Plugging in abroad involves two separate problems:
- The shape of the plug. An adapter fixes this.
- The voltage behind the socket. Only a voltage converter, or a device built for both voltages, fixes this.
Most travellers only ever need an adapter. The trick is knowing when you don't.
Adapter vs converter
- Plug adapter: changes the pin shape so your plug fits. It doesn't change the electricity. It's small and cheap, and it's all you need for most modern electronics.
- Voltage converter or transformer: changes the voltage, for example 230V down to 120V. You only need one for single-voltage devices. Converters are heavy, and cheap ones can damage electronics.
Read the label first
Look for this small print on your charger:
INPUT: 100–240V ~ 50/60Hz
That means it works on both 120V systems (North America) and 230V systems (most of the world). Phone chargers, laptop bricks, camera chargers and most electric toothbrush chargers are dual-voltage.
The usual exceptions are heating appliances: hair dryers, straighteners, travel kettles and some shavers. A 120V-only hair dryer plugged into 230V can burn out in seconds. Buy a dual-voltage travel model, or use the one at your hotel.
Plug types and voltage for our destination guides
| Destination | Plug types | Voltage |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia | C, F | 230V · 50Hz |
| South Africa | M (also C and the newer N) | 230V · 50Hz |
| Canada | A, B | 120V · 60Hz |
| United Kingdom | G | 230V · 50Hz |
| United Arab Emirates | G | 230V · 50Hz |
Plug and voltage data: WorldStandards. South Africa's newer Type N (SANS 164-2) is appearing in new buildings, and two-pin Type C plugs fit many South African sockets.
Travelling from 230V to 120V (or the other way)
- Dual-voltage devices: just use an adapter.
- Single-voltage devices: buy a converter rated above the device's wattage, or leave the device at home.
- The 50Hz/60Hz difference rarely matters for chargers. It can affect motorised devices and some clocks.
Power banks and airline rules
The FAA's baseline rules, which most airlines follow or tighten, are:
- Spare lithium batteries and power banks go in carry-on only, never in checked bags.
- The limit is 100 Wh per battery. With airline approval, you can carry up to two spare batteries of 101–160 Wh.
- Protect battery terminals from short circuits. Use a case, or tape over the contacts.
Several airlines also ban using power banks in flight or limit how many you can carry, so check your airline's page before you fly.
Smart packing
- One good multi-region adapter plus a multi-port USB-C charger beats a bag of adapters.
- GaN chargers (65–100W) can charge a laptop, phone and watch from one socket.
- A short multi-socket extension lead lets one adapter power everything. Check it's rated for the local voltage.
- Label your adapter with your name. Hotel sockets are where adapters go to die.
Related: Best eSIM options for international travellers and travel apps to download before you fly.