Do I need an international voltage converter for my trip to Australia? (hotels, airport)

[Jericho-79]

Hey everyone. Last month I traveled to Italy for the first time. While I was there, I noticed that the electrical outlets in the hotels looked VERY different from the electrical outlets in America. So I had no way to recharge the lithium battery on my cell phone.

Next week I'll be traveling to Australia, and I'm sure the electrical outlets in that country will look different as well. And I'll definitely need to recharge the lithium batteries on my cell phone and digital camera.

Someone on Facebook told me that I needed an International Voltage Converter kit if I want to plug in my battery chargers. I'll need something that will convert 220V (AU power) to 110V (US power), or else I could cause a fire.

So I went to Walmart and found a Protege International Voltage Converter kit for $20 USD. It can convert 220V to 110V. However, on the back, there was a warning label that read: "Not to be used for power tools, computers...and battery chargers".

Is this international voltage converter kit what I really need in order to recharge my cell phone and digital camera?

What would you advise me to do?

[MAK802]

Converter? Probably not. Adapter? Definitely. Your laptop, camera, cell phone, etc. chargers have a built in converter, you just need an adapter to plug it in. This site is very helpful in determining what type of electricity is in each country.

Electricity Around the World

[chilaili]

I got mine at Radio Shack. They sell a package that has adapters for different countries around the world.

[wanneroo]

Look at your battery charger or power supply on your computer. It will likely say "Input 100-240V".

In that case you are good you just need a plug adapter which you can get at any travel store or at the airport likely in Australia.

[intelfan11315]

I got my adapter for 12 bucks at best buy and it will work in any country.

[artemis agrotera]

Hey Jericho,

An adaptor you will need. Probably won't need a convertor.


As wanaroo said, check the details on the chargers, although I think it would be easier to purchase US to AUS adaptor in US, (most shops will sell AUS to US here)