Plugue vs. ficha vs. tomada
The differences between these words depend on two factors: the function of the object (male connector vs. female outlet) and the region (Brazil vs. Portugal). While tomada is used in both countries for the wall outlet, the specific word for the electrical plug attached to the wire differs by country.
Plugue
B1In Brazilian Portuguese, plugue refers to the male electrical connector or head attached to the end of a cord. It is the part that you physically push into the wall outlet.
O plugue da televisão não entra na tomada antiga.
(The television plug does not fit into the old outlet.)
Você precisa comprar um adaptador porque esse plugue tem três pinos.
(You need to buy an adapter because this plug has three pins.)
Não puxe o cabo, segure firme pelo plugue para desligar.
(Do not pull the cable, hold firmly by the plug to disconnect.)
Ficha
B1In European Portuguese (Portugal), ficha is the word used for the male electrical connector. This corresponds to plugue in Brazil. Note that in Brazil, ficha usually means a file, form, or token, not an electrical device.
A ficha do candeeiro está partida e precisa de substituição.
(The lamp plug is broken and needs replacement.)
Esta ficha não é compatível com as tomadas britânicas.
(This plug is not compatible with British sockets.)
Tenha cuidado ao inserir a ficha na parede.
(Be careful when inserting the plug into the wall.)
Tomada
A2In both Brazilian and European Portuguese, tomada refers to the female receptacle, socket, or power outlet, usually fixed to the wall, where you insert the plug.
Eu preciso carregar meu celular, mas não encontro uma tomada.
(I need to charge my cell phone, but I can't find an outlet.)
As crianças não devem colocar os dedos na tomada.
(Children should not put their fingers in the socket.)
Essa tomada é de 110 ou 220 volts?
(Is this outlet 110 or 220 volts?)
Summary
To summarize: use tomada in all Portuguese-speaking regions for the hole in the wall (socket). For the device on the wire that goes into the wall, use plugue if you are in Brazil and ficha if you are in Portugal.