Voltage Converters: 110V ↔ 220V Travel Guide

Do you actually need a converter?

Most modern electronics — laptops, phone chargers, camera batteries, electric shavers rated 100-240 V — are dual-voltage and only need a plug shape adapter, not a voltage converter. Look on the device label for "100-240V" or "INPUT: 100-240V". If you see that range, the device handles both 110 V and 220 V internally; you only need a physical plug adapter to fit the local socket.

Devices that are single-voltage only usually need a converter:

• Hair dryers, curling irons, and straighteners (single-voltage common)
• Older kitchen appliances (blenders, kettles, toasters)
• Electric blankets and heating pads
• Power tools rated for one voltage only
• Some medical equipment (CPAP machines — check the spec plate)

Step-up vs step-down

Wattage ratings

Voltage converters are rated by wattage. Match or exceed the wattage of your device:

• Up to 50 W: phone chargers, electric razors, small electronics
• 50-200 W: small appliances, laptop chargers (rare — most are dual-voltage)
• 200-1000 W: hair dryers (typically 1200-1875 W — need heavy-duty), curling irons
• 1000 W+: kettles, irons, kitchen appliances

Voltage Converters

V5 (50W)

V5

50-watt step-down voltage converter (220V to 110V)

V5R (50W Reverse)

V5R

50-watt step-up/down converter (110V/220V)

V16 (1600W)

V16

1600-watt heavy-duty voltage converter for appliances

V4R (40W)

V4R

40-watt compact travel voltage converter

V85 (85W)

V85

85-watt converter for laptops and electronics

V100 (100W)

V100

100-watt step-down converter for small appliances

VCC Combo Kit

VCC

Voltage converter and power adapter combo travel kit

Heavy Duty Converter

heavyduty

Industrial-grade voltage converter for high-wattage equipment

Japan Converter

japan

Voltage converter for Japan (100V to 120V)

Voltage by Country

Quick reference for which voltage band each country uses. Click any country for full plug-type, frequency, and adapter detail.