Power adapters
Last Updated: 9th May 2012
More Tour and Travel Advice for: Europe, USA & Canada, Australia and New Zealand
Do I need a power point adapter?
If you’re travelling away form your home country or region of the world then chances are that yes, you do.
Power outlets have different shapes in different parts of the world and you may need an adapter to convert the shape of your home power plugs to the shape of the outlets in the region of the world you are travelling to.
How many do I need?
It depends on how many electrical devices you plan on using.
Many hotel rooms only have 2 or 3 power outlets per room so this also should be taken into consideration. As a general rule though, 2 power point adapters should be enough for any tour. Many of the coaches used on tours in Europe are also equipped with European power outlets.
Where can I find power point adapters?
Travel shops (including online travel shops), and department stores are great places to pick up power point converters. They are also available in shops in airport departure lounges.
Do I need a Voltage converter?
Voltage is a measure of electrical force and this too varies from region to region throughout the world and it will depend on what region your electrical devices come from and in what region you intend to use them.
If the voltage in your home country is roughly the same as the voltage in the country you will be travelling to, then you won’t need one. Many modern electrical devices however are built to be able to handle a range of different volts.
You should check the voltage capacity printed on in the manual of on even sometimes on the actual item of whatever you plan to plug into the power supply. If it says the effect of: ‘100-240V’ (and possibly 50/60 Hz) then you can use it anywhere in the world and all you may need is a power point adapter.
Most goods will take between 110-240 volts and may sometimes have a switch to switch between the two.
If you plug something that requires higher voltage to operate (an Australian 240 volt camera charger, for example) into a USA outlet (110 volts) you will find that it may take longer to charge. This generally shouldn’t damage whatever you plug into the wall. If this is the case all you will need it a power point adapter.
If you have an appliance from the USA or Canada though, for example, that is only able to take 120 volts and you plug it into a European, Australian or New Zealand outlet (putting out 220-240 volts) it may damage or ‘blow’ your appliance.
This often happens with hairdryers and straighteners. In this case you will need to buy a voltage converter to go along with your power point adapter.
Alternatively you can buy whatever appliance you need when you arrive in the country you are traveling in.
North America
The official voltage for the USA and Canada is 120 volts with most electrical goods operating at around 110 volts.
All of North America operates on a 2 pronged North American outlet.
If you are traveling to North America you will need a North American power point adapter.
If your home appliances operate on higher voltage than the 110 volts available in North America, it may take them longer to charge and hair dryers may take longer to heat up and be less powerful.
The UK and Ireland
The official voltage for the UK and Ireland (and the rest of Europe) is 230 with most electrical goods operating at around the 220 – 240 volt mark.
All of Europe operates on the same 2 pronged outlets except for the UK and Ireland that operates on its own unique 3 pronged outlets.
If you are travelling through the UK or Ireland (including London) you will need a UK and Ireland power point adapter.
Rest of Europe
The official voltage for the rest of Europe (including Great Britain) is 230 but most electrical goods operate at around the 220 – 240 volt mark.
All of Europe operates on the same 2 pronged outlets (except for Great Britain that operates on its own unique 3 pronged outlets.)
If you are travelling through Britain (including London) on your way to the rest of Europe you will need a British power point adapter for you time there as well as a European power point adapter for the rest of your tour.
Australia and New Zealand
The official voltage for Australia and New Zealand is 240 volts with most electrical goods operating at around the 220 – 240 volt mark.
Both Australia and New Zealand operate on the same 3 pronged outlet.
Add a Comment Comments (58)
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In my home I am using these too. Ibiza Holiday
billgates733
posted 16 days ago
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A universal power adapter is one of the things that I’m taking with me in my travel tech kit. Check out the rest of the items including my laptop, digital camera and pocket wifi.
Explorer1346581
posted 24 days ago
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This is a actual advisory article. It tells us about the adapters acclimated in assorted countries. Who so anytime will apprehend this commodity will be able to backpack the appropriate adapter which he need. This commodity absolutely added my knowledge. accumulate on giving advice to everyone. Thanks.
Latest Trends & Fashionfaizsarwar
posted on 29th Mar 2012
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This is a actual advisory article. It tells us about the adapters acclimated in assorted countries. Who so anytime will apprehend this commodity will be able to backpack the appropriate adapter which he need. This commodity absolutely added my knowledge. accumulate on giving advice to everyone. Thanks.
faizsarwar
posted on 29th Mar 2012
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Provides a way to enhance your looks and personality in a altered way, so that you will be alleged fashionable.Latest Trends & Fashion
faizsarwar
posted on 28th Mar 2012
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As it`s so important, immunity has always been researched to be updated to any new virus. Immunity is always given to the children as they are quite wek physically and need more protection. speed up pc
Explorer1322962
posted on 22nd Nov 2011
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In science class, sometimes students make experiment. It is like a practise of the theory. They will know how a theory works. wholesale
Explorer1273680
posted on 22nd Nov 2011
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Wow, great post and It shared my desirous data, what I was searching. I have a plug for My I pad, but It doesn’t work like voltage converter too. thanks for sharing such useful information.
Explorer1303498
posted on 10th Oct 2011
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At World Of Gadgets we are continually updating our range of exciting new gadgets gizmos and novelty clothing/items to accomodate all tastes.mens gadgets
Explorer1295473
posted on 22nd Sep 2011
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This a very informative article. After reading this i got lot of information that in every country there are different adapters used. Development services
Explorer1295137
posted on 21st Sep 2011
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At World Of Gadgets we are continually updating our range of exciting new gadgets gizmos and novelty clothing/items to accomodate all tastes.mens gadgets
Explorer1293889
posted on 19th Sep 2011
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At World Of Gadgets we are continually updating our range of exciting new gadgets gizmos and novelty clothing/items to accomodate all tastes.mens gadgets
Explorer1292437
posted on 16th Sep 2011
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At World Of Gadgets we are continually updating our range of exciting new gadgets gizmos and novelty clothing/items to accomodate all tastes.mens gadgets
Explorer1291714
posted on 15th Sep 2011
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At World Of Gadgets we are continually updating our range of exciting new gadgets gizmos and novelty clothing/items to accomodate all tastes.gadgets for men
Explorer1291162
posted on 14th Sep 2011
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mens gadgets – At World Of Gadgets we are continually updating our range of exciting new gadgets gizmos and novelty clothing/items to accomodate all tastes.
Explorer1255524
posted on 13th Sep 2011
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I visited a lot of website but I conceive this one has got something extra in it in it
http://www.canada-goose-sales.orgExplorer1276224
posted on 19th Aug 2011
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Explorer1273699
posted on 8th Aug 2011
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These power adopters are sometime not working with right condition. I had an experience, my laptop changer got shot with electric circuit only due to a three face power plug :( I was downloading a Free Software from a Free Forum … and I missed it due to power faliure :(
Explorer1270104
posted on 24th Jul 2011
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ok i figured it out guys. apparently there is a difference between a power converter and an adapter.
ViagraExplorer1251317
posted on 17th Jul 2011
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i took my ipod on my last trip and just plugged it in at night. they also have outlets on the bus that you can use.
lady_o
posted on 4th Jul 2011
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