Do I need a Converter or an Adapter?

If you are traveling to another country you will probably need to bring an adapter and/or a converter to power your electronics. How will you know what to bring? Here is a guide to explain what you need to bring and why.

What is an Adapter?

In different countries around the world you will see different types of plugs. Here in the US, we have two flat-pronged plugs (sometimes with a third grounding prong). But in other parts of the world, there are different kinds of plugs and outlets. For instance, in most of Europe, a two-pronged plug with round prongs is found.

This is where an adapter comes in. In order to plug your device into an outlet with a different plug-type, you need an adapter. This does NOT change the voltage, it only changed the plug type.

What is a Converter?

There are many different amounts of voltage used in outlets throughout the world. The voltage is the amount of electricity that flows through the outlet and into your device. If you plug your electronics into an outlet with the wrong voltage, one of two things can happen: it can fry your equipment because too much electricity is entering it, or it won’t work well because there is not enough electricity is flowing through it.

A converter changes the voltage load to the correct amount. We use 110⁠V for most everything here in the US, so when we travel to countries with different voltage we use a converter when we plug in our electronics.

When we were in Germany, I used a box that was supposed to be a combination converter and adapter. But, I either didn’t use it the right way or the converter wasn’t working because it fried my curling iron. I heard a pop and then it didn’t work. Too much voltage went through and the curling iron couldn’t handle it. A friend of mine was using her curling iron without a converter in Italy and it burned her hair. So be careful!

If you were to use a US curling iron in Japan (where the voltage is 100V), the curling iron might not heat up as much as you are used to.

You Might Already Have a Converter

Many electronics already have a converter built in. Does your computer charger or phone charger have a large box on it? This is a converter. If you look closely on the box, you will see print that reads: Input 100-240V. This means that you could use this device in Japan where the voltage is 100V, in Europe where it is 220V and in the US where it is 110V.

Which Countries Use What?

Here is a great resource to quickly see which plug and voltage a country uses. International Electrotechnical Commission.

Simply click on the arrow next to the country and it tells you which type of plug and what voltage the country uses. As a reference, the US uses Type A (two prongs) and Type B (three prongs) and 120V.

Where to Buy Converters and Adapters

You can find converters and adapters in REI stores and some sporting goods stores. Also, try Target in there luggage section. You can also find them on Amazon. I recommend this Bestek brand. This set of adapters is especially nice because you can plug in any grounded items you have (like your computer cord).

So the Next Time You Travel

Bring the correct adapter for the countries you are visiting and decide whether or not you need to bring a converter (if you have any electronic device that doesn’t already have a converter).

Hopefully, the next time you travel, you don’t burn your hair and you can charge your phone.

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