Murphy Writing of Stockton University

Chances are you’ll be bringing items on your trip that you will want to charge like a laptop, phone, tablet or camera. Most newer devices are dual-voltage and will work with the UK’s 220/240 Volt standard. Here are the steps you should take to determine how to prepare for your trip.

1. Verify your equipment supports the 220/240v standard. (Look at the battery, charger or documentation that came with the device. The input should read: 100-240V.)
2. If it does, you will need to buy a US to UK adapter plug which allows the US plug to be converted to the correct shape to fit UK wall sockets. Here’s a link to a 3 pack on Amazon which has great reviews and is very affordable: http://www.amazon.com/Ceptics-Grounded-Universal-Plug-Adapter/dp/B0080R95XI/. Similar adapters are available in travel stores, airports, big train stations, etc., but you will save time and money by purchasing this one before you leave home.

If your device does not support the 220/240v standard, you will need to look into other options: leaving the item home, buying an inexpensive alternate over there or using a voltage converter. While some people have had good luck with converters, we’ve found them to be unreliable and damage the item at times. In our case, rather than bringing a US hair drier, we will make do without it or will buy an inexpensive one at a UK drugstore which should run £8-15 (Approx. $11-20).