How to pick the best travel adapter
When it comes to heading overseas, there are plenty of things people need to worry about. One such thing is how travellers will be able to use and charge their electrical devices and gadgets in another country. This is because each country and region has its own plug shape and conforms to different standards regarding electricity voltage, so a device that works in one country may not be able to withstand the amount of voltage output of another country. For those interested in this particular topic, be sure to keep on reading to learn more about it.
Types of travel adapters
When it comes to travelling to another country or region, there are plenty of travel adapter models to choose from. In order to make sure a travel adapter works well, buyers should ensure that the plug type of their adapter plug adapter fits the outlet shape of the wall, but the voltage should also fit their electronic devices. Some of the most common types of travel adapters include single-region travel adapters, multi-region travel adapters, universal travel adapters, as well as voltage converters, USB adapters, and transformers. Below, we break down what makes these adapters different from each other.
Single-region travel adapters
Single-region travel adapters are considered some of the most straightforward options for buyers to go with. This is because these models can be used in countries or regions that all use the same voltages and sockets. However, while these models tend to be the cheapest options, choosing a single-region travel adapter may limit future flexibility in the long run.
There are other variations of the single-region travel adapter that include multi-way models (these feature the ability to plug in multiple devices at the same time), and the option to pair a one-way single-region adapter with a multi-socket extension lead for multiple devices or increased demand.
Multi-region travel adapters
For those looking for more versatility, buyers can instead opt for a multi-country or region plug adapter. These are usually slightly larger or more complex units, and they have different pins for different sockets. As such, they are designed to accommodate several national standards of plug and socket arrangements at the same time.
The common types of multi-region adapters usually tend to handle a combination of Asian, UK, European and North American standards. These can be single-way or multi-way depending on what suits the buyer’s preferences.
Universal travel adapters
Universal travel adapters are usually the most flexible option of the three, as they are suitable for use in the majority ofcountries and regions around the world. That said, it is worth noting that this flexibility comes with an increased size, especially when compared to other small single or multi-region models.
While the added functionality offered by the best universal travel adapter can be a real bonus, their size can make them less convenient and trickier to handle. Additionally, less stable socket types such as the US two-pin can make the adapter feel less securely attached in their sockets. Additionally, the larger the universal travel adapter, the greater the chance that it may wind up blocking neighbouring sockets or not fit certain layouts.
Voltage converters
A voltage converter is a specific device that helps to convert the voltage of the electrical supply to match the voltage that is required by the device. It is vital if there is a difference between the country a traveller is heading to and the country that they are based in. Fortunately, voltage converters are available in many different wattage settings, so travellers should be able to pick one that is suitable for the device’s power settings.
USB adapters
USB adapters are generally small devices that plug into an electrical outlet and provide one or more USB ports for charging electrical devices. This includes devices such as power banks, tablets, smartphones, cameras, and more. USB adapters may also include voltage conversion capabilities and plug adapters, which can let travellers use them in multiple countries and regions.
Do I need to travel adapter?
If you or your employees are looking to travel any length of time away from the country you are initially based in, then chances are you will need some kind of travel adapter. This is because power outlets around the world are not standardised – depending on the country or region, they may have different shapes. As such, travellers will likely need an adapter in order to help convert the shape of their home power plug into the shape of the outlets of the particular region or country they are travelling to.
Where to buy travel adapters
As of the time of writing, there are plenty of places to buy travel adapters. These include travel shops – such as a few online stores – department stores, manufacturers, and even certain suppliers and providers such as RS Online. These are all fantastic places to buy and pick up travel adapters. Travel adapters are also available in shops in airport departure lounges. That said, do keep in mind that these adapters may be slightly on the pricier side. As such, it is generally recommended that you buy a travel adapter before going anywhere overseas.
Bottom line
Before journeying abroad, travellers should do the proper research about the specific plug and outlet type that is used in their destination country. They should then choose a travel adapter that is compatible with the outlets in their destination country. If a person is planning to visit multiple countries that have different plug configurations, they should consider using a universal travel adapter that can accommodate various types of plugs instead.