Travel Adapters
And Converters Too!
Electrical output varies around the world, both in what is produced/available and in how to access it. Therefore, when travelling outside the United States, it is important to check whether your electrical devices will work overseas as they are, or if you need to purchase an adapter, converter, or a dual adapter/converter.
Do I need travel adapter?
Anything with a plug will most likely need an adapter when you are traveling overseas.
Outlets in the U.S. are type A or type B. Type A is the ungrounded 2-prong outlet and B has the added third prong.
Outlets in the U.S. are type A or type B. Type A is the ungrounded 2-prong outlet and B has the added third prong.
If you are traveling anywhere that does not use socket types A or B, you will need an adapter so your plug prongs will fit into a different type of socket. This includes all Tekton Ministries pilgrimage destinations except for Mexico and Canada.
Some examples of types of plugs used in pilgrimage locations:
Some examples of types of plugs used in pilgrimage locations:
Do I need a converter?
Different countries use different currents (measured in volts). This can affect the usability of some devices overseas if just plugged straight into a wall. U.S. appliances use 110-120 volts, whereas much of the rest of the world uses 220-240. This means, even if you use an adapter so your appliance can plug into the outlet in your pilgrimage hotel, the power coming through the wires is much stronger than your appliance is created for, and it will short out.
This is true for any appliance/device that is only designed for working with 110-120 volts.
- The exception to this is in Mexico. Their voltage is just a little higher than in the U.S., which does not affect the usability of your device.
- One way to know for sure if you need a converter is to check the label on your appliances / devices. If the label states “INPUT: 100-240V, 50/60 Hz,” then the device can be used in any country, as it works with all voltages across the spectrum.
- If your electronic device is dual voltage (100-240V), you will not need a converter, just an adapter. This includes most smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other electronics with a boxy charger. Most CPAPS are also dual voltage, but please check with your manufacturer/ doctor to make sure yours is compatible.
- If your device is single voltage, you will need a converter, as the higher voltage coming from European sockets will burn out your device. This includes hair dryers, straighteners and curling irons as well as most electric toothbrushes and shavers.
- Please note that even with a converter, your hair dryer may not work the same overseas. We have heard numerous stories of styling tools overheating, smoking, blowing fuses, or not working right upon return. We recommend purchasing cheap travel tools or utilizing those at the hotels whenever possible to avoid any expensive and/or time-consuming issues.
- Nearly all converters are also adapters, but not all adapters are converters. If you need a converter, please read the product description carefully to make sure you purchase what you need.
How to use an adapter/converter
To use an adapter and/or converter, simply plug your device into the appropriate spot on the adapter and then plug the adapter into the wall.
The photo below shows a plug from the UK being plugged into an adapter to be used somewhere in Europe. This is what it will look like when you plug your American device into your adapter/converter.
Once your device is plugged into the adapter/converter, you can plug that into the wall outlet.
The photo below shows a plug from the UK being plugged into an adapter to be used somewhere in Europe. This is what it will look like when you plug your American device into your adapter/converter.
Once your device is plugged into the adapter/converter, you can plug that into the wall outlet.