Travel Adaptors

Travel adaptors and converters are a necessity when travelling internationally with electronic devices. However, voltage and outlet type vary from destination to destination. This guide to travel adaptors will help you determine what you need to pack for your next trip abroad to keep your camera taking photos and phone to contact everyone back home.

What is a Travel Adaptor?
Countries around the world use different electrical outlets, and the exact configuration of these outlets varies by country. If you are traveling abroad, chances are high that you will need an adapter to plug in your electronic devices. However, these travel adapters oftentimes do not convert the power supply coming from the outlet; they simply allow you to plug your device into the configuration of that specific foreign electrical outlet.

What Is a Voltage Converter and Transformer?
Just like outlets, the voltage used by countries also varies, and many of our electronic devices are not made to withstand these different voltages. For example, in Australia, electricity runs on 220-240 volts, like much of the rest of the world. However some countries like the United States run on 110-120 volts. If your device is not dual-voltage or multi-voltage, you will need either a travel converter or transformer.
To determine if you need a converter, check your device. The voltage should be listed.
For dual-voltage devices, you may only need to flip a switch to a higher or lower voltage. Multi-voltage items, such as new laptop computers and and smartphones, automatically detect and switch voltages. Dual-voltage and multi-voltage devices do not require a converter. However, single-voltage items do require a converter or transformer to function properly.
To complicate things a bit more, different single-voltage devices require either a converter or a transformer. Electric devices that use heating elements, such as a hair dryer or curling iron, require a converter. Electronic devices that use circuits, chips, or a motor require a transformer.
Luckily, to help simplify things, there are travel adaptors that also convert voltages. Simply check the adaptor for the various voltages it can safely handle.

Power Outlet Guide
This guide will help familiarise you with some of the most common outlet types abroad and help you determine what travel adaptor best fits your needs. The most common socket types will be found on most universal adaptors.
These are based on the Go Travel range of power adaptors stocked in store.