Packing electronics for international travel raises dozens of questions: Will my CPAP machine work in Japan? Can I use my gaming console in Europe? What about my electric shaver, or my camera's battery charger? This comprehensive guide answers compatibility questions for every common type of electronics, with specific guidance for traveling between the world's major power regions.

How to Determine Compatibility: The Device Label

The answer to "will this work?" is always written on your device's label. Look for the "INPUT:" specification on the power supply, charger, adapter brick, or the device itself. The two outcomes:

Always check the actual device, not just assumptions about the category — there are dual-voltage hair dryers and single-voltage camera chargers. Check every item individually.

Device-by-Device Compatibility Guide

📱 SMARTPHONES Universal Compatibility — Adapter Only

All modern smartphones and their chargers are dual-voltage (100–240V). iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, OnePlus, Xiaomi, Huawei — every major brand sold globally. The charger handles voltage conversion internally. You need only a plug adapter for the physical socket type at your destination. USB-C chargers are the most flexible; a single GaN USB-C charger works for virtually every modern phone worldwide.

💻 LAPTOPS Universal Compatibility — Adapter Only

All modern laptop power bricks (MacBook, Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS, Acer, Microsoft Surface, Razer) are dual-voltage. The power brick converts AC to DC and handles 100–240V internally. Plug adapter only needed. USB-C charging laptops have additional flexibility — any USB-C Power Delivery charger with sufficient wattage works. See our full laptop charging international travel guide.

📷 CAMERAS Usually Compatible — Check the Charger

Most modern camera chargers (Sony, Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm, Olympus, Panasonic) are dual-voltage. However, older camera chargers — especially for DSLRs purchased before 2010 — may be single-voltage. Always check the specific charger that came with your camera. Mirrorless cameras in particular almost universally have dual-voltage chargers. In-camera USB-C charging is inherently dual-voltage.

💇 HAIR DRYERS High Risk — Check Every Time

Hair dryers are the electronics item most commonly damaged by voltage mismatch. Most North American hair dryers are 120V only. Plugged into a 230V European outlet (even through an adapter), they burn out in seconds. The solution: (1) Check the label — some travel hair dryers are dual-voltage 100–240V, (2) Use a step-down voltage converter rated for the dryer's wattage (1500–2000W+), or (3) Buy a dedicated dual-voltage travel hair dryer. Many hotels also provide hair dryers — worth checking before packing one.

🪥 ELECTRIC SHAVERS Variable — Increasingly Dual-Voltage

Modern electric shavers from Philips, Braun, Panasonic, and Gillette are increasingly dual-voltage, especially travel-focused models. Older models may be single-voltage. Check the shaver's charging base or power cord label. Many newer shavers charge via USB-C, making them universally compatible. Shaving foil can also dull faster at the wrong frequency, though voltage is the primary concern.

🎮 GAMING CONSOLES Most Modern — Check Older Units

PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch are all dual-voltage (100–240V). PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch (original 2017) are also dual-voltage. Older consoles (PS3, Xbox 360, Wii) — and especially early regional releases — may be single-voltage. Check the rear panel or power brick label. Never assume compatibility for consoles purchased before 2010 without verification.

😴 CPAP MACHINES Most Modern Models Compatible

Most CPAP machines sold after 2015 are dual-voltage (100–240V), including ResMed AirSense series, Philips DreamStation, and Fisher & Paykel models. Some older units are single-voltage. Always verify on the device or power supply label before international travel. Altitude adjustment may also be required for CPAP machines used at significantly different elevations. Contact your equipment provider if unsure.

🔊 BLUETOOTH SPEAKERS & HEADPHONES Universal

All Bluetooth speakers, wireless headphones, and earbuds charge via USB (USB-A, USB-C, or Micro-USB). USB chargers are universally dual-voltage. The audio device runs on battery power, not mains power. These devices are among the simplest international travel electronics — any USB charging method works worldwide.

☕ KITCHEN APPLIANCES Almost Always Incompatible

Coffee makers, electric kettles, toasters, and most kitchen appliances are almost always single-voltage. North American appliances (120V) will not function in Europe or Asia without a heavy-duty step-down converter. Furthermore, the wattage of these appliances (800–3000W+) means converters are large, heavy, and expensive. The practical advice: don't travel with kitchen appliances. Use hotel amenities or purchase locally.

💈 HAIR STRAIGHTENERS & CURLING IRONS Check Carefully

Like hair dryers, straighteners and curling irons are commonly single-voltage in North America. Check the label — many newer styling tools, especially professional travel-grade models, are dual-voltage. Single-voltage styling tools require a voltage converter. The risk of fire from unprotected 120V tools on 230V power is high — take this seriously.

🔧 POWER TOOLS Single-Voltage by Default

Corded power tools (drills, jigsaws, sanders) are almost universally single-voltage, designed and tuned for their specific market's voltage and frequency. This is especially significant for motor speed — a 60Hz US tool running on 50Hz European power will run ~17% slower. Some professional-grade tools have universal motors that handle both; check specifications. Do not use power tools internationally without verification.

Building Your Pre-Travel Electronics Checklist

Before every international trip, run through this checklist:

  1. Use our voltage checker to confirm your destination's voltage and plug type
  2. Lay out every electronic device and charger you're bringing
  3. Check the INPUT label on each item's power supply or charger
  4. Separate into: (a) Dual-voltage — needs only adapter, (b) Single-voltage — needs converter, (c) Unsure — look up the model online
  5. Decide whether to bring or leave single-voltage items
  6. Purchase appropriate adapters and converters

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if a device is dual-voltage? +
Check the "INPUT:" label on the power supply, charging brick, or device itself. If it shows a range like "100–240V" or "100V–240V", it's dual-voltage. If it shows a single voltage like "120V" or "120V~", it's single-voltage and will only work safely in compatible countries without a converter.
Will my PS5 work in Europe? +
Yes. The PlayStation 5 is dual-voltage (100–240V, 50/60Hz) and works in Europe and everywhere else. You need only a plug adapter for the local socket type — Type C or E/F for most of continental Europe, Type G for UK and Ireland. The console itself requires no modification or converter.
Can I use a US hair dryer in Australia? +
Not safely without a voltage converter. Australia uses 230V, and a North American 120V hair dryer will burn out immediately if connected to 230V power, even through an adapter. You need a step-down converter rated for the hair dryer's wattage (typically 1500–2000W). Alternatively, most Australian hotels provide hair dryers in rooms — worth checking before packing yours.
Does my camera charger work internationally? +
Probably yes, if your camera was purchased within the last 10 years. Check the charger label for "Input: 100–240V." Most modern Sony, Canon, Nikon, and Fujifilm chargers are dual-voltage. If your charger shows "Input: 120V" or "Input: 100V", it's single-voltage and you'll need a converter for European or Asian destinations.