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US to Poland Power Adapter: What Plug Do I Need in Poland? (2025)

poland power adapter
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While Poland continues to be a lesser-known European travel destination, it should not be overlooked and is considered to be a hidden gem among travelers. The central European country boasts some of the area’s most important historical sites, like the Auschwitz-Birkenau memorial and museum, as well as some of the most beautiful cities and towns. There are also castles, mountains, pierogi, and vodka!

It’s important to plan accordingly, including which power adapters to take. In this post, we’ll recommend the best adapter for Poland to safely charge your devices, plus more items that will enhance your trip and some useful travel advice to get the most out of this beautiful country!

See our product selection criteria and guidelines here.

Which power outlets do they use in Poland?

Poland power outlet
Here is an actual photo of a Poland power outlet

The power outlets used in Poland are type E—the same outlet that is used in France, Belgium, and Slovakia. Type E plugs have two round pins (4.8mm diameter, spaced 19mm apart) and a hole for what is called an “Earth pin.” The type E socket is compatible with most C and F plugs, which are common throughout Europe.

In Poland, the electricity’s standard voltage is 230 volts with a standard frequency of 50 hertz. Since American appliances run on 120 volts, you’ll need to be careful not to take high-powered electrical devices like hair dryers unless you also plan to bring a voltage converter. Things like cell phone chargers and laptop chargers don’t need converters and are fine with just an adapter.

What kind of power adapter do I need for Poland?

Poland power adapter
Recommended Poland power adapter available on Amazon.com ➜

If you’re traveling from outside a country that uses type E plugs, it’s important to bring an adapter when traveling to Poland. While most C and F plugs work, you can’t be 100% certain, so we recommend bringing a universal adapter that works for many types of plugs.

This universal travel adapter works in more than 100 countries and comes with two USB charging ports, allowing you to charge multiple devices at once. It also has a built-in fuse protector to defend your device against any power surges, and it’s backed by a lifetime replacement guarantee so you can trust the quality.

View on Amazon.com ➜

Other Poland Packing List Items

In addition to your US-to-Poland power adapter, these items will help you pack with intention and expand the possibilities of your getaway. Also, check out our Poland packing list for more inspiration and ideas.

  • 1. Quick-Dry Travel Towel

    Whether you’re hitting the Bukowina Thermal Baths or Kayaking through the Krutynia – this super absorbent microfiber towel will come in handy. We bring it for all international travel and it’s incredibly versatile. You never know when you’ll need to dry off or if the hotel will even provide you with a towel (or if it will be as clean as you would like!) This one dries 10x faster than cotton and is light as a feather.

    Quick-Dry Travel Towel

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 2. Neck Wallet & Passport Holder

    While Poland has a low crime rate overall, you’ll still see pickpockets at major tourist destinations and on public transportation. Especially when sightseeing or taking trains and buses, it’s a good idea to keep your money and valuables in a neck wallet. This one is ideal for international travel days where you’ll be whipping out essential travel documents, passports, credit cards and more during long travel days. It can be worn under your shirt for discreet concealment and even comes lined with RFID-blocking material in case the e-thieves try to outsmart you.

    Neck-Wallet

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 3. TSA-Approved Luggage Locks

    We use luggage locks on all of our trips: for our check-in luggage and our daypacks when going on tours or using public transportation. These specific locks are great because they’re TSA-approved and have a lifetime guarantee. We love the peace of mind the locks give us while traveling and on international flights when your belongings will be out of sight for long durations.

    luggage locks

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 4. Travel Insurance for Poland

    You shouldn’t head overseas without travel insurance since Polish medical care will not be covered by your domestic provider. While we hope for the best when heading on vacation, no one plans to get sick overseas. But things happen and it’s best to be prepared. Travel insurance covers common wanderlust issues like baggage loss, theft, flight delays, cancelation, evacuations, rental issues, and international medical care.

    We use Faye because they have created modern solutions for an antiquated industry. They’re a 100% digital provider that handles everything through their mobile app. We love feeling like we have a whole support team in our pocket since they’re available 24/7 for any questions we may have. We were reimbursed quickly and found them to be a revolutionary (and affordable!) investment in our trip. It’s worth it for the sheer peace of mind and typically costs less than 5% of your total trip cost.

    Travel Insurance for Poland

    Get a quote in less than 60 seconds with Faye ➜

  • 5. Lipstick-Sized Portable Charger

    There is so much to see in Poland, and you’ll want to take advantage of all the day trips. To make sure your camera and phone stay charged, pack this small, portable charger so that you don’t get stuck without the ability to document your vacation, call for an emergency ride, or look up your decently foreign-sounding hotel address. This power bank has been a lifesaver to us in the past.

    Lipstick-Sized Portable Charger

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 6. Virtual Private Network (VPN)

    Regardless of the country, we always recommend having a reliable Virtual Protection Network (VPN) service on your phone and computer before traveling. You will need this before joining public Wi-Fi networks in places like hotels, airports, coffee shops, cafes, and more. I learned this when my credit card number was stolen at an Airbnb that I thought was trustworthy.

    A VPN not only helps protect your personal information when using open networks but also allows you to watch US TV shows that might not be available in places like Poland. Regional censorship is rampant and we hate having to deal with error pages or virtual walls around the content we want to view – these are common on content-based sites like Netflix, YouTube, HBO, etc. For only a few dollars a month, it’s the best investment you can make in your cybersecurity and online freedom.

    how a vpn works

    View options at NordVPN.com ➜

  • 7. Windproof Travel Umbrella

    Regardless of what time of year you visit Poland, we recommend packing a travel umbrella. This compact version is windproof, making it suitable for windy snow storms in Winter, or afternoon showers in Summer. We always have one in our daypack and it holds up way better than the crappy umbrellas you’ll find at those tacky souvenir shops.

    Windproof Travel Umbrella

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 8. Jet Lag Relief

    Since there’s so much to see and do in Poland, you really don’t want to arrive jet-lagged. These pills help fight against the headaches and grogginess that come with travel and time differences, so you can immediately start exploring. They’re made using gentle botanicals like chamomile but they make a huge difference in feeling rested after a long journey and drastic time change.

    Jet Lag Relief

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 9. Filtered Water Bottle

    The water in Poland is quite clean, but I like to bring a simple filtered water bottle so I can fill up on the go even with tap water. This one by Brita is BPA-free and reduces the taste of chlorine and other unwanted chemicals. Be sure to empty it while passing through security, but it can stay in your backpack pocket for easy access during travel days or excursions.

    Filtered Water Bottle

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 10. Hand & Foot Warmers

    Polish Falls and Springs can be a bit chilly and Winter can be downright cold! Temps can hit lows of −20 °C (−4 °F), so you will need to bring the proper artillery, like lots of layers and wool socks. I always bring these hand & foot warmers for cold destinations, even when it’s just a bit brisk. They make all the difference since you simply shake to activate them, and they will stay warm for up to 10 hours! Place them in your gloves, shoes, socks, or jacket pockets to hold onto as you explore the country. It’s like internal insulation and makes things so much cozier!

    Hand & Foot Warmers

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 11. Packing Cubes

    No matter what type of suitcase you bring, we highly recommend using packing cubes to organize your belongings. We love these for keeping clean clothes separate from dirty and for easily finding all of our belongings. You won’t have to dig for that obscure band shirt or long-lost sock! Because everything is labeled in cubes, like tops, pants, underwear, socks, essentials, etc. You can opt for the 3-pack if you want to start small, but the standard size will be best for international trips. They’re also a huge space-saver since things can be compressed in your suitcase, AND they come with 2 bonus laundry bags to separate dirty items. They are the best!

    packing cubes

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 12. Discounted Tickets on Polish Attractions

    There is so much history and culture to absorb during your stay in Poland. Visit the WWII concentration camp of Auschwitz with a guided tour to learn the detailed stories, visit Schindler’s Factory, soak in a relaxing thermal spring, and float down the Vistula on a romantic river cruise.

    We use Get Your Guide to book our global tours since they are a reputable site that you can trust, offering flexible cancellation and tons of options to choose from. If you book early, there are often discounts and you’ll guarantee your spot. Whereas if you wait until the last minute, the price may be higher or no bookings may be left!

    Discounted Tickets on Polish Attractions

    See all Polish attractions at GetYourGuide.com ➜

  • 13. Hanging Toiletry Bag

    Europe has a reputation for small, difficult to maneuver bathrooms. Yes, the people are typically slimmer than in America, but countertops and storage space can often be scarce. We always travel with this hanging toiletry bag that creates a pop-up shelf no matter where you are! It hangs virtually anywhere (a door, hook, shower pole, towel rack, etc.) and keeps everything at eye-level for simplified organization.

    It’s way better than juggling bottles on the edge of a sink or sifting through tons of plastic ziplocks. There are elastic bands in the internal pockets to hold bottles in place from slipping and sliding, and my wife uses one compartment for her makeup so we can consolidate all products into one case. It’s a game-changer and we can’t travel without it now!

    hanging toiletry bag

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 14. Packable “Just in Case” Bag

    We’ve all faced the common traveler’s conundrum of overpacking and wishing we had an extra bag to do some shopping! You will definitely want to pick up some local goods in Poland, so bring this foldable “just in case” bag that can be stored in your suitcase. Fill it with treats like antiques, jewelry, dolls, salt lamps, smoked cheese, amber goods, gingerbread, Krówki fudge, and more. This bag is perfect since it counts as your personal item on the flight home, swiftly allowing you to skip right over those pesky carry-on fees!

    Packable “Just in Case” Bag

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 15. Raincoat

    Rain is unpredictable in Poland, and you may face random showers. I’d recommend packing a rain jacket that is stylish and slim, so it compactly fits in your suitcase. This one has some warmth to it but isn’t overly bulky. It’s hooded, beautiful, and also a windbreaker.

    Raincoat

    View on Amazon.com ➜

What’s the electricity and power supply like in Poland?

Poland power

Unfortunately, most of Poland’s electricity still comes from fossil fuels, with coal powering 72% of the country’s power in 2021. Climate activists have been critical of Poland’s reliance on non-renewable power sources, and the country seems to be lagging behind its neighbors in terms of transitioning to green energy alternatives.

Like most European countries, Poland is seeing hikes in electricity costs due to its reliance on importing coal and gas. This won’t necessarily affect the average traveler, except for possibly paying a little more for accommodation so owners can offset costs.

When we visited Poland, we didn’t have any issues with electricity, both in the towns and in the countryside. We also didn’t have problems with the internet.

Do I need a voltage converter for Poland?

If you’re just planning to bring basic electronic devices like mobile phones, laptops, and camera chargers, you don’t need a converter. These work fine with just an adapter.

The only reason you would need a converter is if you wanted to bring high-powered appliances like a hair dryer or a curling iron. But even then, you could check to see if those devices have a built-in voltage range or dual voltage setting. This would be printed directly on the appliance printed as “100-240V” or “100/240V,” indicating it would be safe for use in Poland.

Other FAQs about traveling in Poland

  • 1. When to travel to Poland?

    When to travel to Poland?

    The Polish Tourism Organization recommends visiting May-June and September-October to avoid crowds and take advantage of the warmer weather. This is particularly important if you plan to hike, as winters get extremely cold. With that said, winter in Poland can be lovely if you don’t mind the low temperatures (think Christmas markets and cozy cafes!).

  • 2. What is the weather like in Poland?

    Poland has four seasons (winter, spring, summer, fall) with warm summers and very cold winters. Spring and fall are cool and see more sun than the gray months of winter. The climate is said to be milder along the Baltic Sea, on Poland’s northern coast.

  • 3. What to do in Poland?

    What to do in Poland?

    Most travelers begin their trip in Warsaw, Poland’s capital. You can easily spend a few days here, taking in the beautifully restored old town (rebuilt after the war) and enjoying the restaurant scene. From there, there’s a variety of beautiful towns to explore, like Gdansk, Poznan, and Torun. We decided to base ourselves in Krakow, as it’s not only a remarkable city with an important history, but there are also plenty of day trip opportunities, such as the Auschwitz-Birkenau memorial and museum, the Wieliczka Salt Mine, and Tatra Mountain National Park.

  • 4. How to travel around Poland?

    Taking the train is definitely the best way to get around, and that’s how we got from Warsaw to Krakow. For day trip excursions, many are accessible by train, but there are options to use tour companies or take the public buses.

  • 5. Do people speak English?

    Do people speak English?

    Most of the Polish people we met spoke English very well, especially in the larger cities and towns. There were even English menu options.

    However, we never assume people speak English, and always come prepared: make sure to download the Polish language on your Google Translate app before arriving.