Enrichment · Passion Projects

Will it plug in
when you get there?

Plug shapes and voltages change at the border. Choose your destination, list what you are bringing and what each label says, and the page tells you the plug types and voltage there, which devices need only an adapter, which need a converter or a dual-voltage swap, and what to pack.

Trips

For travelers from the United States and Canada (120 V, plug types A and B). The worked example is made up. Saved on this device only.

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What you get

Enrichment · Passion ProjectsFree

What you finish with
A packing check per trip: the destination’s plug types, voltage and frequency, each device sorted into adapter only, converter needed or check the label, and whether an adapter is packed. Shows the plug types across your trips and devices needing a converter.
Who it is for
Students going on exchanges, school trips and study abroad; families and travelers packing for a trip.
Format
Browser checker with a saved record per trip, covering 30 destinations. Prints one trip as a packing note, all trips in a table or a blank form; downloads a spreadsheet (.csv); exports and imports a file.
Access
Free. No account, no sign-in and nothing to install. Everything you type stays in this browser; nothing is sent to Caveat.
Where it lives
The Passion Projects space in Caveat Enrichment.
Support
Questions about access, an order or a correction: team@caveatacademic.com.

How to use it

  1. Name the trip and pick the destination.
  2. List every device with a plug or charger.
  3. Read INPUT on each label and pick its voltage.
  4. Read the flags: adapter only, converter, or check the label.
  5. Pack the adapter types shown and leave single-voltage heaters and stylers at home if you can.

Check a trip

Plugs, voltage and frequency

Common plug typesTypePinsUsed inATwo flatUnited States, Canada, Japan, MexicoBTwo flat and a round groundUnited States, Canada, MexicoCTwo roundMost of Europe, much of AsiaGThree rectangularUK, Ireland, Singapore, KenyaITwo angled flat, often a groundAustralia, New Zealand, ChinaCommon plug typesAPins: Two flatUsed in: United States, Canada, Japan, MexicoBPins: Two flat and a round groundUsed in: United States, Canada, MexicoCPins: Two roundUsed in: Most of Europe, much of AsiaGPins: Three rectangularUsed in: UK, Ireland, Singapore, KenyaIPins: Two angled flat, often a groundUsed in: Australia, New Zealand, China
A type C plug fits most type E and F sockets too, which is why one small adapter covers most of Europe.

Adapter or converter

A plug adapter only changes the shape of the plug. A voltage converter changes 230 V to 120 V. Most phone, tablet and laptop chargers accept 100 to 240 V and need only an adapter. Hair dryers, straighteners and other heating devices are often single-voltage and draw more power than small converters handle.

Frequency

Most of the Americas use 60 Hz; most of Europe, Asia and Africa use 50 Hz. Chargers do not mind, but some clocks and motors may run slightly fast or slow on the other frequency.

Check before you go

This list covers 30 destinations and the common case. Older buildings, hotels and some regions differ, and Brazil uses two voltages. The IEC World Plugs list has every country.

Sources

  1. International Electrotechnical Commission: World Plugs, plug types, voltage and frequency by country (iec.ch/world-plugs).
  2. U.S. Department of State: Traveler’s checklist (travel.state.gov).
  3. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: Electrical safety tips for travelers and hair dryers (cpsc.gov).
  4. International Electrotechnical Commission. IEC TR 60083, Plugs and socket-outlets for domestic and similar general use standardized in member countries of IEC.

The worked example is made up. Plug and voltage data for 30 destinations from the IEC World Plugs list, checked from memory; confirm for your exact destination and lodging. Nothing you type is sent to Caveat. Support: team@caveatacademic.com.