Do you need a travel adapter or a voltage converter?

Many travellers think a travel adapter is always enough. That's sometimes true, but not always. In many countries a Dutch plug simply doesn't fit in the socket, which means you need a travel adapter. But there's something else to watch out for: the mains voltage.

For some devices an adapter is enough. For other devices you need, besides a travel adapter, also a voltage converter. In this blog we explain what the difference is, when a travel adapter is enough and in which situations a voltage converter becomes important.

What is the difference between a travel adapter and a voltage converter?

A travel adapter adjusts the shape of your plug to the socket of the country you're travelling to. So it makes sure your plug physically fits in the socket.

A voltage converter does something else. It converts the voltage, for example from 110 volts to 230 volts or vice versa. That's important in countries where the mains voltage differs from what your device can handle.

In short:

• a travel adapter changes the shape
• a voltage converter changes the voltage

That difference is important, because a device can fit in the socket but still not work safely if the voltage isn't right.

When is a travel adapter enough?

For many modern devices an ordinary travel adapter is enough. Think of:

• phone chargers
• laptop chargers
• tablet chargers
• camera chargers
• chargers for earbuds, smartwatches and power banks

These devices often have an adapter or charger that's suitable for multiple voltages. The label then usually says something like 100-240V. If you see that, the device can generally work on both 110V and 230V. In that case you usually only need a travel adapter to make the right connection.

For many travellers that's good news, because for electronics such as phones and laptops a voltage converter is usually not needed.

When do you also need a voltage converter?

You need a voltage converter when your device isn't suitable for the local voltage. That mainly occurs with devices that use a lot of power or generate heat, such as:

• hairdryers
• straighteners
• curling irons
• electric shavers
• kettles
• older devices without a universal power supply

If you go to the United States or Japan, for example, you often end up with a mains voltage of about 100 to 120 volts instead of the 230 volts we're used to in the Netherlands. Some devices then don't work well or become too weak. Conversely, a device can also be damaged if it gets too much voltage.

In doubt? Then always check the label on your device or charger.

How do you check whether your device is suitable?

The quickest way is to look at the small text on the charger or adapter. The input voltage is usually stated there.

What you want to see

Does it say:
Input: 100-240V, 50/60Hz

Then your device is usually suitable for worldwide use and you only need a travel adapter.

When to be careful

Does it say only, for example:
220-240V

Then the device is usually only suitable for countries with a voltage similar to the Netherlands. If you travel to a country with 110V or 120V, a voltage converter may be needed.

In which countries does this play a role most often?

The difference between a travel adapter and a voltage converter becomes especially relevant at destinations outside Europe. Think of:

• United States
• Canada
• Japan
• Mexico
• parts of Central America
• some countries in South America

In many European countries you use about the same voltage as in the Netherlands, so you usually only have to look at the plug shape. Outside Europe you often have to check both: plug type and voltage.

If you go to a country page on Remodius, you can first look at which type of plug is used there. After that you check whether your device can handle that voltage.

Why a travel adapter doesn't convert voltage

This is perhaps the most common mistake. Many people think a travel adapter automatically solves everything. But a standard travel adapter isn't a technical device that “adjusts” power. It's mainly meant as a mechanical adapter.

A travel adapter:

• makes the connection fit
• helps you use your plug in the local socket
• usually doesn't convert 110V to 230V

That's why it's important not to confuse a travel adapter with a voltage converter.

A travel adapter with voltage converter: does that exist?

Yes, there are combinations on the market where an adapter and voltage converter are offered in one solution. Still, it's smart to look closely at that, because not every “travel adapter with voltage converter” is suitable for heavy devices.

Some models are only meant for light electronics or work to a limited extent. Others are larger, heavier and less handy for travelling. For most travellers an ordinary travel adapter or universal travel adapter is enough, because modern chargers are often already suitable for 100-240V.

A combination solution is especially relevant if you want to bring specific devices that don't automatically support multiple voltages.

Do you need a voltage converter for a phone or laptop?

In most cases not. Virtually all modern phone and laptop chargers are suitable for multiple voltages. As a result you usually only need a travel adapter.

To be sure, check:

• phone charger
• laptop adapter
• camera charger
• charger of your e-reader or smartwatch

If you see 100-240V, you're usually fine.

Do you need a voltage converter for a hairdryer or straightener?

This is what you have to be most careful with. Hairdryers, straighteners and other heat devices often require more power and aren't always suitable for other voltages.

Some travel hairdryers have a dual voltage setting, but many standard models don't. So don't automatically assume that a travel adapter is enough. Especially with these kinds of devices you have to check beforehand whether:

• the device is suitable for 100-240V
• there's a voltage switch
• a voltage converter is needed

For many long-haul trips people therefore choose to leave these kinds of devices at home or use a local alternative.

So what do you need on your trip?

That depends on your device and destination.

Only a travel adapter needed

If:

• your plug doesn't fit
• your device supports 100-240V

Travel adapter and voltage converter needed

If:

• your plug doesn't fit
• and your device doesn't support the local voltage

Sometimes nothing needed at all

If:

• you travel to a country with the same plug type
• and the same voltage

Practical checklist before departure

Before you leave, it's best to check three things:

1. which plug type your destination uses
2. which voltage that country uses
3. whether your device is suitable for that voltage

That way you avoid discovering at your destination that your charger does fit, but doesn't work properly.

Conclusion: travel adapter or voltage converter?

A travel adapter and a voltage converter don't do the same thing. A travel adapter makes sure your plug fits in the socket. A voltage converter makes sure the voltage is adjusted if your device can't handle it.

For phones, laptops and many modern chargers a travel adapter is usually enough. For hairdryers, straighteners and older devices you have to pay closer attention. So always check the voltage on your device before you leave.

If you're looking for a practical solution for multiple destinations, also take a look at the universal travel adapter collection. And if you want to know which connection your destination uses, you can go from this blog to the categories per country and per plug type.