Verify the voltage of the location where you will be going. Refer to the U.S. Department of Commerce International Trade Administration website (see References) or ask someone at your destination such as your host or the hotel where you will stay.
Verify the types of plug configurations used in the country where you will be going. Many places use at least two types of plugs, one with a ground pin and the other without. Many grounded outlets will work with an ungrounded plug.
Read the manufacturer's label on your appliance or device and note the voltage range that the appliance will accept and its wattage rating. The label is usually on the back or base of the device. If your appliance is dual voltage, you may find that it has a switch to set the voltage to either the 110 volt range or the 230 volt range.
Visit an electronics or electrical supply store to purchase a converter, if your device will only accept 110 to 120 volt current and you will be visiting a country with 220 to 240 volt current, for example. Note the wattage rating on the converter, since compact travel converters are frequently rated to a maximum of 50 watts. Compare the wattage rating of the converter to the wattage of your device to be sure that it is sufficient.
Purchase a plug adapter if your device will work in the voltage range of your destination but the plug configuration differs. If you will be traveling to multiple locations, you may wish to purchase a set of plug adapters to handle a variety of configurations. If your device has a two-prong plug, it will work with either a grounded or ungrounded plug adapter. If your device has a three-prong plug, you will need a grounded plug adapter. Many electronic devices such as laptop AC adapters and camera battery chargers are dual voltage, compatible with voltage ranges from 110 to 240 volts, and will only require a plug adapter.
