Tips for Using Your Electronics Internationally
Get a Free Moving Quote Now!
Start Your International Moving Journey
When you’re moving to a new country, there are many changes that come with such an exciting decision, and not the least among them is considering how your electronics will work in the foreign environment. Items ranging from laptops and phones to gaming devices and cameras should be taken care of before you move so that you don’t damage, delay, or cause frustration upon arrival at your new home.
Know the Plug Types in Your Destination Country
Outlet shapes vary by country, so unless you are certain your device is made for world travel, the plug may not fit. When planning a move, you should check what type of plug is needed at your destination, given some other pre-move essentials, like how to prepare for an international move.
Common Plug Types
- United States, Canada, Mexico: Type A/B
- Europe: Type C/E/F
- UK, Ireland, Singapore: Type G
- Australia, New Zealand, China: Type I
A simple plug adapter makes your device physically compatible with outlets, and it’s one of the small items many families include in their international moving checklist.
Check Whether Your Electronics Are World-Compatible
Most of the electronic devices we use every day, like phones, tablets, and laptops, are already designed to work around the world. Look for a line on the power label of your charger that says:
“INPUT: 100–240V, 50–60Hz”
If so, the device works in nearly any country with just a plug adapter.
Common globally compatible devices:
- Smartphones
- Laptops
- Cameras
- Gaming consoles
- Power banks
You can pack these in your carry-on as air freight essentials, so you can access them while traveling.
When You Need a Voltage Converter
Some older devices only work at 110–120V, like the ones they use in North America. If you’re moving to Western Europe, East Asia, or Australia, check each device. If the label says:
“INPUT: 120V only”
…it requires a voltage converter
Converters are useful for:
- Small electronics with basic charging blocks
- Older shavers
- Camera battery chargers without modern adapters
If you’re unsure which electronics to bring or replace, many expats review our resources on moving household goods internationally to help them decide what makes sense to ship or buy locally.
Protect Your Electronics With Surge Protection
Power surges are more common in some countries, especially when you’re moving into older buildings or temporary rental units. A travel surge protector or USB-C charging block offers an added layer of safety.
A compact power strip is also useful when settling in abroad, especially during the early days when you’re still unpacking or using temporary arrangements—similar to how we recommend essentials in our guide to settling in after an international move.
Bring the Right Charging Accessories
Before you move internationally, pack the right accessories to keep your electronics powered anywhere:
Recommended accessories:
- Universal plug adapters
- Multi-port USB-C chargers
- Surge-protected travel strip
- Extra cables
- Power bank
- eSIM or SIM-unlocking information
These items fit easily in hand luggage—ideal if you’re shipping most belongings through international container shipping and won’t have immediate access to your household items.
Avoid Bringing High-Power Appliances
Even though this guide is written by an electronics writer, many people will wrongly include appliances that don’t travel well. Things such as hair dryers, straighteners, blenders, and toasters are most frequently damaged due to differences in voltage, and you’ll be better off buying those when you arrive.
If you’re unsure what to keep or toss, our what to pack for international move guide may help.
Quick Checklist for Using Electronics Internationally
- Identify plug type for your destination
- Check voltage label on all chargers
- Pack universal plug adapters
- Bring a surge protector
- Carry a multi-port USB-C charger
- Bring spare cables and a power bank
- Buy high-power appliances locally
This checklist is a valuable resource during the initial stages of your move, particularly while you are reviewing schedules, timelines, and requirements.
Final Thoughts
Once you have learned the right plug types, voltage compatibility, and what accessories you need, using electronics overseas is a breeze. (While most advanced electronics already feature global voltage, with a dependable adapter and minimal surge protection, you can stay plugged in anywhere.
A little preparation will save big time—especially when you’re moving across the globe. With some careful advance planning, you’ll be ready to plug in and settle down easily in your new home abroad.