Simply everything you need to know about travel adapters

Heading somewhere new and unsure about device charging options? Our comprehensive guide to all things travel adapters will tell you what you need, and more.

Do I need a travel adapter?

If you’re travelling away from your region and want to be able to use your phone for directions or straighten your hair before exploring the nightlife district, then yes, you need a travel adapter.

Power outlets have different shapes in different parts of the world, and an adapter allows you to convert the shape of your home power plugs to the shape of the outlets of your destination (or, if you’re lucky, destinations).

We’ll detail all the information you need below, but you can also visit the International Electrotechnical Commission website page on world plugs for further information on which countries use which plug types, voltage, and frequency.

How do travel adapters work?

Travel adapters work by changing the shape of your device’s plug to fit the outlet in a different country.

Are travel adapters safe?

Yes, travel adapters are safe. Many come with surge protectors to ensure the safety of your device or appliance. 

Universal travel adapters

What is a universal travel adapter?

A universal travel adapter is a travel adapter that can be altered to combine any combination of plug type and socket.

On top of this, many universal travel adapters ensure that your device is protected from power surges, making their use totally safe – although you can also buy a separate surge protector to use in conjunction with the travel adapter to prevent this. There are many universal adapters on the market that also accommodate USB and USB-C plugs – an efficient buy seeing as governmental organisations worldwide are pushing for the use of universal USB-C chargers.

Where to buy travel adapters

Travel shops (including online travel shops), department stores and even budget 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. A lot of hotels have spare adapters to lend in a pinch, but you should confirm with them in advance.

Can you buy a travel adapter at the airport?

Travel adapters are widely available for purchase in airports. However they can come at a premium, so it’s best to buy one before you go. 

What is the difference between a travel converter and an adapter?

Travel adapters and travel converters are two different devices which serve different functions – though in many cases, they are used together.

A travel adapter changes the size and shape of the plug so that it fits into various electrical outlets across the world, whereas a travel converter is used to change the voltage of electricity flowing from the socket into a device or appliance. 

You don’t always need a travel converter, especially if you’re only looking to charge your phone while you travel. 

Voltage converters

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 almost anywhere
• 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, though
• 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
• Some appliances are what’s known as dual-voltage. This means they can operate at different voltages without being damaged.

Can travel adapters go in checked luggage?

Yes, travel adapters are allowed on planes. They are considered common electronic accessories and are therefore not restricted. You can pack them in your checked baggage or carry-on safely, and bring them all the way across the world and back with you.

North America

If you’re planning on seeing the natural beauty of the USA or Canada anytime soon, this is what you need to bring with you.

• 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 preparing for a USA tour, 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

Planning the great Inca escape or the ultimate Mexican Fiesta? Make sure you pack these with you:

• 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.

What travel adapter do I need for Mexico?

For Mexico, you can either bring plug types A or B. The country operates on 127V.

Europe

Your beachy Portugal trip or historic waltz through Hungary won’t be complete without these accessories.

• 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).
• Switzerland and Lichtenstein will often have with Type J sockets, but these are compatible with Type C plugs 
• Argentina, Morocco, Thailand, China and Egypt also use the European 2 prong power point.
• You can also use Type E plugs in France, Belgium, Slovakia, and others – these have been designed to work in conjunction with Type F sockets
• Denmark sometimes uses Type K sockets, which are also compatible with Type C plugs

What travel adapter do I need for Italy?

Italy uses a combination of plug Types between Type C, Type F, and Type L, though Type C is the most common and will fit in all outlets. The voltage here is 230V.

What travel adapter do I need for Greece?

Type C and Type F plugs are the most common in Greece and the standard voltage is 230V.

What travel adapter do I need for Türkiye?

Travelling to Türkiye, you will need travel adapters with Type C and Type F plugs. The voltage is the same throughout Europe, at 230V.

The UK and Ireland

The below advice should hopefully help you avoid running out of battery while gallivanting through the Irish and Scottish moors.

• The official voltage for the UK and Ireland is 230V, the same as the rest of Europe. Most electrical goods operate 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 3 flat rectangle shaped prongs, known as Type G. These are thicker than the US. They do not have the typical European outlet.
• If you are travelling through the UK or Ireland you will need a UK and Ireland power point adapter.

Australia and New Zealand

Prepare for an epic journey to Australia or New Zealand by remembering the below.

• 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

Don’t get caught short in the Thai countryside because you’re out of charge.

• The voltage across most Asian countries is between 220-240V, though in more rural areas this isn’t guaranteed.
• If your appliances run on lower voltages you should purchase a voltage converter to minimise risk of damage.
• Outlet types vary throughout Asia. 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.

What travel adapter do I need for Thailand?

Thailand allows for quite a varied range of plugs, but this is changing. Currently you may be able to charge your devices via Thai sockets using plugs that are Type A, Type B, Type C, Type F, and Type O – this last one is being phased in to become the standard. The voltage is 230V.

What travel adapter do I need for India?

India uses Type C, Type D, and Type M plugs and sockets. India’s adapter also works in nearby Sri Lanka. The voltage is 230V.

What travel adapter do I need for Japan?

Japan uses two plug types: A and B. The standard voltage supply sits at 100V, so you may need a voltage converter.

What travel adapter do I need for China?

China generally uses Type A and Type I plugs, and the voltage is 220V.

Africa

If you’re traversing across Africa you’ll likely need more than one kind of adapter, and possibly a converter.

• The official voltage for most 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). This means 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. Many hotel rooms only have 2 or 3 power outlets per room, and in hostels they can be even more sparse, 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. As USB-C becomes the standard for devices, it will become even simpler to keep things charged all over the world, whether you’re beaching it up on our Thai Island Hopper East trip or checking out the national parks on our USA Road Trip!

How do travel adapters work?

Travel adapters work by changing the shape of your device’s plug to fit the outlet in a different country.

Are travel adapters safe?

Yes, travel adapters are safe. Many come with surge protectors to ensure the safety of your device or appliance. 

Can travel adapters go in checked luggage?

Yes, travel adapters can go in checked luggage.