International moving adds a little more to your to-do list than moving locally. Just recently my husband and I traveled to Ecuador and Peru for a month, taking with us our electric toothbrush and a battery charger for our camera. Even though both of us have traveled extensively, neither of us really gave much thought to the difference in voltages and whether our beloved toothbrush would work.
Now we weren't all-together naive about the whole issue, as we did ask a travel shop if Peru and Ecuador used the same voltage as we found in North America. We were assured they did so we set off on our journey, with toothbrush in hand.
We soon found out that recharging our toothbrush in Peru would fry the battery and that older outlets only allowed a two-pronged rounded pin plug.
So, before you start packing all your electronics, small appliances, hairdryer and any other essential "plug-ins", first find out what the voltage is in the country you're moving to and if your electronics can support that level. Most items will provide this information on the cord or on the item itself. Most higher electronics, such as computers, digital cameras, DVD players, video games etc... will allow a range of voltages and hertz systems.
If your electronics support the same voltage as the country you're moving to, next you'll need to find out what kind of plug they support. While voltage cannot be changed, the good news is the plug can.
There are approximately 13 different types of plugs and receptacles and it's imperative that you purchase an adaptor that will accommodate all the sockets found in your new country.
The most comprehensive information can be found at the World Electric Guide where countries are listed alphabetically and their associated plug types, voltages and detailed diagrams provided.
Once you've determined the voltage and sockets you'll encounter, visit an electronics store or travel shop to purchase an adaptor that will accommodate all variations needed.
You can also go online to a travel accessories website such as Magellans where you can also purchase an adaptor.
