet / iPad | ❌ No | All models are dual voltage |
| Portable fan | ✅ Yes (sometimes) | Many models are not compatible with 230V |
| Game console | ⚠️ Check voltage | Newer consoles like PS5 and Xbox are often dual voltage — check to be sure |
| Bluetooth speaker | ❌ No (usually) | Charges via USB |
| E-reader (Kindle, etc.) | ❌ No | USB charging only, no converter needed |
Top Travel Essentials to Pack
A few smart extras can make your trip a lot easier. They’re compact, useful, and often overlooked until you really need them.
Power Bank
No products found.
More About Asmara
Asmara sits at around 7,600 ft above sea level, making it one of Africa’s highest capitals—and it’s downright refreshing compared to lowland heat. Its claim to fame? A UNESCO World Heritage tag thanks to lovingly preserved Italian modernist architecture from the 1930s, earning it the nickname “Africa’s little Rome.” Think bold art-deco theaters, winged gas stations, and wide palm-lined avenues that look more Mediterranean than African.
This city practically hums along a steady, calm pace—locals stroll down Harnet Avenue past cafés, cinemas, and the iconic Fiat Tagliero building, a gas station that looks like an airplane and is seriously Instagram-worthy. Despite being in a country often called the “North Korea of Africa,” day-to-day life here feels warm and welcoming—street safety is high, and crime is low.
Asmara also has a deep love for cycling, a legacy passed down from the Italians. Eritrea’s cyclists are world-class, and the city buzzes with two-wheeler energy—catching a ride, spotting locals on vintage bikes, or joining informal pelotons feels like stepping into a gritty, vibrant subculture.
Asmara uses the same plugs and outlets as the rest of Eritrea.