Most laptop computers, battery charges, iPods, etc. are now "dual voltage" meaning they are designed to operate safely with either 110/120V or 220/240V systems. If a device is dual voltage, all that will be needed to operate it in a foreign country is an adaptor plug to convert the device's end plug to the style of foreign electric socket. If a device is not dual voltage, it may need a voltage converter or transformer to actually change the voltage it uses in the foreign country.

What voltage converter/transformer you need depends on what kind of appliance you plan on using, and what the wattage of that appliance is. Voltage converters are made for NON-continuous use items. Items like hairdryers, electric razors, curling irons, or hair straighteners. In other words items that are not used for more than 20 minutes at a time.

Transformers are used for items that run continuously and have electronic circuitry i.e., laptops, printers, etc. Which transformer you need depends on the wattage of those items. Determine the wattage of the appliance, which is also imprinted or stated in the electrical specs or on the AC Adaptor. To find the wattage look for a number with a "w" after it - 30w, 50w, 120w etc., then choose the transformer that is right for your appliance. Be sure you are purchasing the correct wattage-rated transformer. For Example: A 110 Watt Laptop would work best with a 200 Watt transformer, not a 100 Watt transformer. We have a range of transformers from 50 watts to 3000 watts. The 50 watt transformer is made to run only for FOUR hours. All other transformers are made to run continuously.

To determine whether a device is dual voltage, look for the electrical specifications on its power adapter or on the device itself. The device is dual voltage if its input rating covers both 110/120 and 220/240V systems. It will say state:

INPUT: AC 100V - 240V, 50/60Hz

The device is not dual voltage if it covers only 110/120 or 220/240V systems. It will say state:

INPUT: AC 120V, 60Hz or INPUT: AC 240V, 50Hz