HomeAdapter vs converter
Travel adapter or voltage converter?
An adapter changes the plug shape. A converter changes the voltage. Most travellers only need an adapter, because phones, laptops and camera chargers are dual voltage. You need a converter only for a single-voltage device, such as many hair dryers, straighteners and kettles, going between a 100–127 V country and a 220–240 V one.
Three steps to the right answer
- Read the INPUT line on the label of each charger or appliance.
100–240Vmeans dual voltage: you only need a plug adapter. How to read the label. - Check your destination's voltage in the voltage table. If a single-voltage device is in the same range (100–127 V or 220–240 V), it works with just an adapter.
- Crossing ranges with a single-voltage device? You need a step-down converter (a 110–120 V device in a 220–240 V country) or a step-up converter (a 220–240 V device in a 100–127 V country), rated above the device's wattage. Or leave it at home and buy a dual-voltage model.
Easier: run the checker with your countries and devices, and it does all three steps for you.
What each device usually needs
| Device | Usually | Needs abroad |
|---|---|---|
| Phone, laptop or USB charger | Dual voltage | Plug adapter only |
| Camera battery charger | Dual voltage | Plug adapter only |
| Electric shaver | Varies by model | Check the label: adapter only if 100–240 V |
| CPAP machine | Varies by model | Check the label: adapter only if 100–240 V |
| Hair dryer or straightener | Single voltage | Adapter, plus a converter when crossing voltage ranges |
| Kettle or other appliance | Single voltage | Adapter, plus a converter when crossing voltage ranges |
A plug adapter alone never protects a single-voltage device: the local voltage passes straight through.
What about 50 Hz and 60 Hz?
Converters change voltage, not frequency. Chargers and heating elements do not mind the difference; motors and mains-driven clocks can run at the wrong speed. For most travellers it does not matter.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a travel adapter and a voltage converter?
A travel (plug) adapter only changes the shape of the pins so your plug fits the socket; the voltage coming out is the local voltage. A voltage converter changes the voltage itself, so a single-voltage device gets the voltage it was made for.
Do I need a voltage converter for my phone or laptop?
Almost never. Phone, laptop, tablet and camera chargers are usually marked INPUT 100–240 V, which means they work on any mains supply in the world with just a plug adapter. Check the label to be sure.
When do I need a voltage converter?
When a single-voltage device crosses between the two voltage families. 37 countries and territories run on 100–127 V, 185 on 220–240 V and 4 use both. A 120 V hair dryer in a 230 V country needs a step-down converter; a 230 V device in a 120 V country needs a step-up converter.
Can I use a converter instead of an adapter?
Only if it has the right plug for the destination socket. Many converters are sold with a fixed plug or with adapters in the box; otherwise you need both, the converter plugged into an adapter.
Is a dual-voltage hair dryer better than a converter?
Usually. Hair dryers and straighteners draw over 1,000 W, so a converter has to be large and heavy to run them. A dual-voltage travel model only needs a plug adapter.
Check your trip · Is my device dual voltage? · Voltage by country · 110V vs 220V