Before you pack your appliances in your bag, there are a few things you should know about traveling the world with electrical items. If you already know exactly what you need, then feel free to go directly to the above categories. If you are not sure, then feel free to read below some common concerns/questions about traveling with appliances.

ELECTRICAL, The basics
Many countries operate on 220-250V, while North America runs on 110-125V. You will need an electrical converter or transformer to use your 100V appliances in those 220-250V countries. North American electrical outlets are different from those found in most countries. You may need an adapter plug to plug your converter/transformer or dual voltage appliance into the wall. Like electrical outlets, telephone jacks are different in many countries. Often, a telephone adapter will be necessary to use your modem.

THE DETAILS
Is your appliance dual voltage? If your travel appliance is dual voltage, then it will operate on both 110/125V and 220/250V currents, and you only need to take an adapter plug. (Note: Many battery chargers and laptop computers are dual-voltage. Please check!) If your appliance is not dual voltage, you will need a converter or transformer to change the current.

Converters?Transformers?What's the difference?
There are two categories of appliances: electrical and electronic. Electrical appliances are those products with simple heating devices or universal motors, e.g. hair dryers, irons and toothbrushes. Electronic appliances have a chip or a circuit, e.g. radios, camcorder rechargers and computers. A converter is designed to be used ONLY with electrical appliances, and only for short periods of time. A transformer is designed to be used with both electronic appliances AND electrical appliances, and for longer periods of time.

What do I need for my modem?
While the most common telephone jack is the North American RJ11, there are 40 other kinds of outlets. If you are traveling to Europe, Asia or South America, you probably need a telephone adapter to make the connection between your computer's RJ11 jack and the jack in your destination country. See the "Worldwide Electricity Guide" and "Modem Accessories" for more details.