What is the difference between an adaptor and a charger?

The purpose of an adapter is to simply help the plugs on your electronics to fit into foreign outlets.

A converter’s job is to change the voltage found in an outlet to match that of your devices. However, you will need to buy an adapter to plug into a foreign socket.

Universal plugs and how they work

Some hotels and businesses have outlets designed to accept plugs from multiple countries. If your lodging has a universal outlet that’s compatible with your native plug, that can forgo your need for an adapter plug. If your itinerary takes you to a nearby business or another hotel that doesn’t have that type of outlet, though, you still need to get an adapter plug.

Hertz ratings

This measures the frequency at which electric current alternates. The world runs in one of two electricity frequencies: 50Hz or 60Hz. It’s not a concern unless you have a clock or a device where the clock function is critical. Most devices are designed to accommodate a range of frequencies; the power label on that type of device will say “50-60Hz.”

Dual voltage

A dual voltage device can accept both 110-120V and 220-240V. Luckily, many travel gadgets are dual voltage, so you’ll only need an adapter plug, also called a travel adapter. Adapter plugs are much smaller, lighter, and relatively inexpensive. Today, many digital dual voltage devices adjust automatically.

Standard and grounded outlet and world voltage and plug chart