

If you’re a veteran traveler, you’re likely already equipped with an international plug, but if you’ve found that it’s been lost to the ether now that you’re packing for your trip (even though you’ve seen it in that drawer every day for the past year, you swear!) then a refresher on the best international plugs and adaptors to buy this year may be handy - and they be more affordable, portable and long-lasting than the one you bought for study abroad 10 years ago. There are USB travel adapters, voltage converters, differing plug types, wireless adapters, dual travel adapter/converters and even universal travel adapters. When it comes to finding the right international travel plug adapter you can be spoilt for choice. Make sure you’re stocked with the best luggage and tracking devices to prevent the loss of said luggage, too. Everything you need to know about your international travel plug adapter. It’s true! Travel season is upon us, and if you are one of the many who plans to jet away in the coming weeks, you may be in the market for a new travel adapter that allows you to stay plugged in no matter where you are. Feeds are populated with al fresco dining on the Rues of Paris, happy hour tapas in Barcelona and “Eat, Pray, Love”-ing on the canals of Venice. because electricity is very expensive in Europe. There also aren't as many outlets in hotel rooms as in the U.S. If Instagram is to be trusted, it seems that over the last month everyone has cashed in their two weeks PTO for a European vacation. When traveling to Europe, one of the most important things to bring is a power converter, as the wall sockets are much different than in America. BESTEK Universal Travel Adapter 220V to 110V Voltage BESTEK Universal Travel Adapter 220V to 110V Voltage Converter with 6A 4-Port USB Charging and UK/AU/US/EU Worldwide Plug Adapter (White). If you prefer to travel as light as possible, get an international adapter set, which allows you to take only the adapters you need.If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Variety may receive an affiliate commission. Note that these won’t always work for appliances that need to be grounded, which will require a more expensive grounding adapter. If you shop around, you can usually find one for less than $10 online ( this one also comes with a surge protector). If you travel a lot, invest in a universal travel adapter, which lets you slide out different plug formations so that you can use the adapter in outlets in any country. If you’re packing lots of devices (like a camera, smartphone, and tablet), you should invest in multiple adapters so that you can charge all of your electronics at once. Best Basic Kit: BESTEK Universal Travel Adapter. Most are small and lightweight, making them easy to pack. An adapter will allow you only to plug your appliance into another type of outlet.

Related: 10 Cheap Travel Gadgets Under $20 That Are Surprisingly Useful Travel Adapter PlugsĮven if two countries operate on the same voltage, their outlets might not take the same shape of plug-and that’s where an adapter comes in.


If this is the case, you’ll only need a plug adapter (see below for more details). 6-IN-1 EU POWER ADAPTER- The European travel plug adapter turns one European Type C socket into 2 standard American outlets & 3 USB and 1 USB C charging ports, Max Capacity Up to 3750 Watt (max 250 Volt, 15 A) 3 USB Ports can charge up to 2. If you see something like “INPUT AC 120/240 V 50-60 Hz 1300 W,” then your device is dual-voltage, and you can safely use it for voltages anywhere between 120 V and 240 V. If you want to use it elsewhere, you’ll need a converter. It’s best to keep in mind that Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, and Spain all run on 230V. Your dual voltage device will be safe everywhere in mainland Europe. How do you know if your device is dual-voltage? Check the label and/or owner’s manual: If it says something similar to “INPUT AC 120 VAC 60 Hz 200 W,” then your gadget is single-voltage and can only be used on 120 V. The dual voltage referred to on your smartphone or tablet is 110220V and some countries work on 100V, 115V, 127V, 230V, or 240V. Most smartphones, tablets, and other gadgets are dual-voltage, and if you use a converter on something that is already dual-voltage, you can damage your device. The vast majority of modern travel gadets are dual-voltage, meaning they automatically convert to run on other voltage systems. For a complete list of voltage requirements by country, visit .īefore you run out and buy a voltage converter, there’s a very important piece of information you need to know. While Japan, most of North America, and parts of South America and the Caribbean use voltage between 100 and 125, the vast majority of the world uses 220 to 240 volts. Most American-made electrical appliances work at 110 volts.
