What is a travel adapter, and is it the same as a voltage converter?

Main answer · Wecent Editorial Team

Short answer: No, they are different. A travel adapter only changes the plug shape so that your plug fits the foreign socket. A voltage converter or transformer changes the voltage. Most modern phone and laptop chargers accept a wide voltage range, so they need only an adapter, but check the label for the input range before you plug in.

Travel adapter

A travel adapter is a small plug-shaped piece that lets your plug fit into a socket of a different shape. It does not change the electricity. If your device cannot handle the local voltage, an adapter alone will not protect it.

Voltage converter or transformer

A converter or transformer changes the voltage, for example from a higher to a lower voltage. It is needed for devices that only accept one voltage, and is often heavy. Heating devices like hair dryers often need these, or you can buy a travel version made for the local voltage.

How to check your charger

Look at the label on the charger. It will show an input range, such as 100 to 240 V, 50/60 Hz. If the range covers the voltage of the country you will visit, you only need a plug adapter. If the label shows a single voltage, such as 120 V only, you need a converter, or you should buy a charger that is suitable.

What most travellers need

• Phone chargers, laptop chargers and power banks: usually wide-range, so adapter only.
• Hair dryers, straighteners and kettles: often single-voltage or dual-voltage with a switch, so check.
• Electric razors and toothbrushes: check the label.

Choosing an adapter

1. Check the plug type of the countries you will visit.
2. Pick a good-quality adapter with a firm fit and proper approvals.
3. Consider a combined travel adapter with USB ports.
4. Check the rating, and make sure that it is enough for your devices.
5. Avoid stacking adapters, which can be loose.
6. Do not use cheap, unmarked adapters, which may be unsafe.

Safety tips

• Do not plug a single-voltage device into a different-voltage supply.
• Do not use the adapter if it feels loose or hot.
• Keep adapters dry.

Packing

Keep adapters in a small pouch with your chargers and cables, and check that each is complete before you leave a hotel.

Quick summary

Adapter for plug shape, converter for voltage. Check the label on your charger.

Where this answer says to confirm with Wecent, the detail is not published on the product page and has to come from the datasheet or the factory. General facts come from the regulators, standards bodies or device makers named in the text.