Do I Need an Adapter or Converter?

Converter (L) vs. Adapter (R)

Smartphone. Hair Dryer. Tablet. Curling iron. Laptop. When you travel, any or all of these devices will surely be going along. But if your trip takes you abroad, the following questions have probably crossed your mind: What do I need to keep my devices charged and my appliances running, an adapter or a converter? And what exactly is the difference between an adapter and a converter?

First, let’s explain the difference. A converter, aka a voltage converter, does just what the name implies: it converts the 120 volts used by most US electrical devices for use in the 220V outlets found throughout much of the rest of the world. This is most important for appliances that create heat, like curling irons and hair dryers. Whereas an adapter simply makes it possible to plug the typical flat, parallel American plugs into the myriad types of outlets found outside the US.

So you’ll definitely need an adapter. But if you’re not planning to take one of those heat-producing devices, you probably won’t need a converter. Here’s why. Most modern (non-heating) electronics have been designed to handle the varying voltages found around the world.

Detail of a typical charhging cable plug.

Grab one of your charging cables and look at the end that plugs into the wall outlet. Among the tiny writing and symbols, you’ll see this: ‘Input: 100-240V’. That means it can adapt itself to any voltage from 100 to 240. It can go seamlessly from our American 120V outlets to the 220V outlets overseas. This wasn’t always the case. About 25 years ago, we bought our first adapter/converter combo. It was a five-piece unit with a converter and four separate adapter plugs. It was pretty cumbersome, especially with multiple pieces rattling around in the carry-on. Plus, you could only use it with one device at a time. Today’s adapters are much more compact and versatile, with the various plugs built right in and even USB ports. You can charge multiple devices at once.

With most good hotels and B&Bs providing hair dryers these days, you can lighten your travel load by not taking your own hair dryer and you won’t need a converter. Enjoy your trip.