USA plug adaptor

[Steph84]

I'm going to NY next week and need to know if I need an adaptor for the British standard 3-pin plug? Or are theirs the same as ours? Please help.

[Clanad]

Not only an adapter but a converter... our electrical system provides 110 volts, whereas I believe the British system is 220... Welcome to the U.S.!

[Cathyhuns]

You need an adaptor. US sockets have different shaped holes although some international hotels will have both US and UK sockets.  Some UK power leads now have dual plugs - my laptop has a European plug inside a casing shaped like a UK plug. The voltage is less of an issue as 110 V will not damage your UK eqpt but travel kettles, for example, will take longer to boil.

[BillyNoMates]

Just be sure that any appliances you are intending to take to the US can handle 110/115V rather than the 230V in the UK.

Typically these days, things such as phone chargers, laptop power supplies can operate at any voltage between 110-240V but check first. And yes, you will require an adapter as the US socket is physically very different.

[Pinotage]

I have stayed in many hotels in the US and never seen anyone that took the 3pin UK plug. You need a travel adaptor for the US - the US plug has two flat sideby side prongs. You can buy the adapter at the UK airport on your outward flight.

You don't say why you need an adaptor. If its for a hairdryer most US hotels have them in the bathroom, large hotels also have irons - look in closet, for kettle, many hotels have microwaves and coffee machines. Email the hotel and you may save yourself carrying unnecessary weight.

If for laptop, get adaptor and US phone cord if you're using dialup internet, though many hotels now offer wireless internet.

[The Tiggster]

Nothing much to add to the above except when I was in the states last year my GHD straightners didn't heat up properly. Nightmare 3 weeks with kinky hair, and photographs to remind me of it!!!!

My Nokia phone charged OK, but another visitor from the UK's didn't, strange.