I am getting a lot of conflicting information from online inquiries, so am hoping someone who knows first hand can set me straight. I will be traveling in Morocco for 3 weeks, then on to Portugal for a month. My concern is regarding charging my MacBook Air and iPhone while out of USA. I believe I need not just a C or E adapter, but a 220v converter as well. Google says I don't need the converter, Macs can handle 110-220v, but I am nervous to try it! And if I have an inferior brand adaptor or converter...blow out! Anyone have experience with such a situation?? What's worked for you and your appliances and what brand did you travel with? Thanks!!
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA ☔️
6792 posts
The bit you need to focus on is the power supply, aka "wall wart" - that blocky, plastic thing you stick in a wall socket, then you plug in your USB cable between that and your phone and/or Mac.
The original, Apple-produced OEM power supply will drink Moroccan/Portuguese/foreign electricity just fine - you only need an adapter plug - that only makes the plug parts fit the socket, it doesn't change the electricity. Most modern electronics are "world ready" for electricity, and your Mac's power supply (and any decent third-party replacement) is no exception. Unless you have a really cheap, knockoff junk power supply (ie "gas station electronics"), there's no need to worry. You do not need a 220 volt converter. Just plug in your existing power supply (using an adapter to make the plug fit) and you should be fine.
The obvious exceptions to the above are any items that produce heat: a toaster, microwave, flat-iron, blow-dryer, etc. Small electronic devices should be fine.
Now, you probably have other things you will want to charge, and IME it's often the case that there may not be enough outlets, or conveniently-located outlets. I bring a small power-strip. I plug in the power-strip to the wall outlet (using a plug adapter), then plug in my various "world-ready" electronics (including small power supplies) into the outlets on my power strip. So I can charge a tablet, phone, camera, etc. at the same time, and it's not dangling from the middle of a wall. Gives me more flexibility and convenience.
Enjoy Morocco and Portugal, they're awesome.
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10637 posts
Apple sells their own World Travel Adaptor Kit that allows you to change the plug on your power block to fit into the different socket shapes around the world.
Or if you bring a small power strip from the US, as suggested above, you just need a plug adaptor for the power strip. Your Apple product plugs will fit the US power strip without plug adaptors, of course.
Nothing more is needed.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
David and Bets- THANK YOU!! Brilliant, sage advise. I'm most appreciative.