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Recommendation for universal adapter?

I'll be in the UK for 3 months, and would like to buy a universal travel adapter (spending a week in Paris as well).

I'll just be using it for my IPhones & IPad...

The Epicka looks pretty good ..has anyone had experience with this?

Thanks!

Posted by
16877 posts

Yes, you can post a link like that.

I don't have that exact model but one that is similar (more USB-C ports). It works fine.

Test it out when you get it to make sure all the ports work.

For the Apple devices you have, do they use "Lightning" plugs or USB-C?

Posted by
500 posts

Thanks!

Honestly, Frank, I’m terrible with technology, lol / I’m not sure what lightning plugs or USB-C mean, lol

Yes, you can post a link like that. I don't have that exact model but
one that is similar (more USB-C ports). It works fine. Test it out
when you get it to make sure all the ports work. For the Apple devices
you have, do they use "Lightning" plugs or USB-C?

Posted by
500 posts

Liz, I’m being sincere - how bulky can they be? The one I linked to looks about the same size - and it’s universal. This one you linked to is just for the UK - I’d need one for when I’m in Paris

I guess I’m confused, because instead of a bulky one, you bought 4 separate ones?

Thanks!

I had a universal adapter when I first started traveling to Europe
more frequently. I eventually found it bulky and fiddly.
These days I use one of these, and have a UK version and a euro version. I also bring a coup!e of the very simplest adapters as
available here on the RS site, just in case.
https://www.ceptics.com/products/uk-england-travel-adapter-type-g-dual-usb-ctu-7

Posted by
8824 posts

Betsy, I just bought this travel adaptor on Amazon for my upcoming trip. I like it because you can use it both in Europe and the UK, and it has a 3 ft cord, which can be handy sometimes. I can't tell you the number of times I've found outlets in very inconvenient places, so it's nice to have something like this. Plus I especially like having 2 USB-A and 2 USB-C ports. European Travel Plug Adapter, US to European Plug Adapter with 3 American Outlets & 4 USB, 3ft European Power Cord, International Travel Power Strip, Type C for Europe EU Germany France, Travel, White

Edit to Add:

I’m not sure what lightning plugs or USB-C mean, lol

Betsy, a lightning plug is what goes into an older iPhone to charge it (some newer ones use USB-C). It is small, narrow and tipped with white. USB-A ports are the older type of ports that used to be used a lot for most devices, but are being replaced by the newer USB-C ports that can be used to charge iPads, newer iPhones, tablets, Kindles, many laptops and so on. The USB-A port is wider than the USB-C port, and has sharp corners, unlike the USB-C port that has rounded corners.

Here's a link to a photo of the 2 (disregard the USB-B - you won't need that). https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0493/9834/9974/files/usb-connectors_480x480.jpg?v=1733394426

Posted by
16877 posts

If you only have two devices, what Mardee is showing may be overkill for your needs. (For her traveling with two kids, it's probably perfect.)

This is a "Lightning Plug." Does yours look like this?

Lightning Plug

If so, what you linked to is fine. How many devices will you need to charge?

Posted by
205 posts

I bought a universal adapter and used a normal (US) power strip. You can charge a lot of things at the same time and you can use common adapters to get you to all the usb and lightning formats. You probably won’t have to buy any of that. Of course, you can get a power strip with multiple adapters built in, if that is your preference.

Posted by
500 posts

Mardee, thanks!

Looks good - I’ll do a deep dive on it. I have two phones and an iPad, so I will need at least 3 each of the UK and France adapters

As for plugs, the ends that go into my phones & iPad are the narrow tipped ones….but the ends that go into the charging ports look like the wider one

Thanks again!

Posted by
500 posts

Hi Frank

I actually have 3 - 2 phones and an IPad- so I need R least 3 each of the UK/France or universals

Well, yes - the ends that go into the phones/ipad are the lightning type, but the ends that go into the charging ports are wider

Thanks!

If you only have two devices, what Mardee is showing may be overkill
for your needs. (For her traveling with two kids, it's probably
perfect.) This is a "Lightning Plug." Does yours look like this?
Lightning Plug If so, what you linked to is fine. How many devices
will you need to charge?

Posted by
16877 posts

The Epicka charger you initially showed will charge all three devices at the same time. All you need to bring are the charging cords. You don't need to bring separate chargers for your devices. The Epicka takes their place by both charging and has a built in adapter.

It won't be the fastest charge but it will take up the least space and weight.

What you do is this. Get all three of your devices and their charging cords. Plug the "lightning" end into your device and plug the "thick end" as you call it into the holes in the Epicka charger. Then plug the Epicka into the wall. You will see all three devices charge.

It will look something like this:
https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71xu-TzMXNL._AC_UF894,1000_QL80_FMwebp_.jpg

Remember, if you don't like the Epicka, Amazon has free returns.

Posted by
500 posts

Dp, that’s interesting - I’ve been to Europe several times, & have never used a power strip. It might make sense with my 3 devices, although it sounds bulky

Thanks!

I bought a universal adapter and used a normal (US) power strip. You
can charge a lot of things at the same time and you can use common
adapters to get you to all the usb and lightning formats. You probably
won’t have to buy any of that. Of course, you can get a power strip
with multiple adapters built in, if that is your preference.

Posted by
500 posts

Frank, thanks!

I’m leaving on the 3rd, so I need to get cracking on this. The Evicka looks perfect for what I need - I’m sure I had something similar when I went to London/Paris a few years ago, but it’s likely gotten lost since we moved a couple of years ago

As long as it charges overnight, I don’t need very speedy charging - especially as I have two phones and my portable charger

Thank you so much!

The Epicka charger you initially showed will charge all three devices
at the same time. All you need to bring are the charging cords. You
don't need to bring separate chargers for your devices. The Epicka
takes their place by both charging and has a built in adapter.

It won't be the fastest charge but it will take up the least space and
weight. What you do is this. Get all three of your devices and their
charging cords. Plug the "lightning" end into your device and plug the
"thick end" as you call it into the holes in the Epicka charger. Then
plug the Epicka into the wall. You will see all three devices charge.
It will look something like this:
https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71xu-TzMXNL._AC_UF894,1000_QL80_FMwebp_.jpg
Remember, if you don't like the Epicka, Amazon has free returns.