One thing to look out for in travel adapters is whether or not they support earth pins. While 3-pin plugs are the standard in the UK, elsewhere in the world they’re used less often or not at all. The United States of America entices thousands of tourists every year, who are all looking to discover and explore the country. To make sure you see all the USA has to offer, it’s important to plan your trip, before you set off on your adventure. USA travel adaptors: which type do I need?

verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ Don't be an idiot at the airport, where universal travel adaptors are expensive and basic. Get it sorted before you set off on your travels with our collection of the very best around. Basic adaptors are available that convert from one country to another, but it's better to invest in a universal travel adaptor that caters for everything. So what should you look for?

USA travel adaptors: which type do I need?

Electricity supplies worldwide can vary from anything between 100V and 240V. It can be extremely dangerous to use an electrical appliance that is rated at a voltage different from the supply. As well as being standard in South Africa, Namibia, Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique, Lesotho and Swaziland, Type-M is common in Nepal and Bhutan, too. Cue this simple, but essential travel adapter that converts from every other plug in the world –such as the US, UK, Europe, Australia, China and Brazil – to the Type-M. This Switzerland-made example from Skross doesn't convert voltage, but it does work with power-hungry devices including laptops and travel hairdryers. Converters and transformers perform a similar function, but their applications differ. Converters are typically used with appliances that operate for a short duration (1-2hours), whilst most transformers can be used alongside appliances that operate continuously. Along very similar lines, here’s the same adapter, but for the US and other countries that use this plug type, which includes Canada, Mexico, Japan and most of South America, among other locations.

They’re cheap and cheerful, but they work – and for most people, that’s enough. They also cost a lot less online than buying the exact same ones in an airport newsagent. Samsung's celebrating the 20th anniversary of an iconic flip with a special retro version of the Galaxy Z Flip 5 Whether you’re travelling, commuting or in the office, the best power banks keep your smartphone, laptop and everything recharged and ready to use

The verdict: Travel adapters

It’s important to understand that some travel adaptors are not suitable for any appliances that require an earth connection. These types of travel adaptors should only be used with double insulated equipment, which will be clearly marked with the symbol shown below. This model is perfect for using across Europe, but you can also get an essentially identical one forusing in the US and Canadaand other compatible countries. However, it has the advantage of accepting input devices from the UK, US, Australia, Europe and most of Asia, and outputting to all of the same countries. If you travel to India, Pakistan or Sri Lanka, you may find international power points in your hotel but these countries also have a dedicated plug type.

A voltage converter is required for devices that do not offer dual voltage, which makes this device incredibly handy if you’re heading to the states, where voltage is a lot lower than the UK. Technology defines travel. It used to be all about postcards, travel journals and finding yourself, but can you ever feel relaxed abroad without knowing you can charge up your stash of tech? A universal travel adaptor is essential for any and all trips abroad. Whether you're sharing your trip with a smartphone, tablet, laptop, headphones, camera or Bluetooth speaker (not forgetting toothbrush, curling irons and travel kettle), you might as well get a good one.

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With sliding connectors, it can plug into type A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O outlets, and accepts type A, B, C, E, F, G, I, J, L, and N plugs, so it works in over 200 countries and regions – including the US, Europe, Australia, and UK. Thanks to an auto-resetting fuse it’ll cut off the power if it detects that it’s getting too hot, which should save your devices (and the Passport III itself) from problems with incompatible international voltages.

For information on travel adaptors required for other North American countries, follow one of the links below: There are a couple of reasons why this universal adaptor from MyTravelPal stands out. The first is that it claims to be the safest travel adapter in the world – it's one of the very few all-in-one travel adapters that has passed the very strict regulatory standard BS:8546. It's a great option that won't let you down.The Zendure Passport II Pro is a travel adapter that’s so powerful you’ll probably end up using it at home too.