travel adaptor type c

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7 Best Travel Adapters With USB Type-C Ports You Can Buy

Travel adapters are a must-have travel accessory when traveling internationally since these nifty gadgets enable you to plug in your electronic accessories irrespective of the type of wall outlets. With USB-C being one of the most popular ports now (even the iPhone has one now), it’s crucial that you switch over to a universal travel adapter with USB-C ports.

The best travel adapters with USB-C also pack several USB-A ports apart from the standard AC outlet. Needless to say, these gadgets ease your charging issues, be it your phone, camera, or your action camera. 

So without further ado, let’s check some of the best USB-C travel adapters. But first,

• Here are the best travel-friendly wireless chargers
• Capture your photos in style with these compact cameras for travel
• Carry your cables like a pro with these slim cable organizer bags

1. Tessan European Travel Plug Adapter

• Outlets : 4 x AC socket, 3 x USB-A ports (2.4A), 1 x USB-Type C ports (3A)
• Supported plugs : EU countries and Israel

Tessan European Travel Plug Adapter

If you want a Europe-only travel plug, the Tessan one is your best bet. It has a flat design, and you can easily carry it in your travel organizer or laptop bag. It’s affordable and is one of the least expensive items out there. It comes with a USB Type-C port and 2 USB-A ports. This selection gives you enough wriggle room to charge your modern devices without any hassles.

At the same time, the 4 standard US power outlets complete the circle. All the outlets have sufficient space in between. This travel adapter has a maximum capacity of 2500 W and works across the 110V – 240V voltage range. Make sure not to power high-power items like hair dryers or shavers, and it will last you a long time.

This international travel adapter is reliable and works as advertised across most parts of Europe. And several users have appreciated its performance. Users love its versatile port arrangement and the clever design it brings to the table. Remember to carry all the cables, and you can juice devices like smartphones and tablets like a charm.

What We Like

• Bundles four power outlets
• Clever port arrangement

What We Don’t Like

• Europe-only travel plug

See Also : 6 Best USB-C Chargers to Charge iPhone, iPad, and Mac

2. Epicka Universal Travel Adapter

• Outlets : 1 x AC socket, 4 x USB-A ports (2.4A), 1 x USB-C port (3A)
• Supported plugs : USA, Canada, Japan, UK, EU, among others

Epicka Universal Travel Adapter

The Epicka Universal Travel Adapter is the one for you if you want a future-proof travel adapter that you can carry worldwide. Yes, no kidding! It comes with four different plugs and is compatible in most countries. All you need to do is slide out the knob, and that’s about it. And hey, the knobs are properly labeled.

The highlight of this USB Type-C travel adapter is its 4 USB Type-A ports. Naturally, you can charge low-power devices like earphones, smartwatches, and fitness trackers. However, you won’t get 100W PD in the USB Type-C port. Instead, you will get a maximum of 15W. That’ll deliver decent speed to charge your phone and tablet. Otherwise, you can always grab a GaN charger for your trip.

It has all the safety features in place. The Epicka travel adapter comes with a dual fuse and safety shutters. The latter is especially important if you travel with young curious kids. However, it has only one power socket. Note that it doesn’t support Type D (India, Nepal), Type M (South Africa), or Type H (Israel) plugs.

The Epicka travel adapter is not without its limitations. For one, you get access to only one power outlet, and you will need to depend largely on the USB Type-C and USB Type-A ports. That said, it is well-liked on Amazon, and users love its charging power and quality.

• Four USB-C ensures easy charging for low-power devices
• USB-C PD is capped at 15W

3. Tessan Universal Travel Adapter

• Outlets : 1 x AC socket, 2 x USB-A ports (2.4A/12W), 3 x USB-C port (3A/15W), 
• Supported plugs :  US, EU, UK, and AU

Tessan Universal Travel Adapter

Another universal travel adapter with USB-C you can use on your travels is the one by Tessan. This Tessan international plug adapter is compatible with several power outlets. Like the one above, it’s a standard 6-in-1 adapter and bundles four USB-A ports and a single USB Type-C and AC power outlet. Again, it’s the one for you if you use USB Type-C devices mostly and can do with the slightly slow charging speed.

It’s compact and measures just about 2.8 inches at its max. You can easily slip it inside your travel cable organizer bag along with the cables. There are no protruding prongs, which is a good thing since it doesn’t risk scratching your other items. You’ll need to slide the knobs for the respective country when necessary.

The Tessan travel adapter is incompatible with power plugs in South America or India. However, if you travel to Europe or Australia and need a versatile travel adapter, it proves to be one of the best USB-C travel adapters. It’s not expensive and has a durable build. It has a maximum capacity of up to 2500 W.

• Three USB-C ports
• Can charge multiple devices together

4. SAUNORCH Universal International Travel Adapter

• Outlets : 1 x AC socket, 3 x USB-A ports, 1 x USB-C port with 20W/QC 18W Power Delivery
• Supported plugs : US, UK,  EU, and AU

SAUNORCH Universal International Travel Adapter

The key highlight of the SAUNORCH universal travel adapter is its compact size. The small form factor means it won’t block out adjacent outlets and is portable. Another key highlight is that the USB Type-C port supports 18W Power Delivery, and can fast charge your smartphone.

The USB ports are located at the bottom. As such, this travel adapter doesn’t block out the adjacent outlets. At the same time, it gives you ample space to plug in the cables of your choice. The primary AC outlet is at the front of the adapter.  

So far, user reviews for this travel adapter with USB-C port have been good. Users have appreciated its no-fuss nature and how it eased their charging issues during their trips to Europe. That said, note that it’s not designed for use with power-heavy appliances like kettles and hair dryers.

• Small and compact
• The ports are arranged systematically
• USB-C port can deliver 20W
• Doesn’t support heavy appliances

5. LENCENT Mini All-in-One Charger

• Outlets : 1 x AC socket, 1 x USB-A ports, 1 x USB-C port

LENCENT Mini All-in-One Charger

Another space-saving travel power adapter is this one by LENCENT. The company claims that the charger is 35% smaller than its counterparts. Despite the limited number of ports, it makes up for the absence by including dual 20W USB ports. Here, the USB-C PD port and the USB-A QC 3.0 port can charge at 20W each.

When used together, the wattage reduces to 15W. And if you consider the form factor, it’s not a deal breaker. The AC outlet is at the top, thus giving you enough room to plug your devices.

The LENCENT international travel adapter works well and is reliable. Provided you take care of it well, it should last a long time. However, the shape takes a little time to get used to. Plus, a heavy plug at the top tends to pull the adapter away from the wall, which may in turn disrupt the charging process. That said, if you are looking for a fast and compact travel adapter with a USB-C port, this one is for you.

• Small form factor
• Fast charger
• The design may get in the way 

6. Ceptics World Travel Adapter Kit

• Outlets : 2 x AC socket, 2 x USB-A ports with Quick Charge 3.0, 2 x USB-C port with 20W/QC 18W Power Delivery
• Supported plugs : US, UK, EU, AU, Japan, parts of Africa, Middle East, Asia, and China, among others

Ceptics World Travel Adapter Kit

The Ceptics travel adapter kit is more expensive than its counterparts above. But it brings you the advantage of two power outlets, two USB Type-C ports, two USB-A ports, and a dedicated USB Type-C cable. Yes, no kidding. But the feature that helps this travel adapter stand out from the rest is the USB Type-C PD ports. These USB Type-C ports can supply up to 18W of power and should charge your smartphone fast.

Another worthy mention is the dual 3.6A USB-A ports. Using these, you can power low-power devices easily. All the ports have sufficient space in between, and you should have no issues plugging any cable or adapter. And the same can be said of the power outlets.

More importantly, the Ceptics world travel adapter kit is compatible with most global plugs. It works with 7 different types, including Australian and European plugs. Unlike the ones above, you will need to insert a required plug into the adapter.

The Ceptics World Travel Adapter Kit comes highly recommended by its user base. People love its easy-to-use nature and its reliable and durable design . If you want a versatile travel adapter with USB Type-C ports, it’s one of the reliable (and unique) best travel adapters with USB-C.

• Bundles a USB Type-C cable
• USB-C can deliver up to 18W fast charge
• Unique design
• May block adjacent power outlets

7. Zendure Passport II Pro

• Outlets : 1 x AC socket, 3 x USB-A ports, 2 x USB-C port 

Zendure Passport II Pro

The Zendure Passport II Pro is an expensive USB Type-C travel adapter. The highlight of this adapter is the 61W USB Type-C PD port. Naturally, this allows you to charge your smartphones, tablets, and MacBook Air (and some MacBook Pro) directly. For now, it comes with 2 USB Type-C ports and 3 USB-A ports, and an AC outlet. Interestingly, it has a power ceiling of 1000W.

It’s compatible with power plugs in several countries, including China and Japan. The design of the travel adapter is almost similar to some of the ones on this list. To plug, slide the right knob out, and you will be in the clear.

The Zendure Passport II Pro is less popular than some of its counterparts above, primarily for its high price tag. It has raked in several positive reviews, with users liking its simplicity, maximum power, and the fact that you can power your laptop without relying on a dedicated power adapter. One less item to carry on your trips. Cool, right?

• Packs a 61W USB Type-C PD port
• Can be used to charge laptops directly

Charge Them All

Traveling can be fun with all the different sights and experiences (and food). And the best travel adapters with USB-C ensure that your gadgets, whether a simple smartphone, a power bank or your tablet are fully charged.

Note : These international travel adapters are strictly adapters. They are not voltage converters.

Last updated on 04 December, 2023

The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.

DID YOU KNOW

Namrata Gogoi

Namrata Gogoi is an author covering Buying Guides and device-related tips and tricks. She loves learning and writing about gadgets and accessories that are functional, innovative, and has a positive impact on one's life. Since 2016, she has covered smartphones, computer accessories, household electric appliances - basically any product that helps bring convenience to one's life -- at Guiding Tech. Previously, she worked as an IT Analyst in TCS but found her calling elsewhere. In her free time, you can find her engrossed in a murder mystery.

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The Best Travel Adapters

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Best Overall Ceptics World International Travel Plug Adapter Read more

Upgrade Pick Zendure Passport III Read more

Budget Pick Epicka Universal Travel Adapter Read more

Best Travel Adapter Set Ceptics Adapter Plug Set for Worldwide International Travel Read more

Whether you're planning a country-hopping odyssey or a quick business trip, your journey will go more smoothly with the right kit. That includes good travel adapters so you can safely charge all of your gadgets wherever you land. We've tested several, and our favorites below will work in most parts of the world.

Adapters make great gifts for travelers , and be sure to check out our roundup of other travel essentials if you’re a frequent flier. Don't forget to pack USB-C charging cables .

Updated January 2024: We added the OneBeat Travel Plug Adapter, mentioned the OneWorld135 and OneWorld30, added a note on our OneAdaptr recommendations, and updated prices throughout.

Special offer for Gear readers: Get WIRED for just $5 ($25 off) . This includes unlimited access to WIRED.com , full Gear coverage, and subscriber-only newsletters. Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.

Best Overall

Jet off to more than 200 countries with this compact adapter in your luggage, and you can charge up all your gadgets. The classic slider design pushes out EU, UK, and US plugs, and you can rotate the pins for sockets in Australia or China. I appreciate how securely the plugs lock into place, and you must press a side button to retract them. You have a universal input socket, and Ceptics has included three USB-A ports on the bottom and two USB-C ports on the side. The USB-A ports can deliver a maximum charging rate of 15.5 watts, while the USB-C ports offer up to 18 watts (one PD and one QC 3.0).

The main problem is the lack of any grounding, which is meant to reduce the risk of an electrical shock if there's a fault, such as a loose wire inside a device with a metal case. ( This video explains grounding really well. ) Thankfully, there's overload protection with an 8-amp fuse, and it comes with a spare, but you should not use this adapter with any device that has a third metal ground pin on its plug.

Upgrade Pick

Zendure's all-in-one travel adapter is what I toss in my bag first for every trip. It has a boxy design with sliding toggles to switch between US, European, and British plugs. (It covers more than 200 countries.) There’s an auto-resetting fuse to protect your gadgets from power surges, and the Passport III has a 10-amp limit. The latest version also sports a funky, translucent design with a metallic finish (purple is best). Sadly, there's no grounding, so you shouldn't use this adapter with any device that has a third metal grounding pin on its plug.

There are four USB-C ports alongside a single USB-A port and an AC socket, so you can charge six devices simultaneously. Using gallium nitride technology, Zendure was able to increase the power output of the USB-C port to 65 watts, capable of fully charging a 13-inch MacBook Pro in under two hours. That means you can leave your laptop's charging brick behind (if it charges via USB-C). There’s support for the Power Delivery (PD) and Programmable Power Supply (PPS) standards (Samsung uses PPS in its flagship range), so it can fast-charge almost any phone or tablet. It’s expensive, but this travel adapter will satisfy even the most gadget-laden of travelers.

★ A Good Alternative : The OneWorld 65 ($69) sports a very similar design, the same 65-watt charging rate, and support for more than 200 countries. But it has three USB-C and two USB-A ports. It comes in white and has a 10-amp fuse with a replacement included. WIRED readers can also get a discount with the code OneWorld65_15%Off .

Budget Pick

With the capability to work in more than 150 countries, this affordable adapter from Epicka will do the job for most people. It has sliders you push to reveal the three most common international plugs—EU, UK, and US—and you can rotate the pins for sockets in Australia or China. This plug can recharge your power-hungry devices, like laptops and camera batteries, but there are four USB-A ports on the bottom and a 15-watt USB-C port on the side for phones, tablets, smartwatches, and Kindles. It’s not as well constructed as our other universal adapter picks, but it's much cheaper.

Once again, there’s no grounding here, so don’t plug devices with a third metal ground pin into this adapter, but there is an 8-amp fuse for safety, and it comes with a spare. It is also certified by RoHS, CE, and FCC.

Best Travel Adapter Set

Universal adapters don't always work properly everywhere, and most do not have any grounding. The cheaper and more reliable alternative is to buy individual adapters. This international set from Ceptics is our favorite. It includes five types to cover most of the globe, and they are properly grounded. If you’re visiting only a single destination, just pack the relevant type. None of these adapters have any kind of USB ports, so you will need to bring the respective charging adapter for your gadgets.

This set is especially good for Europe, because it includes Type C, E/F, and G adapters (more on this below), so you’re covered for any socket. Ceptics offers an even cheaper and smaller five-piece set, but we don’t recommend it. The adapters are flimsy, there’s no grounding, and the European plug's design doesn’t work well with the recessed sockets you will sometimes encounter.The drawback of plug adapters is that they’re easy to lose, but at least Ceptics includes a small bag for storage.

Jeremy White

Louryn Strampe

Jennifer Billock

Adrienne So

Extra Outlets

What I love about this sturdy, compact plug adapter is the lack of sliding pins or moving parts to worry about and that it stays put in the outlet. Offered in several versions (Type C, Type E/F, Type G), it enables you to charge up to six gadgets. I’ve been testing the Type G model in Scotland, and it plugs into a single outlet to give you three US outlets, a USB-C port, and two USB-A ports. The USB-C can put out up to 15 watts, and the USB-A ports are limited to 12 watts, not especially speedy but fine for overnight charging. The adapter is grounded and has various safety features.

On the downside, it can be tough to make use of all the outlets simultaneously as larger plugs, like the MacBook power adapter, tend to block one of the other US outlets. It does not offer surge protection, and the Type G adapter maxes out at 3,250 watts (250 volts, 13 amps), while the EU versions top out at 2,500 watts.

For Charging Everything

This kit includes multiple plug attachments that slide and lock into place to keep you powered across most of the world. It is much larger than the average adapter, but provides two grounded US AC outlets. There is also a built-in USB-C cable, two USB-A ports, and two USB-C ports. The USB-A ports and built-in USB-C cable offer a combined maximum charging rate of 15 watts. The PD USB-C ports go up to 20 watts each. The top charging rate for all of them simultaneously is 55 watts.

There is built-in surge protection, but this is not a voltage converter, so don’t go plugging in hair dryers or other electronics that are not dual voltage. While the two AC outlets are handy, they are close together, so the shape and size of some plugs can make it tricky to use both. But with the ability to charge up to seven devices, this kit is handy. We also like the original Ceptics World Travel Adapter Kit ($36) , though it lacks the two USB-C ports.

Fast Charging

With a familiar sliding pin design, this adapter also covers more than 200 countries. Taller and heavier than our top pick, this is OneAdaptr’s most powerful release to date, and it employs gallium nitride technology to deliver up to 100 watts. Aside from the universal AC outlet, you will find two USB-C ports and two USB-A ports on the bottom. Both USB-C ports offer 100-watt charging, and both USB-A ports are 18 watts, but 100 watts is the maximum in total, so when you plug in multiple devices, it divides between them.

Almost every charging standard you can think of is supported, including PD 3.0, QC 4+, FCP, SCP, AFC, PPS, and more, so there’s a good chance you can charge your phone at the fastest rate possible. There is no grounding, so don’t plug in any gadget with a third metal pin. But there is a 10-amp fuse with a spare included, and this adapter conforms to IEC 60884, CE, and FCC standards. If you want more power or feel you can make do with less, we also tested and liked the OneWorld135 ($109) and the OneWorld30 ($39) .

Note : We have tested OneAdaptr’s range extensively and found they work well, but the company has had issues fulfilling orders, and we are concerned about the volume of negative reviews online. The company assured us that it has recently taken steps to improve fulfilment and customer service, and we will continue to monitor the situation.

Safest Option

The OneWorld PD has sliding toggles on the side that cover the US/Canada, the UK, and Australia/China, and you can pop out a much smaller stand-alone European adapter. It promises to work in more than 150 countries. There are three USB-A ports on the bottom as well as a USB-C port that supports Power Delivery and Quick Charge 3.0 to deliver up to 18 watts. That's enough to fast-charge most phones and tablets, not so much a laptop. You can plug in your laptop's AC charger to speedily juice it back up, but that means carrying the heavy charging brick around.

What sets the AC plugs apart is that each one is earthed. Most universal travel adapters offer two-pin US plugs and make the third pin on the UK plug plastic, but the OneWorld PD provides fully grounded connections for every plug type to protect you from the risk of shock due to faulty wiring. It can handle up to 10 amps. Over-current protection automatically shuts down the power if there’s abnormal usage, and it resets via a button on the top. The rare British Standard 8546 compliance guarantees that the OneWorld PD has been fully tested and is one of the safest travel adapters you can buy. The downside? It's frequently out of stock.

Note : We have tested OneAdaptr's range extensively and found they work well, but the company has had issues fulfilling orders and we are concerned about the volume of negative reviews online. The company assured us that it has recently taken steps to improve fulfilment and customer service and we will continue to monitor the situation.

For Wireless Charging

A few of the best wireless chargers can be good choices for travel. This modular system from RapidX is compact and capable of wirelessly charging two phones at up to 10 watts each, which makes it a good option for couples or families. The beauty is that you can add or remove pods, and a single charging cable can power up to five. They snap together magnetically and pull apart for easy packing. You can also get additional phone pods ($15) , and there’s a version with a phone pod and an Apple Watch pod ($45) .

You get a 30-watt US power adapter and a 5-foot USB-C cable in the box, so you will still want a travel adapter to pair with this system. If you plan to add pods, you will want a more powerful adapter. (RapidX recommends 65 watts or above for three or more devices.)

For Apple Devices

This handy trio of chargers keeps your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods ticking and folds neatly into a felt carrying case for travel. The magnetic pad in the center can charge your iPhone at the fastest 15-watt rate, the Apple Watch dock pops up for Nightstand mode (sadly no fast charging here), and there is a grooved spot for your AirPods. It is compact and lightweight, and charges all three devices from a single cable and outlet. A 30-watt US wall adapter and a short USB-C to USB-C cable are included, but you must pair this with a travel adapter. We recommend this Mophie charger for travelers in our guide to the  best Apple 3-in-1 wireless chargers .

International Plug Types and Universal Adapters

There are 15 plug types in use across the world. Type A and Type B are used in the US, Canada, Mexico, and Japan; Type C is common across Europe, South America, and Asia; Type E and Type F are found across Europe in places like Germany, Russia, and France; Type G is used in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and a handful of other places; and Type I is used in Australia, New Zealand, China, and Argentina. Universal adapters tend to cover all of these types.

Some countries are not usually covered by universal adapters, such as India ( Type D ), Israel ( Type H ), and South Africa ( Type M or N ). You'll need to buy specific plug adapters for those places. To avoid any surprises when you land, double-check what type you need before you travel.

If you're visiting just one destination, a basic plug adapter that caters to one plug type is all you need. For trips to multiple destinations or for frequent flyers, a universal travel adapter can prove more versatile. The universal adapters we recommend here have the bonus of including multiple USB ports for charging several mobile devices from a single outlet.

A Word on Voltage Converters

Voltage converters are big, heavy, and expensive, and they don’t always work, so it’s probably best not to buy one. The reason you might think you need one is that the AC sockets on all of our recommended travel adapters do not convert the voltage coming from the socket. This means plugging into a UK socket will deliver 220 volts at 50 hertz, which is very different from the 120 volts at 60 hertz you can expect in the US. Don't worry! Your gear won't get fried. You just need to make sure anything you plug into one of these universal travel adapters has something like this printed on it:

Input: 100–220V 50/60Hz .

That should include most modern gadgets. If your device or charger can’t handle a variable voltage, it’s probably best to leave it at home. Most places provide hair dryers , irons, and kettles, so there’s no need to take them with you. It's often cheaper to buy a set with the correct plug at your destination and save the luggage space and hassle.

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Medea Giordano

Nena Farrell

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The 6 Best Travel Adapters and Converters of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Whether you prefer a set of specific adapters or something universal, these are the best options on the market.

In This Article

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Travel + Leisure / Alexander Huang

Travelers these days have all types of gear and gadgets that require power: cellphones, headphones, cameras, laptops, and even their toothbrushes. And, when venturing abroad, you’ll often find that not every hotel, airport lounge, or even public mode of transportation accommodates the U.S. plug, which means you likely need an adapter and/or converter for international trips. 

Our favorite adapters and converters are compact, work in multiple countries, have several ports including both USB and AC sockets, and, of course, power your essentials without frying them. As avid travelers, we tested an array of products on actual trips across the world and ranked them based on ease of use, effectiveness, and value to bring you the best picks for every scenario. Below, find our favorite easy-to-use adapters and converters for your next international journey.

Best Overall

Epicka universal travel adapter.

• Ease of Use 5 /5
• Effectiveness 4 /5

It’s able to charge six devices at once. 

This is not a converter, so you shouldn’t use it with high-power appliances like curling irons and hair dryers. 

Ready to use in more than 150 countries, this adapter from Epicka can charge six devices at the same time, as it comes with four USB-A ports, 1 USB-C port, and 1 AC socket. It works with all USB-enabled devices including iPhones and Androids, and can charge laptops, cameras, tablets, and power banks, too. It eliminates the need to purchase individual adapters for each trip, which makes it a great money-saving travel product . The adapter also has a built-in, double 8A fuse and safety shutters that keep children from trying to plug other items into the socket. The adapter comes in four different colors, and has a 1-year limited warranty. 

We love that it’s small and easy to pack, plus it’s simple to switch over to different prongs from country to country. The multiple USB ports are great for charging everything at once, and the adapter is super lightweight, so it isn’t adding much weight to your suitcase or carry-on either. We did find that the adapter was hard to fit in tight spots or use with older outlet styles in the UK and Hong Kong, but this didn’t happen often. 

The Details: 2.8 x 1.97 x 2.05 inches | 5.1 ounces | No converter | 6 ports | 1 AC, 4 USB-A, 1 USB-C | 240 volts

Travel + Leisure / Alexander Huang

Best for Apple Users

Apple travel adapter kit.

• Effectiveness 5 /5

It’s exclusively for Apple products so you can trust it with those devices.

It only works with Apple's block-type power adapters.

This kit made by Apple, for Apple products, includes seven AC plugs that work for iPhones, iPods, iPads, and Mac laptops in North America, Japan, China, the UK, Europe, Korea, Australia, Hong Kong, and Brazil. Each one lists the regions the plug is compatible with, making it easy to grab what you need quickly. However, you will need Apple's power adapter brick to serve as a base; these tips work with Apple’s USB-C power adapters, MagSafe and MagSafe 2 power adapters, and 10-watt and 12-watt USB power adapters that come with devices (or can be purchased separately in a range of wattages including 12 watts , 35 watts, and 67 watts ).

We love this set because it’s an Apple-certified product, so we know our devices are safe. The adapters are also built to last, as one of our testers used the adapters for 10 years before having to replace some of them. The only thing we wish they added onto this set is a carrying case to hold all the pieces for traveling. 

The Details: 5.3 x 5.3 x 1.9 inches | 11.2 ounces | No converter | 1 port | 100-240 volts (10W, 12W, 30W, and 35W)

Most Compact

Ceptics travel adapter plug for south africa & botswana.

It comes with USB and AC outlet charging abilities in a compact plug. 

USB ports are on the bottom, instead of the top of the adapter. 

If you’re traveling through South Africa, Botswana, or Namibia, this compact adapter will allow you to charge up to three devices at once. The AC outlet allows you to plug your U.S. device into a Type M socket for South Africa, allowing you to charge up for safari adventures and more.  It works with cell phones, laptops, smart watches, tablets, and more, and we especially like that it has the ability for two- and three-prong AC input, as well as USB ports for added versatility. The style of adapter is a block shape, so you can tuck it into your backpack, purse, or carry-on without compromising on much space, and you can also buy similar adapters for Europe , India, Germany, Hong Kong, Switzerland, Brazil, and more. 

The Details: 1 x 1 x 1 inches | 2.5 ounces | No Converter | 3 ports | 2 USB-A , 1 AC | 250 volts

Best for Families

Bestek travel adapter and voltage converter.

• Value 4.5 /5

You can power seven devices at one time. 

It’s bulkier than a lot of other adapters. 

With three AC outlets and four USB ports, you can charge up to seven devices at once on this charger, making it easy for the whole family to charge their phones, laptops, tables, and camera batteries. Three plug adapters are also included and work in more than 150 countries, meaning you can travel far and wide and, most likely, have the right adapter for what you need. We also love that this one is a converter, too, converting 220 volts to 110 volts for U.S. electronics but it’s still not recommended to use this device to power your hair dryer, curling iron, or straightener.

The adapter comes with overcurrent, overload, overheat, and short-circuit protections. We tested the adapter by charging a phone, battery pack, Apple watch, and Kindle all at once and found that all devices were nicely charged overnight with no issues. 

The Details: 7.4 x 6.8 x 1.8 inches | 1.15 pounds | Converter | 3 AC, 4 USB-A | 110-220 volts

Best Multipack

Ceptics european travel plug adapter.

• Ease of Use 3 /5

It’s easy to use.

You'll need to use a separate plug for each item you're charging.

For a super affordable multipack for one destination, this one from Ceptics is a great choice, as it comes with three identical Type C adapters that will work across Europe, the Middle East, and South America. It accepts North American two- and three-prong plugs, and has a simple straightforward design. It’s worth noting though that this set won’t work in England, Ireland, or Scotland, but there are other three packs available that will work in those countries, plus India, China, Hong Kong, Australia, and more. 

The Details: 3 x 2 x 1 inches | 3.2 ounces | No Converter | 3 AC outlets | 100-240 volts

Best for Europe

Jarvania european travel plug adapter.

It works in both the EU and the UK. 

It’s a bit bulky as the UK adapter is separate. 

American travelers to Europe will most likely need an adapter that can handle numerous countries, and this one from Jarvania is great because it can be used with EU and UK outlets. It’s compatible with Type C (which also fits into Type E, F, H, J, K, L, and N outlets) to work in Italy, Denmark, Switzerland, Spain, and France and more. It also comes with a separate Type G plug adapter that will also work in the UK, so you’re getting an extra adapter, too. The main adapter has three ports (one AC, two USB), so you can charge up to three devices at once — a perk for the modern traveler carrying a phone, laptop, camera, and more. 

The Details: 2.7 x 2.1 x 2.2 inches | 3.8 ounces | No Converter | 3 ports | 1 AC, 2 USB-A | 110-250 volts

Other Travel Adapters We Liked

Two adapters we tested couldn’t quite earn a spot on our list but had standout features that may meet the needs of some travelers. 

Tessan Type G Adapter : This adapter with two AC outlets plus two USB ports works in countries such as Scotland, Ireland, the UK, Hong Kong, UAE, Singapore, and various African countries. However, we found the AC outlets are too close together on the adapter to always be useful. 

Tessan Type E F Adapter : With five total ports (USB and AC) that work in numerous countries, this is a great adapter, but we think the two pack is a bit much, as one adapter already has five ports, meaning lots of travelers wouldn’t need a second adapter. This adapter is also wider than other adapters so it can take up more unnecessary space. 

The T+L team tested 12 different adapters and converters in various countries across the world. We noted what countries we were in while using the adapters or converters, and how easy it was to use each one. We also ranked them based on effectiveness, meaning how well they charged our devices, and value in terms of price versus performance. 

Tips for Buying Adapters and Converters

Research your destination.

Before leaving on your trip, be sure to check out what types of outlets are used in the countries you’re visiting, and buy adapters and converters accordingly. The last thing you’ll want is to accidentally fry your device while abroad. Some hotels provide USB ports inside hotel rooms, but it’s best to make sure they’re available before arriving empty-handed.

Consider a kit

If you’re visiting numerous countries and are in a rush, it’s sometimes easier to simply buy a kit with several adapters for multiple different destinations, which can save you money instead of buying numerous adapters. Lots of kits are small enough to tuck away in your bag or carry-on, so just be sure that you take along the ones you need.

Read the fine print

Always be sure to read the instructions that come with your adapter or converter, and be sure to pay attention to the power details. You may think a converter is safe for your styling tools or appliances when it's actually not, and you could fry your device, or blow a fuse, if the adapter doesn’t convert voltage.

An adapter is used when you need to plug a specific type of prong into a different socket. It allows you to plug your U.S.-style prong into an outlet in another country that uses a different type of plug. A converter is different in that it changes the voltage of an outlet to match the voltage of the item being plugged in. Some countries use 110/120 volts, while others use 220/240 volts. If you don’t use a converter, you could ruin your device, or even risk a fire.

If your destination has a different prong type than your outlets at home, then you’ll need an adapter. But if the voltage is different in the place you’re traveling than it is at home, you’ll need a converter to convert that voltage. Some products have dual voltage, which means the device can handle voltages from all over the world.

Most of Europe uses Type C plugs, which also fit into Type E, F, H, J, K, L, and N sockets that may replace Type C in places such as Denmark, Switzerland, and Italy. (England and the rest of the U.K. uses Type G.) Always double check exactly which one you’ll need before your departure.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this article, the T+L team tested and reviewed numerous adapters and converters to find the best of the best for countries across the world. Freelance writer and world traveler Amanda Ogle further researched travel adapters to add additional insights to this list. 

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.

Power Outlet Guide: Which Plug to Use in What Country

Packing , Packing Tips

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The plug shape dilemma can be a nightmare for travelers, especially if you’re planning to visit various countries – why oh why can’t there just be one plug shape that fits all? Worry no more; Travel Fashion Girl has put together the ultimate power outlet guide for determining which plug to use in what country!

International Power Outlet Guide

by Chantelle Malin

Table Of Contents

Plug shapes, holes, sizes and sockets vary in different countries, meaning a plug adapter is necessary to ensure your appliances from home can work abroad. However be warned, check the voltage as well, a hairdryer designed for use in North America could cause an involuntary fireworks display if plugged into a European socket.

This power outlet guide will give you a full breakdown on everything you need to know about plug shapes and sizes for each country around the world and you can find suggested travel gadgets at the end of the post.

Please read this voltage guide  to learn about the difference between travel adapters and converters.

We use and recommend the  Universal World Wide Travel Charger Adapter Plug  which works worldwide (except in South Africa as explained below). While it doesn’t act as a converter for your power supply, it’s a great value and offers a relatively compact option for those of you looking for an easy solution for international travel.

Plug Adapters

Here’s a quick look of the plugs and sockets used around the world. You can read more about each of them in the article below.

Used North and Central America and Japan (among others)

Power outlet type A  has two flat parallel prongs, it is predominantly used in North and central America and Japan.

The Japanese plug has two identical flat prongs, whereas the US plug has one prong that is slightly larger, it is not a problem to use Japanese plugs in the US, however the opposite doesn’t always work. The holes at the tip of the prongs on type A (and B) plugs are there to prevent the plug slipping out from the socket, pretty nifty!

Worth a note -Both A and B plugs are amongst the most dangerous types in the world, the prongs are not insulated – meaning if the plug is pulled halfway out its prongs are still connected to the socket, increasing the risk of electrocution. Always make sure you’re electronics are properly disconnected!

Power outlet type  B  has two flat parallel prongs and a grounding pin, it is a standard plug for North America and Japan, but probably used less frequently in the latter, as with type A, the Japanese plug and sockets differ slightly from their American equivalents.

Used in all countries of Europe except the United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus and Malta

Power outlet type  C  has two round prongs – it is probably the most widely used international plug and is commonly known as the Europlug. Type C plugs are commonly used; however this isn’t the case for type C sockets – the sockets are ‘ungrounded’, and because of this safety issue, have become illegal.

Worth a note : Only the SOCKETS have become illegal, the type C plug fits into type E, F, J, K, and N sockets.

Used mainly in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Namibia

Power outlet type  D  has three large round pins in a triangular pattern and is a rated at 5 amps, along with type A and B, the type D plugs are amongst the most dangerous ones in the world – they again feature prongs that are not insulated, increasing the risk of electrocution.

Primarily used in France, Belgium, Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Tunisia and Morocco

Power outlet type  E  is fairly similar to that of C, with the plug featuring two round prongs, with the exception that the type E socket includes an ‘earth pin’ that fits into the slot located on the plug.

Used in (amongst others) Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Portugal, Spain and Eastern Europe

Power outlet type  F was designed in Germany shortly after the First World War, it is commonly known as the ‘Schuko plug’ which is the acronym of the German word ‘Schutzkontakt’ translating as ‘protection contact’. It is similar to a type C plug except that it has the addition of two earth clips on the side of the plug; generally a type C plug fits perfectly in the above socket.

Mainly used in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Malta, Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong

Power outlet type  G  has three rectangular prongs that form a triangle, it is in no doubt that the type G plugs are the safest in the world, however have often been described as being ‘hulking’, ‘cumbersome’ and ‘bigger that the appliance they’re connected to’ (being from the UK I can confidently say this is a SLIGHT exaggeration).

Used exclusively in Israel

Power outlet type  H is unique to Israel, it has two flat prongs – similarly to plug B – however they form a V shape rather than being parallel, they also include an earth pin, in the 80’s the holes of the plugs were made round in order to accommodate type C plugs as well. Along with the other plugs mention the type H plug can be dangerous, containing no insulation to protect from electrocution. The plug is also used in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

Mainly used in Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Argentina

Power outlet type  I  features 3 pins, two flat prongs and a earth pin, that form a V shape, there is also a ungrounded version of the plug, featuring only two flat V shaped prongs. Although there are minor differences, the type I plug can fit with the sockets used in mainland China.

Used almost exclusively in Switzerland and Liechtenstein

Power outlet type  J  is similar to the C plug, except that it has the addition of an earth pin, a type C plug can fit into a type J socket.

Used exclusively in Denmark, Greenland and the Faeroe Islands

Power outlet type  K  is similar to that of F, except that it has an earth pin instead of grounding clips; again a type C plug generally fits into a type K socket. Denmark features a large amount of E/F plugs; because of this the Danish government chose to make it legal to install type E and F sockets as well.

Used almost exclusively in Italy and randomly found throughout North Africa

Power outlet type  L  features two different styles (a 10 and 16 amp variety) that have different prong thickness and spacing, the 10 amp socket is compatible with type C plugs. Nowadays universal sockets are become more popular, a ‘bipasso’ socket accepts L and C plugs, whereas the universal ‘schuko’ accepts C, E, F and L plugs.

Used almost exclusively in South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho

Power outlet type  M  is similar to the Indian type D; however its pins are much larger, even though the type D plug is standard in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Namibia, type M can be also used, generally for larger appliances – some power outlets can take both M and D plugs; it is also used in Israel for heavy appliances.

Please note : the type M is the one plug style that is usually NOT included in worldwide travel adapters.

Used almost exclusively in Brazil

Power outlet type  N  consists of two pins and an earth pin, is very similar in look to the Swiss type J standard, however it is incompatible as the type N earth pin is in a slightly different position. Like the type M, the above plug features two versions (one at 10amps and one at 20amps), like many the N socket has been designed to accommodate the type C plug.

You’ll want to look your best when you travel! Read my travel tips to Pack Light Stylishly !

Travel Gadget Ideas

TFG Top Pick for Worldwide Travel: NEWVANGA  

For the top-rated international adapter for multiple countries , readers love the  NEWVANGA Universal Travel Adapter which works for 150 countries that include spots in Europe to Asia. It has two USB charging ports, surge protection, and works with devices such as cell phones, tablets, and laptops. 

However, it’s not recommended you use this with heavier appliances like a clothes iron or hair dryer. You’d be better off purchasing a hair dryer that’s dual voltage. Buy it here!

SublimeWare Fast Charging International Adapter

Best Worldwide Adapter for Multiple Devices: SublimeWare

If you’re traveling in a pair and need a few ports, the SublimeWare Adpater has four USB ports and fits nicely into the wall, allowing for charging and power to multiple devices. 

This also is compatible in 150 countries and there’s a pin locking mechanism so the prongs stay out and secure while in use. With over 7,000 positive reviews, this one’s a worldwide winner. Buy it here!

Best Worldwide Adapter for Single Destination Trips: Ceptics

If you’re only hitting one or two places and don’t want to haul around an weighty adapter, this set of 5 single adapters by Ceptics are ideal to bring instead! The one pictured is a set of 5 adapters, but you can get a 13-piece set that includes a wall plugin with USB ports, or you can grab a world power strip with two USB ports. Buy it here!

BESTEK Universal Travel Adapter 100-220V to 110V Voltage Converter

Best Worldwide Adapter and Conveter for Europe: BESTEK

Equipped with a d irect EU plug and four worldwide adapters, and a converter for 100-240V to 110-120V which powers up your US electronic device safely, this BESTEK converter and adapter kit is worth a look. It also has multi-charging capability which is perfect for business travelers or digital nomads. If you need a carrying case for your BESTEK kit Aproca sells a functional, cute one!

While recommended for Europe, the adapters also cover over a 100 countries and users say its become their go-to power source for travel. Buy it here!

DOACE X11 2200W Travel Voltage Converter and Adapter

Best Worldwide Adapter and Conveter for Hair Appliances: DOACE

While it’s recommended to buy dual voltage hair tools, there may be an occasion you prefer to bring what you already own. In that case, reviewers say the DOACE Travel Voltage Converter Kit is reliable and can handle the power conversion easily— from 220-240V to USA standard voltage 110V/120V . 

This all in one International power adapter and converter has two adapters and four USB ports, which is enough to simultaneously power seven devices. And the adapters can cover 150 plus countries. Satisfied users report it works well with Conair and Babylisspro hair tools, with one even saying it powered their cpap machine! 

Just remember to plug into the adapter with the US flag for conversion and pack it into the sturdy plastic carrying case to keep it from getting damaged. Buy it here!

Product Comparison Chart

  Do you travel with a single or multi-country travel adapter?

Please read these posts for more travel packing tips:

• Best Travel Accessories 
• How to Avoid Theft While Traveling
• How to Downsize Your Toiletries 
• Voltage Converter vs. Travel Adapter

Hope you found this international power outlet guide helpful. Please share with your friends on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!

13 comments.

This is the best article I have found on travel adapters. Thank you for breaking it down and giving different options. Glad I found this before our trip!

Such great info! Definitely marked this post as a keeper!

I have two sockets in my home. One is a US socket. I can’t identify the other having used your guide. I believe it is a 220v socket. Not sure if I can bring in a 240 appliance from the UK to fit the socket.

Hi Julie, this article explains everything you need to know about voltage, adapters, and converters: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/voltage-converter-vs-travel-adapter-how-do-they-work/

To get the best advice I would also highly recommend that you join our TFG facebook group and post your question there: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelfashiongirls/ It’s a fabulous community of helpful female travelers that love to share their travel advice and recommendations.

Hope this helps. Have an awesome time on your travels!

I am traveling to Hanoi Vietnam. What adapter do I need to accommodate my C Pap?

Hi Cynthia, thank you for reaching out! Vietnam use type A, C and D: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/vietnam/electricity It would be best if you purchased a universal world wide travel adapter, such as the one featured on the article. There are more suggestions and tips here: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/voltage-converter-vs-travel-adapter-how-do-they-work/

If you need any more help with your packing, we also have this guide on Vietnam: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/what-to-wear-in-vietnam/ Have an amazing time! ?

Thanks for the recommendation. Unfortunately delivery to Australia was gong to be $168AUD and the item is only approx. $66AUD. Would love the product but can not justify it

Hi Linda, at the moment, we are only able to sell our Compass Rose products via Amazon USA. When Amazon global shipping stopped working for Australia, we set up an independent site with direct sales and shipping on the Travel Fashion Girl website just for our readers located in Australia. However, due to a low volume of sales, shipping challenges, and complaints, I’m afraid we had to discontinue this service.

We hope you understand that we are still in the beginning stages of this business journey and hope we can offer global shipping in-house in the future. For now, we are only able to ship globally to the countries serviced by Amazon USA, I am sorry about this ? Hope you have an amazing time on your trip!

Please note that the C will not always fit into a J for two reasons:

1) The J socket is quite often inside a hexagonal recess and the pins on a normal EU plug, are not long enough to make contact however sometimes the sockets do not have this hexagonal surround.

2) The pins on a C plug are quite often thicker than those used on a J plug, so if you are lucky enough to find a socket without the hexagonal shape as mentioned above, the C plug pins are too thick for the J socket.

As a quick hack, you can cut off the earth pin of a J plug and as a result you now have a plug that will fit a C socket and G (if you insert something into the earth pin opening, to open the live and neutral small doors on the G socket).

Hi Chris, thank you for sharing this with us! 🙂

Can I use a type c adapter in Israel?

Hi Debbie, for Israel there are three associated plug types, C, H and M. Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins, plug type H has three pins in a triangular shape and type M has three round pins.

Israel operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.

Hope this helps!

I just bought this to use in Spain next month. I have an adapter for my camera battery charger but otherwise, I’m looking forward to using this!

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Best travel adapter 2023: power up abroad

Forget spending a small fortune on a single adapter at the airport; these universal travel adapters are the way to go

• 1. Best overall travel adaptor
• 2. Best safe travel adaptor
• 3. Best affordable travel adaptor
• 4. Best travel adaptor for South Africa
• 5. Best travel adaptor for multiple devices

Best travel adaptor 2024: Jump Menu

00. T3's top 3 ↴ 01. Best overall : Hyleton Worldwide Travel Adapter 02. Best safe : MyTravelPal Worldwide Universal 10A Travel Adapter 03. Best affordable : Bestek Worldwide Travel Adaptor 04. Best for South Africa : Skross World To South Africa 05. Best for multiple devices : Bestek 200W Travel Adaptor

Planning a trip abroad? Wherever you plan on going, you need to bring the best travel adapter with you to stay fully charged and powered while you're away.

Technology defines travel. It used to be all about postcards, travel journals and finding yourself, but can you ever feel relaxed abroad without knowing you can charge up your stash of tech? A universal travel adaptor is essential for any and all trips abroad. Whether you're sharing your trip with a smartphone, tablet, laptop, headphones, camera or Bluetooth speaker (not forgetting toothbrush, curling irons and travel kettle), you might as well get a good one.

Don't be an idiot at the airport, where universal travel adaptors are expensive and basic. Get it sorted before you set off on your travels with our collection of the very best around. Basic adaptors are available that convert from one country to another, but it's better to invest in a universal travel adaptor that caters for everything. So what should you look for?

Check out our guide below on how to choose the best travel adapter below and our top picks.

Lizzie is T3's Home Staff Writer, also covering style, living and wellness. She works closely with Bethan Girdler-Maslen, T3's Home Editor, ensuring all the latest Home news, trends and recommendations are covered. Outside of T3, Lizzie can be found mooching around Bath, attempting (or at least trying to) a new DIY project or spending time with family and friends.

The best overall travel adaptor

If you've entered the world of USB-C, this is the travel adaptor for you. Its multi-function plug fits more than 150 countries with UK/AU/US plugs. The adapter also has built-in safety shutters to protect you from the direct touch of the live parts on the socket outlet. A pretty great all-rounder to begin with! 

Read more below

The best safe travel adaptor

There are a couple of reasons why this universal adaptor from MyTravelPal stands out. The first is that it claims to be the safest travel adapter in the world – it's one of the very few all-in-one travel adapters that has passed the very strict regulatory standard BS:8546. It's a great option that won't let you down.

The best affordable travel adaptor

Again, this is a decent quality charger for a great price, though it only comes with 2 USB ports instead of 4. There’s a universal socket and it’s fitted with USA, Australian, UK and European plugs for use in over 150 countries. 

Best travel adapters ranking 2023

Why you can trust T3 Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test .

1. Hyleton Worldwide Travel Adapter

Specifications, reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

If you've entered the world of USB-C, this is the travel adaptor for you. Although it has four standard USB slots that can each refuel a tablet as well as a smartphone and other low-power gadgets, the Hyleton also has a USB-C slot fitted to the side for fast-charging a smartphone.

Elsewhere this compact adaptor's multi-function plug fits more than 150 countries with UK/AU/US plugs. The adapter also has built-in safety shutters to protect you from the direct touch of the live parts on the socket outlet.

• Back to the top ⤴

2. MyTravelPal Worldwide Universal 10A Travel Adapter

There are a couple of reasons why this universal adaptor from MyTravelPal stands out. The first is that it claims to be the safest travel adapter in the world – it's one of the very few all-in-one travel adapters that has passed the very strict regulatory standard BS:8546. MyTravelPal's 4 plugs have a ground/earth connection, an essential safety feature for many electrical appliances, meaning you can use this adapter with high powered electricals such as computers, curling tongs, hairdryers, laptops, phones, etc without worry. 

There's also a push-button resetting fuse, which means you don't need to carry spare fuses with you or rush out to buy replacements when you're on holiday. MyTravelPal's protection system ensures that it will automatically shut down if it detects any abnormal usage. It's a great product that won't let you down whilst keeping you safe. 

5. Bestek Worldwide Travel Adaptor

Again, this is a decent quality charger that comes in at a great price, though it only comes with 2 USB ports instead of 4. There’s a universal socket and it’s fitted with USA, Australian, UK and European plugs for use in over 150 countries. 

Thanks to the embedded micro USB cable, phones and tablets can benefit from fast charging, great if your portable devices are gonna receive heavy use while you’re away. With safety features including fire proof materials, protection against power surges and a safety plug lock to keep the right prongs in position, this is another great all-rounder that should do the job nicely. 

The best travel adaptor for South Africa

4. skross world to south africa travel adapter.

If you're going to Africa, you're going to need to get to know the Type-M socket. Never heard of it? Unfortunately almost all so-called 'universal travel adapter' are nothing of the sort because they don't include large parts of Africa and Asia, where an archaic UK plug now called Type-M is still used. 

As well as being standard in South Africa, Namibia, Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique, Lesotho and Swaziland, Type-M is common in Nepal and Bhutan, too. Cue this simple, but essential travel adapter that converts from every other plug in the world –such as the US, UK, Europe, Australia, China and Brazil – to the Type-M. This Switzerland-made example from Skross doesn't convert voltage, but it does work with power-hungry devices including laptops and travel hairdryers.

The best travel adaptor for multiple devices

5. bestek 200w travel adaptor.

A voltage converter is required for devices that do not offer dual voltage, which makes this device incredibly handy if you’re heading to the states, where voltage is a lot lower than the UK. 

With 2 AC plugs and 4 USB ports you’ll have no problem charging multiple devices at once – just bear in mind that you cannot plug in high-powered devices, such as hair dryers or straighteners. The device comes in a handy case, which contains three international AC adaptors for use in over 150 countries. The downside is you can only plug in UK devices.

How to choose the best travel adapter

The best travel adapters have USB sockets, so charging up phones, tablets and other portable devices should be fairly convenient. But they're not all equal. Most will have at least a couple of USB slots; check they're rated 2.4V, which will refuel your phone faster, and means it can cope with a tablet, too. 

Better still, look for Quick Charge 3.0 (QC 3.0), which does it ever faster. If you have a laptop that charges via USB-C, look for a travel adaptor with built-in USB-PD (USB Power Delivery), which can send 100W into a laptop.

Not all travel adaptors will transform voltage, so it’s always worth checking to see if you need to purchase a voltage transformer alongside the adapter. Many devices are dual voltage rated, so you may not even require a transformer; even so, it’s always best to check the book of words to double-check. 

Good news is, all EU countries have the same voltage as the UK, so it’s only the USA, South America, Asia, Australasia and Africa that you need to think about. As a rule, high powered devices such as hairdryers and straighteners cannot be used with a travel adaptor, with the advice being to purchase cheap ones when you’ve arrived at your destination. 

Amazon is usually the best place to head for travel adaptors, as you can get hold of highly-rated products for sometimes a fraction of the high street price (and with Prime Delivery).

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Lizzie is T3's Home Staff Writer, also covering style, living and wellness. She works closely with Bethan Girdler-Maslen, T3's Home Editor, ensuring all the latest news, trends and recommendations are covered. Outside of T3, Lizzie can be found mooching around Bath, attempting (or at least trying to) a new DIY project or spending time with family and friends.

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The Best Travel Plug Adapter

If you want to use electronic devices in a different country, you’ll probably need a travel plug adapter. After spending more than 30 hours researching and testing 14 options, we found the Epicka Universal Travel Adapter to be the best one. It fits four types of outlets, and it has more USB ports than any of its competitors, so it can can charge more devices at higher speeds.

Everything we recommend

Epicka Universal Travel Adapter

Best universal travel adapter.

With four plugs that will work in most countries, plus faster-charging USB ports (and more of them) than its competitors, this adapter is the best all-around choice.

Buying Options

Ceptics International Worldwide Travel Plug Adapter 5 Piece Set

The best plug adapter.

Individually, these tiny plug adapters are smaller, lighter, and cheaper than any universal travel adapter. To juice up multiple devices, though, you’d need a separate multiport charger too.

Ceptics Plug Adapter Set

Heavier, but sturdier.

The plugs in this set of five are bigger and heavier than our top pick for plug adapters, but more solidly built.

In a sea of almost-identical travel adapters, the Epicka Universal Travel Adapter stands out, combining the best of the features we were looking for. It contains the three most common international plugs and a US-style plug, which should cover you in the majority of countries around the world. It has the most USB ports—four of the standard USB-A and one USB-C—of any universal adapter we tested, and it could charge more of our devices faster. A replaceable fuse and an included spare should take the brunt of any accidental, unfortunate, or shockingly bad connections. The Epicka is fairly compact and well built, and it even comes with a nylon case.

However, no universal travel adapter is truly universal, and they’re all a lot bulkier and more expensive than simple plug adapters. If you want the smallest adapter possible, or if you’re going someplace where a universal adapter won’t work (more on that in a minute), then a plug adapter could be what you need.

The Ceptics tiny plug adapters are barely larger than the prongs they convert. Small, simple, and cheap, they’re perfect for someone who wants to carry only the adapter they’ll need and who already has a multiport USB wall charger they like. Like our universal adapter picks, this set contains the three most common international plugs and the US plug. However, it also includes a somewhat rarer plug used in some European countries that has two thick, cylindrical prongs. This means that the Ceptics will likely cover you in even more places—as long as you pack the appropriate plug adapter.

These plug adapters are bigger than our top pick for plug adapters, but this means they offer a larger surface for chargers to brace against, which makes them more stable and less likely to fall off the wall. (We’ll call these “ Ceptics White ” to minimize confusion and set them apart from our “Ceptics Black” top pick.) While you can purchase these as a five-pack, which contains basically the same assortment of plugs as the Ceptics Black set, the company also sells, in this same model line, three-packs for nearly a dozen specific regions. So if you’re headed to a country not covered by the so-called universal travel adapters (for example, Brazil , India , Israel , or South Africa ), or if you want to purchase multiple adapters for your gear, there’s probably an option available here.

A note up here, which we’ll discuss in detail below: All of these are adapters only . They do not convert voltage. The majority of your electronic devices only need adapters—the voltage converter is built into the charger itself. (If the device charges via USB, just about any USB port will suffice, though different ports may provide different charging speeds.) Check out Do you need a voltage converter? if you’re curious about these aspects.

The research

Why you should trust us, who should get this, how we picked, how we tested, our pick: epicka universal travel adapter, flaws but not dealbreakers, our pick: ceptics international worldwide travel plug adapter 5 piece set, runner-up: ceptics adapter plug set for worldwide international travel use, do you need a voltage converter, the competition.

In addition to my work here at Wirecutter, I also write about tech and travel for CNET, Forbes, and Wirecutter’s parent company, The New York Times . Perhaps more relevant to this guide, I usually spend a good chunk of each year (global pandemics aside) as a digital nomad, living months at a time in different countries all over the world. My current country count is 50, spread across six continents, and since I travel with a lot of electronics gear for work, being able to plug in is obviously crucial.

I’ve owned and used many different types of universal-style travel adapters, and several different companies’ worth of plug adapters, plus I’ve talked with countless travelers about what they like … or, more important, what they hate. We also got some advice from Wirecutter's Mark Smirniotis, who used to oversee our power devices section.

Do you travel? Are you going to travel sometime in the (near or far) future? Do you want to be able to charge or use electronic devices in a different country? If so, you’re probably going to need a travel plug adapter. There’s a variety of different outlet types around the world, not to mention different voltages and frequencies, so you can’t expect your phone charger to just plug in and work wherever you’re headed. Sure, Canada, Mexico, Japan, and many other countries use the same small pair of prongs as the US, but places like continental Europe, the UK, Australia, India, Russia, and pretty much everywhere else do not.

You have two main choices when it comes to travel plug adapters: the universal-style travel adapters (that’s one device with multiple sets of prongs that you extend and retract) and smaller, individual plug adapters that usually come in sets. Both have pros and cons.

Should you get a universal travel adapter or a simple plug adapter?

Universal travel adapters are for the person who wants one handy adapter that will work in just about every country. You can keep it next to your passport and toss it in your luggage when you’re packing. The ones we considered have USB ports, so you don’t need to worry about bringing a separate charger for anything that charges via USB (think  phones  and noise-cancelling headphones ). However, these are bulky, they have parts that can break, and even the best will take longer to charge your phone or tablet than will a good USB wall charger .

The alternative is small and simple plug adapters. These attach to the prongs of your current USB charger (whether it’s a multiport one or the charger that came with your device) to allow them to fit into a foreign outlet. These can work because nearly every modern charger can adjust to the available voltage in pretty much every country, as long as you can adapt the prongs to fit in the outlet. (More on this in Do you need a voltage converter? ) These are great for people who already have a multiport USB charger they like and don’t want to deal with the additional bulk of a universal travel adapter. Also, these are necessary if you’re traveling to a country that has outlets incompatible with any of the four types included in a universal adapter (which, as that sentence reveals, aren’t actually universal).

The choice between universal travel adapters and individual plug adapters ultimately comes down to personal preference. Both types work, and different people will like or dislike each. If you’re not sure which will be best for you, read each section here closely.

Here’s the big caveat: If you’re planning on bringing something with you that has a motor, a heating element, or a single power cord that leads directly from the plug to the device (i.e. there’s no power brick or wall wart ), it almost certainly won’t work with a travel plug adapter. Most people will only need one of the adapter choices we recommend, but very occasionally there’s a piece of gear that needs a voltage converter. For more on that topic, also check out the voltage converters section below.

Where in the world will your travel plug adapter work?

All universal travel adapters have four different sets of prongs, which cover most countries most Americans tend to travel to. First is the big, wide-blade UK-style plug (often designated "Type G”) . This will work in places like the UK, obviously, and also Ireland, Hong Kong, and some other parts of Asia and the Middle East.

Next is the round Europe-style plug, aka the Europlug (Type C) . However, this is where we run into complications. This plug should work in most of Europe—it was designed, in fact, to fit into a wide range of European outlet types. For instance, parts of Italy, Switzerland, and Denmark each use different plugs from one another. Should this double-round one work in those locations? Yes. Will it? Hard to say. I’ve stayed in places where my Europlug didn’t work, yet it did in the hostel before and the hotel after—all within the same small region of a country. With any luck, if this happens to you, the place you’re staying will have a power strip that will let you plug in, though there’s no guarantee of that.

Third is the angled small-blade style (Type I) found in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and other parts of Oceania, and a few other areas. Some universal adapters have one set of blades for this and the US style—you just manually rotate the blades into the correct position depending on where you are. In our testing, we had no trouble getting them to work.

The last, the small US-style blades (Type A or B) , mean you could use our picks to visit the US and other countries that have the same plugs—if, that is, you’re reading this from outside the US.

What are the places not covered by these four styles? Some parts of Brazil, South Africa, India, and more. I’ve stayed in parts of Italy, for example, that should have Europlugs but only had something called Type L . I’ve stayed in houses in Brazil that had Type N , but the Europlug fit enough to work. In others, it wouldn’t.

To find out which plugs you might need while traveling, refer to the excellent Wikipedia article called Mains electricity by country that shows pictures of (almost) all the possible plugs and outlets, along with a list of the world’s countries and (almost all of) the style or styles they use. This is invaluable information to check before you leave. If multiple plug types are listed for a specific country and you’re staying in an older building, you should probably assume its outlets will require whatever plug isn’t on a universal travel adapter, since these only have the most common, newer varieties of plugs.

Which brings us to perhaps the most important fact: Getting your gear to work in different countries isn’t quite as simple as it should be, and there’s no single solution that’s guaranteed to work for everyone. Our picks should work for you, but you may have some random piece of equipment, or be traveling to some country, for which our “good for most” picks just won’t work. (Case in point: One Wirecutter editor visited Iceland recently. The house she stayed in had outlets unlike anything on Wikipedia’s chart, and the plug adapters she’d used elsewhere in Reykjavik didn’t fit at all. It turns out the mystery sockets belonged to an obscure Italian system from the 1960s that was popular in Iceland for a time. Luckily, the hosts had power strips in the house that her adapters fit into.) We’ll try to mention such potential caveats when we can, but the world is a big place, and when it comes to electricity and wall outlets, there’s a lot of variation. That’s important to keep in mind.

There are approximately 70 billion universal travel plug adapters on the Web. However, after spending 20 hours staring at them, I found there’s only about a dozen basic designs—and countless “companies” selling them. Among those dozen or so actually different products, I saw a few distinctions that helped narrow the field. Since most options had four USB ports, that seemed like a reasonable minimum to require. Their maximum power output, rated in amps, became a determining factor in our rankings. The higher the maximum output, the faster the port will charge your gear.

Some plugs came with a replaceable fuse, which seemed like a good idea, and a few included a replacement for said fuse, which seemed even better. This way, if either you plug the adapter into a sketchy outlet or a roommate at the hostel uses your adapter to plug in their completely necessary portable arc welder, the fuse will go, not your adapter. Then it’s just a matter of swapping in the included spare fuse and you’re good to go.

These fuses have a maximum power rating, and therefore the adapters have a maximum wattage rating. However, you shouldn’t be connecting anything with a high enough power draw to trip these fuses. Check out Do you need a voltage converter? for more information. The short version is that recharging portable electronic devices is fine, but powering anything that has a motor or heats up is not. Nearly every appliance or device has its power draw written on it somewhere , so worst case, you can compare that to what’s listed on the adapter. And so you don’t have to look it up, volts × amps = watts.

The other option we considered and tested is individual plug adapters. These small adapters attach to the prongs of your current charger so they’ll plug into a foreign outlet. In deciding which of these to test, we judged by size and available plug-type options. As you’ll see with our two picks, one is exceptionally small, and the other offers sturdier plugs that are available in a range of plug types that’s wide enough to cover you no matter where in the world you’re headed.

The universal travel adapters are far more similar to one another than they are different. However, getting in a dozen and playing with them for a while revealed that some felt better put together than others. After spending several minutes with each one, forcefully extending the various plugs, slamming them back in, and just being fairly rough with them, I found it easy to tell which felt like they’d last a few trips, and which wouldn’t. None felt like you’d own them for a lifetime. Since none are expensive, though, this didn’t seem like a major issue.

All had a US-style plug, so I tested each one in several outlets around my house—some new, some old. I didn’t find much difference in how they fit and worked. I connected several chargers and plugs to the output side of each adapter as well. Again, not much difference. Last, I checked how bright the LED on each was, since a too-bright LED keeping me awake has been a pet peeve of mine for years. Many USB chargers have LEDs bright enough to practically read from; I eliminated any universal adapter that had this problem.

For the plug adapters, I tried plugging in several devices, as well as inserting them into outlets around my house. I checked how tight the connections were and how they felt overall. Would they fall apart with simple use or perhaps hold up to being tossed around in bags for a few weeks or months?

In reality, the testing for all the adapter types didn’t reveal much variation in terms of performance. These are all remarkably similar products. How they felt to use and their different features played a far bigger role in establishing our final picks.

While all the universal travel adapters we tested included the same three types of plugs (plus the familiar US-style one), they differed in how many USB ports each had and how quickly they could charge—and that’s where the Epicka Universal Travel Adapter excelled. It has five USB ports: four of the standard USB-A size and one of the newer USB-C. (You may not have a USB-C device at the moment, but you likely will in the future.) These will let you charge, say, three phones, two tablets, and—via the adapter’s main plug—a camera battery that has its own wall charger, all at once.

In addition, and just as important, is the maximum power output: 5.6 amps. This was the highest of all the adapters we considered, which means you can charge more of your devices at higher speeds before hitting the max output.

Keep in mind that the maximum output per USB-A port is 2.4 amps, the max on the USB-C port is 3 amps, and if you’re using all five ports you won’t be able to charge every connected device at full speed—it’ll only give you that 5.6 amp output in total . The output is still far lower than what you can get from a decent USB charger combined with our pick for a simple plug adapter (more on that in the plug adapter section , below), but it’s significantly better than most universal travel adapters, which often max out under 3 amps total.

The Epicka has three sliders on one side, with a button on the other to lock/unlock your chosen plug in place. This arrangement feels more secure than the semi-locking or slide-locking system that some other universals use. However, this is plastic-on-plastic, so don’t expect a tank. As these things go, the Epicka feels sturdy. The US and Australia share a pair of prongs—you twist the prongs manually to set them up for an angled Australia-style outlet.

The four regular USB plugs are all on one side, which is tidier than the “flailing gibbon” look of some other universal adapters.

The above details were what put the Epicka at the top of our list, but the adapter has a few other features that are the cherry on top, so to speak. For instance, it comes with a small nylon case and a USB cable with a split end, so it works with either Micro-USB or Lightning devices. While the adapter has an LED to show you it’s working, the glow isn’t so bright as to be a distraction at night.

One last note. There are multiple Epicka universal adapters, and even Epicka can’t keep the names straight. We’ve seen this one called, variously, Universal Travel Adapter, International Travel Adapter, Travel Adapter-2, Universal USB Travel Power Adapter (2018), and even Universal Travel Adapter One Worldwide International Wall Charger AC Plug Adaptor with 5.6A Smart Power 3.0A USB Type-C for USA EU UK AUS Cell Phone Tablet Laptop (Grey). Best to follow the link above. Also, you may find another company selling a twin of this. The Epicka has the most reviews and offers free shipping with Prime. The other options we saw have few or no reviews, or charge outrageous shipping costs.

As with all of these adapters, I wouldn’t expect the Epicka to last forever. Given its locking design and case, it’s probably going to last longer than many others, but all of these are almost entirely inexpensive plastic devices. Just something to keep in mind.

While the prongs themselves felt secure, and being able to lock them into place was nice, it’s entirely possible that the size and weight of the adapter, plus whatever you’ve plugged into it, could pull it out of an outlet. That is, unfortunately, a risk with every universal adapter.

Another risk with any universal adapter—as we mentioned above—is that it’s not going to work where you’re headed. Epicka claims it will work in 150 countries, but there are more than 200 countries (the exact number is harder to pin down than you might realize) . And even in each of those 150 countries, there’s no guarantee that the adapter will work in every outlet in every building. Plug adapters are a somewhat safer bet to work specifically where you’re going, but they have their own downsides, which we’ll discuss below.

Also, while the Epicka is a little smaller than some of the others we tested, all universal adapters are much bulkier than plug adapters. As someone who has spent most of the past several years traveling, I feel plug adapters are far easier and less annoying to deal with. This is largely why we have two recommendations for that category.

The Ceptics Plug Adapter set combines everything we were looking for in plug adapters: small size, solid build quality, and—well, small size is really the thing here. Each adapter is no larger than it needs to be to fit over the American-style prongs of your charger. The plastic feels solid and not flimsy. Each adapter has the region or countries it should be used in written on the side. The five plugs in the set are the same four as you’ll find on the universal adapters recommended above, plus the thicker, round European-style prongs used in parts of France, parts of Asia, and elsewhere.

Though the set comes with a small case, you probably wouldn’t be traveling with the entire set very often. Instead, you’d pack just the specific adapter or adapters you’d be using on each trip. These are for the person who wants to travel as light and as simply as possible. I myself, and my friends who travel frequently, swear by these small, inexpensive adapters. Also, if you have a USB multiport charger you like or a charger that’s especially fast, you can use that charger with just a tiny, almost weightless plug at the end.

However, plug adapters aren’t for everyone, and that’s why they’re not our main pick. For one thing, if you don’t already own a multiport USB wall charger, you’ll still have to get one if you don’t want to carry a charger for each device. Also, depending on what you’re connecting with these plug adapters, your charger or device could wobble and maybe fall out. The connections inside are solid enough that this shouldn’t happen, but it’s possible. Our universal-adapter picks, as well as the other Ceptics set we discuss below, have a larger “face” for your charger to brace against—more like that of a traditional outlet—so there’s less chance of gravity having its way with your gear.

Being small and inexpensive, plug adapters are not built for high-power, high-wattage items, though hopefully we’ve persuaded you to leave those at home . If you’re charging a battery, you should be fine. If you’re running a motor, probably not. Laptops, yes; mini-fridges, no.

Last, these things being so small, you could easily lose them in your bag or leave them behind in an outlet somewhere, if you’re the type of person who loses things. (That’s why I usually keep mine connected to my charger.)

For a hardcore traveler like me, these are my pick. They’re cheap, light, and small, and they work.

Though made by the same company as the Ceptics International Worldwide Travel Plug Adapter 5 Piece Set—and bearing a confusingly similar name—the plug adapters in the Ceptics Adapter Plug Set for Worldwide International Travel Use are, as you can see, a completely different design. They’re much larger than the other Ceptics (let’s call the previous set Ceptics Black and this one Ceptics White for simplicity). Nonetheless, they’re each smaller than a universal adapter, and they have one key benefit over our top plug-adapter pick: You can purchase them in multipacks for individual regions, including regions beyond those covered by the Ceptics Black set.

The Ceptics White are small, but not as small as the Ceptics Black. That extra size does offer one benefit, however: These adapters have more of a face on the output side, so there’s more surface for your charger to lean against. This means your charger is less likely to fall out. Again, neither set of plugs we tested had loose connections, but this is always a risk, as chargers vary. One other difference: In place of the two-pronged US plug we saw (type A) in our other picks, this set includes the three-pronged grounded version .

The real benefit to the Ceptics Whites, however, is not their physical characteristics. This range is one of your only options if you want to buy a plug adapter for a specific region or country. Headed to India or South Africa ? A universal adapter probably won’t work, but you can get a three-pack of Ceptics that will. You can also buy the offset three-prong and in-line three-prong for Switzerland and Italy, respectively, as well as plugs for Israel and Brazil , both the thin and the thick European plugs, and of course, Australia and UK versions too. They cost less than $10 per set. Any of those links will bring you to a page that lets you choose among plugs for different regions—definitely verify at checkout that you’ve picked the correct ones!

These adapters are ideal for someone headed to a country not covered by a universal adapter, or who has multiple chargers they want to plug in while traveling. They’re not quite as compact as the Ceptics Black adapters, but for most people, this difference in size won’t be an issue. I’ve traveled with these Ceptics plugs for many years, and they show no signs of wear.

Every adapter you see in this guide merely sends the current from the wall directly to whatever you plug into it. These are not voltage converters. Which is to say, if you’re in the UK, whatever you plug into the front of the adapter is going to get the UK’s 220 volts/50 hertz electricity, not the 120 volt/60 hertz that you’d get in the US. Travel plug adapters don’t convert the voltage; they only convert the plug . (Our universal picks do convert the local current to USB voltage, but only for the USB ports.)

However, for the vast majority of people, this is all you need. It’s exceptionally rare that anyone would need a voltage converter anymore. This is because most so-called wall warts, like on your phone charger or your camera’s battery charger, will convert the wall voltage into what it needs automatically.

Take a look at your charger. Somewhere, it should say “100–220V 50/60Hz.” This means it can accept anything between 100 V and 220 V, which covers domestic electricity pretty much everywhere, and either 50 Hz or 60 Hz, which again covers everything. If your charger doesn’t say this, it might not work with a travel adapter. If it only says "120V–60Hz," it will almost certainly not work—or not work correctly—with a travel adapter.

But here’s the other reason we don’t recommend buying a voltage converter: Your device might not work even with one. Anything with a motor (like hair dryers), anything with a heating element (like a clothing iron or a curling iron), or anything with a plug that goes directly to the device (as in no wall wart), probably won’t work in another country regardless of what kind of converter or adapter you bring . The good news is, pretty much every hotel, hostel, and Airbnb will have a hair dryer you can borrow. This is one of those times where we can’t cover everything you might want to bring, but for the vast majority of you, you don’t need a voltage converter. Either it’s not necessary, or the device that needs one won’t work anyway. Worst case, if it’s something cheap and you really need it—a hot pot or an electric kettle, say—consider buying one at your destination.

One occasional exception is electric razors. These often fall into the “single cable, no wall wart, has a motor” category. Which is to say, they probably won’t work without a voltage converter. (Again, check the fine print near the plug or on the device itself.) Many hotels have a shaver plug in the bathroom , with a US-style outlet and US-style 110 volt-or-so voltage. However, not every hotel will have these, and they’re very rare in hostels and Airbnbs. If you need one, best to call ahead and see if your hotel has them. Or use disposables on your trip.

It’s worth noting again for clarity, USB is USB, so if you’re just plugging in a USB cable , unless something is horribly wrong, one USB port’s voltage is the same as any other USB port’s voltage. How fast that port will charge your gear will vary (that’s related to amperage), but unless the charger is faulty, a USB port shouldn’t damage your gear.

We considered many more adapters than those listed here. However, the majority of travel adapters available boil down to just a dozen or so designs sold by myriad companies. We’ve listed two representatives of each of the most common designs, but in most cases, many more exist. Chances are, if it looks similar and has similar specs, it’s probably the same inside.

Universal travel adapters

Askali, Unidapt , others: Only 3.4 amps maximum output, which means it’ll take longer to charge all of your devices.

Bluegogo  (currently unavailable): Only two USB and slower-charging than our picks.

Bonaker: Formerly our runner-up pick, this travel adapter had the usual mix of four plug types to cover you in most countries, but its four USB-A ports were slower than our top pick’s, and it had no USB-C port at all. It’s also since disappeared from Amazon.

Bonazza , Urbo , others: Feels flimsy, even compared with others here. Two-piece design is more cumbersome than helpful. Only 3.4 amps maximum output.

Ceptics Travel Power Strip : The Travel Power Strip combines the interchangeable-plug aspect of the Ceptics Plug Adapter Set with a two-outlet power strip and short extension cord. It also has USB-A and USB-C outputs. If you have multiple non-USB items you want to charge at once—a laptop and a camera charger, for instance—this is a good option. But we think most travelers will prefer the more portable brick design of our picks over this power strip.

Conair Travel Smart : It has only one USB port, with a maximum of 1 amp, but with three outlets, it’s one of the few travel adapters that lets you plug in multiple non-USB devices.

Monoprice Compact Cube Universal Travel Adapter : I own one of these, and it’s fine, but if you’re going the universal route, our picks have USB charging for just a few dollars more. If you don’t need USB charging, our plug-adapter picks are probably better choices. Insten is a similar product but with, apparently, surge suppression built in. But as there’s no way to change the fuse, this is likely one-and-done if you plug in something too powerful.

Mu One (currently unavailable): The Mu offered a much higher power output than other travel adapters: 45 watts, enough to quickly charge even a big-battery device such as a MacBook Air. However, after trying and failing to launch a Mu Two in 2020, the company went out of business. The name and remaining assets were bought by a company called Discovery Club, which seems to be selling off the inventory.

Ougrand (green) : Same shape as the Unidapt, but with a USB-C in place of one of the regular USB connections; 3.4 amp max total.

Huanuo  (currently unavailable): A bit bulky, with three regular USB ports and one USB-C; 3.4 amps maximum.

WGGE , Jollyfit : Only 2.4 amps max, less than either of our picks.

Plug adapters

Bestek Grounded Universal Worldwide Plug : Likely made in the same factory as the Ceptics White plugs, the Bestek set looks the same and is roughly the same price. It offers a wide variety of plug types, but lacks the Type C Europlug that’s common in most adapter sets and usable across most of Europe. (The Europlug was invented to fit into a wide range of European outlet types.) If our Ceptics White pick is sold out, these will also work.

Lewis N. Clark Adapter Plug Kit  (currently unavailable): This kit looks fine, but it is more expensive and has one less plug compared with our Ceptics pick.

Insignia Global Travel Adapter Kit  (currently unavailable): The Insignia has a clever interlocking and compact design, akin to that of the old Flight 001 universal adapter (Flight 001, the specialty travel-gear retailer, is now no longer operating in the US), and the individual plugs feel solid. However, it is expensive compared with our picks, and it doesn’t offer anything that you couldn’t do with our picks just by connecting them end to end (if you wanted to).

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

Meet your guide

Geoffrey Morrison

Geoffrey Morrison is Wirecutter’s former AV editor, current editor-at-large, and a travel writer and photographer. He covers action cameras, gimbals, travel backpacks, and other gear. He has been to all 50 states and 60 countries, and he is the author of Budget Travel for Dummies and the sci-fi novel Undersea .

Further reading

The Best Travel Power Strips and Surge Protectors With USB Charging

by Sarah Witman

The best power strip for travel in North America is the easily packable Tripp Lite Protect It 3-Outlet Surge Protector —our top pick for eight years running.

The Best Gear for Travel

by Wirecutter Staff

We put in another year and tens of thousands more miles of travel to test the best travel gear—and we stand by last year’s choices alongside a few new picks.

The Gadgets We Bring on Every Trip

by Haley Perry

You don't have to be a digital nomad to travel like one. Here are a few gadgets and accessories to make travel as painless as possible.

The Best USB-C Cables and Adapters

While Cable Matters’s USB-C to USB-C Charging Cable is our favorite USB-C option, we also have recommendations for almost every need you could imagine.

Adapter Guide - Type C

Read about each plug type

Type C Travel Adapter

• Some African countries
• All of Europe except for UK, Ireland, Cyprus and Malta
• All of Asia except for Japan, Bahrain, Saudia Arabia, Qatar and Yemen

How to identify Type C Adapter and Socket?

Type C Adapter

Type C Socket

Our Type C Adapters

• 2 in 1 - Type C
• 2 in 1 + USB - Type C
• 2 USB - Type C
• All in One with Dual USB
• LiteFuze 200W Travel Voltage Converter
• OREI 7 Pcs Worldwide Grounded Travel Adapter Plug Set
• 2 in 1 - Type C (3 Pack)
• 2 USB + 1 INPUT - Type C
• M8 Max - 3 USB + PD USB-C

Technical specification

• The Type C Adapter has two round pins of average diameter 4.0 - 4.8 mm spaced 19 mm apart from each other.
• The Adapter is rated at 220-240 V and 2.5 A

Guidelines for use

Make sure the device you need to charge or use is switched off.

Check the Voltage guide to see if yo uneed a Voltage Converter

If you require a Voltage Converter, then plug your device cable or charger into the Voltage Converter first and then plug the Voltage Converter into your Type C Travel Adapter.

If you aren't using a Converter, plug the device cable/charger directly into the Type C Travel Adapter.

If there's a switch beside the wall socket, make sure it is in the OFF position before you plug in your device.

Plug the Travel Adaper into the soecket and voila, your device will start working!.

If you have a dual device adapter and want to plug in your second device, remove the adapter from the wall socket and then repeat Seps 4 to 6.

List of countries with Type C

Below is a list of countries that the Type C adapter can be used in along with their voltages & frequencies. You can check for your devices' voltage requirements here to see if you need a voltage converter.

Please Select your Location

This will help us to show you adaptors that will work with your domestic devices.

Tip: If you are not located in the UK or USA just click on the picture that shows your domestic plug or socket / outlet type and we'll know what you need.

Alternatively if we do not support your specific plug / socket types yet you can close this and view the site with default settings.

You can change your preference at any time by clicking on the flag icons at the top of the page.

Nan-Fuse: A Super Compact Smart Charging Adapter

5-in-1 international adapter | 65W Delivery | Safe/Grounded

Full USB & USB-C charging | GaN | Quick Charge

• 877-260-1301

PAK - Adapters

Pak-eu travel adapter kit | type c, e/f, g - usb & usb-c ports + 2 us outlets.

  Learn More...

Key Features

• The PAK-EU Adapter Set: Designed in the USA - simple, safe and easy to use
• Connect up to 4 Devices
• 2x US standard outlets - Accepts the standard N. American 2 or 3 prong flat pin NEMA 5-15 plug (including polarized)
• 1x USB & 1x USB-C (total max 3.1A) is ideal to charge smartphones, tablets, iPhone, iPad and other USB devices at full speeds
• Voltage indicator LEDs (110V or 220V) - one LED illuminates to indicate 110V in the outlets or both LEDs will illuminate to indicate 220V
• 3x SWadAPt plugs - Swap N' Adapt compatible interchangeable plug adapter attachments: Type C, E/F, G for use anywhere in Europe
• Fully grounded connection from the input to the output
• Small and light design - measures only 1.93" x 1.60" x 2.18" (20% more compact than competitors)
• Max. amps up to 10A
• Max. voltage up to 250V
• CE Certified & RoHS Compliant
• 2-Year Limited Warranty included
• Note: This adapter doesn't convert voltage. Its compatible for use with dual voltage or worldwide voltage devices with input voltage range from 100-240V. If your device doesn't support the destination country's voltage then you may need to use it with an appropriate size voltage converter. Cell phone chargers such as iPad, iPhone, laptop chargers are dual voltage and are compatible with these adapters

Technical Specs

Supported regions, type c  is supported in following regions:.

• Balearic Islands
• Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Czech Republic
• Faroe Islands
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Vatican City
• Saint Barthelemy
• French Guiana
• Netherlands Antilles
• Afghanistan
• Korea. North
• Korea. South
• Philippines
• Turkmenistan
• Burkina Faso
• Canary Islands
• Central Africa Republic
• Congo Republic
• Congo Democratic Rep
• Equatorial Guinea
• Guinea-Bissau
• Ivory Coast
• Mali. Republic of
• Sao Tome and Principe
• French Polynesia
• New Caledonia

Type E/F  is supported in following regions:

• Saudi Arabia

Type G  is supported in following regions:

• Channel Islands
• Isle Of Man
• Northern Ireland
• United Kingdom
• Antigua & Barbuda
• Saint Kitts-Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Vincent
• Falkland Islands
• United Arab Emirates
• Saint Helena
• Sierra Leone

Adapter Comparison Chart

Thank you for submitting a review!

Your input is very much appreciated. Share it with your friends so they can enjoy it too!

Innovative plug adapter, well built

I picked this adapter over others because it allows for swapping out the plugs using a single base. As travel to Europe will include stops in Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Italy, and possible other places, it was important to have an adapter that will work in each of these countries. The adapter is solidly built. I have a tendency to be a little rough with device like this, but it held up to me. If I have one complaint, it would be that one of the plugs fit a little to snug into the base. We were able to get it to seat, and a slight tap allowed us to remove it. I'm sure with use, it will loosen up. The other plugs fit nicely, seated well, and removed easily.I was contacted by one of owners to see whether I had issues. So I can say, their customer service is probably great. If the big guy reaches out, I'm sure any issues I might have will be resolved to my liking.

Best converter I have used!

I have been traveling overseas for decades and buying converters regularly. This is the best one so far. Small, solid and reliable.Used it for almost 2 months non stop and still working perfectly. I will get 2 mores!

It works traveling out of the country

Used it on my trip to Nigeria and Paris trip it word great

Just enough

Great for what I needed it for....international travel charging for my Apple products

on time and working. good price.

Works as advertized

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Travel hacks for your Moscow business trip

Moscow has three main international airports: Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo and Vnukovo. From all of them can you can get to the city via the Aeroexpress Train or taxi.

Please follow the signs to get to the Aeroexpress Station. If you have any trouble, go to the nearest Information Stand – the attendants there speak English, and surely will be able to assist you. The Aeroexpress Trains will take you to one of Moscow’s train stations, depending on which airport you leave from. Travel time is about 30 minutes. Tickets cost 340 rubles (7 euros or $10), and you can buy them from a vending machine just before train departure (credit cards are accepted), or to save time, buy your tickets in advance from the Aeroexpress website.

If you prefer, you can grab a taxi. You will need to order your vehicle in advance; otherwise, you run the risk of becoming a victim of the privateer taxi drivers, who will aggressively offer you their services as soon as you leave the arrivals area. Ignore them.

http://www.taxi-pilot.ru/eng/taxi_in_moscow.html

http://www.9995556.ru/about (possibility of renting a car with driver)

http://www.womantaxi.ru/ (female taxis – drivers are women)

http://www.moscowminitaxi.ru (possibility of renting a car with a driver for a day or longer)

Bankcards and money

The official currency of Russia is the ruble, and payment in other currencies is not possible. You can change your money into rubles right at the airport, but not at very favorable rates. If you need cash to pay for your taxi (the average price from the airport to the city center is 800–1,200 rubles (17–25 euros or $ 24-35), and credit cards are not accepted), then change a small amount at the airport. After that, exchange the rest at a more favorable rate in any bank in the city. In Moscow, almost everywhere you can pay by credit card, with the exception of some small shops, subway ticket offices (!) and most museums. However, it is always best to have cash in your wallet, because if a bankcard terminal is not working at a store, you will learn this only when you reach the checkout counter: posting announcements about such problems is not done in Moscow. In addition, if the seller does not have change for a large bill, he/she will likely ask you to solve this problem yourself, in which case you will have to resort to using your bankcard.

Getting around in the city

Ideally, if your office and hotel are located not far from each other in the city center, then you can walk between the two places. The territory of Moscow is huge, and trying to get to faraway places on foot is impossible. Alternatives are the Metro (subway) and taxis. Pros of the former are the speed and relative cheapness, cons are the intolerable stuffiness in the railcars and the huge number of passengers. The pros of the latter mode are obvious, but all these are nullified in monstrous Moscow traffic jams during rush hour. Rule number one: plan your meetings in advance and choose the appropriate times and modes of transportation.

By the way, along with the “official” taxis, people in Moscow often use private “motorists.” You can flag down a car anywhere in the city, just go to the roadside and raise your hand in a characteristic gesture. The average price in the city is about 300 rubles (6 euros or $9). Keep in mind that when you travel with a private “motorist,” you are responsible for your own safety. Phone numbers of emergency services are given in the box.

Translation problems

Contrary to the opinion of Muscovites, in Moscow very few people can speak normal English. Yes, they will be able to explain to you how to get somewhere in English, but not much more than that. If you will need to converse a lot, it is better to use the services of a personal translator. This service is provided by translation bureaus and specialized agencies. Here we list some of them:

http://www.primavista.ru/eng

http://moscowtime24.com/services/interpretation-services.html

http://www.welcome-moscow.com/

http://interpretermoscow.com/en/

Where to work

Moscow has no shortage of restaurants for holding business meetings. However, as far as good work spaces go, the city offers limited opportunities. If you need to rent an office for a few days, with all the necessary equipment, then take advantage of the co-working centers. Recently, this concept has gained a lot of popularity in Moscow, so it will not be hard to find something suitable: for example, a strict office for a serious meeting in the business district of the MIBC Moscow-City, or the so-called creative space for creative work near a park.

By the way, socket types C and F of 220 V are used in Russia, so do not forget the 220-volt adapter for your laptop.

Co-working places:

http://coworkstation.ru/

http://flacon.ru/space/coworking/

http://ditelegraph.com/

Emergency numbers

In Russia, a common three-digit number system is used to call different services in an emergency: Ambulance – 103, Police – 102, rescuers and firefighters – 101, 112.

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Where to buy a travel adaptor for electronics? - Moscow Forum

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Where to buy a travel adaptor for electronics?

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any big electronic shop will have those, or airport

Hi @Heidi F

I just had a look online and it seems that it might be a struggle!

There is plenty of options in online-shops:

I have found this:

https://www.auchan.ru/pokupki/adapt-pereh-k-d-mezhdun-rozetok.html - Probably really low quality, but very cheap

Other online options:

https://nano-pad.ru/perehodnik-vilka-dlya-rozetok.html

http://moskva.regmarkets.ru/universalnye-adaptery-dlya-rozetok/

However, if you need it urgently I would suggest going to Phone and electronics stores (such as Svyaznoy, Mvideo, etc.) in City Centre Moscow and asking in store.

There is a chain of stores called Moshoztorg. Their flagship is right on Tverskaya not far from the Ritz. They have all kinds of home appliances.

Thanks everyone for your replies. You would think that every big electronic store would have them, but not so. I am living here, not a tourist. I've looked at Auchan (which has everything) and in the underground kiosks, keep seeing usb adaptors but not pin to pin. The one I have been using for my Aussie electronics has broken and its urgent. Buying something online is not an option :(.

gogorussia_com, that first link of yours is pretty much exactly what I need. I've been to the auchan near Lenninsky Prospect metro. They didn't have them in stock. Just available online maybe?

I would second hitting "cell phone" type stores...as mentioned Svyaznoi or my favorite Evroset. Barring that, I have wandered thru a very electronics store at the Erevan Plaza shopping center right above the Tulskaya Metro station, that seemed to have everything, but am guessing there are many others. I have to believe they would have something like this.

Auchan at Leninskiy Prospect might have this at travel department upstairs, where travel bags are. There is also a Svyaznoy and Evroset stores in the shopping center.

Come to think of it, think I saw a pretty good range of adaptors even at a small kiosk at Paveletski Station...I think the key is indeed hitting some places more aimed at travelers...

Okay, today I went back to Auchan at Leninsky Prospect and looked near the luggage. Some different travel gear but no adaptors.

I then went into Mvideo and spoke with them. They do not stock this kind of thing. I looked for Svyaznoy and Evroset in Gagarinsky mall. Couldn't find them. As a back up I bought a new cord for my camera battery charger. It actually fits and is working!

Thanks again to those of you who gave advice. I hope future TripAdvisor posters that come across this thread will have better luck finding a universal adaptor here!

Your best bet would be look for something like that online like Yandex marketplace

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Adaptor plug - Moscow Forum

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Adaptor plug

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I’ve tried to check this forum for info on adaptors but can’t find anything. We’re traveling from Uk and believe it’s two pin plugs, does anyone know if it’s standard two pin plugs as we use in Europe. Thanks any help appreciated

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AC_power_plugs_and_sockets

Either Type C "Europlug" (Soviet-era sockets were basically the same) or Type F "Schuko".

Normal continental sockets... Enjoy!

Russia uses the standard European plugs, that is, thin-pin, non-grounded Europlugs, and thick-pin, grounded Schukos. If you have adaptors for other European countries, they are good for Russia as well.

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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