We are staying in both Germany and Switzerland, Interlaken to be exact. We have the Type C adapters from the last time we went to Germany. Trying to figure out what we need in Switzerland. Our AirBnB host said they are different than Germany. But I’ve Also read the Typce C used in Germany is also used in Switzerland, and the two prong type C will fit in the three prong type J.
Can anybody confirm this?
Thank you
Type C outlets are not unheard of in Switzerland, but yes, the Type J is preferred. The Type C will fit in the Type J and will work for any ungrounded items. If your device has a grounded three prong US type plug (Type B), then it might be worth investing in a Type J adapter, otherwise your type C will work fine (and will even work with a US grounded plug usually...just no ground protection.
I was in Switzerland this past Sept. and had purchased this adapter from the RS store. I think this is what you are referring to as Type C.
https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/p/european-power-adapter
This did not work for us as the outlets we came across on the trains and hotels were triangular/pointy at the ends. So, the above adapter would not fit. We ended up buying some very expensive adapters while in Switzerland.
This is what I’m trying to describe was needed for Switzerland:
Edited to add: If the wall outlets in Switzerland had been flat, then the Type C I believe would have worked. But the wall outlets also had that diamond shape, which meant the more rectangular Type C would not fit. I hope this makes sense. It's a little hard to explain without showing you exactly what i'm talking about. Perhaps someone else can explain it better.
Adding that wall outlets in Europe are often recessed, meaning in addition to creating an unpleasant dirt trap they won’t accommodate all the plugs you expect will fit, like this
https://i.ebayimg.com/images/i/231479390397-0-1/s-l1000.jpg
Won’t accept this
Even though it is sold exactly for that purpose.
It looks like Switzerland has a different kind of recessed outlet shape, like this
I have seen those angular plugs/outlets in other European counties. Perhaps it's the most modern shape?
The oval RS adapters don't always fit, so I bought some of these adapters.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001EB26MO/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_image?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Tom, yes, thank-you. That third link you provided is exactly what we saw in Switzerland.
Do you have a grounded appliance, such as some hair dryers, larger laptops, and others? If not, 2 prong type C will indeed be enough for you in Switzerland.
Balso, that was not my experience in Switzerland. I had purchased the 2-prong type C, but they would not fit in these Type J outlets in Switzerland:
Thank you everybody. I ordered a trio of J and C.
Cheers
Sounds like a wise decision Sean. 😊 Have a great trip!!!
@Carrie, indeed depending on your adapter design, the recess in Swiss plugs could be troublesome. All my devices are natively type-C so no issues for me, but safer to buy the correct adapter as the OP decided to!
Not sure what you’re trying to plug in, but often hotels will have a USB charger that you can borrow. If you do end up needing to buy one, they have pretty cheap ones at Flying Tiger (which seems to be all over.)
