The Traveler's Guide to International Electricity (And the One Thing You Should Never Leave Home Without)

The Golden Rule: Adapters vs. Converters

These two words get used interchangeably all the time. They shouldn't. They do completely different things.

Adapters change the physical shape of your plug so it fits into a foreign wall outlet. That's it. They do not touch the electricity itself.

Converters (or Transformers) actually change the voltage coming out of the wall to match what your device needs.

Understanding this distinction is the single most important thing you can do before packing.

120V vs. 220V: The World Is Split

The globe runs on two main electrical systems:

• North America: 110–120 Volts (120V)
• Most of the rest of the world (Europe, Asia, Africa, South America): 220–240 Volts (220V)

Plug a single-voltage 120V American device directly into a 220V outlet with just an adapter, and you're sending twice the electricity through a device that wasn't built for it. Overheating, melting, and short circuits follow.

The Lifesaver: Dual Voltage Devices

Most modern electronics are dual voltage — they have a built-in mechanism to safely accept anything from 100V to 240V.

How to check: Look at the fine print on your device's power brick or handle.

• INPUT: 100–240V, 50/60Hz → Dual voltage. Just needs a physical adapter. (iPhones, laptops, iPads, camera chargers)
• INPUT: 120V → Single voltage. Needs a converter. (Hair dryers, curling irons, clippers, heating pads)

Grounded vs. Ungrounded: A Safety Distinction Worth Knowing

• Ungrounded (2-prong): Double-insulated devices that don't require a ground wire. (Phone chargers, electric toothbrushes)
• Grounded (3-prong): Devices with a third pin that acts as a fail-safe. (Laptops, power strips)

The rule: A 2-prong device can go into a grounded adapter. A 3-prong grounded device cannot go into an ungrounded adapter.

Plug Types by Region: Your Cheat Sheet

We carry Voltage Valet and Smooth Trip adapters for every major region. Here's what to grab:

Continental Europe (France, Germany, Spain, Netherlands, Italy, etc.)
Two thin round pins — IEC Type C/E/F

• Ungrounded: Voltage Valet Type B – PBC-1
• Grounded: Voltage Valet GUB
• All-in-one: Smooth Trip Dual USB Euro Adapter

United Kingdom, Ireland & Hong Kong
Three thick rectangular prongs — IEC Type G
Tip: UK outlets have a wall switch that must be flipped ON

• Ungrounded: Voltage Valet Type D – PDC-1
• Grounded: Voltage Valet GUD

Australia, New Zealand & China
Two flat blades in an inverted "V" — IEC Type I

• Ungrounded: Voltage Valet Type C – PCC-1
• Grounded: Voltage Valet GUC

India & Middle East
Three round pins in a triangle — IEC Type D/M

• Ungrounded: Voltage Valet Type F – PFC-1
• Grounded: Voltage Valet GUF

South Africa
Three large round pins — IEC Type N

• Grounded: Voltage Valet GUE

Brazil
Two round pins + ground — IEC Type N

• Grounded: Voltage Valet GUZ – Brazil

Russia
Two round pins — IEC Type C/F

• Grounded: Voltage Valet GUR

Israel
Three prongs in a Y-shape — IEC Type H

• Grounded: Voltage Valet GUL

Italy (some outlets)
Three round pins in a line — IEC Type L

• Grounded: Voltage Valet GUI

North & Central America (for travelers coming TO the US)
Two flat parallel blades — IEC Type A/B

• Ungrounded: Voltage Valet Type A – PAC-1 or Type A with USB — also: Smooth Trip North & South America Ungrounded
• Grounded: Voltage Valet GUA or Smooth Trip North & South America Grounded

Want Everything in One Box?

If you'd rather not think about it region by region, we've got you covered:

• Voltage Valet International Adapter Plus — all-in-one universal adapter
• Smooth Trip 4-in-1 International Adapter Cube
• Smooth Trip Adapter Cube with Dual USB Chargers
• Smooth Trip Adapter Cube with USB-A + USB-C
• Smooth Trip Worldwide Converter & Adapter Set — includes a converter for single-voltage devices

The One Thing Most Travelers Actually Need

Here's the honest truth: the vast majority of travelers — anyone carrying a smartphone, laptop, tablet, or camera — are traveling with dual voltage devices. They don't need a converter. They just need a reliable adapter that works everywhere.

That's exactly why we created the Lieber's Luggage® Ultimate International Travel Adapter. We made it orange on purpose — it's almost impossible to leave behind.

• ✅ Works in 150+ countries
• ✅ Dual built-in fuses for surge protection
• ✅ 2× USB-C + 1× USB-A ports
• ✅ Compact enough to live in your bag permanently

Quick Reference: Do I Need a Converter?

Pack Smart. Stay Powered.

International travel has enough variables. Your power situation shouldn't be one of them. Stop by 6515 Menaul Blvd NE or shop online at liebers.com — we'll get you set up before you leave.

Safe travels.

Dustin & Felicia Boyd
Lieber's Luggage
everything but the trip!