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If you are to travel in another country with electrical appliances, the type of electrical voltage, plugs and outlets used in the destination country is the first issue you should consider before setting out.
Therefore, a voltage converter or transformer, and a suitable plug adapter are needed when traveling from one country to another.
Converters are capable of changing line voltage from one amount to another. There are generally two types of converters. One type can only be used with non-earthed (2 wire) electric appliances (curling irons, hairdryers, irons, etc.) and can work only for a short time, while the other can be used with earthed (3 wire) appliances such as some electric and electronic appliances like radios, TVs and computers for a relatively long period of time. There is also a combination converter for both types in the market. All these converters have two operating forms, i.e. 'Step-Up' or 'Step-Down', usually with a switch to control the direction of working. To choose a suitable voltage converters or transformer, it is advised to buy one that is rated at least 50% higher than that of the appliance with which you want to use.
However, nowadays, most portable electric and electronic appliances such as laptops, digital cameras, video games are equipped with power supplies that can be used almost everywhere in the world. Check the label of the devices and if there are something like: Input: AC 100-240V~1.0A, 50 / 60 HZ, which means the device can accept voltage from 100 volts to 240 volts and can work on a system of either 50 Hz or 60 Hz. In this case, the device can work almost everywhere without any additional transformers or converters except a plug adaptor.
Adaptors do not change the voltage, and they only allow you to plug your appliance with one kind of outlet into a foreign outlet. As a matter of fact, there are at least 13 different kinds of outlets in the world. For example, a flat-pinned outlet is used in North America and a round-pinned in Europe and Asia. For people who only go to one foreign country, an individual adaptor will be enough; for a world traveler like a business man, a typical travel adaptor kit containing about five adaptors deal with most of the outlets around the world will be an ideal choice.
To make things even more convenient, an international or universal adaptor can just solve all the problems concerned with adaptors. The international or universal adaptor is extremely compact with about five different plug connectors contained in a handy compact case. Only one plug is exposed at a time for safety and both grounded and ungrounded plugs are accepted. Some are even equipped with built-in surge protector to keep the devices safe from spikes in foreign electricity. It is really ideal for frequent international travelers.
Most of these converters and adaptors described above are available in airport shops and duty free stores as well as at local hardware or electronics stores at your destination.
Furthermore, you should bear in mind some important safety measures about the use of electricity. First, when your hands are wet, don't touch or operate electrical equipment or devices. Second, when the plugs, adaptors, switches, or sockets are broken, do not use them any longer.
