An adapter allows most North American style plugs \u2013 those with two flat prongs, or two prongs and a round plug \u2013 to fit into other electrical outlets, which often take either rectangular prongs or two round plugs, depending on the European country you\u2019re visiting.<\/p>\n When shopping, you\u2019ll notice a choice of continental or\u00a0British adapters: purchase the continental if you\u2019re visiting Europe, excluding Great Britain. If you\u2019re visiting England, Ireland, or have a stopover in Heathrow where you might want to charge up your laptop or phone, we recommend also picking up a British adapter.<\/p>\n What is a converter?<\/strong><\/p>\n A converter allows you to use your electronics with the proper voltage from outlets in\u00a0the country you\u2019re visiting\u2026without damaging your device. Make sure you are using a converter with the right wattage for your device: your owner\u2019s manual should specify what wattage you should use to safely use your device. Converters use an electronic switch to cut off current received above what the device normally requires (ie. If you\u2019re using a North American 110 voltage device in Europe, where eletrical outlets produce\u00a0220 voltage). Before using your laptop, make sure it has the function to automatically detect whether 110 voltage or 220 voltage is needed. If you\u2019re not sure, check the owner\u2019s manual (you can often find these online if you\u2019ve lost yours.)<\/p>\n How do I know what I need?<\/strong><\/p>\n For the most part, you\u2019re going to see no changes in outlets, and wattage, when travelling within the Caribbean, and central and Southern America. If you\u2019re going on a Europe vacation<\/a>\u00a0or to Asia, you\u2019re going to need both an adapter and, depending on your device, a converter. Both of these tools can be found in luggage stores, online, and in stores at international airports. If you arrive at your destination and realize you have the wrong tool, or forgot one, ask at the front desk: many times, these are forgotten when tourists are packing up and checking out because they\u2019re plugged into the outlet, and it\u2019s easy to forget they\u2019re a crucial part of your device while traveling.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re unsure about which voltage is used by the country you\u2019re visiting, and if you need an electricity converter as well as an adapter, visit our tripcentral.ca country pages: we highlight the electricity under \u201cImportant Travel Information.\u201d For example, on our Spain vacations<\/a> page you\u2019ll find the information below our grid on tours, and city-specific vacations:<\/p>\n![\"An](\"http:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/05\/TripSense_ElectricalOutlets_Adapter.jpg\")
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