Packing for Europe does not need to be complicated. The problem is that most travelers either overthink it (buying converters they do not need) or underthink it (frying a hair dryer on the first night). This five-step checklist eliminates both problems. Follow it top to bottom and you will arrive in Europe with exactly what you need โ nothing more, nothing less.
For background on how adapters, converters, and transformers differ, read our adapter vs. converter guide first. For a list of devices that do NOT need converters, see our device compatibility guide.
Gather every electronic device you plan to bring. Flip over each charger, power brick, or power supply and find the line that says "INPUT:"
| Label Says | Meaning | What You Need for Europe |
|---|---|---|
| INPUT: 100-240V, 50-60Hz | Dual-voltage โ works worldwide | Plug adapter only |
| INPUT: 120V, 60Hz | US-only | Voltage converter + plug adapter |
| INPUT: 110-120V | US-only | Voltage converter + plug adapter |
Figure 1: Common travel devices โ the vast majority are already dual-voltage
Quick reference โ devices that are almost always 100-240V: phone chargers, laptop chargers, tablet chargers, camera chargers, electric toothbrush chargers, electric shavers, Kindle/e-readers, gaming consoles (Switch, PS5, Xbox), portable speakers.
Devices that are often 120V only: US hair dryers, some curling irons and flat irons (non-travel models), desk lamps, humidifiers, older CPAP machines, US-bought small appliances.
| Destination | Plug Types | Voltage |
|---|---|---|
| France, Spain, Germany, Austria, Netherlands, Belgium, Portugal, Greece, Scandinavia | Type C / E / F | 230V / 50Hz |
| United Kingdom, Ireland | Type G | 230V / 50Hz |
| Italy | Type C / F / L | 230V / 50Hz |
| Switzerland, Liechtenstein | Type C / J | 230V / 50Hz |
Multi-country trip? A universal adapter covers all of these with one device. No need to research each country individually. See our European hotel outlet guide for what you will actually encounter in your hotel room.
| Your Situation | What You Need | Recommended Product |
|---|---|---|
| All devices are 100-240V | Plug adapter only | DOACE 70W GaN Travel Adapter |
| Some devices are 120V only (curling iron, flat iron) | Converter + adapter | DOACE LC-C30 (300W) |
| 120V hair dryer (1500W+) | High-wattage converter or buy local | DOACE C15 (2000W) or hotel hair dryer |
| 120V CPAP machine | Pure sine wave converter | DOACE LC-X35 (350W pure sine) |
For a detailed comparison of all DOACE converter models, see our LC-C30 vs LC-X35 vs LC-X80 comparison.
If you need a converter, make sure its wattage rating exceeds every device you plan to plug into it.
Figure 2: Match your device wattage to the right converter โ never exceed the converter's rated capacity
| Device | Typical Wattage | Minimum Converter |
|---|---|---|
| Electric shaver | 15W | Any converter |
| CPAP machine | 30-90W | LC-X35 (pure sine wave) |
| Curling iron | 25-150W | LC-C30 (300W) |
| Flat iron / straightener | 30-120W | LC-C30 (300W) |
| Small hair dryer (low setting) | 500-800W | LC-X80 (800W) |
| Full-size hair dryer | 1500-1875W | C15 (2000W) or hotel dryer |
Pack These
- Universal travel adapter with USB-C PD โ DOACE 70W GaN replaces your adapter + laptop charger + phone charger
- USB-C cable (2m) โ for laptop charging; extra length for hotel rooms where the outlet is far from the desk
- Phone charging cable
- Voltage converter (if needed) โ for any 120V-only devices per Step 3
- Power bank โ 10,000+ mAh for day trips and train travel
Do NOT Pack These
- US power strip โ not rated for 230V, fire hazard
- Multiple single-country adapters โ one universal adapter covers everything
- Your full-size US hair dryer โ use the hotel's or buy a dual-voltage travel model
- Cheap airport adapters โ overpriced and often poor quality; buy before you go
- One device replaces three: universal plug adapter + laptop charger + phone charger
- 70W USB-C PD โ fast-charges MacBook, Dell, Lenovo, HP ultrabooks
- Works in all of Europe โ continental EU, UK, Switzerland, Italy โ plus 180+ other countries
- 160g (5.6 oz) โ weighs less than carrying separate adapters and chargers
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need a converter for Europe?
Only if you are bringing a device that is labeled 120V only (not 100-240V). Most modern electronics โ phones, laptops, tablets, cameras โ are dual-voltage and only need a plug adapter. The main devices that need converters are US hair dryers, some curling irons, and older CPAP machines.
Can I use one adapter for all of Europe?
A Type C adapter works in most continental European countries. However, the UK requires Type G, Italy may require Type L, and Switzerland uses Type J. A universal adapter covers all of them with one device โ far simpler than carrying multiple adapters.
How many adapters should I bring?
One GaN multi-port charger handles most needs from a single outlet (laptop + phone + earbuds simultaneously). Bring a second basic adapter if you want to charge a device in the bathroom at the same time. For couples, two adapters is a good minimum.
What if I forget to pack an adapter?
Airport shops in Europe sell them, but at 3-5x the normal price ($25-40 vs. $8-15 online). Hotel front desks sometimes lend them, but supply is unreliable. Electronics stores (MediaMarkt in Germany, Fnac in France, Currys in the UK) sell them at fair prices.
Is there a master list of what to avoid bringing?
Yes โ see our 7 most common power mistakes travelers make for the full breakdown of what goes wrong and how to prevent it.
Always verify your specific device labels. Electrical standards and hotel configurations vary. This checklist covers the most common scenarios for US travelers to Europe.
