The Best Travel Adapters for the USA and America

Travelling to the USA can be an exciting adventure, but ensuring your electronic devices stay charged and functional is crucial. One essential item you’ll need is a reliable travel adapter. The best travel adapters are designed to fit American sockets and are compact for easy portability. This guide will help you understand the different voltage standards in the UK and the USA, and recommend the best travel adapter for your trip.

If you’re travelling to another country and or need help finding the right travel adapter, you can fill in our small form to learn which one you need. MyTravelPal supply the best travel adapters out there, and we’ve been featured in numerous publications such as T3 gadget magazine.

Voltage Differences for UK Travellers Visiting the USA

Before diving into travel adapter recommendations, it’s important to understand the voltage differences between the UK and the USA.

• UK Voltage: In the United Kingdom, the standard voltage is 230 volts with a frequency of 50 Hz. The plug type most commonly used is Type G, characterised by three rectangular prongs in a triangular pattern.
• USA Voltage: In the United States, the standard voltage is 120 volts with a frequency of 60 Hz. The common plug types are Type A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin).

These differences mean that UK devices may not work in the USA without an appropriate travel adapter and possibly a voltage converter, especially for devices that are not dual voltage. [Check our blog post on voltage converters to see if you may need one.]

Plug Types that Fit American Sockets

The USA primarily uses two types of plugs:

Type A (2 pin)

• Type A plugs have two flat parallel pins.
• Usage: These are ungrounded plugs and are commonly used for devices that do not require grounding, such as phone chargers and small electronics.
• Compatibility: Type A outlets can accept Type A plugs only.
  

Type B (3 Pin)

• Type B plugs have two flat parallel pins and a round grounding pin.
• Usage: These grounded plugs are used for larger or more power-intensive devices, such as laptops, kitchen appliances, and other electronic devices.
• Compatibility: Type B outlets can accept both Type A and Type B plugs.

Understanding the plug types is crucial for ensuring you have the right adapter to fit American outlets. UK travellers visiting the USA need to understand these plug types to ensure compatibility with their devices.

Why You Need a Travel Adapter

A travel adapter allows you to plug your UK devices into American outlets. It does not convert voltage but enables the physical connection between different plug types. If your device is not dual voltage (230V-120V), you will also need a voltage converter.

Travel adapters are essential for UK travellers to use their small electrical devices in the USA.

Recommended Adapters

1. USA / Canada Travel Adaptor With 3 USB Ports (Type B)

2. MyTravelPal® Worldwide Travel Adaptor (Ungrounded)

3. MyTravelPal® Pro: Universal Travel Adaptor

Tips for Using Travel Adapters

• Check Device Compatibility: Ensure your device is dual voltage (look for a label indicating 110V-220V or 120V-240V). If not, you will need a voltage converter.
• Pack Multiple Adapters: If you have several devices, consider packing more than one adapter to charge multiple devices simultaneously. Check out all the adaptors here. When purchasing travel adapters, it's important to check out delivery options and conditions at checkout to see the earliest delivery date and any potential delivery fees.
• Buy Quality Products: Invest in reputable brands to avoid potential damage to your devices. MyTravelPal is one of these, as featured in T3 gadget magazine.

Helping You Find the Right Adapter

A good travel adapter can make your journey hassle-free, ensuring your devices are always charged and ready to go. Taking a few minutes to find the right adapter before you travel can save you a lot of stress and inconvenience.

If you’re travelling to another country and need help finding the right adapter, click on this link to find the one you need.

Conclusion

Travelling to the USA with your UK devices requires careful planning, especially regarding power compatibility. The right travel adapter ensures your electronics stay powered, keeping you connected and functional throughout your trip. By understanding the voltage differences and choosing a reliable adapter, you can enjoy your travels without worrying about your devices.

Safe travels!