Travel Voltage Converter Information for Travelers

If you have done any traveling overseas, you know that in order to use your personal electrical devices such as an electric shaver, hair dryer, or curling iron you will need a travel voltage converter. If you do not have access to one then you will not be able to plug them in and have them work in Europe, Australia and even Eastern countries because they all use different electrical power voltages than the US. Also, if you are traveling you will need a converter for your laptop, CD player, MP3 player, and cell phone.

US outlets supply 110 or 120V, while other countries usually put out 210 to 240V through wall outlets, so you can see why you need a travel voltage converter to keep from frying your electronics when you travel to these other countries. A simple plug adapter will allow you to plug in your electronics, but the extra voltage would blow out your appliance or electronic device. You must also have a travel voltage converter to lower the voltage to a point that your device can handle.

What About Double Voltage Electronics or Appliances?

Since traveling across countries has become much more common over the years, there are more people who travel with electronic devices. These days it is practically impossible to travel without cell phones, laptops, GPS, hair curlers or dryers and other appliances and electronic equipment. Many manufacturers are fitting these devices with transformers that can translate the voltage or power to the appropriate level before it reaches the device, so that it can serve as a dual-voltage device. But does this negate the need for a travel voltage converter? Many of these device’s transformers identify the voltage and change the levels up or down depending on how much voltage is needed or not needed.

So again, do you need a converter with a device that has a transformer in the charger?

While these dual-voltage devices are great and can handle the voltage switch for you, even if you have one or more dual-voltage devices, you will probably need a travel voltage converter because not all of your devices will have dual-voltage capacity. And it’s always a good idea to use a travel voltage converter just in case; it’s the safest way.

To be certain that your devices are dual-voltage or if you are not sure, check your device or the charger to see what the label says. It will look like this:

INPUT: AC 100V – 240V, 50/60Hz

A label that only says AC 110V or 120V or AC 240V, is not considered dual voltage and will need a travel voltage converter to use overseas.

You may need more than a travel converter; your American plug will probably not properly fit into the wall outlets where you travel. There are almost one dozen plug shapes in use all over the world and simply using a travel converter will not allow you to plug in your device. You will need a plug adapter. You may want to purchase an adapter kit that is universal in addition to your travel voltage converter to insure that you have the proper plug adapters.