Canada and Singapore run on different plug types and voltages, which means a little preparation before you pack can save you from a dead phone or a fried hairdryer on your first morning in Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal. This guide covers the plug types used across Canada, how the voltage compares to what you're used to at home, whether you need an adapter, a voltage converter, or both, and where to pick one up once you're there.

Scroll to the end for hotel picks across three of Canada's most popular cities, all bookable through Traveloka Singapore.

Canada uses two plug types, both of which are standard across North America. Here's what you'll encounter:

The most common plug in Canada. Type A has two flat parallel pins and no earth pin. You'll find it on most everyday appliances, phone chargers, laptops, lamps and the vast majority of hotel and accommodation sockets across the country.

Type B adds a round earth pin below the two flat parallel pins of Type A. It's used for higher-powered appliances that require grounding, think air conditioners, washing machines, and some kitchen appliances. Many Canadian sockets are designed to accept both Type A and Type B plugs, so they're largely interchangeable from a traveller's perspective.

Singaporean travellers use Type G, the three-flat-pin plug which won't fit any Canadian socket. You'll need a plug adapter that converts Type G to Type A or B before you travel. The same applies to UK travellers (also Type G), and to Australian travellers who use Type I.

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Canada operates on 120V at 60Hz, significantly lower than Singapore's 230V/50Hz standard, and different in both voltage and frequency. This is one of the more important things to get right before your trip, because the gap is large enough to cause real damage to incompatible devices.

For Singaporean travellers, this means you'll need to pay close attention to every appliance you plan to bring. Devices that are dual-voltage, rated for 100-240V, will handle Canada's 120V without any issue and only need a plug adapter. Most modern electronics fall into this category: laptops, smartphones, cameras, and their respective chargers are almost always dual-voltage.

Devices that are single-voltage and built for 230V, certain hairdryers, curling irons, electric shavers, or travel kettles, will not work properly on 120V and may be damaged. For these, you'll need a voltage converter in addition to a plug adapter. Always check the label on the device or its power brick before assuming it's safe to plug in.

For Singaporean travellers: yes to both, depending on what you're bringing.

A plug adapter is always necessary, since Type G plugs won't fit Canadian Type A/B sockets. Beyond that, it depends on your devices:

Dual-voltage devices (100-240V): Only need a plug adapter. This covers most modern phone chargers, laptop power bricks, camera chargers, and travel-specific appliances.

Single-voltage devices (230V only): Need both a plug adapter and a voltage converter. Check the fine print on the label or power brick, if it says "230V" only, don't risk plugging it in without a converter.

Note that frequency also differs: Canada runs at 60Hz versus Singapore's 50Hz. For most modern electronics this doesn't matter, but some older motor-driven appliances, certain clocks, fans, or turntables, may run slightly faster than expected.

If you arrive without one, you won't have to look far:

Toronto Pearson, Vancouver International, and Montréal-Trudeau all have travel retail shops both before and after customs. Hudson's News and similar airport retailers often stock basic adapters and converters. Prices are higher than in the city, but they're a solid backup if you've forgotten yours.

Best Buy is the main chain to look for across Canada, with branches in most cities and suburban shopping centres. They carry a wide range of adapters, multi-port chargers, and voltage converters. London Drugs (common in Western Canada) is another reliable option.

Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmaprix carry basic travel adapters in their electronics or travel accessories sections, genuinely useful since there's one on nearly every major street in Canadian cities. 7-Eleven and similar convenience chains are another option for a quick fix.

Walmart Canada and Canadian Tire both stock affordable adapters and converters. Canadian Tire in particular has a surprisingly well-stocked electronics and home accessories section that's worth checking if you're near one.

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A few things to sort out before you start plugging things in:

Don't assume. Look for the voltage rating on every appliance you're planning to bring. "100-240V, 50/60Hz" means it's safe everywhere. "230V, 50Hz" means it's not dual-voltage and needs a converter for Canada.

A good universal adapter that covers Type A, B, C, F, G, and I will handle Canada and most future trips without needing a country-specific purchase each time. Models with built-in surge protection add an extra layer of safety for your devices.

If you're bringing a 230V-only appliance, buy a proper step-up/step-down voltage converter rather than a cheap travel adapter with a converter label slapped on it. Underpowered converters can damage devices and, in the worst cases, become a fire risk.

Hotel rooms in Canada often have fewer accessible sockets than you'd expect, especially in older downtown properties. A multi-port USB adapter or a compact travel power strip means you're not choosing between charging your phone and your camera every night.

Here are solid picks across three of Canada's most visited cities, all bookable through Traveloka Singapore.

Canada's largest city, Toronto is a dense, walkable downtown core surrounded by distinct neighbourhoods. Staying near Union Station or the Entertainment District puts you within easy reach of the CN Tower, the waterfront, and the city's excellent restaurant scene.

Hotel recommendations: Holiday Inn Express Toronto Downtown by Ihg, Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel, Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre By IHG, Novotel Toronto Centre, And Holiday Inn Express Toronto-North York By IHG.

Hemmed in by mountains and ocean, Vancouver is one of the world's most scenic cities. The downtown peninsula, Gastown, and Granville Island are the key areas for most visitors. A central location saves a lot of transit time given how spread out the greater metro area is.

Hotel recommendations: Hotel Blu Vancouver, O Canada House, Fairmont Waterfront, The Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver, and Cambie Hostel Gastown.

Canada's French-speaking cultural capital has a character all its own, a blend of European flair, North American energy, and a food scene that punches well above its weight. The Plateau, Old Montréal, and Downtown are the neighbourhoods most worth being close to.

Hotel recommendations: SENS Hotel, DoubleTree by Hilton Montreal, M Montreal - Hostel, and Courtyard by Marriott Montreal Midtown.

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Book a flight to Canada from Singapore and arrange an airport transfer from Toronto Pearson, Vancouver International, or Montréal-Trudeau through the Traveloka app. Check Traveloka promotions for the latest Canada flight and hotel deals, and browse car rental options if you're planning a road trip through the Rockies or along the St. Lawrence.

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