SOME BASICS

With a few exceptions, everyone in the world uses either 110 or 220 Volt (V) electricity. (By 110 we mean 110-120 Volts and 220, 220-240 Volts.) 110 is prevalent in North, Central and some parts of South America, the Caribbean, and parts of the Pacific. It also is used in some other countries, such as Vietnam. 220 is used about everywhere else. Several countries actually use both 110 and 220. Also, some remote areas use DC power. Countries where you may find DC power are noted with a exclamation point. ("!") Beware of DC power as you can destroy your appliance if you plug in, even with a transformer.

The other difference between electricity is the cycles per second, or Hertz (Hz.) Countries either use 60 Hz. (such as in North America) or 50 Hz. (such as in Europe.) There is a fairly close correlation between 110 V/60 Hz. and 220 V/50 Hz but there are many exceptions. Most electronic devices will not be affected by the cycle change. (But you need to make sure.) Other appliances, including analog clocks and some motorized appliances, will run slower or faster.

What adapter is needed where is often a lesson in past colonialism. Many countries have a multitude of electrical outlet configurations, some to ridiculous proportions. Usually they are island nations, or countries which saw a rapid influx of wealth as their infrastructure was developing, i.e. many Middle Eastern countries. To be safe, you should take all required. However, if you are only taking appliances which are not grounded (with two prongs on the electric plug) you only need non-grounded plugs. Or, if you are taking only grounded appliances (with three prong on the electric plug) you need only grounded plugs. The index on this page contains both grounded and non-grounded plugs. 

The most commonly asked international electricity questions.

Is there a difference between an adapter and a converter or a transformer?

What is the difference between a converter and a transformer?

Now the technical explanation. Most commercial power generators supply electricity that varies in strength and direction. This is called alternating current and the electricity moves in the shape of a sine wave. The variations in the current are not detected because the changes occur 50 or 60 times a second, depending upon the country. A step down converter turns 220V current into 110V current by cutting these sine waves in half. A step down transformer alters the length of sine waves to create 110V current. Electronic appliances require a full wave and should therefore ONLY be used with a transformer. Electric appliances can operate with either a half wave or an altered wave and can be used with a converter OR a transformer. Transformers are for long term use while converters are not. A converter should not be used longer than is necessary to use the appliance and certainly not longer than 2 hours. Transformers are usually much heavier than converters. While transformers are designed for long-term use, you still should unplug them when not being used.

What are electric appliances?

What are electronic appliances?

Is the 50/60 cycle difference important?

Do I need a converter or transformer?

Most products will have the Watts (W) printed somewhere on the items themselves. The wattage of an appliance is important in order to determine the size of converter or transformer that is required. Some appliances list only the amps. If so, there's a simple formula for determine the wattage:

So: if you do not know the watts, but know the amps and that it is a 110 volt appliance, then multiple the amps times the volts. A product that indicates 2 amps will be approximately 220 watts. (2 amps x 110 volts = 220 watts.) It is best to use 125 volts for 110 appliance to give yourself a safety margin.

If an item is marked 110V/220V or 110V/240V, it means that it is dual voltage and a converter or a transformer is NOT required. However, an adapter plug may be needed.