Voltage Adapters for Study Abroad
Nothing is more embarrassing and disappointing than arriving in a new country, trying to charge your phone, only to find that your charger won’t fit in the foreign outlet and there is absolutely no way you can make it work… Should’ve gotten a voltage/plug adapter! Because, yes, outlets are different in different countries! Here’s what you need to know so that you don’t run out of power for any of your electronics while you’re abroad:
There are two things to think about before you even get to the plugging something in part while studying abroad. Preferably, you’ll think about these items before you depart!
Do you have a plug adapter to make the American-style plug fit into the outlet abroad?
Is your device compatible with dual voltage?
Let us break it down for you a little more:
Step 1: To make the plug fit into the outlet, you NEED a PLUG ADAPTER.
The shape of the outlet depends on the country (ex. USA has a different outlet than Europe), so it’s best to BUY A UNIVERSAL PLUG ADAPTER. A universal plug adapter can be used anywhere you travel since it has all of the different plugs necessary for any outlet that exists in the entire world. Universal is not a joke! You can buy it easily on Amazon or at luggage stores for about $10-$15. We recommend you buy 2 so you’ll have an extra if one breaks or gets lost.
Step 2: Check the voltage of your device or appliance.
What does this even mean? Well, not only are the outlets different around the world, but the voltage can be different too. If your device/charger says “110-240v” it is DUAL VOLTAGE and therefore safe to plug in. This means it won’t hurt itself or anything else being plugged into the wall. If it only says “110v” it is NOT safe to plug in and the device will break and blow a fuse.
Some devices have a switch where you can change the voltage from 110v to dual voltage, which is very convenient. Make sure to flip the switch before you plug in the device and turn it on, because it will blow a fuse otherwise.
*Most laptops and cell phone chargers ARE already compatible with both voltages (phew!) but your hairdryer, straightener, or curling iron probably AREN’T. However, travel sizes of these appliances ARE compatible since their purpose is for travel. If you want to, you can buy travel appliances before you leave.
Better yet! Buy a hair dryer or other appliances WHEN YOU GET THERE! It will work so much better than a travel version, and it won’t overheat. You may be able to share one with roommates and even split the cost…
Just as with chargers at home, it is nice to have a block that has two USB outlets in it to be able to charge two devices at once, so maybe find a plug adapter that has the same features. This will also help out your friend that forgot their plug adapter on your weekend trip to London, thus making you an unsung hero!