5 Best Travel Adapters for International Trips (2025) | Condé Nast Traveler

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There’s nothing like the excitement of an international trip. Whether you’re revisiting a favorite destination or stepping off the plane into a new country, the thrill of landing someplace far from home never gets old. However, that good mood can quickly sour if you find yourself at a hotel or Airbnb with no way to plug in your devices. After all, our phone reliance is often high on the road, from using it to get around, find things to do, and even communicate in different languages. That's where a reliable travel adapter comes in.

I’m speaking from personal experience—as a full-time digital nomad who spends most of the year abroad, I’ve become an expert at packing the right travel gadgets for every type of trip, and making sure I'm never faced with a dead battery. Read on for my picks of the best travel adapters for your next international trip, so you can keep your phone, Kindle, iPad, smart watches, and other gear properly charged up.

What's the difference between a travel adapter and a converter?

A travel adapter simply changes the shape of your plug to fit into a different outlet. A converter changes the voltage so it is compatible with your device. There are different voltage standards worldwide—the US uses 110-120V, but European countries use 220V. If your device isn’t dual-voltage and you only use an adapter in a country with a different voltage, you risk ruining it.

What type of adapter do I need for international travel?

The type of adapter you’ll need for international travel depends on several factors, like the types of devices you're bringing along and the shape of the outlets you’ll be using during your trip. An all-in-one adapter is a great choice to be prepared for any type of trip.

Are travel adapters allowed in a carry-on?

Travel adapters and converters are allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage.

Dimensions: 2.8" x 1.97" x 2.05"Weight: 7.36 oz.Number of ports: 6 (4 USB-A, 1 USB-C, and 1 AC socket)Countries supported: 200+ countries and regions with Type A, C, G, and I plug outputs

I’m a big fan of universal adapters. Even when I’m based in a country like Colombia with the same outlet as the US, I still use my universal adapter to charge multiple devices using the same outlet. The Epicka Universal travel adapter is a popular choice among frequent travelers. It offers four built-in plugs to charge devices in more than 200 countries and regions. However, it doesn’t support charging in India or South Africa, so you'll need a different adapter if you’re heading to those destinations. You can charge up to six devices at one time, and it’s lightweight and affordable, making it a must-have for any traveler.

Pros: Lightweight, affordable, comes in multiple colorsCons: Does not convert voltage, universal adapters can sometimes become loose in the outlet over time

Dimensions: 5.3" x 5.3" x 1.9" Weight: 11.2 oz. Number of ports: 2Countries supported: Apple lists North America, Japan, China, United Kingdom, Continental Europe, Korea, Australia, Hong Kong, and Brazil as supported countries, but I’ve used these adapters throughout the world and have never found an outlet that I can’t use.

As a full-time digital nomad, I constantly need an adapter. I’m an avid Apple user, so I use the Apple World Travel Adapter Kit with the 35W Dual USB-C Port power adapter. With these, I can charge my MacBook Air and iPhone 16 Pro simultaneously in virtually any country in the world. The World Travel Adapter Kit provides seven different plugs with prongs to fit outlets worldwide, and the USB-C Port power adapter allows you to easily switch out the plugs each time you travel. I like the ability to plug my charger directly into the wall whenever I’m traveling rather than needing to plug it into a separate device first.

Pros: Charges your devices like a local, fits snugly into the outlet, charges two devices at onceCons: Must keep track of several different adapters

Dimensions: 4.82" x 3.13" x 1.47"Weight: 1.1 lb.Number of ports: 6Countries supported: 160+ countries with A, E, F, I, L, and G outlet types

If you need a converter for your devices, the Foval is a fantastic pick. This is another adapter that I have personal experience with, and I highly recommend it. It’s compatible with devices like a CPAP machine, a breast pump, and some flat irons. It offers two standard plugs and 4 USB ports. Important note: You can’t use this with hair dryers or other household appliances over 230W. It comes with an EU power cable, so you can plug it directly into the wall if visiting a European country. If not, it also has four international adapters.

Pros: Converts 220V to 110V, charges several devices at onceCons: Heavy and bulky

Dimensions: 2" x 2" x 2"Weight: 8.1 oz.Number of ports: 4 (1 QC 3.0 USB-A, 1 USB-A, 1 USB-C, and a universal outlet; includes a retractable fast-charging cable)Countries supported: 150+ countries with Type A, C, G, and I plug outputs

The Ceptics GAN 70W Universal travel adapter stands out because it includes a retractable USB-C cable with fast charging capabilities, plus four other USB/AC sockets. You can charge five devices at once, and you won’t need to keep track of your USB-C cable. This adapter utilizes advanced technology to support fast and efficient charging while generating less heat and staying compact. As with other universal adapters, the plugs might get loose in certain outlets over time.

Pros: Built-in cable, lightweightCons: Most expensive on this list

Dimensions: 3” x 4” x 3”Weight: 5.6 oz.Number of ports: 1Countries supported: Countries with Type B, G, E/F, C, and I outlets.

If you don’t need to charge multiple devices at once and don’t plan on visiting multiple countries during your trip, there’s little reason to have a bulky universal adapter. Instead, you can opt for the Ceptics adapter plug set, an inexpensive and lightweight option to keep you connected while away. The whole set weighs just 5.6 ounces, but if you are only traveling to one country, you just need one of the five included adapters, which will take up virtually no space in your luggage.

Pros: Lightweight, affordableCons: Can only charge one device at a time