Yeah.
This actually happened to us. But…we don’t recommend it.
No one should use 4 adapters with any electrical connection to an outlet. Fortunately (having learned from previous travels to places like the remote regions of Kyrgyzstan), we had enough different types of adapters to make it work.
The photo above exhibits what occurs when you don’t realize or forget about thinking about what type of power outlets exist in the country you end up in.
This can be an issue anytime you travel outside the country you live in. Different countries have different electrical wiring and outlets.
Planning is integral when you head anywhere outside your “normal” environment. It’s good to take into account as many considerations you can prior to leaving for your destination. Things like timing, finding accommdations, and traveling with friends are all easy to work on before you leave.
Back to Electricity
Without getting too technical, typical US wiring for basic stuff; chargers, blow dryers, clocks (do you really take yours?) is 120V and has 3 prong plug and outlet.
Obviously this is not the case everywhere else. It’s important to note that the electric sockets in many countries outside the US will not accept standard US plugs. At best you’ll need a simple adaptor, but it may not be that easy.
It is highly recommended to research your destination ahead of time to find out what their electrical power outlet situation is. From there you can determine if you need any adaptors or even a power transformer. This is because some countries provide an excess of power that will literally blow out your US gadgets. This has happened to us.
Interesting enough, most laptops provide power adaptors that adjust to the power differential. You’ll still need to check yours ahead of time though to avoid the unpleasant scenario of ruining your computer or even worse, your blow dryer. If your laptop power adaptor can do this and you have the right country adaptor for the outlet, you can at least use your computer to charge/power USB driven equipment.
It’s also helpful to know that most major hotel chains overseas have adapters that they either lend out or sometimes even give to you if you ask.
What we do
Due to the various places we’ve been, we’ve discovered what we need for most of the places we go. We’ve also purchased a few basic items to make life easier. The most usable item we’ve purchased is a travel adaptor. Although $40 may seem like a lot of money, we’ve used hours on 3 international trips of over 40 days. That’s less than $1 day and we’re still using it. Certainly worth it if you’re charging your phone, tablet, laptop or whatever it is works with it.
Photo from Amazon site selling the Beltek product.
Note – this is also a voltage converter. That means it’s good for more than laptops and charging phones. It’s also good for other standard 110V items/appliances you make take on a trip. It’s been more than we’ve needed for all the trips we’ve taken in recent years.
Photo from Amazon site selling the Beltek product.
All in all, simplicity is the key.
Don’t take what you won’t use (even if you think you might). More importantly, don’t take what you don’t need.
Ask yourself, do I really need that hair dryer? Is that iron really a necessity? Especially since most places you stay have them for you. Definitely in this country, but quite often in Europe and other similar nations.