If you are a first-time visitor in Qatar, then you shouldn’t miss a trip to cultural attractions such as the Doha Fort, Museum of Islamic Art, National Museum of Qatar, State Grand Mosque, Katara Mosque, and Katara Cultural Village. Likewise, you should also visit Aspire Park, Falcon Souq, Souq Waqif, and many other places!
Of course, when you go sightseeing, you are likely planning to take lots of pictures and videos. This means that you need to keep your mobile phones and cameras fully charged! It also involves making sure that you have a travel plug — or a travel adapter — that can fit the power outlets in Qatar.
What is the Electrical Outlet Power Socket in Qatar
Did you know that the primary source of energy in Qatar is fossil fuels? After all, the country is known for oil production, and fossil fuels account for most of the electricity produced in Qatar. That being said, it’s also important to know the most common types of electric plugs and sockets used in the country.
Basically, the most common type of plugs and sockets in Qatar is Type G, a plug containing three rectangular pins arranged in a triangular pattern. It originated from the United Kingdom; hence, it is also known as the British or “UK plug.”
Type G plugs are compatible with Type G sockets only. Here’s what a Type G plug and socket look like:
Aside from Type G sockets, you might see Type D sockets in Qatar as well. This type of plug has three round pins, which are also arranged in a triangular pattern. However, Type D plugs are not as common as Type G, and you are more likely to encounter Type G plugs and sockets in most hotels and establishments.
As for voltage and frequency, electric sockets in Qatar typically operate on a standard voltage of 240V, with a standard frequency of 50Hz.
What is the Plug Adapter Type in Qatar?
Does your mobile phone, tablet, laptop, and other gadgets have a Type G plug? If not, then you will need to bring a travel adapter to Qatar. Specifically, you must have a Type G plug adapter, which would allow you to plug and charge your gadgets in Type G power sockets.
Here’s what a Type G plug adapter looks like:
Travel Adapter vs. Voltage Converter
At this point, the difference between travel adapters and voltage converters must be emphasized. First of all, a travel adapter is a gadget that enables you to charge electric devices into power outlets that have a different plug type. A travel adapter is not capable of converting electric voltage.
In contrast, a voltage converter is a device that does exactly that: convert or modify electricity from one level to another. For example, if your gadget has a voltage of 100V to 120V, you might need a voltage converter in Qatar, where the standard voltage of power outlets is 240V.
Where Can I Buy Electrical Supplies in Qatar?
You can easily purchase travel adapters, voltage converters, and other electrical supplies in Qatar. These are usually available in most convenience stores, supermarkets, and shopping malls. You could also buy these items at the airport, although they tend to be more expensive there than in other stores.
Should I Bring a Travel Adapter to Qatar?
Does your country typically use Type G plugs and sockets? If so, then most likely you don’t have to bring a travel adapter to Qatar. On the other hand, if your country uses a different type of plug, then you should definitely consider bringing a travel adapter — a Type G travel adapter, to be exact.
Should I Bring a Voltage Converter to Qatar?
Each country has a “standard” voltage when it comes to electric plugs and sockets. For instance, Qatar, along with many other countries in the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and Australia, has a standard voltage ranging from 220V to 240V. Meanwhile, countries in North America and South America usually have a standard voltage of 100V to 120V.
As mentioned earlier, the standard voltage in Qatar is 240V. If the standard voltage in your country of origin is different, then yes, you should consider bringing a voltage converter to Qatar. But if the standard voltage in your country is also 220V, then it may not be necessary to bring a voltage converter.
The same goes for frequency. If the standard frequency in your country is the same as in Qatar — 50Hz — then, you don’t have to bring a converter. But if the standard frequency is different, then you should consider bringing a converter in this case.
What About Devices with Dual Voltage?
If your gadgets are “dual voltage,” you don’t have to worry about voltage converters, since these gadgets can be plugged into power sockets of any voltage or frequency, wherever you may be in the world.
How do you know if your device is dual voltage? Simply look at the small print. If it says, “INPUT: 100-240V” and “50/60Hz,” this means that your device is, indeed, dual voltage, and you don’t have to bring a voltage converter.
Nevertheless, even if your gadget is dual voltage, the type of plug may still be different. If that is the case, then a travel adapter is still necessary, although a voltage converter may not be needed.
Video: Tips for Using Adapters in the Middle East
If you are planning a trip to Qatar — or other places in the Middle East, for that matter — check out this video shared via “Bored Immigrant” channel on YouTube. The vlogger shares some tips on electric plugs, outlets, and travel adapters:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some commonly asked questions and answers regarding power outlets, plugs, and travel adapters in Qatar:
1. What type of power sockets are used in Qatar?
In Qatar, the most commonly used type of power plug and socket is Type G. It has three rectangular pins, arranged in a triangular pattern.
2. What type of adapter do I need?
If your mobile phone, laptop, tablet, or other devices do not use a Type G plug, you’ll need to bring a Type G travel adapter to Qatar.
3. Will I need a voltage converter?
If the standard voltage in your country of origin is different from Qatar (i.e. 240V), then you might have to bring a voltage converter. In contrast, if the standard voltage is the same, then a voltage converter is not necessary.
4. Is the Qatar plug the same as in the UK?
Plugs in Qatar are Type G, which are the same as in the UK. In fact, this type of plug is sometimes called “UK plug” because that’s where it originated from.
5. Is the Qatar plug the same as in the USA?
No, plugs in Qatar are not the same as in the US, since the plugs and sockets there are usually Type A and Type B.
6. What other countries use Type G plugs?
Aside from Qatar and the United Kingdom, there are plenty of other places that use Type G plugs and sockets. These include Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brunei, China, Cyprus, Ghana, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Iraq, Ireland, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nigeria, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Singapore, Tanzania, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, Yemen, and Zimbabwe, among others.
7. Will my hotel room have a USB socket?
Nowadays, most hotel rooms usually have USB sockets. To be certain, however, consider calling the hotel in Qatar before you arrive. Ask about the type of plugs and sockets used, and whether you need to have travel adapters and converters. In any case, consider bringing a Type G travel adapter with USB sockets, so you can charge your devices with USB plugs.
8. Where can I buy electrical supplies?
In Qatar, you can buy travel adapters, voltage converters, and other electrical supplies at the airport; however, these are considerably more expensive than products sold outside the airport. Fortunately, you can also buy electrical supplies in shopping malls, supermarkets, and convenience stores throughout the country.
9. Any tips when buying a travel adapter?
Before you buy a travel adapter, it’s important to know the exact type of plugs and sockets that are used in the place where you’re going. In addition, make a list of the features that you may need, like USB ports, quick charging capabilities, and so on.
10. Do I need to bring a power strip?
You may not necessarily have to bring a power strip, especially if you are going to travel alone, or with your spouse only. On the other hand, if you are coming to Qatar with your whole family, or as part of a large group, then it would be a good idea to bring a Type G power strip, so you can plug and charge multiple devices at the same time.
Summary
Whether you are a tourist, an expat, or a business traveler in Qatar, don’t forget to pack the essentials. This includes bringing a travel adapter and other electrical supplies that you may need. Even before you arrive in the country, make sure that you’ve packed all the important things, to help ensure a smooth and hassle-free trip!
In the meantime, if you are a first-time visitor in Qatar, be sure to read this guide, which contains some tips and reminders that every tourist or visitor should know!