Wisconsin's Largest Luggage and Travel Store

Dedicated to helping you Travel Better,
Safer, Hassle Free and On budget.

Power Adapters vs Converters Everything you need to know !

Power Adapters vs Converters Everything you need to know !

April 04, 2022

This is our comprehensive guide to help you travel better with electronics.  The topics included on this page include

Adapters vs Converters for Newbies

There are two very important things you need to know about traveling with electronics. First, the plug you use at home may not work in a wall socket when traveling because different countries have different plug shapes.

Second, you can’t use some of your electronics while traveling unless they’re dual voltage because countries such as the USA and Canada have 120V electricity while destinations in Europe have 220V electricity.

“In simple terms, the adapter makes your device fit in the holes. The converter changes the electric power going into it.” Just remember that they’re two different devices (there’s no such thing as a travel adapter converter!) This is when you need to know the difference between adapter and converter. Here, we explain the popular adapter vs converter question.

Our Tips & Advice

1.) Check everything before you leave.  A dual voltage rated appliance will display for example ‘INPUT: 110-240V’ on the body of the appliance or its power supply. This means that you will not need a converter or transformer but just a travel adaptor, because Switzerland operates on a 230V supply voltage, which is within the 110- 240V range that the dual voltage appliance operates on.

2.) Don't take expensive electronics like fancy hairdryers , razors, or other similar dual voltage appliances.  Even thought they say it should work often they burn out, we aren't sure why it just happens.

3.) Use a Surge protectors in addition to the converters and adapters... it will look crazy but may save you $100's from damaged devices.

4.) The biggest thing to remember is always know where your devices are. And, before leaving any location check to make sure you have what you came with. This can save you a ton of heartbreak and worry. Anytime you leave an item behind you are putting it at an extreme risk for theft.

To learn more, see plug adapter charts, and images visit this link for even more information, pictures and a great chart that shows plugs from around the world.  Click Now