Guides
Background reading on why the world\u2019s sockets disagree, and how to travel with electronics without frying anything.
All guides
13 articlesDo I need a voltage converter for a hairdryer?
Hairdryers are the appliance most likely to be destroyed abroad. How to read the label, size a converter, and what to do if yours is single-voltage.
Schuko vs Europlug: the three European sockets
Type C, Type E and Type F look similar and are often sold as one thing. What actually fits what across Europe, and which adapter you need.
Why Japan has two electricity grids
Eastern Japan runs at 50 Hz and western Japan at 60 Hz, a split dating to 1895. Where the boundary falls, what it means for travellers, and why it still matters.
Plug types in Africa: a country-by-country shortcut
Africa uses at least seven plug types, split broadly by colonial wiring history. What to expect in the north, west, east and south, and the adapters worth carrying.
Which travel adapter do I need for Europe?
One adapter covers most of continental Europe. The exceptions are Italy, Switzerland and Denmark — here is exactly what to buy for each.
US to UK plug adapter: what you need
American Type A and B plugs do not fit British Type G sockets, and 120 V is not 230 V. What to buy, what will work, and what will not.
US to Europe plug adapter: what you need
American plugs do not fit European sockets, and Europe runs at 230 V. What to buy for France, Germany, Spain, Italy and the rest.
How to choose a universal travel adapter
Universal adapters are convenient and widely misunderstood. What they do, what they cannot do, and the four things worth paying for.
Plug types in Asia: what to expect where
Asia runs on at least eight plug types and three voltage classes. A regional shortcut for South-East, East and South Asia, with the exceptions that catch travellers.
Can I use my laptop charger abroad?
Almost always yes — laptop chargers are dual voltage. The three things that actually matter: the input range, the plug shape and earthing.
Which plug types are most common?
Type C reaches the most countries, Type F is the earthed standard for most of Europe, and Type A covers the Americas and Japan.
Why do power plugs differ around the world?
A short history of why the world ended up with 15 plug types: Edison, AC versus DC, Schuko in 1926, the British ring main and the standards that never happened.
Adapter or converter? What each one actually does
A plug adapter changes pin shape only. A voltage converter changes the supply. How to tell which one your trip needs, and how to read a device label.
Quick answers
Do I need an adapter for Europe?
From the US, Canada, UK, Australia, India or Japan \u2014 yes. Europe is mostly Type C, E and F, none of which your plugs will fit. From another European country, usually not: Europlugs fit French, German, Dutch, Spanish and Italian sockets alike.
Will my laptop work in another country?
Almost certainly. Laptop power supplies are marked 100\u2013240 V, 50/60 Hz, so only the pin shape changes. A universal adapter is enough.
What about a hairdryer?
Hairdryers are usually single-voltage and high-current \u2014 the worst possible combination for travel. Check the label; if it names one voltage, you need a converter rated for the wattage, or a dual-voltage travel dryer.