Simply everything you need to know about travel adapters

Travelling for the first time? Heading somewhere new and don’t know how you’re going to keep your phone charged or hair straightened? Here’s a comprehensive guide to all things travel adapters.

Do I need a travel adapter?

If you’re travelling away from 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. A universal adapter that allows you to change the pins is a great investment for any avid traveller, and with the move to more USB charging options worldwide, finding one with a slot for these is an even better buy.

Where to buy travel adapters

Travel shops (including online travel shops), department stores and even cheap knick-knack shops and kiosks are great places to pick up power point converters and travel adapters. Sometimes businesses like post offices, stationery stores, and money exchange counters sell travel adapters too. 

They’re also available in shops in airport departure lounges, but they can be a little more expensive there, so best to grab one before you go. A lot of hotels have spare adapters to lend in a pinch, but you should confirm with them in advance just in case.

Voltage converters

Do you need a voltage converter for your trip? 

Voltage is a measure of electrical force and this varies from region to region throughout the world. This applies to both sockets and your appliances – so depending on what region of the world your hair dryer comes from, for example, you may need to bring a voltage converter to use it in another region. 

• 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 are built to be able to handle a range of different volts. You should check the voltage capacity printed in the manual of (or even sometimes on) the item of whatever you plan to plug into the power supply. If it says something to 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 electrical goods will take between 110-240 volts and may sometimes have a switch to toggle between the two. If you plug something that requires a 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 shouldn’t damage your device or the socket, and you’ll just need your travel adapter to get charging.
• 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 travelling to if your budget allows for it, or if you’re spending a longer period of time there.

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, with a third optional round pin (Type A and Type B).
• If you are travelling 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.
• Brazil, Mexico, Japan, Thailand, Peru, and some parts of Egypt, also use this type of power adapter.

Latin America

• The official voltage in Latin America varies as well and can be between 120V (like in Colombia) and 220V (like in Peru).
• If your appliances operate on higher voltages than this just keep in mind that they might take longer to fully function.
• Outlets vary throughout Latin America depending on the country, but most of them use Type A and Type B plugs and sockets – the same found in North America.
• Depending on the Latin American country you’re visiting, you should look up the plug type just to make sure you have the right adapter with you.
• If you’re coming from Canada, the USA, or Japan, you’ll most likely already have the right plug.

Europe

• The official voltage for Europe is 230V but most electrical goods operate at around the 220-240V mark.
• If your appliances operate on lower voltages you may want to purchase a voltage converter to lessen the risk of damaging sockets and appliances.
• All of Europe operates on the same 2 round pronged outlets (Type C and Type F).
• Argentina, Morocco, Thailand, China and Egypt also use the European 2 prong power point.

The UK and Ireland

• The official voltage for the UK and Ireland is the same as the rest of Europe: 230V with most electrical goods operating at around the 220-240Vmark.
• Similar to Europe, if your appliances have a lower voltage bracket you’ll want to purchase a voltage converter to keep them safe.
• Unlike Europe, however, the UK and Ireland use a 3 flat rectangle shaped prongs – thicker than the US ones – outlets (Type G).
• If you are travelling through the UK or Ireland you will need a UK and Ireland power point adapter.
• Certain African countries like Mauritius, Kenya, Malawi and Tanzania, use Type G plugs so you may not need to buy an adapter when visiting.

Australia and New Zealand

• The official voltage for Australia and New Zealand is 240V with most electrical goods operating at around the 220-240V mark.
• If your appliances operate at a lower voltage level you should get a voltage converter to ensure safe usage.
• Both Australia and New Zealand operate on the same 3 pronged outlet, positioned in a triangle (Type I)
• Some parts of Argentina also use this outlet type.

Asia

• The official voltage for Asian countries is between 220-240V.
• If your appliances run on lower voltages you should purchase a voltage converter before your travels so as not to risk any damage.
• Outlet types vary throughout Asia. Some variations are more common than others, for example Central Asia mostly uses the same two pronged sockets as Europe (Type C and Type F), whereas Southeast Asia mostly uses Type A and Type B.
• Depending on the Asian country you’re visiting, you should look up the plug type just to make sure you have the right adapter with you.

Africa

• The official voltage for African countries is 230V, with a range between 220-240V.
• If you’re travelling to Africa with devices that use a lower voltage make sure to buy a voltage converter to minimise the risk of blowing a fuse and ruining your appliances.
• Outlet types vary throughout Africa, but the most common are round 2 pronged outlets, like in Europe (Type C), flat 3 pronged outlets like in the UK (type G), and two types of round 3 pronged outlets (Type M and Type N).
• Depending on the African country you’re visiting you should look up the plug type just to make sure you have the right adapter with you.
• If you’re coming from Europe or the UK you may already have the correct plug types!

How many travel adapters should I bring?

It depends on how many electrical devices you plan on using really! Many hotel rooms only have 2 or 3 power outlets per room, so this should be taken into consideration. As a general rule though, 2 power point adapters (or a power board) should be enough for any trip. Many of the coaches used on tours in Europe are also equipped with European power outlets or USB slots for all your charging needs.