(Although you can get universal adapters that work Europe-wide - or even worldwide, these tend to be large, heavy, and expensive.)Īlthough sockets in Switzerland and Italy differ from others on the continent, most continental adapters work just fine. Many sockets in Europe are recessed into the wall your adapter should be small enough so that the prongs seat properly in the socket. Secure your adapter to your device's plug with electrical or duct tape otherwise it can easily get left behind in the outlet (hotels and B&Bs sometimes have a box of abandoned adapters - ask). Even on a Continent-only trip, I keep a British adapter on hand for London layovers. Adapters are inexpensive - bring a handful. (Consider replacing your appliance instead, or traveling without it.)Ī small adapter allows American-style plugs (two flat prongs) to fit into British or Irish outlets (which take three rectangular prongs) or continental European outlets (which take two round prongs). Some older appliances have a voltage switch marked 110 (US) and 220 (Europe) - switch it to 220 as you pack.Įven older devices (and some handheld gaming systems) aren't equipped to deal with the voltage difference - you'll need a separate, bulky converter. If you see a range of voltages printed on the item or its plug (such as "110–220"), you're OK in Europe. But since most modern gadgets are "dual voltage" - meaning they work on both American and European current - these days most travelers don't need to do anything more than pack a few inexpensive plug adapters.Īmerican appliances run on 110 volts, while European appliances are 220 volts. Here are some of our favorite travel adapters that will keep you plugged in no matter where your next travels bring you.Europe's electrical system is different from ours in two ways: the voltage of the current and the shape of the plug. Planning a one-off trip to France and Italy? You might do better with a smaller, more budget-friendly European-specific adapter. Universal travel adapters, for example, will convert the prong size in most countries around the world and can be worth the extra size and cost if you tend to travel regularly. There are plenty of different travel adapters to choose from, but choosing the right one for your specific travel needs and destination can be a bit tricky. Generally speaking, an adapter will keep your smaller devices powered up, and converters will be required for high-energy tools like hair dryers and straighteners. There are also converters, which convert the voltage of your electronics to avoid blowing a fuse in your hotel room or burning out your favorite electronic devices. International adapters allow travelers to use their electronics and charging devices in any electrical outlet by converting the shape and size of the prong socket. A decent travel adapter is going to make the biggest difference when it comes to keeping your devices charged and ready to go. Of course, the right travel gear plays a huge part in optimizing the experience. Traveling internationally requires serious planning and preparation in order to ensure that everything goes off without a hitch. Your CNN account Log in to your CNN account
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