These days, so much of our daily life depends on electricity that if we don’t have access to the correct type of outlet, our worlds nearly fall apart. For many, their livelihoods even depend on devices that need electricity to charge while they’re away. Powering a laptop or phone to get work done or to stay in communication with colleagues from afar is the highest of priorities. Therefore, when either work or play takes us beyond our home borders, we might quickly find ourselves in a pickle if we don’t come prepared with a good voltage converter.

Voltage converters are an absolute necessity when traveling internationally, and luckily, there are many great options on the market today. If you’re going abroad, or even hopping over the border to visit a neighboring country, the chance that your home away from home will have plugs that fit your chargers and small appliances is slim. For details and recommendations on buying the right voltage converter for you, check out our buying guide below:    

Frequently Asked Questions

How many different types of plugs are used in the world today?

There are about 15 types of plugs used in the world today. Plugs are classified by letters, and the typical two-prong plug used in the United States is called Type A, and is made for 120-volt power. Common three-prong plugs used throughout the U.S. are Type B. Plug types currently in use internationally by letter go up to Type O, which is only used in Thailand.

What types of plugs do they use in Europe and the UK?

The United Kingdom uses a Type G plug with three prongs that delivers 230 volts (unlike American 110 V). Throughout the rest of Europe, however, other types of 220-240 V plugs are used, called Types C, E and F. Type C is a common type, with two round pins, and is common in Europe. Type E plugs also have two pins, but, and are seen widely in France, Belgium, Poland, Slovakia and Czechia. Finally, Type F also has 2 round pins, and is used nearly everywhere in Europe.

  

Will a universal travel adapter work everywhere in the world?

Although universal voltage converters may be good for a wide variety of common international plug types, unfortunately, they don’t actually cover every kind of plug used today. For example, Type K is only used in Denmark and Greenland, and Type M is only used in South Africa. Many other countries have unique plugs that may require a specific type of converter. Before you travel, it’s best to check for the type of adapter needed for your destination country, specifically, just to be sure. 

Buying Guide

While some products are simply a matter of preference, your choice in a voltage converter has far less wiggle room. That’s because an international adapter will either work, or it won’t, when it comes to powering your devices and appliances during your travels. Consider the following key points when choosing the best voltage converter for you:

Now that you have a good idea of what you’ll need to power up while you’re on the road, take a look at our list of top picks for the best voltage converters:

All-In-One Travel Adapter 

This adapter not only works in a large variety of countries, but it also has USB ports, and can power higher energy appliances like hair dryers. 

This highly versatile voltage converter from TryAce is a must have for your upcoming travels. It can simultaneously charge several devices at once, and works in more than 200 countries around the world. Pop this voltage converter in your bag and use your hair dryer, iron, curling irons and more wherever your travels take you.

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Power Up to 7 Devices at Once 

Charge up your tablet, laptop and phone at the same time, and you’ll still have plenty of power ports to share with a friend with this voltage converter.

The BESTEK converter is made to use North American 110 V devices with international power outlets. With three power outlets and four USB charging ports, you can power or charge up to seven devices simultaneously! In addition, this travel adapter is small at only 6” x 3” and fits easily in your suitcase.

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Save Space in Your Suitcase 

This voltage converter is about the height and width of a passport, and allows you to use your North American plugs abroad. It also has USB ports, too.

Volume is everything when you travel, and saving space is worth more than its cubic inches in gold. This step down converter from FOVAL is less than five inches long about three inches wide, and only 1 ½ inches thick. It’s made for using U.S. appliances overseas, and takes higher voltages down to the 110 that your North American products are made for. 

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Power Your Personal Appliances 

Plug in and use whatever you need to take care of yourself while you travel, including electric shavers, hair dryers, curling irons, and more.

Unlike some of its competitors, this travel converter from DoAce can power most common hair dryers, steam irons, electric shavers, and more. There is a universal three-prong adapter socket as well as a two-prong converter socket, and four USB ports. In addition, this unit has overload and surge protection, so your electronics stay safe.

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Power Nearly Anything, Anywhere 

You’ll be glad that you brought along this practical little voltage converter while you travel, because it charges and powers most everything you need.

This voltage converter and travel adapter set from Key Power gives you everything you need to run and charge a wide variety of devices and personal appliances while you’re outside the U.S. You can power curling irons and flat irons, electric shavers and toothbrushes, and charge laptops and devices, too. This converter box has three power outlets and four USB ports.

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