Is a travel adapter the same as a voltage converter?
Is a travel adapter the same as a voltage converter? The big difference between an adapter and a converter is electricity. While the purpose of an adapter is to simply help the plugs on your electronics fit into (or more aptly, adapt to the shape of) foreign outlets, a converter's job is to change the voltage found in an outlet to match that of your devices.
Do I need a travel converter or adapter?
In most cases, Yes. Appliances in the United States typically use anywhere between 110 and 130 volts of alternating current (AC). A majority of the world's countries, however, use 220 – 240 volts. If your appliance can only run on 110 – 130 volts, you will need to use a converter.