travel plugs and adapters

That's a frequently asked question and is answered in our FAQ stickie, go here: http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/helpline/index.cfm/rurl/topic/39696/bfaqs-answers-to-frequently-asked-questionsb.html It's the 5th item in the FAQ.

Simona, It's impossible to say which Plug Adapters you'll need or whether you'll need a "Converter", as you didn't specify which countries you'll be visiting and what electrical devices you'll be travelling with??? Could you provide further information?

Hi Ken, I'm hitting the London, France and Italy. I will have just a laptop, a camera and a hairdryer. Thanx :)
Really appreciate all the help.

Simona, Thanks for the additional information. The first thing you'll need to do is check the "nameplate" label on EACH device you'll be travelling with, to determine the Input Voltage. If this states "100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz", that means the device is designed for "world operation" and will work fine in Europe without a Voltage Converter. As you're travelling both in the U.K and continental Europe, you're going to need two different types of Plug Adapters. The UK style has three large rectangular pins, while the Euro style has round pins. You can have a look at the various types on This Website. I'm assuming that all of your devices only have two pins (ie: they use a non-grounded plug)? I'd suggest taking TWO of each type. Travel with the Hairdryer could be a problem, as it's likely only designed for operation on 115 VAC electrical systems. That leaves you with three options: 1.) Purchase a Voltage Converter (a high-wattage solid-state type Converter will be needed, NOT a 50-watt Transformer model). This is somewhat of an "awkward" solution. 2.) Purchase a dual-voltage travel Hairdryer. You can sometimes find these in local travel or luggage shops. Have a look at the travel Hairdryers shown on the website link above. 3.) Purchase an inexpensive 220 VAC Hairdryer when you arrive in Europe. One other point to consider is that many Hotels these days provide Hairdryers. These are sometimes mounted in the rooms, and sometimes kept behind the front desk (you have to ask for them). If you do decide to travel with a Voltage Converter, one that you might consider is This model as it covers both electronic and high wattage appliances in one unit. Happy travels!

You only need a converter if you are plugging in something that is 110 volts. Look at your appliances. Most are dual voltage: 110:220. What you DO need are plug converters for the country you are traveling to.
Best idea: get a small power strip so that you can plug in 3-4 appliances at once (phone, laptop, camera battery charger etc.). Some have USB ports that let you bypass the chargers for phones.