What The Tech: What American travelers need to know about foreign outlets
BY JAMEY TUCKER, Consumer Technology Reporter
If you’ve traveled overseas, you already know our plugs don’t work in most of the outlets around the world. All plugs are not created equal, and ours won’t fit into most of outlets in the world.
Most of Europe uses round two-pin plugs. The United Kingdom and Ireland use three rectangular pins, and you’ll see the same Type G plug in parts of Asia, Africa, and Australia.
China and New Zealand will have these angled flare-blade plugs in hotel rooms.
Obviously, your hairdryer or charger won’t fit in those outlets without an adapter. I picked up this small Anker universal travel adapter that includes all those plug shapes. Just slide out the one that matches the wall outlet, and you’re set.
But you can’t plug in just anything. The good news is that most smartphone, laptop, and camera battery chargers are dual voltage. Meaning, they can handle 120 volts here, and the 220-240 volts used by just about everyone else in the world.
Hairdryers and curling irons are different. Many are single-voltage only. If you plug a 120-volt dryer into a 240-volt outlet, it can overheat, blow a fuse, or…could catch fire or shock you.
Here’s what to do: Check every label, maybe on a tag or printed on the handle. If it says, 120v
only, you’ll need a voltage converter. If it reads 120-240, you’ll only need an adapter.
You can also buy a dual-voltage travel hairdryer like this one for about $20. Or, buy a travel adapter with a built-in voltage converter for around $35. It includes multiple plugs plus USB ports for your phones and laptops.
So again, check the label. Or you may find yourself spending a lot more money over there to
replace something you brought from over here.
