Glossary · Connectivity
What is a travel adapter?
Also called plug adapter, power adapter
A travel adapter reshapes your plug to fit a foreign socket — it changes the plug's shape, not the electricity. It's different from a voltage converter, which changes the voltage; most phone and laptop chargers handle dual voltage, so an adapter alone is usually enough.
Check the small print on each charger for '100–240V': if it's there, you only need an adapter. Older single-voltage appliances like some hairdryers may also need a converter.
Related terms
Updated July 2, 2026
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