If you're traveling to India, whether for vacation or business, there's quite a bit you're going to need to know before embarking on your trip. From cultural differences and currency exchange rates to saying hello and thank you in the native language, it's best to know what to expect and to be prepared prior to your arrival.
Surprisingly, one of the most overlooked factors of international travel - regardless of the destination - is bringing your electronics along with you. Now, when we speak of traveling with electronics we're not talking about how to keep them safe or how to properly pack them into a suitcase or travel bag. We're talking about being able to actually USE them once you arrive at your destination. It all comes down to one basic and underrated necessity - electricity.
See, in different areas of the world there are different standard voltages for electricity. The voltage delivered from a utility company to the outlet/socket varies from region to region and even from country to country. In North America, the standard voltage is 110 volts (also known as 120), while the European standard is 220 volts (also known as 240). The reason this variation causes such an issue for travelers is because nearly all electronic devices are manufactured to operate ONLY at the native voltage of the area from which they were sold. In other words, depending on where you travel to, your electronics will not always work. Firstly, the difference in voltage will lead to one of two results. Either
1. Your electrical devices will not work because they're not recieving enough voltage to power them, or
2. Your devices will be damaged or destroyed because they were fed nearly double the voltage they are supposed to have.
Of course this all depends on where you're coming from. If you are from a 220 volt standard country (France), and travel to a 110 volt country (North or South America), your equipment will only recieve about half the voltage that it was intended for. Typically this won't cause any harm but it's not enough volts to power or even charge your item. On the other hand, if you're from a 110 volt country traveling to a 220 volt country and attempt to plug in your electronics, they will most likely be damaged or completely ruined. You also run the risk of starting a fire and/or being electrocuted. Not fun!
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India uses different electrical outlets. You'll need to be sure you have a plug adapter to use your electronics.[/caption] Secondly, it's not only the voltage that varies, it's also the electrical outlet (or socket) itself. There are many different styles of outlets and each is different. The differences lie in the shapes of the plugs, the number of prongs, that some are grounded while others are not, etc. You can't just stick any old plug into an outlet.
What a bummer, huh? Especially if you're on a business trip. Can you imagine using up all of your laptop battery watching movies on the airplane, thinking that you'd simply recharge it at the hotel? Upon arriving in India, you find out that the plug doesn't even match the wall outlet and now you have no way to charge your computer. Hopefully your phone is charged, otherwise you're really in for a rude awakening! Language barriers and trekking through unfamiliar territory in India could make this situation nearly impossible to resolve. Imagine if you have business early in the morning, or even in just a few hours. You have no laptop, no cell phone, and have no clue what to do. The failure to recognize the voltage/outlet differences before leaving for your trip might have just caused a complete and utter failure for your business ventures. It may have even cost you a client, or worse yet, your job!
Luckily since you're reading this you're becoming aware, and so none of this will happen to you in the future. Additionally, the answer to dealing with international electrical differences is simple. When traveling to other countries there is one thing that people consistently count on to overcome the differences in standard voltage - it's called a
voltage converter.
Voltage converters operate just as the name implies - they convert voltage. From 110 volts up to 220 volts, and from 220 volts down to 110 volts, a voltage converter safely and easily amplifies or reduces the voltage at the outlet. With the addition of the proper plug adapter to ensure that you can physically plug the device into a socket, a voltage converter lets you travel abroad and use your electronics with confidence and ease.
Voltage converters come in different sizes which are determined by the wattage, or number of watts they use. The electronics devices you plan to bring with you to India are the sole factor of what size converter you'll need. Since India's electrical standard is 220 volts, you're only going to need a converter if you're coming from North America, certain places in South America, Japan, Jamaica, or Saudi Arabia. Nearly all other areas operate on the same 220 volt standard as India. However, you still may need a foreign plug adapter to ensure you can actually use the outlets. There are three types of outlets used in India - Type C, Type D, and Type M. Regardless of where you're coming from, you're going to need a plug adapter that fits Indian outlets. The best bet is to purchase a
foreign plug adapter kit since they include multiple adapters for plugs from all over the world.
If you're coming from a country or territory with a 110 volt standard, you might be able to get away with a simple travel voltage converter. When using 110 volt equipment in India, a travel converter allows you to use small devices such as an electric razor or celluar phone charger. The low wattage capability of most travel chargers, however, doesn't meet the requirements to use things like a laptop computer or curling iron. In this case, to prevent problems and ensure safe and efficient use of your electronics, you're going to want a voltage converter that can handle the wattage you need. Typically, a 2000 watt voltage converter is enough to use a curling iron, electric razor, laptop (or Desktop) computer, and anything else that you'd generally need to travel with.
In some countries, and especially in India, the voltage is not as stable and is known to fluctuate more than just a few volts. This is due to poor load distribution and an antiquated electrical delivery sytem. When these fluctuations happen, the voltage can dip low and then return or rise with a sudden surge that can damage expensive electronics. If you'd prefer to have guaranteed protection against power surges you're going to want a voltage regulator (or voltage stabilizer). There are many types of converters you can purchase featuring built-in voltage stabilizers. Considering they cost just slightly more than a normal converter, they are well worth the extra investment; especially when using expensive electronics in India.
Now that you have a general understanding of international voltage differences, voltage converters and plug adapters, it's time to find and purchase what you need for your trip to India. We are one of the largest global suppliers with over 30 years of expertise in international electronics. We're based in North America and have a dedicated online store with all types and variations of voltage converters, voltage regulators, plug adapters and more. You can browse our inventory and purchase from the comfort of your own home by using our website at
www.220-electronics.com, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our extremely knowledgeable expert staff will gladly answer any questions you might have about traveling to India with electronics. Be sure to visit us today!
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Whether you're looking for a new Multisystem Smart TV, a Region-Free Blu-ray Player, or a voltage converter to power it all - now is the time to buy. Shop the most popular models from the top brand names now and get unbeatable deals with our Cyber Week Specials. There's no telling what you might find, or how much you might save!
Here's just a few of the excellent deals we're offering during Cyber Week!
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If you're heading abroad this summer - whether for a week or a month - you need to be sure you're prepared to take your electronics with you. Electrical voltage varies from continent to continent, and even from country to country. This means that your electronics may not be compatible with the higher (or lower) voltage in your destination country. In order to prevent damage to your devices or even electrical shock, it's important to plan ahead by purchasing a voltage converter to take with you.
If you're from North America and traveling to Europe for example, your electronics are designed for 120 volts only. Since Europe uses 220 volts, attempting to plug in your North American radio or electric razor without a converter will surely ruin your device because it's too much voltage for it to handle. Utilizing a voltage converter will ensure that the electricity going to your device is the same voltage that it was designed for, allowing you to use it safely and without worry. There's a wide variety of types, sizes and styles of voltage converters available, but for simple vacation travel we recommend a basic travel voltage converter. It's capable of handling low-watt electronics such as cell phone chargers, electric razors, radios, tablets and more. They're also relatively small, inexpensive and can be easily tucked away into your suitcase or backpack.
You'll also need to be sure you have some plug adapters to take along with you, since foreign countries have different styles of wall outlets than North America. There's actually up to 10 different types of plugs and wall outlets that are widely used around the world, and a voltage converter without a plug adapter is going to be pretty useless to you. Luckily, 220-Electronics has you covered. We carry an assortment of voltage converters and plug adapters for any place in the world, making it possible to use your electronics wherever you travel to.
One of our top selling travel voltage converters and foreign plug adapters is a $24 kit which includes a converter and plug adapters of every type. It's perfect for basic use and can get you through your travels without ruining your electronics or having to buy overpriced converters when arriving at your destination. They're also perfect for world travelers because of their flexibility for use in any country - everything is included in a neat and compact kit. 
So you're traveling, moving or relocating to an Asia and you're pretty sure you have everything figured out. But what about electronics and appliances? If you're traveling, this question is usually not as important as if you're moving there - but nonetheless it can still be very important.
Asian countries all run on 220/240 volt electricity. This means that if you're coming from the Americas or another 110/120 volt country, your appliances and electronics are not compatible with the voltage used in Asia. The electronics and appliances you own are designed to function only at the local voltage where they are sold, and therefore are basically useless to you overseas. While laptop computers generally use power adapters suited for any voltage, other electronics and appliances purchased in the Americas such as TVs, stereos & radios, and even blowdryers and electric razors are made to work with 120 volts. Attempting to use these items with the higher voltage of 220 or 240 volts is enough to ruin or melt your electronics, start a fire, or even cause electrocution - none of which you really want to deal with.
Many times, people think that all they need is an adapter that allows their power cord to be compatible with the foreign electrical outlet, but that isn't always the case. Unless you're using a device that's specifically designed for worldwide use, you're going to need a voltage converter. The voltage converter will plug into the outlet and safely reduce the voltage for you so that your electronics can be used without hazard or worry. There are different types and sizes of converters available depending on your needs. These range from simple travel converters for small personal electronics to converters capable of working with large appliances that draw much more electricity, such as washers & dryers.
Now, if you're just going to be taking a vacation, chances are that you're probably not traveling with your microwave or a refrigerator and a simple travel converter will be sufficient. On the other hand, if you're moving overseas with appliances from the US or another 110/120 volts country, you're definitely going to need voltage converters. The size or number of them will depend on what you're bringing along, and you can learn more about how to determine your needs with 
While there's plenty of information on voltage converters across the web, the opinions are always varying.. Some say you need them, others say you don't, and even more common are the misconceptions about which type you need and what the proper voltage is. It can be a bit confusing at times and it might get to the point where it's overwhelming. We'd like to make it simple and try to give you an idea of when you do and do not need a voltage converter for traveling.
Voltage converters are simple yet often overlooked products that can made a world of difference for those traveling abroad or relocating overseas. Using foreign electronics can go one of two ways - it can be easy or it can be a serious headache. The path you take is entirely up to you, but we're going to recommend that you take the easy route.
If you've moved overseas, are a frequent traveler or live and work abroad, chances are that you've ran into issues with electronics. Mainly, compatibility - as different regions of the world utilize various systems of voltage, electrical outlets, and even video systems.
Are you planning to travel abroad, relocate or vacation to Africa in the near future? If you're from North America, you should be aware that the electrical system there operates at a different voltage and you'll need to be properly prepared before embarking on your trip.
In Africa, the standard electrical voltage is 220 Volts, which applies to the whole continent. However, in North America, the standard voltage is 110 Volts. On both continents, consumer electronics are specifically designed and manufactured to work with the native electrical voltage. This means that North American electronics are designed to operate with a 110 (or 120) Volt electrical system, while electronics in Africa are designed to operate with a 220 (or 240) Volt electrical system.
What this means is that North American electronics cannot be used in Africa and African electronics cannot be used in North America. The difference in voltage will either be too low to efficiently power the electronics, or too high for the device to handle. Attempting to plug-in or operate electronics devices in a foreign environment where the voltage differs can result in damage to your electronics, fire, and even electrocution.
What you'll need to do in order to properly and safely use your electronics in Africa is purchase a voltage converter. A voltage converter is a device that plugs into the wall and converts the voltage from 220 volts down to 110 volts and has its own electrical outlets built into it, where you can plug-in and use your electronics devices safely, without worry.
There are many different types and models of voltage converters, depending on where you're traveling. They also come in different sizes which are rated by the wattage they can handle. The size of the converter you'll need to purchase depends on the wattage that your electronics require to operate. Higher wattage electronics will naturally require a higher wattage voltage converter to be used safely without the risk of damage or injury.
For more information on how to choose the proper voltage converters for Africa, please visit our 
Voltage converters are devices that do exactly what the name says - convert voltage. They are a simple product that either increases or decreases electrical voltage to a desired level. Generally, they're used for appliances or electronic devices that require a voltage which differs from the standard. Voltage converters are very easy to use because they simply plug into a regular electrical outlet. The device itself has its own self-contained outlets that are then used to deliver the proper voltage to your equipment, appliance or electronic device. The image at the right is of a typical average sized voltage converter.
Typically, voltage converters are utilized by those who are traveling or moving to other countries. Since all regions of the world don't use the same standard voltage, it's important to have a converter if you're bringing a foreign device or other foreign equipment that requires electricity. This ensures that the items can be used effectively in a safe and efficient manner.
If an item was manufactured to be sold in North America, it was made for a 110/120 volt electrical system. If an item was manufactured to be sold in Southeastern Asia, it was made for a 220/240 volt system. Traveling between those areas requires the use of a converter because the voltage at your destination will either be too low, or too high - and attempting to use a product that was intended for a different voltage can result in damage to the product, electrocution, fire, or worse.
Regardless of where you're traveling to or what equipment you'll bring along, there's always a voltage converter that's perfect for the situation. There are simple converters that are available for traveling with small items and personal effects, and there are larger converters which are more appropriate for larger appliances or industrial equipment applications. The size of your converter will be determined by the wattage that your devices require to operate and there are smaller models for just 500 watts and larger models for up to 15,000 watts or more. But the wattage isn't the only thing to take into consideration - you're also going to need to know which style of converter you need.
If you're traveling to somewhere with a lower voltage, than you're going to need a step-up converter because it steps the electricity up to the proper voltage. If you're traveling to somewhere with a higher voltage, you're going to need a step-down converter because it steps the electricity down to the proper voltage. Voltage and wattage usage information and requirements can easily be found on the manufacturer tag or the owners manual of any electrical product. You'll need to find this information first and foremost. Once you know which voltage your device(s) operate at, you'll be able to choose the proper style of converter. Once you know the wattage it requires, you'll be able to choose the proper size of converter.
Some of the more common examples of the need for a voltage converter would be going on vacation and needing to use a computer, hair dryer or electric razor that you've brought along. Another example is individuals or companies who are traveling overseas for work or to perform foreign contracting, as they'll likely be bringing all sorts of power tools, machines and equipment along with them.
Still, there are other examples for the need of a converter, such as domestic applications. Converters are sometimes used in domestic situations for equipment or machinery that requires the use of a higher voltage because they consume a significantly higher amount of electricity to operate. This would be true for certain welding machines, heavy industrial equipment and custom applications. While most converters are portable, some larger and more permanent converters can be wired directly into an electrical system if needed.
Voltage converters are a powerful tool that are utilized all over the world by individuals, companies and even the military.
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Are you thinking of relocating or traveling to Australia? If you answered yes, you've probably done quite a bit of research on the subject. You might be relocating for business, or simply taking an extended vacation to experience the "Land of Oz". While Australia offers quite an amazing experience, there's a rather important factor you may be overlooking - traveling with electronics.
If you plan to relocate, stay for an extended period of time or even take a short vacation, chances are that you'll be traveling with some sort of electronic devices. From an electric razor or hair dryer to a laptop or digital camera, it's nearly impossible to leave home and travel with out bringing along items that require electricity. Herein lies the problem.
In Australia, the standard electrical voltage is different from North America. In Australia, electricity is delivered at 220 volts, meaning 220 volts is what comes out of a wall socket or outlet. In North America, electricity is delivered at 110 volts. This causes complications and unexpected inconveniences for travelers who bring electronics along and are not prepared for this change.
When you purchase electronics, voltage is never a concern. This is because electronics are manufactured to operate at the voltage of the country or region on which they are sold. For example, electronics sold in North America are designed to run on a 110 volt electrical standard, while electronics sold in Australia are designed to run on a 220 volt standard. The devices are only intended to function with that specific voltage. In other words, you cannot just take your US purchased laptop to Australia and plug it into an outlet to charge - the result could be anything from an immediately ruined laptop to electrical shock or fire.
If this is all news to you, don't worry there's no need for alarm. Thankfully, there are solutions to using electronics overseas, with one of the most convenient being voltage converters. Using a voltage converter for Australia will let you to travel with any and all the electronics you need to be comfortable and productive on your trip.
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