TECHNOLOGY plays such a major part in daily life, electronics and gadgets are as important to our holidays as remembering to take our passports.
It is easy to be left short if you are not able to charge your devices abroad, we look at what you need for your journeys to Europe, the US and Dubai.
Technology allows us to capture magic moments from our travels
What adaptor do I need for Europe, the US and Dubai?
Preparing to go abroad? Then make sure you know which adaptor to take to ensure all your gadgets can remain fully charged.
Different countries operate on various electrical grids that differ from our supply in the UK.
Knowing what your destination operates on, can protect your devices from damage, while ensuring you can capture every moment of your hard-earned trip abroad.
For example, US appliances run on 110 volts while European appliances run on 220 volts – meaning you could blow a fuse if you use the wrong voltage plug.
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Only dual voltage items, such as laptops, can handle being in both countries without problems.
We explain which plugs you might need and how they work when travelling abroad.
Europe
Brits heading on holiday to Europe will need travel adaptor type C, which uses 220 volts.
This plug has two round pins, although some countries have other plug types.
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France, Belgium, Poland and the Czech Republic typically use type E which also utilises grounding clips.
Type E will accept type C plugs.
Everywhere else in Europe and Russia travel adaptor type F is used.
This is similar to type C with two prongs but is round and has two grounding clips on each side.
Plug types E, J, K and N can also fit type C travel adaptors.
All Europe uses two-pin plugs except the UK and Ireland which has the three-pin plug.
US
This is the one destination can often trip up even the most wary traveller as different states have can have different outlet options.
The US uses type A and type B travel adaptors throughout the different states.
Type A plugs have two flat pins, and can also be used in Canada and Mexico.
Type B plugs are similar, but they have a third rounded pin at the bottom.
These are often used in the previously mentioned countries also.
However, type B plugs are grounded – which can prevent electric shocks if the plug is broken.
Dubai
Good news for Brits heading to Dubai, as the country uses the same travel adaptors as the UK – type G.
The three pronged plug is used throughout Dubai and other places in the United Arab Emirates, using the rectangular three-pin socket that we are all used to in our own country.
This means no travel adaptor is needed as your regular plugs will fit into the walls.
Other countries in the world to use type G include Ireland, Cyprus, Malta, Malaysia and Singapore.
It is worth noting that many other destinations use this type of connection also, so it is worth checking with your travel operator before planning your trip.