Adapters enable you to plug in your device and then plug it directly into an external plug, but they don't change the electrical voltage. The answer to the question is whether you need an adapter, a converter, or both is to know the electrical voltage of the things you need to charge and the voltage of the electricity in the countries you are visiting.

The power output in the United States and Canada is 110-120V, while other countries produce 220-240V. If you connect your American steam iron to a European plug without a converter, you will ruin the iron.

All you need is a travel adapter. Today many devices such as newer laptops, Apple products, including iPhones and iPods, are dual voltage, so you don't need a converter or travel charger to charge and use it in foreign countries. Sometimes, you will only need the adapter plug.

In some cases, you may need a voltage converter (also called a travel charger) so buy what you need here before traveling internationally.

How did Travel Adapters work?

The travel adapter (sometimes called a travel plug converter) allows you to connect your electronic devices to walls with different sockets compared to the equipment used in your country. All countries do not use the same type of plug, so it's better to buy an international adapter.

The United States uses a plug with two vertical hooks, while the United Kingdom uses a plug with a vertical hook at the top and two horizontal hooks at the bottom. It would be best to have a travel adapter to fit your plug into another country's plug.

You can purchase an individual travel adapter for the country you plan to visit, or you can buy an international travel adapter that will work in most parts of the world.

It is important to note that people confuse the terms "travel adapter" and "travel converter," but they are not the same.

Difference between travel adapter/converter

Adapter

When traveling to a new country, your device's plugs may not match your destination's place. An adapter is the best to use in such a situation. Not only does it adapt to the outlet, but it somehow changes the structure of the outlet to connect your device. Also, read Earplugs.

Ordinary travel electronics are generally rated worldwide for voltage (AC input voltage range: 100-240V), so they will only need to use an adapter. These include mobile phone chargers, tablet chargers, and laptop chargers. Read our Adapter Plug Guide to choose the right adapter for your next trip.

Converter

Do you know that more than half the world uses a different AC voltage than North America? Europe, Asia, Australia, and many others have 220 to 240 volts, which is only 110 to 120 volts in some parts of North and South America.

Therefore, if your electronic device is rated for a single AC voltage, such as 120V or 220V only, you will need to pair it with a voltage converter or transformer when traveling to a country with a different voltage. The voltage converter's function is to ensure that your device is receiving the correct amount of voltage.

Universal Travel Adapter/Converters

A universal travel adapter/converter is all in one device. It is a travel charger and an adapter in one. For most people, traveling is the best option because you will be ready for whatever charge or electricity you need. These universal products handle both jobs and still work with their tech team, they are favorites, and all prices are competitive.

Wind Up

Travel adapters allow you to easily connect a device in one country to a wall outlet in another country. However, they do not convert electricity. The continental European device plug cannot fit into a foreign country's power outlet without a plug adapter.

Both converters and transformers raise or lower the voltage, but there is a difference in use between them. The converters should only be used with "electronic" products. Electrical products are simple heating devices or have mechanical motors.