Did you know that there are around twelve different types of power sockets available around the world?

To our surprise as well, there are! Twelve different types of power sockets needing different types of adapters and what not.

And we have to admit that it’s an unavoidable problem. To get rid of it, an entire community of travel adapter manufacturers sprung up to let frustrated vacationers charge their iPhones and laptops without any problems.

But keep in mind that not all power plug adapters are equal. Therefore, there are a few things you must know before buying one for your overseas trip.

6 Things to Keep in Mind before Buying a Travel Adapter:

It doesn’t Convert Voltages

One of the important things to make sure when you buy a travel adapter is that it doesn’t convert the voltage. Just the layout of the pins on your charger or appliance coming out from the power socket.

In most countries, the usual voltage supply is 220-240 volts. Twice the voltage that you use at home. The power plug adapters you buy should be able to handle this load. Otherwise, it would end up as a non-working appliance with a burning smell.

Make sure to check out the voltage capability of the socket on a small sticker either on the charger or the device itself. If it doesn’t support up to 240 volts, you would need to take a voltage converter as well!

The Size Matters

They are available in many shapes and sizes. Starting from small and simple single-region adapters to larger ‘universal’ versions that can be used in most countries. If you are traveling all over the world, universal ones are convenient ones but their size can create issues for travelers.

The main problem with the large size is that they tend to fall out of the socket if there is any weight on them like a heavy plug if the socket is loose fitting. Plus, there is a good chance that they’ll block the socket beside them.

Thus, take the smallest adapter, or say a set of adapters that you find would work well in all of your traveling destinations. Those single-region versions are cheaper as well.

Those Three Pin Plugs are Must!

Many old-fashioned adapters only have sockets for two-pin plugs. But if you are the one who uses a MacBook, power strip or any other devices with the round earth pin, then they won’t fit in this kind of adapter.

Therefore, make sure that you try the plug into your adapter before buying it. This way, you can avoid a future problem and buy a travel adapter that you actually need.

Don’t Do Airport Shopping

The airport is one of the most expensive places to shop whether it’s food, drink, clothing and almost everything you can think of. If you buy a travel adapter from an airport then you end up paying thrice the actual worth of that adapter. A five dollar worth adapter is sold for well over twenty dollars.

Don’t just be that person, buy your adapter before you set out for the journey. Buying early would let you pick the version you need, type and a golden chance to test it before you leave!

Don’t Buy Many of Them

If you are traveling with a family, you might have a bunch of gadgets and appliances as well. Therefore, buying individual adapters for them is an expensive exercise. Instead of that buy a travel power strip or just pack one lying around at home.

As long as they don’t need to convert their voltages, you can simply plug all your chargers into the power strip. Plug the power strip into the travel adapter and that adapter into the wall. One of the advantages is that it saves you money, provides some extra space in your bag and spares you from the problem of never, ever having that problem of enough power sockets in your hotel room!

Other Options

If you have electronics which can charge via USB, there is a better option available! Many companies make compact power plug sockets with two or four socket USB travel adapters. It will let you charge multiple gadgets from the same adapter!

Some of them have clip-on plugs that allow you to use them in various countries. You can power phones, tablets, Kindles, portable batteries, even electric toothbrush with the same little adapter.

Summing it up:

Before you buy a power plug adapter for your traveling, just make sure that the adapter’s maximum power output, both for individual sockets and as an adapter is whole. Make sure that the recent iPads and smartphones and even other small devices require more juice than the older devices. Therefore, look for power plug adapters which support at least 2.4 MPs from each socket you plan to plug your high powered gadgets into.