Power Converters for UK Travel: What You Need

Why would this Amazon listing say “not a voltage converter?”

Obviously I assume the USB ports put out standard USB voltage, but are the other power receptacles just going to pass along 230 volts?

The reason why a lot of voltage adapters warn against using them with hairdryers is because a lot of hairdryers want a lot of current, and voltage adapters get big and bulky quickly if they want to handle a lot of current for a long period of time.

We can explain how to get a voltage adapter, but the general advice is “just don’t”. Either use one in your hotel room, get a travel universal model, or buy one at your destination.

Where are you staying that doesn't have a blow dryer? In that case, go to a local supermarket and buy one on the spot, it'll probably cheaper than a high wattage converter to 110V.

Most handheld consumer electronics can work with both voltages and so you only need an adapter for those. It’s higher power things like hairdryers, straighteners, kitchen appliances etc than need a voltage converter. I travel around the world about 100 nights a year and only bring an adapter.

If it is rated for dual voltage, it should be fine with a plug adapter. Make sure there isn’t a switch you need to flip for the higher voltage - a lot of heat-producing appliances do NOT automatically switch like a phone charger would.

Do not bring a US hair dryer. A voltage converter that can handle the high wattage device is very heavy and expensive. Just buy one when you get there, or use your hotel's hair dryer.

Look on the back of each charger you have and it will specify the voltage range. If it's 110-220v it can be used in the UK (with a plug adapter), if it's 110v only you can't, and you'll have to purchase one that is dual voltage.

Only a few weeks out from visiting the UK and the travel anxieties are at full swing! So this question may seem silly but I'd love some insight. I know that voltage is different from the US so I need to bring something to convert/adapt to use the outlets. My question is:

Do I need to buy a power converter or adapter?

I am not charging anything too out of the ordinary. Mainly my iphone, ipad, smart watch, nintendo switch, powerbank and occasionally my camera. All of which are primarily USB with the exception of my camera battery and switch.

I appreciate the help as my search online is creating more questions than answers. Thank you in advance! Let me know if you need further information to help.

And you will need two different adapters or a “worldwide” one as UK sockets (outlets) are different to the Netherlands’

Hi. I'll be traveling to London from the USA in a few weeks. I know I need an international adapter for the outlets, but do I also need a voltage converter? Thanks

I’m traveling to London soon and I need to bring my Canon Camera. The charger says 120v, so I definitely need a converter right? Is there any recommendations?

The vast majority of consumer electronics these days will be fine and only need a simple plug adapter.

What's confusing me is when my adaptors say "in 100-240V" and "out 5V" (or something similar).

Canada uses 120v electricity. 120v is between 100 and 240v so the item will work in Canada.

The UK uses 230v and 230v is between 100 and 240v so the item will work in the UK.

It is that simple most of the time.

The most common devices that wouldn't suit both voltages and you might bring are things like hairdryers and straighteners.

Otherwise, the kinds of things where this matters tend to be large household appliances you wouldn't ship internationally.

For anyone who has required the use of adaptors/converters, what was your approach/strategy on figuring out what you should buy?

First of all, loads of your items will be charged by USB these days. Buy a nice Anker UK standard USB charger or two when you get here rather than using a plug adapter.

Second, things like laptops and other devices often use standardised cables - IEC "figure 8" or "cloverleaf" cables. In this scenario you can just replace that part of the cable with a UK one very cheaply.

I'm going to the UK for school in the fall and am trying to figure out which electronics require an adaptor vs converter. What's confusing me is when my adaptors say "in 100-240V" and "out 5V" (or something similar). Does this mean that my Canada adaptor would work in the UK (with a UK adaptor) and I could charge non-dual electronics (such as my FitBit, wireless headphones/earphones)?

For anyone who has required the use of adaptors/converters, what was your approach/strategy on figuring out what you should buy?

Converters and Adaptors are two very, separate things.

Converters convert electrical volts - you won't need one because your device already does the converting.

Adaptors are needed because British wall outlets are a different configuration from North American outlets - you can plug a cord into either one or the other, not both. Note European outlets are even more different from British and American ones. Make sure any adaptor you buy definitely says "UK" or "GB" on it - don't get ones that say "Europe"

Check the rating label on every device you plan to bring to see what voltage it accepts. As long as it specifies a range up to 220V or higher, you will only need an adapter.

If there are any that don't, finding alternatives is likely preferable to bringing an expensive and bulky inverter/converter.

It should be fine with just a plug adaptor. No conversion necessary.

The UK uses 230 V (in theory) but with a tolerence of ± 23 V (usually).

An appliance rated at 220 V should work fine here.

I cannot recommend strongly enough one like this one.

It'll cover your bases for almost any outlet type, especially for Europe (including variants like Swiss plug), UK, US, Australia, and anywhere that uses those same plugs (which is most of the world). So you're not buying an adapter that you'll use for a week in the UK and it then ends up in a drawer somewhere forever.

Seems kind of bulky but it includes 4 USB ports, USB-C ports, and a main outlet line - which means you can more or less leave any individual charging blocks at home and just bring cables.

This is for adapters though, not converters. Some devices will blow a fuse (or your appliance) if you try to use them in Europe - though much fewer than before - think mostly stuff like hair dryers, curling irons, etc. In my opinion, better to leave those at home anyway but if you're nervous, just check the cable or packaging for the voltage it can take.

Amazon has tons of universal adapters, with several plugs and usb outlets. One is enough for you

I am going to be traveling to the UK and Amsterdam and want to bring my hair straightener which has 125-220V, what converter can I buy? (preferably on the cheaper side) I know most of the ones on Amazon have photos with no hair tools, has anyone used these anyways?

Does anyone have a recommendation for the smallest UK to EU plug adapter? I don't mean a charger with EU pins, I just mean a physical travel adapter. I currently have these on order

But wondered if there is anything even smaller, folding etc. Bonus points if it's also a UK - US adapter too, but this isn't critical.

Thanks

This is what you need to do. There are the layout of the holes and there’s the issue of whether your device can handle the higher voltage. Just check the voltage tag on the devise and it’ll tel you the accepted voltage. Most quality modern devices can accept voltage up to 220V. But check to be safe.

The last time I went to London, I brought an adapter. This trip I want to take my blow dryer. Now I need a converter. I’ve read all the Amazon reviews and still can’t find a converter. BTW most of the ads are adapter/converter options, but only work with a specific set of appliances - none that I had the patience to read included converter that works with the blow dryer. Help!

Currently from the us and going to Europe for 2 weeks, what are some power adapters to cover all 3 of my places above?

Also any other small things I’m missing? Thanks!

Just FYI, many hotels will have adaptors you can use. You need a different one for the UK that the EU. Maybe that is the reason for Brexit.