Jazmin Li
When travelling abroad, it's important to consider how you'll be able to charge your devices. Outlets vary across the world, and you may find that your plug doesn't fit into the electrical outlet in your destination country. In this case, you'll need a travel adapter to change the shape and size of your plug. Additionally, voltage varies across the world, and plugging a device into an outlet with a higher voltage than it can handle may damage or 'blow' your device. To avoid this, you'll need a voltage converter, which changes the voltage of electricity flowing into your device. While you can buy travel adapters at most airports, they tend to be more expensive and may not be the right type for your destination. Therefore, it's recommended to buy adapters and converters before you travel.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can you buy electric outlet converters at airports? | Yes, but they are difficult to find and may be expensive. |
| Where else can you buy them? | Hardware or electronics stores, supermarkets, phone shops. |
| What is the difference between a travel adapter and a travel converter? | A travel adapter changes the shape and size of the plug so that it fits into various electrical outlets, whereas a travel converter changes the voltage of electricity flowing into your device. |
| When do you need a converter? | When your device is not built to handle the voltage of the electricity in the country you are visiting. |
| How do you know if you need a converter? | Check the voltage capacity printed in the manual of the device. If it says something like "100-240V" (and possibly 50/60 Hz) then you may not need a converter. |
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What You'll Learn
Travel adapters are available at airports
Adapters allow travellers to charge their devices in any electrical outlet by converting the shape and size of the prong socket. They are particularly useful when travelling with multiple gadgets, as they often feature multiple USB ports. When selecting an adapter, it is essential to consider your destination, the devices you need to charge, and the number of outlets and USB ports required.
While travel adapters can be convenient in a pinch, it is generally recommended to purchase one before arriving at the airport. This allows travellers to compare prices and choose an adapter that suits their specific needs. Additionally, buying an adapter ahead of time ensures that you have the correct type for your destination.
It is worth noting that travel adapters and travel converters are two different devices that serve distinct functions. A travel adapter changes the shape and size of the plug, while a travel converter changes the voltage of electricity flowing to your device. Whether you need a converter depends on the voltage requirements of your devices and the electrical system of your destination country. Many modern devices can handle a range of voltages, so you may only need an adapter.
In conclusion, while travel adapters are available at airports, it is generally more advisable to purchase one beforehand. This allows travellers to make a more informed decision, compare prices, and ensure they have the correct adapter for their destination. Additionally, considering the specific needs regarding devices and voltage requirements is essential when selecting a travel adapter or converter.
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Travel converters are also available at airports
Airports incur bigger fees for product deliveries, which is reflected in the price of their goods. If you are travelling with family, you may need an adapter for each family member and their devices, which can add up quickly.
It is recommended to check the voltage capacity of your devices before travelling. This information is usually printed in the manual or on the item itself. If it says something like "100-240V" (and possibly 50/60 Hz), you may not need a voltage converter, and can instead use a power point adapter.
If you are unable to buy a travel converter before arriving at the airport, you can find them in shops along the departure lounges.
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They are more expensive at the airport
While you can buy electric outlet converters at the airport, they are likely to be more expensive than buying them elsewhere. Airports incur bigger fees for product deliveries, and this extra expense is reflected in the price of their goods. This means that, by buying a converter at the airport, you are likely to be spending more than you need to.
In addition, it is rare that there will be a skilled salesperson on hand to help you choose the right adapter. This means that, not only are you paying more, but you are also not guaranteed to leave with the right product.
Therefore, it is recommended that you buy your electric outlet converter before you get to the airport. If you are travelling with family, you may need an adapter for each family member and their devices, which can add up quickly.
As an alternative, consider a travel power strip, which has several outlets and can accommodate numerous devices without overloading the socket.
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Universal travel adapters exist
Universal travel adapters do exist and they are a great option for travellers visiting multiple countries. They tend to cover most of the 15 plug types used around the world. For example, Type A and Type B plugs are used in the US, Canada, Mexico, and Japan, while Type C is common across Europe, South America, and Asia. However, some countries like India, Israel, and South Africa use plug types that are not usually covered by universal adapters, so it is important to check before assuming a universal adapter will work at your destination.
Universal travel adapters are especially useful if you have multiple devices that need charging, as they often feature multiple USB ports. For example, the Epicka Universal Travel Adapter has four USB-A ports, one USB-C port, and one AC socket, allowing it to charge six devices simultaneously. It also comes with a built-in double 8A fuse and safety shutters to prevent children from accessing the socket. The Monoprice Compact Cube Universal Travel Adapter is another option, although it only has one USB port.
Universal adapters are bulkier and more expensive than simple plug adapters, so if you are only visiting one destination, a basic plug adapter that caters to one plug type may be a better option. However, if you are visiting multiple countries, a universal travel adapter can be more versatile and save you money in the long run.
While travel adapters change the size and shape of the plug, travel converters change the voltage of electricity flowing into your device. Voltage converters are big, heavy, and expensive, and they don't always work, so it is generally recommended to avoid them. Instead, it is best to check that your devices can handle a variable voltage before plugging them into a universal travel adapter.
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You may not need a converter
If you are travelling with modern electrical devices, you may not need a converter. Many modern devices are built to handle a range of different voltages. You should check the voltage capacity printed in the manual or on the item you plan to plug in. If it says something like "100-240V" (and possibly 50/60 Hz), then you can use it anywhere in the world, and you may only need a power point adapter. Most electrical goods will take between 110-240 volts and may sometimes have a switch to toggle between the two.
If you are travelling within the United States, or to Canada, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, northern South America, or Japan, you can plug in your devices as you would at home. These countries all use two-pronged Type A and three-pronged Type B plugs on a standard 110V network.
If you are only looking to charge your phone while you travel, you will not need a converter, only an adapter. Nowadays, all laptop, tablet, and phone chargers are dual voltage, so they can be used with only a travel adapter.
If your appliances operate on lower voltages, you may want to purchase a voltage converter to lessen the risk of damaging sockets and appliances.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can buy electric outlet converters at the airport, but they are likely to be more expensive than if you bought them elsewhere.
You can buy electric outlet converters at hardware or electronics stores, or even in some supermarkets and phone shops.
Electric outlet converters change the voltage of electricity flowing from the socket into your device. This is important because different countries have different voltages, and using the wrong voltage can damage your device.
