The travel accessory you shouldn't leave the country without

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If you’re planning an international trip, packing the right power accessories is just as important as bringing the right clothes.

While many travelers think a simple plug adapter will do the trick, that’s not always the case — especially if you’re bringing high-powered, single-voltage devices like hair dryers, straighteners, electric shavers, travel kettles, handheld steamers and more. That’s where a voltage converter becomes essential.

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In the U.S., outlets typically run on 110–120 volts, while many countries in Europe and elsewhere use a higher 220–240 volts.

You might not even realize it, but there's a good chance your device is labeled “110/120V only" and if you plug it into a higher-voltage outlet, it can damage it almost instantly.

A voltage converter solves this by lowering the voltage to a level your device can safely handle.

It’s also worth noting that a voltage converter is very different than a travel adapter. An adapter only helps your plug fit into the outlet — it doesn’t adjust the voltage. So if your device isn’t dual-voltage (usually marked “100–240V”), you’ll need a converter to use it safely abroad.

Here are our top two favorites:

The EPICKA 2000W Pure Sine Wave Voltage Converter is one of our favorite converters.

With its 2000W capacity, it's well-suited for hair tools and other high-heat appliances. And with the pure sine wave output, you'll receive a more stable and consistent current, mimicking what you’d get from a wall outlet at home. So if you're using a high-end device, this is the converter to rely on.

The converter also offers multiple USB ports built right in (2 USB-A and 2 USB-C), allowing you to charge your electronics while using your high-powered device at the same time. And with the included plug attachments, the EPICKA voltage converter works in 200+ countries.

EPICKA also gave us a code for 15% off your purchase at Amazon — just use EPICKA15OFF.

Get the EPICKA 2000W Pure Sine Wave Voltage Converter at Amazon

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The Ceptics 2000W Travel Voltage Converter is also a great option due to its dual-power design. With a dedicated 2000W outlet, you'll be able to use most high-power appliances, such as hair dryers. And with two additional outlets — capped at 200W — you can use multiple devices at once without overloading the unit.

This converter also includes four USB ports (three USB-A; one USB-C), allowing you to use your high-power device while also charging your electronics. With no extra adapters needed, this is a great two-in-one travel accessory.

Get the Ceptics 2000W Travel Voltage Converter at Amazon

If you’re traveling internationally with high-powered, single-voltage devices, skipping a voltage converter isn’t just inconvenient — it can also be costly and ruin your appliance. A burnt-out hair tool is an easy problem to avoid with the right tools in place. Investing in a quality converter ensures your essentials work safely, no matter where in the world you plug in.

Note: Not all devices work with voltage converters, so you'll want to check your device ahead of time — specifically some hair dryers, such as Dyson and Shark.