Technology

What a Universal Travel Adapter Does and Does Not Do

A universal travel adapter changes the physical plug arrangement so your device can connect to outlets used in another country. What it usually does not do is change the voltage supplied by that outlet. Those are two different jobs.

Many modern phone and laptop chargers accept a wide input range and only need a plug adapter, but appliances such as hair dryers or older equipment may not. Check the input-voltage marking on the device before assuming an adapter makes it compatible.