Travel adapters

Travel adapters in our range are mains-powered chargers for smartphones, suited to travellers and to anyone who wants a spare charger for a bag or desk. The range is small and centres on Samsung, with a black AC-powered model that lists a maximum output voltage of 21 V. With so few options, each one can be compared closely.

How to choose a travel adapter

Plug type and destination. Check which socket the adapter plugs into and which sockets you will meet on your trip. South Africa mainly uses the three-round-pin Type M socket, while Europe, the UK and the US each use different shapes, so a charger that fits at home may need a separate plug converter abroad.

Output voltage and power. Older phone chargers deliver only 5 V, which charges slowly. Models that support higher voltages can negotiate faster charging with compatible phones. The Samsung adapter in our range lists a maximum output voltage of 21 V, so it goes well beyond the basic 5 V standard.

Device compatibility. Look at which devices the manufacturer names as compatible. The adapter in our range is listed for smartphones. If you also want to charge a tablet or laptop, check the stated wattage and port type first, because a phone charger may charge them very slowly or not at all.

Input voltage. Most modern chargers accept a wide mains range, commonly 100 to 240 V, which makes them safe to use in most countries. Read the label on the charger itself. A plug-only adapter changes the shape of the connection but does not convert voltage.

Cable and port. Check whether the charger has a fixed cable or a USB port that takes your own cable. A port is more flexible, but you need a cable rated for the speed you expect, otherwise the cable can become the limit.

Brands we carry

• Samsung: makes Galaxy smartphones and tablets as well as its own chargers, and is known for its Super Fast Charging standard, which works best when the charger and the phone are both designed for it.

At present Samsung is the only brand in this category, so there are no other makes to compare.

Travel adapter FAQ

What is a travel adapter?

A travel adapter is a device that lets you plug and charge your electronics from a mains socket while away from home. Some are simple plug converters, while others, like the one in our range, are chargers that supply power to a smartphone. Always check the product description to see which type you are buying.

Do I need a travel adapter when I travel abroad?

You need one if the plug on your charger does not fit the sockets in the country you are visiting. Many countries use different socket shapes, so it is worth checking your destination before you pack. A charger with a different plug fitted to the local socket removes the need for a separate converter.

Does a travel adapter change the voltage?

A plug-only adapter does not change the voltage, it only changes the shape of the plug. Many modern phone chargers accept a wide input range, usually printed on the label as 100 to 240 V, and can be used in most countries with a suitable plug. If the label shows a narrower range, you would need a separate voltage converter.

Can I use a Samsung travel adapter with a phone from another brand?

In most cases yes, because phone chargers follow common standards and will charge other brands at standard speeds. Fast charging depends on both the charger and the phone supporting the same fast-charging protocol. The Samsung adapter in our range is listed as compatible with smartphones, so check your phone's supported charging standard to see what speed to expect.