I’m traveling to the UK, Switzerland and Italy for September and October. What adapter do I need to charge two iPhones, and iPad and an Apple Watch. Will the adapter that is sold your Rick Steves work for those countries? Charging of the phones etc. are actually secondary and I think I have that covered. I just wanna make sure I have an adapter that will work in each country to get those things charged.
Posted by
San Diego, California
5530 posts
You'll need three different adapters. Many folks have problems with the universal models. Do you have the regular usb cords or the usb-c?
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11740 posts
I use something like this one on Amazon. Bring USB cables to suit your devices.
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19248 posts
Virtually every USB charger (actually a voltage converter) I've ever seen is a non-grounded, double insulated, non-polarized, multi-voltage device. As long as you have one that works in the US, it will work in Europe with a plug adapter.
On the European continent, what is called a Europlug (2 round pins) adapter will work everywhere, as long as it says "Input 100V-240V" and the body will fit in a Swiss recess (which has pointed ends). I think the one sold by Rick will fit in a Swiss recess, but I have no confirmation of that.
You will need a different adapter for the UK; the one Rick sells as a "Great Britain Electrical Adapter" will work.
Posted by
Freedonia
16172 posts
The two adapters sold by Rick Steves will work for the UK (three prong) and Italy (two prong). The one for Italy may work in Switzerland. If not, don't worry, you'll be able to pick one up easily. First ask at your hotel as they probably have a box of them left by previous guests.
Just make sure you have the right charging cords for your devices.
Also be aware, if you are staying in "older" hotels, there may not be a lot off electrical sockets. A multi charger might be a good idea. One with built in "adapter" plugs are a good thought but some are heavy and can actually fall out of sockets.
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19248 posts
I bought from Amazon this USB charger, which is made to fit in receptacles in every country on the continent. It uses the two-pin Europlug, which is built-in, so there is no worry about leaving the adapter in the receptacle. It has two USB sockets, on at 1a, the other at 2.1a, so you could charges two phones or one phone and a tablet at the same time (as long as you brought along the USB cords).
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
7100 posts
If you plan on a rental car at all, on our recent trip to Spain the rental car only had USB C ports, so I was unable to plug my phone in. Need to pick a cord up in case I run into that again.
Posted by
Guelph ON
45 posts
I always bring a small extension cord with multiple plugs or a power bar. That way you only need one adapter and can plug everything in.