A travel adapter only changes the shape of your plug so it fits a foreign outlet. A voltage converter changes the electricity itself. Most phones, laptops and chargers are dual-voltage and need just an adapter, while older single-voltage hair dryers, irons and some shavers need a converter or should stay home.
What is the difference between an adapter and a converter?
SmarterTravel’s guide puts it in one line: an outlet adapter changes the shape of your plug, not the voltage, while an electric converter changes the voltage of your electronic device. Travel Fashion Girl sums up the pair the same way: a travel adapter changes the plug, and a voltage converter changes the electricity.
Is a plug adapter a voltage converter?
No. ThingsToPack says an adapter “changes exactly one thing: the shape of your plug,” and the electricity coming out the other side is untouched.
The voltage gap is why converters exist. The US and Canada run at about 120V, and most of Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia run at 220–240V, according to Travel Fashion Girl’s guide. For a country-by-country list, see the WorldStandards.eu voltage chart.
Do I need a voltage converter or just an adapter?
Read the label on the device or charger. ThingsToPack says the line starting with “INPUT” answers the whole question.
| Label reads | What it means | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| INPUT: 100-240V, 50/60Hz | Dual or multi-voltage | Plug adapter only |
| INPUT AC 120/240 V 50—60 Hz 1300 W (SmarterTravel’s example) | Dual-voltage | Plug adapter only |
| A single voltage, such as 120V or 230V | Single voltage | A voltage converter, or leave it at home |
In practice, phones, laptops, tablets, cameras and most USB chargers are dual or multi-voltage, so they need only an adapter, according to Go Ahead Tours’ guide. Its chart lists older irons and hair dryers as the common single-voltage items that need a converter, and newer hair dryers, electric razors and toothbrushes as dual-voltage devices that do not.
Some hair styling tools are dual-voltage but have a manual switch. Travel Fashion Girl says to change that switch before plugging the tool in.
Do I need an adapter or converter for Europe?
For Europe you almost always need an adapter for the plug, and a converter only if the appliance is single-voltage. Go Ahead Tours says travelers to Europe need an adapter for outlet types C, E and F, and the UK uses type G. Europe’s 220–240V supply is the reason older single-voltage devices are the ones to watch.
Can I use my American phone charger in Europe?
Yes, if the charger’s label reads 100–240V. Travel Fashion Girl says nearly all modern laptops, tablets, smartphones, cameras and USB chargers are dual voltage, so “you only need the appropriate travel adapter for your destination.” US plugs are flat prongs (type A/B), and much of Europe uses round prongs (type C, E or F). Buy the adapter before you go. SmarterTravel notes that airport shops usually mark these up, while you can buy them much cheaper online beforehand.
Is a 240V to 120V adapter safe to use?
A plug adapter cannot do that job. A product sold as a “240V to 120V adapter” is a voltage converter, so judge it by its wattage rating and whether it matches your device. ThingsToPack explains that an adapter passes the full 230 volts straight through to a 120V American appliance. Travel Fashion Girl says plugging a 120V-only appliance into a 220–240V outlet without proper equipment risks damaging the device, blowing a fuse or creating a safety hazard.
Is there an adapter that converts 110 to 220?
No plug adapter does that. You need a voltage converter for a single-voltage appliance. SmarterTravel notes that you will always need an adapter alongside a converter, and some converters come with built-in adapter plugs, so you may get both in one box.
Can I fly with a voltage converter?
Yes, you can pack one. SmarterTravel says converters are bulkier and heavier than adapters, because they actually change the electricity, so count the weight and space before you pack. Check your airline’s rules on electronics before you travel. If you are comparing bags for the trip, our travelmate review covers one suitcase option.
Converter wattage and load: a quick worksheet
A converter has to handle the power your appliance draws. Work through these steps before you buy.
| Step | What to check | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Find the wattage | Read the wattage on the appliance label | SmarterTravel: “Check the label on your electrical appliance to find its wattage.” |
| 2. Small electronics, razors and non-heating appliances | A 50-watt converter | SmarterTravel |
| 3. Heating appliances such as dryers, irons and coffee makers | Converters up to 2000 watts | SmarterTravel |
| 4. Hair dryers | A hair dryer pulls 1500 to 2000 watts, and such tools can overload some travel converters | ThingsToPack; Travel Fashion Girl |
| 5. Match the rating | Choose a converter rated at or above your appliance’s wattage | Your label from step 1 |
ThingsToPack adds a caution: the compact “2000W” converters sold in shops are usually electronic converters that chop the voltage instead of transforming it, and it says that approach can wreck electronics. Its advice for hair tools is to skip the converter and use the hotel dryer or a dual-voltage version instead.
Which travel adapter should I buy for Europe?
Choose by plug type and by how many devices you charge. For Europe, that means the C, E or F shape from Go Ahead Tours’ list. If you are visiting several countries or want one adapter for everything, Go Ahead Tours suggests a universal, all-in-one travel adapter. SmarterTravel says a universal adapter lets you slide out different plug formations to fit outlets in any country, and that if you carry several devices, multiple adapters let you charge them all at once. Travel Fashion Girl says a universal adapter with multiple USB ports lets you charge a laptop, phone and tablet from one outlet.
What do they cost, and should I buy during a holiday sale?
SmarterTravel’s guide, dated January 2, 2020, says you can usually find a universal adapter for less than $10 online. Prices change, so check today’s price at checkout. SmarterTravel also notes that airport shops usually mark these items up.
Before you buy in a holiday sale, check these:
- Start with the label. Only buy a converter in a sale if one of your appliances is single-voltage and you truly need it.
- Count the total. One adapter may not cover several devices, and SmarterTravel notes that appliances needing grounding require a more expensive grounding adapter.
- Compare the sale price with the price shown on the order page on the day you buy.
- Read the return window and warranty on the order page before you pay.
- Check what is in the box, including which plug shapes are included and whether it has USB ports.
Could I just skip the converter?
For most trips, yes. SmarterTravel says most hotels offer hair dryers and irons, and you can use manual razors and toothbrushes instead of electric ones. If you are staying in one country for a while, it suggests buying a hair dryer or electric razor there. Battery-operated appliances are another option if you bring plenty of replacement batteries.
If you need power away from wall outlets altogether, our portable solar generators piece covers that option.
Before you order
- Read the INPUT line on every device and charger you plan to pack.
- Check your destination’s plug type and voltage on the WorldStandards.eu charts linked above.
- Match any converter’s rating to the wattage on your appliance label.
- Count your devices and buy enough adapters, or one universal adapter with USB ports.
- Check the return window and warranty on the order page.
- Check today’s price at checkout.
- Check your airline’s rules on electronics before you travel with a converter.
This page is desk research drawn from the travel guides and voltage charts linked above. InfinitePowerSolutions.com has not tested, bought or used any product named here.
By InfinitePowerSolutions.com Technology Desk
