Travel Adapter for Gambia: Do You Need One? (El Salvador → Gambia)Adapter Needed

Traveling from El Salvador to the Gambia means crossing into a different electrical system. Here's a complete breakdown of the sockets, voltage, and the right adapter to bring for the Gambia, so nothing you packed ends up useless at the hotel.

Do you need a travel adapter for Gambia?

Yes, you'll need a travel adapter. El Salvador outlets use Type A/B plugs, while the Gambia uses Type G. Because the two don't overlap, your El Salvador plugs physically won't fit the Gambia's sockets without an adapter. Pick one up before you leave, since airport and hotel prices are usually marked up.

What plugs and sockets does Gambia use?

the Gambia uses the following power plug: Type G: three rectangular pins with a built-in fuse, the British/Irish plug. Outlets run at 230V and 50Hz. Coming from El Salvador (Type A/B), you'll want a Type G adapter to match these sockets.

Voltage and frequency in Gambia

the Gambia supplies 230V at 50Hz, which differs notably from the 120V used in El Salvador. This matters most for single-voltage, high-wattage appliances such as hair dryers, straighteners, curling irons, and electric kettles. Plugging a 120V-only device into a 230V outlet can overheat or destroy it. Check each device's label: if it reads "INPUT: 100-240V" it handles both and you only need a plug adapter; if it lists a single voltage, bring a voltage converter or leave it home.

Will your devices work in Gambia?

Phones, tablets, laptops, and camera chargers are nearly always dual-voltage (100-240V), so they work in the Gambia with just a Type G plug adapter, and no converter is required. The devices to watch are heat-based appliances: hair dryers, flat irons, and travel kettles are often single-voltage and can fail on the Gambia's 230V supply. Many travelers simply buy a dual-voltage travel version or rely on the hotel's hair dryer.

What travel adapter should you buy for Gambia?

For the Gambia, look for an adapter that converts your Type A/B plug to Type G. A universal travel adapter is the most flexible choice, since it covers the Gambia plus most other destinations and usually adds built-in USB and USB-C ports so you can charge several devices from one socket. If you only ever visit the Gambia, a dedicated Type G adapter is smaller and cheaper.

Tips for charging your devices in Gambia

Many the Gambia hotel bathrooms have a low-wattage "shaver only" socket that is fine for razors and toothbrushes but not for charging phones or running hair dryers. Use the main wall outlets with your adapter for everything else.