If you’re headed to Europe, there’s a good chance you’ve added a plug adapter to your packing list. Or maybe you’ve called it a converter. Or an adapter/converter because…aren’t they basically the same thing?

Nope!

And knowing the difference can save you from a dead device—or even a fried hair tool—in the middle of your European vacation.

So, what’s an adapter?

An adapter changes the shape of the plug so your device can physically plug into a European outlet.

Typical plug type in Europe is the round-pin plug.

Outlets in Europe are shaped differently than the ones we use in the United States, and the exact plug style varies depending on where you’re traveling. Most of continental Europe uses the familiar two-round-pin plugs while the United Kingdom and Ireland use a different three-prong style.

An adapter basically says, “Sure, your American plug can fit in here.”

But here’s the important part: an adapter does NOT change the voltage.

Then what’s a converter?

A converter changes the voltage of the electricity coming from the outlet.

In the U.S., our electrical system typically runs around 120 volts. In Europe, it’s generally 220–240 volts. Plug something designed only for 120V into a European outlet—even with the correct adapter—and you could damage it.

The good news? Most modern electronics don’t need a converter.

Phones, tablets like iPads, laptops, smart watches, and many other electronics are typically dual voltage meaning they can handle both U.S. and European voltage. For those, you usually just need the correct plug adapter.

Look at the tiny print on your item or on the plug. If it says something like:

INPUT: 100–240V, 50/60Hz

you’re good! Grab your adapter and go.

Where many travelers get into trouble: Hair Tools

Hair dryers, curling irons, flat irons, and other heat-producing appliances are where things can get tricky.

If your favorite hair tool says 120V only, an adapter will NOT make it safe to use in Europe. You would need an appropriate voltage converter—and even then, high-wattage appliances can be problematic. Hair dryers almost never work with an adapter, and you risk damaging not only your hair dryer but potentially causing a fire or damage to the hotel or cruise ship!

My suggestion? For European travel, bring dual-voltage hair tools or use the hair dryer provided by your hotel or cruise ship. It’s one less thing to worry about when you’d rather be figuring out where to get your next croissant!

The easy way to remember it

Adapter = changes the plug.
Converter = changes the voltage.

For most travelers carrying phones, tablets and laptops, an adapter is probably all you need—but always check the voltage rating on each device before plugging it in.

It’s a tiny bit of pre-trip homework that can save you a very expensive shopping trip in Europe. Although, depending on what gets fried, maybe that’s not entirely a bad thing. Where you can buy an adapter? Tons of places: Target, TJ Maxx, the airport shops, or Amazon. (That’s the official Upon a Star Travel Amazon Affiliate travel store!)

Are you ready to book a trip where you can use your adapter? Well, let’s talk about that! Reach out to your favorite Upon a Star Travel advisor or contact us for more information.