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Making sure you have all the travel necessities is essential to having a smooth trip, whether you’re going abroad or are attending festivals and tours across the country. As you pack your luggage, an international travel adapter should be at the top of your list for its ability to charge your smartphone, tablet and commuter gadgets no matter where you are in the world — and what outlet you’re trying to plug into.
Not all outlets are the same, which is why having a universal travel adapter is a must-have. In the U.S., you’ll find two different plug types: A and B, which have two flat parallel pins (with type B also including a grounding pin). Whereas if you go to Europe they use type C; the U.K. uses type G; Japan type A and Australia uses type I.
Investing in a universal travel adapter will allow you to keep your devices charged or plugged in no matter where your journeys take you.
Keep reading to learn more about travel plugs and where to buy international adapters online.
What Are the Best Travel Adapters & Converters?
To help you narrow down your search, ShopBillboard put together a list of top-rated and bestselling travel adapters you can buy online below.
EDITOR’S PICK
EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter
Not only is this one Billboard editor’s favorite travel adapter to use on adventures overseas, it’s also the No. 1 bestseller on Amazon for electrical adapters. The design features four different plug types that can be used in 150 countries including Japan, Europe and the U.K. It can also charge up to six devices at once thanks to its various charging ports and USB options.
It’s so popular that more than 10,000 of the adapters have been bought in the past month, according to the online retailer.
INTERNATIONAL PICK
Travel Smart Type Worldwide All-In-One Adapter
Travel Smart has come out with an all-in-one adapter that can be used worldwide. It’s built with plug types A, B, C, E, F, G and I, and includes a USB port as well, making it a versatile travel tool no matter where you’re going.
UNIVERSAL PICK
TESSAN Universal Travel Adapter
More than 10,000 Amazon shoppers have purchased TESSAN’s universal travel adapter, and it’s currently on sale for less than $25. It’s compatible with 100V to 250V wide voltage devices and comes with a compact size that you can easily slip into luggage and backpacks without worrying about it taking up space.
EUROPEAN PICK
UGREEN 65W USB C Travel Charger with USA EU UK Plug
If your plans are only to go to Europe, then this travel adapter comes with two different plug-ins that are compatible with European and U.K. outlets. You can charge up to three devices at once using the three USB ports built-into the devices, making it easy to juice up your phone, laptop and more.
USB-COMPATIBLE PICK
Meromore Universal Travel Adapter
Meromore’s international travel adapter can charge up to five devices at once and includes USB ports for the cables that don’t have a plug built into it. You can switch from the different plug types using the side and button while the small size allows you to carry it with you on the go.
BUDGET-FRIENDLY PICK
Travel Smart by Conair All-in-One Adapter
If you’re looking to spend less than $15, pick up Conair’s All-in-One Adapter, which features four of the most common plugs that can be used in more than 150 countries such as North America, South America, Ireland, Europe and more. The device also has a built-in surge protector you can plug dual-voltage appliances into.
Do You Need An Adapter or Converter for International Travel?
During travels abroad, you’ll most likely just need an adapter over a converter if your devices are newer. Converters are usually only needed when you have older hair dryers or irons that require a specific amount of electricity to avoid shorting out as well as fit into a specific plug shape.
What Is the Difference Between a Travel Plug Adapter and Converter?
An adapter is used to fit into plugs that your cable isn’t compatible with — that way you can still use your charging cables or hair tools without having to buy a new one from the country you’re in. Converters are single-voltage items that aim to convert the electricity and prevent your devices from shorting out. Most modern-made electronics are usually multi- or dual-voltage, which means they can withstand different types of electricity and can withstand an adapter on its own.
For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of the best travel deals, travel backpacks and festival gear.
