When traveling to the U.K. on vacation, you’ll need to prepare yourself in advance to convert your electric and electronic items in order to be able to use them. While the U.S. uses 110-volt electricity, the majority of countries around the world use a 220-volt system. Many items now have dual voltage so, for instance, taking your iPod with you and charging it up while in London won’t be as much of a concern. Switch it to 220 volts while overseas; switch it back when you return to the U.S. If your appliances do not have dual voltage – like a hair dryer, for instance – then you’ll need to use a converter.

Also, plugs in Britain are shaped differently, so you’ll need to purchase plug adapters and pack them prior to leaving. Technically, adapters don’t have anything to do with the electricity – they just help make the plug fit securely into the wall socket. A photo is shown below of the different prongs used in the U.K.

As far as converters go, these are for use with electric appliances such as hair dryers and irons. They can be used for short periods of time. You’ll need something more heavy duty, a transformer, for extended use with computers and battery chargers. There are even products available that can be used as both converter and transformer.

Plug adapters, converters and transformers can easily be found and purchased online, although most travel, luggage and major office supply stores carry these products here in the States. You’ll be hard-pressed to find these appliances while in London, so be sure to handle these matters before leaving.

Since many vacationers now carry laptop computers with them, either to keep up on work or to stay in contact with those back home, you’ll want to know these details in order to stay up and running. Most AC adapters and chargers for laptops are dual voltage, so a plug adapter is all you’ll need. To protect yourself, you may want to purchase a travel surge protector as well if you’re going to be working for extended periods of time.

If you’ll be staying in a major chain hotel while in London, inquire before you arrive as to what is available. While plug adapters are a necessity, you may even find that some hotels provide you with 110-volt outlets for your use while there. In general, “know before you go” and avoid frustration while dealing with your electric appliances. Click below to visit Amazon.com and purchase what you’ll need: