Electricity while travelling
Travel adapter and charging guides
Straightforward guidance on plugs, voltage, frequency and device power. The articles also explain when an adapter is enough and when a device needs a closer check.
Start here
Travel adapter or voltage converter: what do you actually need?
A travel adapter changes the plug shape; a voltage converter changes voltage. Use the device label to decide what is needed abroad.
Read guide →How to read a device label: volts, hertz, amps and watts
Find the INPUT rating and understand the electrical information that matters when using a device abroad.
Read guide →Grounded travel adapters: when protective earth matters
How to tell whether an appliance needs protective earth and why a plug that fits can still be unsuitable.
Read guide →Travel adapters for the United States: Type A/B, 120 V and 60 Hz
What travellers need to know about US sockets, 120 V, 60 Hz, earth and European devices.
Read guide →Travel adapters for the United Kingdom: Type G, 230 V and 50 Hz
Type G sockets, fused plugs, earth and what travellers from continental Europe need.
Read guide →Travel adapters for Japan: Type A/B, 100 V and 50/60 Hz
Japan uses 100 V and regional 50 Hz or 60 Hz supplies. Learn what that means for plugs and devices.
Read guide →More to read
Hair dryers and straighteners abroad: voltage and power explained
Why hair dryers and straighteners need more than a plug check, and how to recognise dual-voltage models.
Read more →Are universal travel adapters worth it?
When a universal adapter is convenient, where it has limits and what to check before buying one.
Read more →USB-C chargers for travel: power, cables and mains compatibility
USB-C describes a connector, not guaranteed power or worldwide mains compatibility. Check these details before travelling.
Read more →50 Hz vs 60 Hz: when mains frequency matters
What mains frequency means and which devices need a closer check when travelling between 50 Hz and 60 Hz countries.
Read more →Power banks on flights: carry-on baggage, watt-hours and safe packing
How to carry power banks and spare lithium batteries when flying, including carry-on rules, protected terminals and airline approval.
Read more →Electricity on cruise ships: cabin sockets, adapters and prohibited items
Why cabin sockets can differ from the departure country and why power strips, extension cords and heating appliances may be prohibited.
Read more →Charging at airports and stations: wall socket, USB port or power bank?
Safer ways to charge a phone or laptop at airports and stations using your own charger and caution around unknown USB connections.
Read more →