Many folks often post here about whether or not their electronic gizmo (iPod, camera, laptop, iron, hair dryer, etc) will work when they travel abroad.
Let’s face it- most modern travelers want to have some music when they’re traveling, take pictures, or just shave/do their hair. The idea of carrying a metric ton of batteries is counterproductive- those little things are heavy!
Unfortunately, there are no common denominators when it comes to voltage and plugs for these devices. Worldwide, electric power ranges from 110v-250v. Each country has its own type of plug for their current. There is a ton of confusion, then, as to what works and doesn’t.
The purpose of this FAQ is to make it a bit easier to travel with those electronic gadgets that make our lives that much easier.
Note: This FAQ does not advocate one device, brand, or retailer/e-tailer over another. It’s purely for informative purposes and to answer some questions. Your mileage may vary.
IPods/Apple Laptops:
The ubiquitous iPod had to have been designed with the backpacker in mind. It’s small, easy to use, and the adapter with minor additions can work in any electrical system worldwide.
The adapter:
(this is the US-version.)
By purchasing Apple’s Travel Power Plugs (available for $39 US on apple.com and elsewhere), the standard in-the-box adapter can be used anywhere and everywhere.
The Travel Plug Kit:
Note: This adapter kit works with any iPod charger as well as the Powerbook/iBook chargers.
Link to Apple's US store to purchase:
Apple Travel Plug Kit
Cameras/Cell Phones, etc:
Your digital camera likely came with a large power adapter with a plug designed specifically for it. The brick-looking thing with the wires coming out of it is actually a multiple voltage transformer, able to be used in most, if not all countries. In this case, it’s best to read the brick, and find out if in fact it is multi-voltage capable.
So we are on the same page, this is what you should be looking at:
If you have this type of device, or a "wall-wart" (transformer that hangs on the electrical outlet, typically a cell phone or electric shaver charger), a simple plug-changer is all you need. With one of these, all you need to do is plug your transformer into this, then plug into the wall. The device’s transformer does all the hard work.
Wall Wart:
Pic of plug changer:
US to UK/Australian adapter
NOTE: You should always use a grounded adapter with devices that have a grounding plug. In the US, that would be the third, round prong. This is for your safety!
Non-transformer equipped devices (irons, hair devices, etc)
The last major type of devices require both a plug changer and a transformer. With these, you plug your iron, for instance, into a device, then put the appropriate plug for your locale on the transformer, and go about your business.
Pics of transformer:
Hopefully this helps. Any travel store or website should have the plugs you need, and should be able to tell you what voltage and plug the country you are traveling to utilizes. The following web sites are good for figuring this out, and ordering the required plugs, etc.
International Voltage Chart By Country, with plugs
Worldwide Transformers and Plugs
Magellan's Interactive FAQ and plug/voltage selection
Good luck and happy travels!
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