Adapter vs. Converter

What is the difference between an adapter and a converter? Going In Style gets this question a lot. An adapter changes the plug configuration so your US power plugs fit into the wall socket in the foreign country you are visiting. A converter changes the electricity so you can use your NON-DUAL-VOLTAGE appliances when visiting a foreign country.

Adapters

Chances are, if you are traveling to a foreign country, you WILL need an adapter plug to plug your smartphone, tablet, laptop computer, hair dryer and other appliances into the wall outlet to charge. United States power plugs have two flat pins, while another country, such as the United Kingdom, power plug's will have three large square pins. The pin configuration on your US power plug will not fit into the wall socket in the United Kingdom unless you bring along an adapter plug. 

Not sure which adapter plug you will need for your trip? Use Going In Style's handy adapter guide to find your plug. >> www.goinginstyle.net/not-sure-read-our-adapter-guide

Many devices, such as your Samsung phone will use a USB cord to charge your phone. Going In Style also carries USB adapters that also include an AC outlets Input to plug in your laptop. Shop USB Chargers and USB Adapters >> www.goinginstyle.net/usb-adapters

Converters

Now that you have your adapter plug, do you still need a converter? The United States operates on 110-120 volt electricity while many foreign countries, such as Australia, operate on  240 volt electricity. If your appliances are NOT dual voltage, this difference in electricity can damage and blow out appliances such as your hair dryer.

Most electronics on the market today ARE dual voltage and do not require a converter. Smartphones, kindles, tablets and many laptops are dual voltage. ALWAYS CHECK TO MAKE SURE YOUR ELECTRONICS AND APPLIANCES ARE DUAL VOLTAGE before leaving for your trip.

Do check to see if your hair dryer or other appliance is dual voltage, there should be a label on your hair dryer that either says 110 - 120 volts (which would not be dual voltage) or 110 volts - 240 volts (which would be dual voltage). If your hair dryer says the later, then it IS DUAL VOLTAGE and will work in foreign countries such as Australia. 

If you hair dryer is NOT DUAL VOLTAGE then you will either need to purchase a travel hair dryer that is dual voltage or purchase a converter. Going In Style usually recommends purchasing a hair dryer made specifically for travel in this case. Converters can be heavy and bulky and take up unnecessary room in your luggage when you are trying to pack light. A travel hair dryer will usually be compact, lightweight and sometimes foldable, and quite easy to pack in your suitcase. 

In summary, if you are traveling to a foreign country, you will most likely need to bring along an adapter. However, you only need a converter if your appliances are not dual voltage and not compatible with the electricity in your destination country. You can avoid packing a converter by making sure all your appliances are dual voltage before you leave for your trip. 

For a step by step tutorial on How To Tell If My Appliance Is Dual Voltage? Watch the video on dual voltage appliances. 

Looking For Silver Luggage? Briggs & Riley Has Got You Covered!

Coming September 2018, Briggs & Riley is releasing their Special Edition Sympatico Silver Suitcases. Briggs & Riley celebrates their 25th Silver Anniversary this year, and are celebrating with a special line of Silver Hardside Luggage from their Sympatico Collection. Briggs & Riley offers a Lifetime Warranty on all their luggage so you don't need to worry about wheels wearing out or hardware breaking down. Going In Style offers free shipping sitewide on all Briggs & Riley Luggage.

Shop Silver Carry On Suitcases

Briggs & Riley Silver Domestic Carry-On Expandable Spinner

Briggs & Riley Silver International Carry-On Expandable Spinner

Shop Silver Checked Bags

Briggs & Riley Silver Medium Checked Suitcase

Briggs & Riley Silver Large Checked Suitcase

Sympatico Silver Suitcases are sure to have you shining extra bright on every lag of your trip. Sympaitco Silver Spinner Luggage rolls effortlessly on four 360 degree spinner wheels. Limited Edition Sympatico Silver Suitcases have all the same fantastic features as the other Sympatico Hardside Suitcases. 

Briggs & Riley Silver Luggage Features

• Outsider handle system
• Built-in TSA-friendly combo lock
• Impact resistant Makrolon polycarbonate material
• Four durable 360 degree spinner wheels
• Polished chrome accents
• CX compression expansion system
• Commemorative leather patch
• Anniversary Edition soft-touch light grey colored lining
• Built-in Suiter
• Garment-securing panels

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Sympatico Silver is a coordinated collection that combines hard spinner cases that pair beautifully with the Sympatico softside backpacks and briefs. Take them together and get rolling or remove one and conveniently carry it with you. Briggs & Riley Silver Suitcases will be sure to outshine all other luggage at the airport. 

As Briggs & Riley embarks on this milestone year marking their 25th Silver Anniversary, they are proud to continue their commitment to their brand pillars of innovation, performance and style. These three core components fuel their overarching goal to provide top-notch service to global travelers.

As an independent, family-owned brand and the only one in the luggage industry to offer a lifetime performance guarantee, Briggs & Riley strive to bring you the latest innovations. From creating product with cutting-edge functionality, to providing an outstanding customer experience, Briggs & Riley is passionate about making travel, well..., easier.

"Engineered for Reality. Guaranteed for Life." is not just a a tagline supporting their warranty service- it also embodies Briggs & Riley's culture, their product and Briggs & Riley's brand philosophy. As Briggs & Riley increase their reach in and beyond the United States, Canada, Mexico, the UK, Germany, Japan, China and the Middle East, you can be confident that we will continue our growth globally, and will continue to deliver performance-rich, cutting edge travel solutions for decades to come. Briggs & Riley looks forward to many exciting journeys ahead with you. - From Richard Krulik CEO of Briggs & Riley