How to Identify the Voltage for Your Upcoming Trip?
Electricity standards vary around the world, and many countries use a higher voltage than North America. Use the map below to find the recommended voltage for your next destination before you travel.
Is Your Device Dual-Voltage or Single-Voltage?
Most devices fit into one of three groups: dual voltage, 110–120 V only, or 220–240 V only. If your appliance isn’t dual voltage, you’ll need a voltage converter or transformer when traveling to a country with a different electrical standard.
Not sure whether yours is single or dual voltage? It’s simple to find out!
- If your device supports dual voltage, you don’t need a voltage converter or transformer, just a simple plug adapter.
- Common dual-voltage electronics include smartphones, tablets, laptops and their chargers, camera battery chargers, CPAP machine adapters, and even desktop PCs.
- If your device is 120 V only (including 110 V or 125 V), you’ll need a converter or transformer to step down the higher overseas voltage for safe use.
- If your device is 220 V only (including 230 V or 240 V), you’ll need a converter or transformer to step up the voltage when using it in countries with 110–120 V power.
Finding the Correct Wattage for Your Device
Once you’ve identified your device’s voltage, the next step is to determine its required wattage. Check the device’s label for a number followed by W, mA, or A, which stand for Watts, milliamps, and amps, respectively. If the label shows watts, you’re ready to move on. If it shows mA or amps, you’ll need to do a quick calculation but don’t worry, it’s simple!
The Final Step: Choosing the Right Converter or Transformer for Your Device
When choosing a converter or transformer, select one that offers slightly more wattage than your device requires. Many devices experience a power surge when first turned on, and that extra wattage ensures they operate safely and smoothly.
Safety First
Keep in mind: the higher your device’s wattage, the larger and heavier the transformer you’ll need. For example, a typical 2000 W transformer can weigh up to 15 pounds, making it impractical for travel. On the other hand, a 2000 W voltage converter is smaller and more compact, but it’s designed only for purely resistive electricals without circuit boards, such as standard hair dryers
Our voltage converter vs transformer guide goes over converter and transformer differences in greater detail. We recommend avoiding high-powered small converters altogether and opting for a dual voltage hair dryer for a safer, more convenient travel experience.
Let's Recap
- Determine your device’s voltage.
- Calculate the required wattage using the equations above.
- Select the appropriate voltage converter or transformer.
