Outlet Adapters
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: SIN
Programs: AA Gold/OneWorld Ruby
Posts: 98
Outlet Adapters
I've always liked the idea of carrying universal outlet adapter, if only so that I don't get tempted to remove ones I don't need for a specific trip from my bag and then be unable to find them later!
I have a number of those "boxy" universal style adapters, but I've never liked them. Admittedly, I often get them for free, but I don't think it's a "you get what you pay for" issue. They are too bulky to carry, they are too bulky to insert into some sockets, their geometry can be awkward, and they often break. Most recently one that I have developed an overactive spring that likes to expel whatever I try to plug into it, except for an Australia/New Zealand style plug. I do like that they often have an integrated USB outlet or two, and that they can accept any plug - most often I need to convert my US plugs to a foreign outlet, but once or twice it's been handy to accept a universal plug.
I think this is the best universal style adapter, although it can get a little large in the UK style or US/Aus/NZ confirmations:
However, more recently I've found something even smaller, simpler and cheaper:
You may think that this only converts from US to EU, and you wouldn't be wrong, but it's not the whole story either. If you depress the ground pin of a UK-style outlet, you can insert an EU plug directly into it. (I'm sure there's a Brexit metaphor in there somewhere). You can depress the pin with a tool - the Phillips screwdriver of my 58mm Swiss Army Knife works perfectly, or with another kind of adapter:
I still carry the Kikkerland adapter because it packs so flat, the EU adapter has adjustable spacing and it can be used with the Aus/NZ plugs that are often found in China, but I find that the even simpler US to EU adapter solves 95% of my issues, enabling me to use US, EU and UK outlets with my US style plugs. They cost a dollar or two only. Note that even the Kirkland adapter can't accept a UK plug, but it can adapt to a UK outlet.
I have a number of those "boxy" universal style adapters, but I've never liked them. Admittedly, I often get them for free, but I don't think it's a "you get what you pay for" issue. They are too bulky to carry, they are too bulky to insert into some sockets, their geometry can be awkward, and they often break. Most recently one that I have developed an overactive spring that likes to expel whatever I try to plug into it, except for an Australia/New Zealand style plug. I do like that they often have an integrated USB outlet or two, and that they can accept any plug - most often I need to convert my US plugs to a foreign outlet, but once or twice it's been handy to accept a universal plug.
I think this is the best universal style adapter, although it can get a little large in the UK style or US/Aus/NZ confirmations:
However, more recently I've found something even smaller, simpler and cheaper:
You may think that this only converts from US to EU, and you wouldn't be wrong, but it's not the whole story either. If you depress the ground pin of a UK-style outlet, you can insert an EU plug directly into it. (I'm sure there's a Brexit metaphor in there somewhere). You can depress the pin with a tool - the Phillips screwdriver of my 58mm Swiss Army Knife works perfectly, or with another kind of adapter:
I still carry the Kikkerland adapter because it packs so flat, the EU adapter has adjustable spacing and it can be used with the Aus/NZ plugs that are often found in China, but I find that the even simpler US to EU adapter solves 95% of my issues, enabling me to use US, EU and UK outlets with my US style plugs. They cost a dollar or two only. Note that even the Kirkland adapter can't accept a UK plug, but it can adapt to a UK outlet.
#2
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: New England
Programs: American Gold, Marriott Gold, Hilton Silver
Posts: 5,617
I have a few of those tiny cheap adapters. I keep losing them, but every now and then I'd find one. I've never seen them sold separately, but when I buy generic wall chargers for my camera batteries (Wasabi Power is the brand), they always come with one.
#3
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: next to HAM
Programs: LH M+M
Posts: 960
Found this one in Tokyo the other day
https://abload.de/gallery.php?key=qLYQVHpe
Should be along this one, too https://www.110220volts.com/wat-nano.html
https://abload.de/gallery.php?key=qLYQVHpe
Should be along this one, too https://www.110220volts.com/wat-nano.html
#4
Join Date: Feb 2020
Location: London
Programs: BAEC
Posts: 100
I'm sure frequent flyers will already know this, but in case not - please be careful with cheap-o adapters and converters, particularly the "universal" type. They may not meet the standards for short-circuit protection and/or heat resistance. Probably fine for low power devices but watch out for anything above 100 W or so.
That warning doubles for cheap universal USB chargers, as these are known to have absolutely rubbish high-to-low voltage separation which can result in... energetic incidents!
That warning doubles for cheap universal USB chargers, as these are known to have absolutely rubbish high-to-low voltage separation which can result in... energetic incidents!
#6
Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: MDW/Chicago south suburbs
Programs: Delta Skymiles
Posts: 34
https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/p/uk-power-adapter
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: SIN
Programs: AA Gold/OneWorld Ruby
Posts: 98
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/392360916790
If you are located in Singapore here is another:
https://shopee.sg/SG-SELLER--Random-...AaAkd0EALw_wcB
I don't know if they are just not available on Amazon or if I can't find the right keywords.
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: London & Sonoma CA
Programs: UA 1K, MM *G for life, BAEC Gold
Posts: 10,215
The Rick Steves one looks ok and is reasonably sturdily constructed. The EBay one looks incredibly flimsy, I suspect that it hasn't met any of the regulatory standards and, if you use it, expect to be resetting circuit breakers, or repairing your devices.
#9
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: New England
Programs: American Gold, Marriott Gold, Hilton Silver
Posts: 5,617
This is what I use. The grounding/earthing pin actually works, and it works wonders in aircraft outlets on US carriers where the US part of the outlet is worn out and won't retain a plug, while the UK type G socket is nice and snug.
#11
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Earth. Residency:HKG formerly:YYZ
Programs: CX, DL, Nexus/GE, APEC
Posts: 10,659
This is what I use. The grounding/earthing pin actually works, and it works wonders in aircraft outlets on US carriers where the US part of the outlet is worn out and won't retain a plug, while the UK type G socket is nice and snug.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0080R95XI/
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0080R95XI/
The only issue I have is plugging US polarized plug with one blade wider into these adapters.
#12
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 80
On a recent trip in Tanzania and Rwanda, I found that most hotels and safari vehicles (!) now have universal sockets that accept many plugs, including those used in US and France. Some also have USB ports, though there are some warnings that USB charging ports in hotels can be used for hacking phones.
One very useful item to bring is an old fashioned, 3-way adapter. In the shape of a + sign, you can plug in three US-plug devices (even power bricks). You still need a US-to-foreign adapter, but only one.
One very useful item to bring is an old fashioned, 3-way adapter. In the shape of a + sign, you can plug in three US-plug devices (even power bricks). You still need a US-to-foreign adapter, but only one.
#13
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: IAD
Programs: UA Gold (MM), Hilton Diamond, Hertz Presidents Circle
Posts: 27
This is the one I like to travel with - https://smile.amazon.com/Travel-Adap...078GNJ86V?th=1
It's not the smallest, but not overly large and in additional to adapters for most everywhere, has plenty of USB ports, including USB C powerful enough for a Gram. UK adapter is especially nice for airplanes that won't hold a US plug.
It's not the smallest, but not overly large and in additional to adapters for most everywhere, has plenty of USB ports, including USB C powerful enough for a Gram. UK adapter is especially nice for airplanes that won't hold a US plug.
#14
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: MRY/SFO/SJC
Programs: AS MVP, Hilton Diamond, IHG Gold
Posts: 7,769
Bumping this three year old thread...
I have more than sufficiently used a cheap $3 universal adapter for decades, happened to see online the Anker European one with two USB ports (currently on amazon for $15.99 - $3 coupon), which got me thinking it'd be nice to upgrade to a modern one. Anyone have, or seen/recommend, a universal version that doesn't cost an arm (ideally less than $25)? I have trips to AU and PL later this year.
I have more than sufficiently used a cheap $3 universal adapter for decades, happened to see online the Anker European one with two USB ports (currently on amazon for $15.99 - $3 coupon), which got me thinking it'd be nice to upgrade to a modern one. Anyone have, or seen/recommend, a universal version that doesn't cost an arm (ideally less than $25)? I have trips to AU and PL later this year.
#15
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: TOA
Programs: HH Diamond, Marriott LTPP/Platinum Premier, Hyatt Lame-ist, UA !K
Posts: 20,061
Bumping this three year old thread...
I have more than sufficiently used a cheap $3 universal adapter for decades, happened to see online the Anker European one with two USB ports (currently on amazon for $15.99 - $3 coupon), which got me thinking it'd be nice to upgrade to a modern one. Anyone have, or seen/recommend, a universal version that doesn't cost an arm (ideally less than $25)? I have trips to AU and PL later this year.
I have more than sufficiently used a cheap $3 universal adapter for decades, happened to see online the Anker European one with two USB ports (currently on amazon for $15.99 - $3 coupon), which got me thinking it'd be nice to upgrade to a modern one. Anyone have, or seen/recommend, a universal version that doesn't cost an arm (ideally less than $25)? I have trips to AU and PL later this year.
David