A common question about international travel, especially in this age of cell phones, tablets, and rechargeable camera batteries, is whether we will need an 'adapter' or a 'converter'?
Here's an answer from a recent Travel Smith catalog:
"If you're traveling with your own North American 110V appliances, you'll need a voltage converter as well as the correct adapter plug.
If the power cord or plug on your appliance is labeled 100V to 240V or 110/220V, it's dual voltage and all you need is the adapter plug- this is true for many recent-model electronic devices, such as iPads(r) and laptop computers."
In other words, if you are packing your curling iron, hair dryer or toaster, you will want to have an adapter AND converter. (Unless, of course, it is a travel version that was made specifically for dual voltage). If you simply need to recharge your phone/tablet/etc. at the end of the day, an adapter will suffice.
Let's review: a CONVERTER changes (converts) the voltage to one that is acceptable to the appliance. An ADAPTER changes the shape of the plug so the outlets can be used. And, of course, some versions are adapters AND converters.
I am not recommending any particular company, but here is a list of places where you can find adapters and/or converters (with a wide price range!): Bed, Bath and Beyond (got a coupon?), Target, AAA, Brookstone, or on-line travel supply companies like travelsmith.com or magellans.com . Do you have a favorite travel supply store?
Here's an answer from a recent Travel Smith catalog:
"If you're traveling with your own North American 110V appliances, you'll need a voltage converter as well as the correct adapter plug.
If the power cord or plug on your appliance is labeled 100V to 240V or 110/220V, it's dual voltage and all you need is the adapter plug- this is true for many recent-model electronic devices, such as iPads(r) and laptop computers."
In other words, if you are packing your curling iron, hair dryer or toaster, you will want to have an adapter AND converter. (Unless, of course, it is a travel version that was made specifically for dual voltage). If you simply need to recharge your phone/tablet/etc. at the end of the day, an adapter will suffice.
Let's review: a CONVERTER changes (converts) the voltage to one that is acceptable to the appliance. An ADAPTER changes the shape of the plug so the outlets can be used. And, of course, some versions are adapters AND converters.
I am not recommending any particular company, but here is a list of places where you can find adapters and/or converters (with a wide price range!): Bed, Bath and Beyond (got a coupon?), Target, AAA, Brookstone, or on-line travel supply companies like travelsmith.com or magellans.com . Do you have a favorite travel supply store?
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