Listing per country
Of the over 200 nations listed below, most use 220-240V. Others use between 100-120V. Some countries, including the United States, use dual voltages (for example, washers and ovens use the higher voltages). Source: Ron Kurtus.
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Ramblin’ Randy tip: Always carry a universal power adapter on international trips!
This is major help if you’re traveling outside the America! Most outlets outside of the US will not accept American power plugs–the prongs are totally different. You may get lucky in some of the big American chain hotels–sometimes they’ll have a couple “American” outlets in the room–but most of the time I’m traveling abroad I have to use an adapter to get power.
Keep in mind the difference between and “adapter” and a “converter.” An adapter simply changes the configuration of the metal outlet prongs, so your plug will fit. A converter will actually step down the voltage, converting the power from, say 230 down to 110 volts.
Will you need a converter? Well, you need to know this: standard voltage in the US is 110. Most other countries in the world are 220 and 230 volts. That means if you’re in Europe (where the voltage is 230) and you plug in your American hair curler that’a designed to take in just 110 volts of power, you’ll soon need to buy a new curling iron! It’ll get fried!
But the good news, is that most phone chargers and laptop power cables are designed to take up to 240 volts; in other words, they’ll work just fine using power from the US, or anywhere else in the world; no conversion needed. Remember–you may still need the “adapter” to make the plug fit, but you don’t have to worry about converting the power.
How will you know if your dookickey can use both 110 and 230/240? Check the fine print on the plug itself. On laptop cables, it’s usually that little “box” connected to the power cord.
FUN FACT: I was the dumb-ass who used a heavy (and expensive) power converter during my entire stay in Italy to change the voltage from 230 to 110, to use my laptop…only to finally realize that the computer accepts up to 240 volts.
