Universal Travel Adaptors.

There are 10 replies in this Thread which has previously been viewed 194 times. The latest Post () was by aficionado.

  • Post by Bombonera ().

    This post was deleted by the author themselves ().
  • We do have some adapters for our European appliances with a schuko plug. I don't trust the cheap plastic tri-adapters sold on the street here. Even if technically they do the job, I am concerned by safety.

    I bought schuko-to-Type I adapters on Amazon years ago, and they seem sturdier and safer. Of course, the price tag was considerably higher (8.50 Euros in 2023), but I think it was worth it given that I am using it with high-power consumption appliances (hair straightener, hair dryer etc.)


    Since Argentina has the same outlets as Australia, looking for Australian adapters leads to high-quality results. The things sold here looks worse than Chinese crap and often do not have a ground connector!

    (I am an Electrical Engineer).



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  • Post by Bombonera ().

    This post was deleted by the author themselves ().
  • For USA to Argentina adapters it is easy. Every ferretería, and most supermarket hardware supplies aisles, have these “universal” surge-bar zapatillas. Better than the mini single adapters. I travel with one around the country, though often need to buy another for 10 U$D



    Sometimes better to not use adapters. Especially if live here or visit every year.

    1) For many laptops and other 12-19v devices that have a two part external transformer, you can replace only the second half with a 2 or 3 prong “clover” trébol cable. Works for your EU,US,UK or wherever device. Very cheap for the advantage and safety gained.


    2) For the international router or other small 5-12v electronics replace the wall transformer, with the exact same output salida voltage and any amperage that is the same or higher than your original transformer. Need to be sure the “barrel” plug end matches, or buy a 0.50 adapter for just that part.


    3) for the phone or tablet or any USB charger replace with a good quality 2-3 amp local usb wall charger.


    What other devices do you travel with that those three replacements do not cover? The new high wattage USB-C laptops (like MacBook) it is better to buy a high quality Local USB-C transformer.


  • aficionado , I can see that you are writing about something that I definitely need to learn. But it is out of my reach. Is it possible to simplify, as if you were describing to children? If so, I’d be very grateful!

    Rice Since I assume your devices are from the USA with either 2 or 3 prong plugs it is easier than adapting from other countries. The first suggestion I had above is the best solution. Just buy the type of zapatilla which accepts both USA and Argentina plugs. They are very common in Argentina hardware and electrical stores. Keep at least two to have around the home in argentina. Most are of good quality, though sometimes not so great.

    USA to Argentina adapters it is easy.

    Maybe you already use these here?


    If you are asking for me to give more detail about the recommendations I gave for specific devices, then I can explain better in another post. Laptop transformers plugs are the next common change, though not possible for all laptop. Everything I suggested is easier to buy in Argentina then anywhere else.

  • Thanks for clarifying, aficionado . We do have several USA-Argentina plug adapters and seem to add to the collection every year. I guess I just wanted to double check that my ferretería purchases are safe.

    The multiple plug "surgebar" type adapters are better than the smaller single,double, or triple adapters. Really I would not call the better ones adapters, since they are primarily a Zapatilla with an on off switch while also having the convenience of accepting USA type plugs.


    In general I feel it is better not to use the small single adapters for long term everyday use. Great for travel to save space, but move to something better on longer stays. That is why I suggest improving foreign laptop, router and other higher wattage devices by changing to a native wall transformer or for a few laptops that can switch to the cheap clover trébol native plug.