Niue Electrical Outlets & Power Plugs

What is the Electrical Outlet in Niue?

The fact that you are about to embark on a unique adventurous holiday does not mean that you have to leave your essential electricals at home. How are you going to charge your phone or your GoPro after getting some sweet coral shots in Niue?!

Niue’s electrical current is 230 V AC 50 Hz, with power outlets being Type 1. That’s the same outlet that New Zealand, Australia and China, so if you are from one of those countries, you are good to go! However, if you are from another country, you will need to equip yourself with a travel adapter for Niue, so keep reading this quick guide to the electrical outlets in Niue for all the information you will need on the subject.

For more essential travel tips for Niue, be sure to head over to our 30 Tips for Travelling in Niue.

What is the Plug Type in Niue?

In Niue, the power plugs and sockets are Type 1. It has three flat pins: two angled ones and one straight one. Note that some appliances don’t have that straight bottom pin but they are still compatible with Niue’s electrical outlets.

Other Countries That Use Type 1 Plugs

If you have visited any of the following countries, chances are that you already have a travel adapter that will work in Niue.

American Samoa, Argentina, Australia, China, Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tajikistan, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uruguay, Uzbekistan and Vanuatu.

A Quick Guide to the Electricity in Niue

What is the Voltage and Frequency in Niue?

In Niue, the electric current is 230 V 50 Hz. This means that the electrical current is 230 volts with 50 cycles per second.

If your country of origin uses a voltage that ranges between 220 and 240 volts, then you will be able to use your electrical appliances in Niue with no problem at all. This includes countries like New Zealand, Australia, Europe, the UK and the majority of Asia and Africa.

If you are from North or South America or any country that uses a voltage between 100 and 127 V then you will need to have a power converter or transformer. Many travel adapters include this function so there is no need to get yourself two items – check out the Amazon selection.

Will My Appliances Work in Niue?

If you’re using appliances from a country that also use 220-240 V, then they will work in Niue as long as they have a Type 1 output or you have a travel adapter. More on that later.

If coming from a country that uses 110/120 V, for example, then you should find that modern appliances, such as phones and laptops, are designed to use from 110 V to 240 V. Regardless, you should check the labels of all of the appliances that you intend to use in Niue.

Appliances that don’t clearly state that they can be used for up to 230 V should not be used in Niue’s electrical outlets. Otherwise, the higher voltage than required could damage your appliance (or worse). The most common types of appliances this applies to include hairdryers, electric razors and irons.

Do You Need a Convertor / Transformer for Niue?

If the label on your appliance states a single voltage number, such as 110 V or 120 V, you will need a travel adapter which is also a voltage converter.

If the label has a combined low/high number, such as 120/240 V or 100/240 V, or a voltage of 200 or higher, you don’t need a converter.

Can You Use a 60 Hz Appliance in Niue?

Niue uses a 50 Hz outlet. Therefore, it is not recommended to use a 60 Hz appliance, even if the voltage of your appliance is compatible with Niue’s electrical system. Using the wrong frequency (which is what Hz is) can cause appliances to stop functioning properly.

Again, check your appliance label. Some appliances work on both 50 and 60 Hz.

Niue Travel Adapters

Yes, regardless of the voltage, if your appliances are from a country that doesn’t use Type 1 power plugs then you will need a Niue travel adapter. In other words, a Type 1 travel adapter.

Recommended Niue Travel Adapters

AC Power Travel Adapter (cheap)
HAOZI Universal Travel Adapter (use it all over the world)
BESTEK Travel Adapter (universal and converts voltage for US appliances).

For more details on these travel adapters and more, see the 5 Best Travel Adapters for Niue.

USB: Note that USB plugs are not super popular in Niue so it is best to get yourself an adapter rather than relying on USB charging.

Are There USB Wall Sockets in Niue?

While USB outlets are becoming more and more available across the world, you will rarely find them in Niue, so they should not be relied on for power.

Some travel adapters, like this OREI Travel Adapter, have two USB inputs on them and are recommended if most of your appliances require a USB input.

See what other facilities to expect from accommodations in Niue in How to Choose the Best Villa in Niue for You.

Does Niue Experience Power Cuts?

Although Niue does not experience regular power cuts, an electricity shortage does happen. It’s not a weekly nor a monthly occurrence by any means but it can happen as there is only one company supplying power to Niue with only a couple of engines to power the whole island. Many businesses and households generate solar power to help reduce the load on the power company but shortage may still happen.

In some cases, more likely during the rainy season, some lines get washed out and the power is cut in small areas of the island.

If all of the above scares you, rest assured that even in the rare event of a power cut, there’s still plenty to do in Niue without relying on the national power grid. The rockpools full of colourful fish will still be all yours to explore! Check out the 101 Best Things to Do in Niue.

More About Niue’s Electrical Outlets, Power Plugs and Other Essentials

That’s it for our complete guide to Niue’s electrical outlets and power plugs. Plan more essentials for your trip using the following guides:

Finally, get even more travel tips for Niue from The Complete Travel Guide to Niue.

Author

Robin C.

This article was reviewed and published by Robin, the co-founder of Niue Pocket Guide. He has lived, worked and travelled across 16 different countries before settling in the South Pacific, so he knows a thing or two about planning the perfect trip in this corner of the world. He is also consulting regularly with Niue Tourism to ensure content accuracy. Robin is also the co-founder of several other South Pacific travel guides and is a regular host of webinars with the South Pacific Tourism Organisation.

Contact Robin via our contact page