Taking a laptop overseas?
December 27, 2023 11:10 AM Subscribe
Please explain this to me like I'm four years old: Kid Blah is going to do a semester abroad, and will take his laptop with him. Does he just need an adaptor so he can plug it into a socket, or does he need some other intermediary device? He'll be going from the US to the UK, but will also plan on doing some traveling thru Europe.
He'll actually have two laptops, a Mac and a gaming thing. Will your answer work the same for both? In my ignorance, is there something about this issue beyond what I'm asking that you want me to know?
He'll actually have two laptops, a Mac and a gaming thing. Will your answer work the same for both? In my ignorance, is there something about this issue beyond what I'm asking that you want me to know?
Best answer: For the Mac, he will need nothing more than a plug adapter. If you want to be official about it, Apple sells a kit with seven adapters that snap into place where the folding US style plug is currently snapped in. He'd want to carry two, one for the UK and one for mainland Europe. For the gaming computer, he will probably also just need plug adapters, but you should look at his computer's power supply to be sure. It should be labeled with its specifications, and it will probably say "100-240 V (or VAC), 50-60Hz." As long as it has a range like that and not just "100-120V, 60Hz," simple plug adapters will be all he'll need. He could use the same style plug adapters for both computers.
Almost every electronic device sold now should support both US and international power. The only devices you really need to worry about are things with motors that plug directly into the wall (hair dryers, non-rechargeable razors, etc). If he wants to take something like that, he would need a voltage adapter for any device that specifies US voltage only.
posted by fedward at 11:21 AM on December 27, 2023 [3 favorites]
Almost every electronic device sold now should support both US and international power. The only devices you really need to worry about are things with motors that plug directly into the wall (hair dryers, non-rechargeable razors, etc). If he wants to take something like that, he would need a voltage adapter for any device that specifies US voltage only.
posted by fedward at 11:21 AM on December 27, 2023 [3 favorites]
In general there are two things to think about with respect to electronics: plug shape, and voltage&frequency. For plug shape, yeah, he'll need a UK adapter and then one or more European adapters, depending on what countries he's planning to go to. There are universal adapters that would probably be fine. I would get more than one.
For a laptop he almost 1000% does not need to worry about a step-up voltage transformer. He can double-check by looking at the kind of big power supply block on his current charger - like jon1270 says (on preview) if it says 100-240v, he'll be fine. Same for his cell phone charger.
If he's bringing any other kinds of electronics - especially but not solely anything with a motor that doesn't run off USB - he needs to double check their voltage (US is from 100-120v, Europe/UK is 220-240v) and frequency (50Hz vs 60Hz). Electrical information should be written somewhere on the device itself (often in tiny, hard to distinguish letters...) and if not he should check with the manufacturer.
posted by trig at 11:24 AM on December 27, 2023
For a laptop he almost 1000% does not need to worry about a step-up voltage transformer. He can double-check by looking at the kind of big power supply block on his current charger - like jon1270 says (on preview) if it says 100-240v, he'll be fine. Same for his cell phone charger.
If he's bringing any other kinds of electronics - especially but not solely anything with a motor that doesn't run off USB - he needs to double check their voltage (US is from 100-120v, Europe/UK is 220-240v) and frequency (50Hz vs 60Hz). Electrical information should be written somewhere on the device itself (often in tiny, hard to distinguish letters...) and if not he should check with the manufacturer.
posted by trig at 11:24 AM on December 27, 2023
And just in case you were worried about Wifi, it's pretty much the same everywhere wordwide. IEEE 802.11 is an international standard.
posted by intermod at 11:29 AM on December 27, 2023
posted by intermod at 11:29 AM on December 27, 2023
For a laptop he almost 1000% does not need to worry about a step-up voltage transformer.
To pick a nit: if he needed one (he very likely doesn't, as noted already) it would be a step-down transformer. The naming is as you go from the source to the consuming device, 220..240V to 100-120V.
posted by Stoneshop at 11:45 AM on December 27, 2023
To pick a nit: if he needed one (he very likely doesn't, as noted already) it would be a step-down transformer. The naming is as you go from the source to the consuming device, 220..240V to 100-120V.
posted by Stoneshop at 11:45 AM on December 27, 2023
And as in nearly all cases the laptop's power cord can unplug from the actual power adapter, I prefer to swap it for a country-specific one. Not having a separate socket adapter prevents you from accidentally leaving it behind somewhere as you unplug the power cord and then being stuck the next time you need to plug in again; also, socket adapters aren't always the solid electromechanical thingies they should be.
posted by Stoneshop at 12:05 PM on December 27, 2023 [3 favorites]
posted by Stoneshop at 12:05 PM on December 27, 2023 [3 favorites]
I once bought a little travel adapter that has snap-on plugs for UK and EU sockets, and provides two US sockets (NOT this one but very similar) So it's both a socket-doubler and an adapter and has some USB-A ports, which is quite useful for hotel rooms and hostels and the like. I've had bad luck with so-called "universal adapters" that use sliders to transform into different shapes, the one I had would just fall out of the wall. Snap-on plugs work fine.
For laptops, if they support USB-C you could buy a UK-plug USB-C charger. This is expensive but 1) GaN USB-C chargers are really nice and compact compared to a lot of standard chargers and 2) requires less fiddling. Make sure it's a sufficient wattage (65W should be enough for most laptops? You can find this listed on the current power supply).
posted by BungaDunga at 12:08 PM on December 27, 2023
For laptops, if they support USB-C you could buy a UK-plug USB-C charger. This is expensive but 1) GaN USB-C chargers are really nice and compact compared to a lot of standard chargers and 2) requires less fiddling. Make sure it's a sufficient wattage (65W should be enough for most laptops? You can find this listed on the current power supply).
posted by BungaDunga at 12:08 PM on December 27, 2023
Look at the specifications/user guides for the specific laptops, and try to search for [Europe per adapter {laptop model}] if the user guide /specs indicate you need one.
Sending a quick query to customer service (if the laptop is still sold) will get the info too.
posted by amtho at 12:09 PM on December 27, 2023
Sending a quick query to customer service (if the laptop is still sold) will get the info too.
posted by amtho at 12:09 PM on December 27, 2023
if they support USB-C
To clarify, the laptop would need USB-C charging. Though I suppose a UK one might not be so useful in mainland Europe, though UK-EU adapters of course exist.
posted by BungaDunga at 12:12 PM on December 27, 2023
To clarify, the laptop would need USB-C charging. Though I suppose a UK one might not be so useful in mainland Europe, though UK-EU adapters of course exist.
posted by BungaDunga at 12:12 PM on December 27, 2023
amtho: if the user guide /specs indicate you need one.
User guides will generally show different part numbers per country/group of countries for their chargers, but in 10 out of nine cases it'll be the same charger with a country-specific power cord or plug click-on wotsit.
posted by Stoneshop at 12:22 PM on December 27, 2023 [2 favorites]
User guides will generally show different part numbers per country/group of countries for their chargers, but in 10 out of nine cases it'll be the same charger with a country-specific power cord or plug click-on wotsit.
posted by Stoneshop at 12:22 PM on December 27, 2023 [2 favorites]
We traveled in the UK, continental Europe, SE Asia and Oceania with a MacBook and an Asus gaming laptop with nothing more than plug adapters.
Buy extras, it's really easy to leave them behind by accident. And buy them in the US - most plug adapters you find in stores in other countries go the wrong way for your needs (ie they're for locals who need to plug their equipment into foreign plugs when they travel, not for visitors to adapt their plugs to the local system).
posted by under_petticoat_rule at 2:10 PM on December 27, 2023
Buy extras, it's really easy to leave them behind by accident. And buy them in the US - most plug adapters you find in stores in other countries go the wrong way for your needs (ie they're for locals who need to plug their equipment into foreign plugs when they travel, not for visitors to adapt their plugs to the local system).
posted by under_petticoat_rule at 2:10 PM on December 27, 2023
They should carry with them the proof of purchase eg bill of sale, receipt etc in hard copy for both laptops.
Since brexit costums / border controls for travellers entering from the UK to the EU have become very strict and can involve proof of where an item was purchased.
posted by 15L06 at 2:16 PM on December 27, 2023
Since brexit costums / border controls for travellers entering from the UK to the EU have become very strict and can involve proof of where an item was purchased.
posted by 15L06 at 2:16 PM on December 27, 2023
And as in nearly all cases the laptop's power cord can unplug from the actual power adapter, I prefer to swap it for a country-specific one.
This.
Alternatively, I can’t speak highly enough about this shargeek charger, which comes with slot on adapters for the UK and for the EU and will charge laptops and anything else that requires usb charging. He will need a long USB-C cable if this is going to be the main way to charge a laptop because he’ll want to sit away from the socket.
posted by koahiatamadl at 3:28 PM on December 27, 2023 [1 favorite]
This.
Alternatively, I can’t speak highly enough about this shargeek charger, which comes with slot on adapters for the UK and for the EU and will charge laptops and anything else that requires usb charging. He will need a long USB-C cable if this is going to be the main way to charge a laptop because he’ll want to sit away from the socket.
posted by koahiatamadl at 3:28 PM on December 27, 2023 [1 favorite]
I came here to say this as well. I moved from the US to the UK in 2006, and at the time I just swapped out the standard IEC power lead for my laptop charger with a local one.
Take a look at the block of text on the power brick for this laptop. Dollars to doughnuts it will say something like:
If it's USB-C, it will probably list a handful of output direct-current modes (DC) that the chip can negotiate with the device that uses it. If it's a barrel jack, you will probably only see one voltage, one amperage, and an indication through a sort of cup-and-ball-joint diagram of whether the positive is on the centre pin and negative on the outside sheath, or vice-versa. These types of supplies can be a royal pain to source, but for some formats you can just buy replacement (e.g.) 12V/3A bricks provided the plug is the right size.
In general, using any kind of power transformer to change the current fed to your device in 2024 is probably a mistake. Either your device could handle foreign current anyway (almost certainly the case), or you could get a replacement charger (trivial if it's USB-C or some other widespread standard), or it's something high-powered like a tumble dryer and why are you shipping a tumble dryer overseas?? Buy a local unit if you need one!
posted by rum-soaked space hobo at 4:54 PM on December 27, 2023 [1 favorite]
Take a look at the block of text on the power brick for this laptop. Dollars to doughnuts it will say something like:
INPUT: 100-240V ~ 1.8A 50-60HzThis lists three parameters for the power coming from the wall:
- The voltage (100 to 240 volts, alternating current—hence the “~” to indicate a sine wave). The US is generally about 120VAC and the UK is 230VAC.
- The current (2 amperes, well below the 13 amps most in-plug fuses are rated for in the UK)
- The frequency of the alternating current (anything from 50 cycles per second (common in Europe) to 60 cycles (common in the Americas)
If it's USB-C, it will probably list a handful of output direct-current modes (DC) that the chip can negotiate with the device that uses it. If it's a barrel jack, you will probably only see one voltage, one amperage, and an indication through a sort of cup-and-ball-joint diagram of whether the positive is on the centre pin and negative on the outside sheath, or vice-versa. These types of supplies can be a royal pain to source, but for some formats you can just buy replacement (e.g.) 12V/3A bricks provided the plug is the right size.
In general, using any kind of power transformer to change the current fed to your device in 2024 is probably a mistake. Either your device could handle foreign current anyway (almost certainly the case), or you could get a replacement charger (trivial if it's USB-C or some other widespread standard), or it's something high-powered like a tumble dryer and why are you shipping a tumble dryer overseas?? Buy a local unit if you need one!
posted by rum-soaked space hobo at 4:54 PM on December 27, 2023 [1 favorite]
Regarding continental plugs, the current there is as close to UK current as makes no difference (it's like 220V instead of 230, or something like that: anything made in the past quarter-century will support everywhere). Wall-wart adapters are fine, as are replacement leads.
Note that Switzerland and Denmark use different-shaped earthed plugs to the standard accepted across Europe, and to each other, but nearly everywhere accepts standard continental two-prong plugs. I used to have an un-earthed laptop charger that I kept a continental lead on, and snapped it into a UK adapter for home. When I travelled, I'd remove the UK adapter and tuck it in my bag for the trip home. These days my chargers are properly grounded three-prong things that won't let me get away with this as easily (although I understand that a lot of US USB-C chargers are two-prong).
posted by rum-soaked space hobo at 5:01 PM on December 27, 2023
Note that Switzerland and Denmark use different-shaped earthed plugs to the standard accepted across Europe, and to each other, but nearly everywhere accepts standard continental two-prong plugs. I used to have an un-earthed laptop charger that I kept a continental lead on, and snapped it into a UK adapter for home. When I travelled, I'd remove the UK adapter and tuck it in my bag for the trip home. These days my chargers are properly grounded three-prong things that won't let me get away with this as easily (although I understand that a lot of US USB-C chargers are two-prong).
posted by rum-soaked space hobo at 5:01 PM on December 27, 2023
I bought my MacBook in the US and brought it to Australia with no issue power wise. Many years later I traveled with a Surface Pro 6 from Australia to the US and that worked out fine. Australia is similar voltage wise to UK/EU.
+1 the comments about getting a country specific power cable. Also, one hack I have used when travelling if I had multiple devices that needed charging (phone, iPad, laptop, Switch, etc) was to get a power board (there are ones with USB charge ports now) and plug things into that power board, and then attach a plug adapter to the end of the power board. Saves me having to source multiple adapters and it works great!
I do have a travel adapter that can switch between countries, so try finding one of those.
posted by creatrixtiara at 5:21 PM on December 27, 2023
+1 the comments about getting a country specific power cable. Also, one hack I have used when travelling if I had multiple devices that needed charging (phone, iPad, laptop, Switch, etc) was to get a power board (there are ones with USB charge ports now) and plug things into that power board, and then attach a plug adapter to the end of the power board. Saves me having to source multiple adapters and it works great!
I do have a travel adapter that can switch between countries, so try finding one of those.
posted by creatrixtiara at 5:21 PM on December 27, 2023
As everyone said, laptops and phones will be fine, as will most things that are made for international sales in one factory. In my experience the one thing he should be careful about is heat-based devices - if he uses a hair dryer, straightener, travel iron etc, the effect when plugging it into too high voltage can be spectacular and incendiary.
posted by I claim sanctuary at 11:29 PM on December 27, 2023
posted by I claim sanctuary at 11:29 PM on December 27, 2023
12VDC is common everywhere that lead-acid batteries are in wide use. Their chargers are ubiquitous and cheap, and you need only one per country. If you buy a cheap inverter that works with the plugs you have, you can charge from that using your one plug. If you want a faster, more efficient charge, you can get a DC-to-DC converter for whatever voltage your laptop plug provides, but that's optional.
I have an all-in-one unit with a 300WH lithium-iron battery, charger and inverter. It cost US$100 and it can run this hungry laptop for about 6 hours.
posted by Rev. Irreverent Revenant at 12:16 AM on December 28, 2023
I have an all-in-one unit with a 300WH lithium-iron battery, charger and inverter. It cost US$100 and it can run this hungry laptop for about 6 hours.
posted by Rev. Irreverent Revenant at 12:16 AM on December 28, 2023
Regarding continental plugs, the current there is as close to UK current as makes no difference (it's like 220V instead of 230, or something like that
UK: 240V, elsewhere: used to be 220V. The EU got their members to meet somewhere in the middle, so most of Europe is now at 230V while the UK said sod it, our 240V is now within the specified tolerance from 230V. And then they left anyway.
Note that Switzerland and Denmark use different-shaped earthed plugs to the standard accepted across Europe, and to each other,
As does Italy. But the two-prong Euro plug fits them all.
posted by Stoneshop at 1:10 AM on December 28, 2023 [1 favorite]
UK: 240V, elsewhere: used to be 220V. The EU got their members to meet somewhere in the middle, so most of Europe is now at 230V while the UK said sod it, our 240V is now within the specified tolerance from 230V. And then they left anyway.
Note that Switzerland and Denmark use different-shaped earthed plugs to the standard accepted across Europe, and to each other,
As does Italy. But the two-prong Euro plug fits them all.
posted by Stoneshop at 1:10 AM on December 28, 2023 [1 favorite]
It might be worth mentioning that while a plug converter/ adapter should work fine with the laptop, however if Kid Blah is bringing a smartphone - while the travel adaptor may fit perfectly, it still might not charge.
I recently learnt this with my Android smartphone in France. Travel adapter fitted fine, however it still would not charge. I think these new "fast" chargers that come with the latest smartphones (certainly the Android ones) don't play well with travel adapters. It only charged when I bought one locally.
posted by jacobean at 6:31 AM on December 28, 2023
I recently learnt this with my Android smartphone in France. Travel adapter fitted fine, however it still would not charge. I think these new "fast" chargers that come with the latest smartphones (certainly the Android ones) don't play well with travel adapters. It only charged when I bought one locally.
posted by jacobean at 6:31 AM on December 28, 2023
Occam's Razor says that the first travel adapter is defective.
It happens.
posted by Stoneshop at 2:36 PM on December 28, 2023
It happens.
posted by Stoneshop at 2:36 PM on December 28, 2023
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posted by jon1270 at 11:19 AM on December 27, 2023 [3 favorites]