I must say I've been researching this topic and even asking questions in tons of forums but after watching your video I FINALLY get it! Thank you so much for making it easy to understand. 2 more weeks before I test it out in Europe!
Thank you Sonia. You have simply and clearly explained the use of converters and adapters in foreign countries. Other videos by other people have left me confused. You're the best.
Hi Sonia - love your videos. Can you tell me which backpack you were using at the end of your how to pack ;your camera video? Not the cannon, but the leather one. Thankyou
Thaaaaaank you! This is exactly the subject I have been trying to get an answer to. I am going to S.Korea in the fall and missed to know this info (and the info in the next video too)!
How I wish I would've had something like this in 2010. Totally fried my hairdryer (it started melting a bit!) a week into my travels through France because I didn't know how the voltage worked. This made the concept make so much sense and I won't have to make the same mistake again.
Oh the map is really great !!! How come I have not thought about this before ! I travel so much I never took this into consideration ! Thanks for the tips, and since I am also a globe troter, I always enjoy your videos :) A bientôt !
If i'm traveling to Ireland and Scotland and my phone charger and DSLR camera charger both go up to 240V all I would need is an adapter? If I bought a dual voltage hair straightener that went up to 240V then I would also not need a converter to run those products in those countries? I'm trying to pack as light as possible without needing a heavy converter. What about wanting to charge multiple items at the same time? For instance my phone and camera battery at the same time?
Can you show us the electric converter you refer to? Examples please.. I bought a Samsung phone that came with a US plug but I live in UK. Will I need a converter or an adapter?
The Hz (frequency) is still important to keep your stuff unfried. If you use an appliance that normally runs on a 60Hz frequency, using it on a 50Hz electrical socket could fry it anyway (depends on the insulation of the wiring). If you really want to make sure your stuff won't fry, get a converter that can switch between 50Hz and 60Hz, and know what the electrical frequency is in the country you're visiting.
I’m hoping you can help me. I’m not sure what I need to go to India as in a converter or adapter. I’m from the US and have no idea what’s needed. All I know when I went to China my hair curler didn’t work and I don’t want that to happen in India. My hair curler says it’s dual voltage so do I just buy an adapter? How do I know if I’m buying the right adapter? Please help. Thank you so much.
i am from the USA traveling around europe. i am bringing a 5V input/output back up external battery which charges via USB. if i plug the USB in to an iPhone square plug in to an outlet adapter will my external battery be OK? it appears as though the square iPhone plug will work at both USA and european voltages but i wasn't sure about the backup battery at the other end only being 5V. am i in the clear since the iPhone plug converts it for me? thank you!!
Could someone help me out a little please as I'm now officially confused. I have an American product to use in the uk. Do I need a basic plug adaptor? Or am I to buy an electric converter? Any help would be appreciated Thanks
A US to UK plug adapter will work for most things. An electric converter is not likely needed, unless you are using older electronics. If it says: " 110 to 240" all you need is a plug adapter. If it says: "110 to 120V only" you need more than a plug adapter, you need to convert the voltage as well.
This Video is perfectly timed for me. My Friend is going to Japan and I am going to Russia and my friend said she can't take her Laptop with her because of the electric and I didn't know if my Laptop would be ok in Russia and I didn't understand what she meant. Now I do. I'm from the UK, 240v and it'll be fine. Also when Beauty Gurus say that it'll damage your hair things to us them abroad. Not a problem for me. :) sucks a bit for the US and Japan though.
Nope...there are plug adapters that don't convert power. Gotta make sure you're getting something that converts power and isn't just only a plug adapter if a converter is what you need.
I can't wait for the outlets video! But... I'm travelling next Thursday... :-( Whatever. We're bringing a laptop with us! Then on Friday I'll watch your new video! Oh and BTW I'm going to London!
So while watching this video with my dad in the room, he then proceeded to lecture me on why your statement at 1:30 is incorrect. It's not that the canon charger isn't compatible (as long as you have an adapter) so much as your terminology used in explanation, is incorrect. I defended you Sonia, as much as I could! Lol. But - voltage and current are not synonymous, as you describe: "The current coming in can be anywhere between 100-240 volts" Voltage is not power, (or current) but rather the potential for power, or current to flow in the closed circuit. It's the force behind any possible current. Whereas the current is the actual flow of charge (or power, simply put ...I think!) through that circuit. There can be no current without voltage, but there can be voltage without current. But as I told my Dad - this video is very informative regardless of a sentence that may not be worded perfectly (he works with electricity), and you are still correct in describing what to look for etc. So I just felt I should put this here - but it's not anything personal! It's hard enough trying to understand all that terminology - so no harm done in my books anyway :P And I will be checking all of my chargers and such before I leave for Italy to make sure they won't blow up...!
Glammy Bee Think of it like trying to take a sip from a fire hose. First, your straw needs to fit properly (adapter), and second you need to step that potential huge surge of water down to something that won't make your head explode (converter). Very simplistic, but should give you the basic idea.
+Michelle Täkker For multi-volt equipment no problems at all, but if you have a 220-240V appliance and stick it to a 110V outlet the results depends how the equipment was built, most things will not work or work poorly, in some cases can cause damage to the device.
I got a problem of using US hairclippers on 50Hz countries like Jamaica (110V), Eastern Japan (100V), Barbados (110V), Europe (220V), etc. It says 120V 60Hz on US hair clippers. It makes loud noise on 50Hz.
US hairclippers are the best in the world like Wahl and Andis. Larry the Barberman a.K.a. Larry Campbell, a founder of Frequency 60Hz from the UK that UK or 50Hz clippers are the worst part for cutting. US clippers ➡ step down converter ➡ 230V at 50Hz (Europe) = Horrible loud noise at 95dB. US clippers ➡ step down converter ➡ 220V at 60Hz (Philippines) = works fine at 55dB. US clippers ➡ 100V/110V at 50Hz = Horrible loud noise at 95dB like in the UK. They used US hair clippers in Japan 100V, it works fine in Western Japan at 60Hz like in Kyoto, Okinawa, Kansai, etc. just like the US. In Eastern Japan at 50Hz like in Tokyo, Hokkaido, etc., US clippers makes loud noise at 50Hz. If you want to convert from 100V/110V/127V/220V/230V/240V at 50Hz to 115V at 60Hz, you need to use AC to DC car plug adapter (100V - 240V to 12V 5 or 6A) and US 115V 75w inverter. If AC to DC car plug adapter from the US uses 120V, you can use it in Jamaica, Barbados, Eastern Japan (100V) and parts of Dutch Caribbean on 110V at 50Hz to plug your US inverter for your US hair clippers.
General Tip: The charger, itself, on a Mac is rated for 110-250V BUT the detachable plug (US) is only rated for 125V. Also avoid knock-off adapters....those are fires and explosions waiting to happen
I think you should take a basic course, so you will understand the difference between Voltage, Current and Power. Or just stick with packing the cosmetic bag.
i have a step-up/step-down converter - otherwise germany would fry my american stuff - kinda nice that apple computers can go anywhere - whatever i just wanna say hi
Hair dryers.flatirons, etc. are easily bought in the country you're visiting... After struggling to use one in the UK ( hotel provided a 2 ft.corded low power hair dryer attached to the wall of a closet, no mirror in sight) I simply walked across the street to Boots and purchased an inexpensive one... So much easier than having your heavy voltage converter continually fall out of the wall socket... I've used these appliances more than I thought I would...even in France/ Spain /Italy with just a plug converter.
I must say I've been researching this topic and even asking questions in tons of forums but after watching your video I FINALLY get it! Thank you so much for making it easy to understand. 2 more weeks before I test it out in Europe!
Same here haha
I have been so confused on this topic, thank you for simplifying the concept!!!
Thank you Sonia. You have simply and clearly explained the use of converters and adapters in foreign countries. Other videos by other people have left me confused. You're the best.
You have all the right answers!
I bought an adapter/converter "all-in-one", and it was the best thing I have purchased for travel, aside from my luggage!!
Just a little correction, "it should convert the voltage from 120 to 240", etc. not current.
Yes thank you. Current is measured in amps.
I'm traveling soon and I didn't even think about the voltage! Thank goodness I watched this video.
Hi Sonia - love your videos. Can you tell me which backpack you were using at the end of your how to pack ;your camera video? Not the cannon, but the leather one. Thankyou
You make it seem so simple!
Thaaaaaank you! This is exactly the subject I have been trying to get an answer to. I am going to S.Korea in the fall and missed to know this info (and the info in the next video too)!
Calida South Korea uses European Schuko outlets on 220V at 60Hz.
This is so helpful! Thanks Sonia :)
How I wish I would've had something like this in 2010. Totally fried my hairdryer (it started melting a bit!) a week into my travels through France because I didn't know how the voltage worked. This made the concept make so much sense and I won't have to make the same mistake again.
Can't wait for the outlets video!!!
Oh the map is really great !!!
How come I have not thought about this before ! I travel so much I never took this into consideration !
Thanks for the tips, and since I am also a globe troter, I always enjoy your videos :)
A bientôt !
Can you do a bit about where to buy a converter? Thanks!
VERY helpful! Thank you.
Hi Sonia I love your videos can you please do a video on where you show us every thing u take with u
If i'm traveling to Ireland and Scotland and my phone charger and DSLR camera charger both go up to 240V all I would need is an adapter? If I bought a dual voltage hair straightener that went up to 240V then I would also not need a converter to run those products in those countries? I'm trying to pack as light as possible without needing a heavy converter. What about wanting to charge multiple items at the same time? For instance my phone and camera battery at the same time?
I'm having the same dilemma as well. Except going to Italy. I can't figure out if I need a converter for my 110-220v electronics :/
Gracias Sonia!!
very informative. thanks
Conair makes a dual voltage hair dryer with a folding handle for easy packing. There is a voltage switch on the handle.
this was great, thanks for sharing!
Awesome video!!
This was really helpful! Thanks!
Can you show us the electric converter you refer to? Examples please.. I bought a Samsung phone that came with a US plug but I live in UK. Will I need a converter or an adapter?
I like it. Read everything. That is the safest bet. Oh I almost did not notice the lovely heart necklace. So very fine. Thank you. :)
Very helpful !! Thank you.
The Hz (frequency) is still important to keep your stuff unfried. If you use an appliance that normally runs on a 60Hz frequency, using it on a 50Hz electrical socket could fry it anyway (depends on the insulation of the wiring).
If you really want to make sure your stuff won't fry, get a converter that can switch between 50Hz and 60Hz, and know what the electrical frequency is in the country you're visiting.
Drea Lynn Some newer clock radio are now multi Hz.
I’m hoping you can help me. I’m not sure what I need to go to India as in a converter or adapter. I’m from the US and have no idea what’s needed. All I know when I went to China my hair curler didn’t work and I don’t want that to happen in India. My hair curler says it’s dual voltage so do I just buy an adapter? How do I know if I’m buying the right adapter? Please help. Thank you so much.
Great info! Keep it up!
have you go to bali?? sonia??
i am from the USA traveling around europe. i am bringing a 5V input/output back up external battery which charges via USB. if i plug the USB in to an iPhone square plug in to an outlet adapter will my external battery be OK?
it appears as though the square iPhone plug will work at both USA and european voltages but i wasn't sure about the backup battery at the other end only being 5V. am i in the clear since the iPhone plug converts it for me?
thank you!!
Lovely vid! can't wait for the next one! Keep on!
thank you!
Well said
Could someone help me out a little please as I'm now officially confused. I have an American product to use in the uk. Do I need a basic plug adaptor? Or am I to buy an electric converter?
Any help would be appreciated
Thanks
A US to UK plug adapter will work for most things. An electric converter is not likely needed, unless you are using older electronics. If it says: " 110 to 240" all you need is a plug adapter. If it says: "110 to 120V only" you need more than a plug adapter, you need to convert the voltage as well.
ur videos are the best!! thanks! now I know what to bring :)
This Video is perfectly timed for me. My Friend is going to Japan and I am going to Russia and my friend said she can't take her Laptop with her because of the electric and I didn't know if my Laptop would be ok in Russia and I didn't understand what she meant. Now I do. I'm from the UK, 240v and it'll be fine. Also when Beauty Gurus say that it'll damage your hair things to us them abroad. Not a problem for me. :) sucks a bit for the US and Japan though.
Is an plug adapter usually a converter too?
Nope...there are plug adapters that don't convert power. Gotta make sure you're getting something that converts power and isn't just only a plug adapter if a converter is what you need.
I think you just saved my trip.
What happened to the video on outlets??
but will a hairdryer from france work in the USA? Like can you convert 120v to 240v??
AsakuraClan Unless if there's voltage switch from 250V to 125V.
where are you from sonia?
thank u!!
But in some countries you have to pay attention to the Hz if it not 50~60 it wont work ..
I can't wait for the outlets video! But... I'm travelling next Thursday... :-(
Whatever. We're bringing a laptop with us! Then on Friday I'll watch your new video! Oh and BTW I'm going to London!
Could've used an explosion prevention video before I went to India last year.
Are adapters and converters the same thing?
rebukey no, adapters just make the plugs correct so you can plug in whatever cables you have, converters actually change the electrical current.
So while watching this video with my dad in the room, he then proceeded to lecture me on why your statement at 1:30 is incorrect. It's not that the canon charger isn't compatible (as long as you have an adapter) so much as your terminology used in explanation, is incorrect. I defended you Sonia, as much as I could! Lol. But - voltage and current are not synonymous, as you describe: "The current coming in can be anywhere between 100-240 volts" Voltage is not power, (or current) but rather the potential for power, or current to flow in the closed circuit. It's the force behind any possible current. Whereas the current is the actual flow of charge (or power, simply put ...I think!) through that circuit. There can be no current without voltage, but there can be voltage without current. But as I told my Dad - this video is very informative regardless of a sentence that may not be worded perfectly (he works with electricity), and you are still correct in describing what to look for etc. So I just felt I should put this here - but it's not anything personal! It's hard enough trying to understand all that terminology - so no harm done in my books anyway :P And I will be checking all of my chargers and such before I leave for Italy to make sure they won't blow up...!
lol! My undergrad is engineering, so that caught my attention too. (but I didn't lecture anyone! :)
Glammy Bee Think of it like trying to take a sip from a fire hose. First, your straw needs to fit properly (adapter), and second you need to step that potential huge surge of water down to something that won't make your head explode (converter). Very simplistic, but should give you the basic idea.
Maybe a stupid question.. But if you are traveling to a country with a lower voltage, would there be a problem then?
Michelle Täkker That's what i'm wondering too! maybe they just wont release as much power?
+Michelle Täkker For multi-volt equipment no problems at all, but if you have a 220-240V appliance and stick it to a 110V outlet the results depends how the equipment was built, most things will not work or work poorly, in some cases can cause damage to the device.
+Fabio Guedes I try to plug my Oral B 220V charger with step up transformer in 110V countries.
Fabio Guedes In the US 240 volt receptacles are available, but they are somewhat hard to come by
You are awesome!
thank you:)
Super videos!
In my house we have a switch in the bathroom to change the voltage.
I love this one! I wish it existed before I came to China.... OMG so many explosions!!! lol
المعلومات مهمه لكن ليس كثير بس أنا اعتقد انه انت عامله شغل جيد
my xbox is 100v but it says 50/60hz will it blow up plz
Adam Mouhtadi Japan or US XBOX 1st gen. console or 360?
Us xbox 1st jen
***** us xbox 1st gen
100V to 127V only. If you want to change XBOX 1st gen power supply to 100V - 240V.
220 - 240 volt rules 0:42 ;)
50Hz and 60Hz please?
Most products work on either 50 Hz or 60 Hz. if they do not, it will probably say so on the device.
I got a problem of using US hairclippers on 50Hz countries like Jamaica (110V), Eastern Japan (100V), Barbados (110V), Europe (220V), etc.
It says 120V 60Hz on US hair clippers. It makes loud noise on 50Hz.
***** That sounds right. If it specifies the Hz, then it probably matters.
Next question: why would you need to travel with hair clippers?
US hairclippers are the best in the world like Wahl and Andis.
Larry the Barberman a.K.a. Larry Campbell, a founder of Frequency 60Hz from the UK that UK or 50Hz clippers are the worst part for cutting.
US clippers ➡ step down converter ➡ 230V at 50Hz (Europe) = Horrible loud noise at 95dB.
US clippers ➡ step down converter ➡ 220V at 60Hz (Philippines) = works fine at 55dB.
US clippers ➡ 100V/110V at 50Hz = Horrible loud noise at 95dB like in the UK.
They used US hair clippers in Japan 100V, it works fine in Western Japan at 60Hz like in Kyoto, Okinawa, Kansai, etc. just like the US. In Eastern Japan at 50Hz like in Tokyo, Hokkaido, etc., US clippers makes loud noise at 50Hz.
If you want to convert from 100V/110V/127V/220V/230V/240V at 50Hz to 115V at 60Hz, you need to use AC to DC car plug adapter (100V - 240V to 12V 5 or 6A) and US 115V 75w inverter.
If AC to DC car plug adapter from the US
uses 120V, you can use it in Jamaica, Barbados, Eastern Japan (100V) and parts of Dutch Caribbean on 110V at 50Hz to plug your US inverter for your US hair clippers.
US hair clippers are the best performance for cutting and works only at 60Hz.
At many hotels in the bathroom you will find a 110 power socket.
Not like it really matters but, the word Adieu, isn't really used for goodbye unless you are never going to see them again.
wow, talking about plugs..electifying!
Sonia always seems to be in France.
The other way around is less dangerous. A European hair dryer will just not heat up properly in the US, but at least it will not explode.
General Tip:
The charger, itself, on a Mac is rated for 110-250V BUT the detachable plug (US) is only rated for 125V.
Also avoid knock-off adapters....those are fires and explosions waiting to happen
mashed potato The 125V plug can go up to 312.5W multiply from 125V × 2.5A = 312.5W
for 250V, 312.5W ÷ 250V = 1.25A
mashed potato W
How many wattage is your charger? less than 300W or 100W?
Make sure it's very safe to plug in 240V outlets.
thats crazy you fly all over the world
I think you should take a basic course, so you will understand the difference between Voltage, Current and Power. Or just stick with packing the cosmetic bag.
I learned this the hard way when I moved from the u.s. to Switzerland and exploded my flat iron.
I learned this the hard way... lost a hair dryer in Prague!
Thank you. A converter it is then. 😃😱
i have a step-up/step-down converter - otherwise germany would fry my american stuff - kinda nice that apple computers can go anywhere - whatever i just wanna say hi
no i mean its crazy. i dont like to travel outside of my roots. vanity travel tourist 3rd world suffering not for me
How old are u gorgeous?
NO, NO, MO! DO NOT FORGET THE HERTZ. America uses 60 Hz AC, Europe uses 50 Hz AC. Your appliances mightn't work!
Hair dryers.flatirons, etc. are easily bought in the country you're visiting... After struggling to use one in the UK ( hotel provided a 2 ft.corded low power hair dryer attached to the wall of a closet, no mirror in sight) I simply walked across the street to Boots and purchased an inexpensive one... So much easier than having your heavy voltage converter continually fall out of the wall socket... I've used these appliances more than I thought I would...even in France/ Spain /Italy with just a plug converter.
Philippines, Japan, some states in Brazil, Saudi Arabia uses 220V at 60Hz, Eastern Japan (100V), Jamaica and Barbados uses 110V at 50Hz.
Sonia doesn't like Asia.