If you’re not a seasoned sparky (read: electrician) it can be difficult to understand differences in international voltage. (or, is that just me?)

If you’ve never been abroad before, it may come as a surprise that North America’s power supply operates on a different voltage than most other countries.

Especially if you’re an American traveling abroad, it’s important to convert the electricity to the appropriate voltage to match your device’s requirements. If you don’t, you’ll likely damage your device. (yes, hi, I’ve done that before. RIP curling iron)

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Um. Whut?

That’s the jist (gist?) of what you need to know about international voltage differences without getting too technical with what it means. 

If you’re packing anything more powerful than a cell phone or laptop charger (like an electric shaver or curling iron), you should check your device’s voltage requirements. 

You can usually find voltage info on the manufacturer’s labeling (typically on the back/bottom of the device) or in the owner’s manual. A quick google of your device’s product details can also help in a pinch.   

If you see INPUT: 100-240 V (multi-voltage) on your device’s label, it means that it will work with any voltage between 100 V and 240 V & you’ll likely only need an adapter (no converter necessary).

The good news is, many of the devices you will likely be traveling with (like laptops and phone chargers)  have this multi-voltage feature so you’ll only need a power adapter. 

If you see INPUT: 120V (single voltage) on your device’s label and you’re going somewhere like Europe where the voltage is 230 V, you will need to reduce the voltage with a converter.

Always check the type of power outlet and the voltage level used in the country you’re heading for and be sure you bring the right type to cover both. 

For me, if I’m going abroad, I’ll always bring a multi-country adapter/converter for my room and at least one simple multi-country adapter to carry around.

Just make sure you’re getting the multi-country type like I’ve linked here and you’ll be good to go almost anywhere you travel.