I was on a trip to the Caribbean, and I needed an extension cord. I had one in my suitcase, but it wouldn’t work because of the different voltage. That’s when I found out that there are extension cords for international travel!
In this blog post, I’ll talk about what to look for when buying an extension cord, and I’ll recommend the top 10 best extension cords for international travel that I tried myself.
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Top Picks
Features to look for in extension cord for international travel
Extension cords are handy if you know what to look for. Here are some pointers:
- Flexibility: It can be used in a variety of different ways. It’s ideal if the extension cord can be wound up and slid easily under tables and desks if you are unplugging and replugging it often.
- Safety: It should have built-in safety features, such as strain relief on the socket end, so the wires are not stressed when plugged in firmly.
- Portability: It should not be too heavy or liable to trip people around if the extension cord is very heavy or long.
- Length: It should be long enough. Extension cords with longer cords are usually thicker, heavier, and more expensive.
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Product reviews
1. Belkin Power Strip
No products found.The No products found. will keep all of your electronics running smoothly while you’re on the go. This compact, heavy-duty, and space-saving power strip features 12 AC outlets, perfect for traveling internationally to ensure better protection on all your devices!
It comes with mobile device line protection in case of any disturbance or disconnection from your home environment.
This product offers a 3,940 Joule energy rating. Plus, it charges anything through USB ports via handy adapter plugs (sold separately).
- It has a great surge of protectors
- It has more outlets, 12 outlets
- Good cord length
- It has a higher charging power
- Decline in quality
- Not that reliable
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2. NTONPOWER Power Strip
You are out of luck if you forget to pack your power strip and socket adapters on a trip. Thankfully, the NTONPOWER Power Strip Travel surge protector is compact, so it fits anywhere and provides three outlets for powering up multiple devices at the same time.
No need to worry about those power surge-sensitive electronics anymore! Never again do you have to fumble around with hotel lamps because no one ever made a power outlet for them.
This handy device has an independent switch that lets you turn off any individual plug without interrupting the others at home or abroad.
- Compact
- Quality compact travel power strip
- Easy to use
- Durable
- Round doesn’t support using all the plugs
- Gets hot
- Pulling plugs out is hard
3. TESSAN International Travel Surge Protector
Protect your electronics on the go with TESSAN Travel Surge Protector! With this product, you’ll be able to keep all of your electronics safe. In addition, you have limitless options in terms of plugs and power sockets compatibility so that they will work seamlessly from one country to another!
Keep all your hair appliances protected too! Just plug them into the TESSAN desktop power strip by using any outlet in your home, office, or hotel room. The total output is 4A at 20W for electronic devices, while the AC Max Output is 1250W.
The compact size makes this unit a fantastic travel accessory for anyone who needs protection when traveling abroad to countries like Europe, America, and Asia, with no additional adapter needed.
- Great outlet strip
- Excellent versatility
- Light and Powerful
- Powers Multiple Devices
- It may work okay for very light use, but it will probably fry if you use all four USB ports.
- Weird electrical noises
4. Power Strip 4 USB Surge Protector
The Power Strip USB Surge Protector is the answer to power surges.
This surge protector supports four non-interfering outlets that can fit in up to 4 large adapters, and with its 5ft black cable, you’ll never have trouble finding a suitable place for your device of choice (rated current 10A).
Additionally, this bad boy comes with your energy source: two USB ports, four wide outlets, and a light indicator switch. No external power banks are needed when they satisfy any capacity.
- Convenient power in a compact unit
- It is durable
- Superb quality and very functional
- Great Cord Length
- Noisy
- It gets hot while charging
5. HITRENDS Portable International Travel Charger Station
Stay connected and productive with the HITRENDs Portable International Travel Charger! This is a travel surge protector that’s perfect, as it allows you to charge all of your USB devices at once.
Furthermore, there are up to four Super-Fast Smart Charging ports on the Surge Protector, so you’ll be able to get in touch before all your family members start asking where you are.
The USB C-powered novelty comes in an ultra-compact design that sits almost anywhere and supports today’s fastest charging speeds through its one USB C port.
- Fast charge
- Compact
- Well organized
- Convenient
- Versatile
- Reliable power unit
- It makes noise
- Constant high whine
- You can’t use all the ports at once
You should check out: Best International Travel Surge Protector
6. Belkin Surge Power Strip Protector with surge protection
Protect all of your electronics when you need to power an entire desk with Belkin Surge Power Strip Protector.
You can temporarily rotate one outlet 180 degrees to reveal a third plug at the back. This lets you easily feed AC outlets and charge bricks on one wall-mounted portable power strip without bending or bending over.
They are constructed with six wall outlets for two smart devices (one USB port) to allow continuous power while referencing handouts or using computer/laptop accessories like speakers, mice, keyboards, and touchpads.
Additionally, pivot Outlet allows users to tilt bulky smartphone chargers at right angles to countertops. Then, while still plugged into the neighboring charger, they can charge their cell phones.
- Versatile
- Space saver surge protector
- Clamping voltage rating/protection 400V
- Poor wall plug out of the box
- Possible fire safety risk
7. One Beat Long Braided Extension Cords for Cruise Ship Travel
The One Beat Long Braided Extension cord is designed for any place! Easily plug into any wall socket and use the USB ports to power your devices with up to 4.5A of power each.
The long-braided surge protector stores beautifully in a compact, flexible cable that feels like silk instead of plastic.
It won’t tangle on you when it rests around furniture or corners, so you won’t have messy tangles to deal with! Grab one end if you need something close. It won’t catch on you when it rests around furniture or corners!
- Quick charge
- Convenient
- Organized
- Multi-purpose power
- Sturdy
- Offers surge protection
- Unreliable fast charging
- Poorly placed outlets
- Horrible USB Ports
8. UPWADE Outlet Travel Power Strip
Being able to charge your devices right when you need it is the key to being productive while on the go. UPWADE Outlet Travel Power Strip was created with this in mind!
The power strip includes two outlets and a 5-foot USB cable for plugging into outlets, four USB charging ports for most devices, and a safety cover that protects your gadgets from unexpected surges.
The hand-sized compact model comes with a stylish carrying case that fits neatly inside a desk drawer or suitcase!
Featuring a 1,200w/5A output that can be shared between two USB charging outputs via two AC outlets, it is ready for travel abroad without getting tangled in unusable cables.
- Light and compact
- Very convenient
- Good length
- Portable power strip
- It is sometimes difficult to get an AC plug to plug into the device
- Annoying flaws
9. Anker Power Strip with USB
The Anker Power Strip with USB is the best thing to get on your desk and travel with. With three AC outlets, 3 USB ports, and a length of 135 inches (almost five feet), this compact hub will charge all your devices at their fastest speeds without ever causing damage to the adapters.
It is also safer than many other power strips out there since it has overload protection.
This product is unique, however, because it has an adhesive strip that is built-in to install right on your laptop keyboard or monitor, so no matter where you go, you won’t have to carry it around with you!
- Efficient
- Good customer care
- It stylish
- The cord is cumbersome and stiff
- USB ports misbehave
- It doesn’t have a flat plug
10. Mifaso Power Strip with USB Travel Adapter
Power up with this Mifaso portable power strip to eliminate the risk of power surges.
This charger features three grounded outlets and three high-speed USB ports, making it easier than ever to find a charging station for all your gadgets wherever you are.
With six options total, there’s an outlet just waiting in every direction! In addition, it has a right-angled plug design, which means no awkward plugs are reaching into tight spaces as you plug it in.
- Great outlet expander and extender
- Long enough.
- Very sturdy
- It durable
- Dicey USB ports
- Weak charge
Looking for a Macbook charging cord? Check out: Best Macbook Charging Cord Winder
Buyer Guide
When you’re shopping for a surge protector or trying to figure out whether the cord that came with your tool is suitable, there are several essential things to look for on the packaging.
What gauge wire should I buy?
The larger the gauge number (ranging from 16 to 12), the smaller and thinner the wire is. The smaller the wire, the less resistance (impedance) it offers to electricity flow.
What is the cable length?
For indoor use, you should have at least a 10-foot cord, and if you need a longer cord to reach an outlet, make sure it’s noted explicitly that it can be used outdoors as well.
How thick is the jacket?
You should look for a coat that can withstand temperatures of at least 20-30 degrees and not one made of thin foil.
What are service entries?
Sometimes you may see a jacket marked “Service Entries.” This means it’s rated for air return ducts and will allow service technicians to get into your air ducts if you need them to.
Different types of extension cords
Extension leads come in three types: indoor, outdoor, and extra-high temperature.
Indoor extension cords are for room temperatures of up to 80 degrees Fahrenheit or less.
Outdoor extension cords are designed outdoors and can be used in temperatures between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. These indoor/outdoor extension cords can be used with lawn, garden, and other power tools.
Heavy-duty indoor/outdoor cords can withstand different weather (temperature) and heavy use. An extra-high temperature cord may be used indoors or outdoors.
Key points for consideration before buying?
Here are a few things to consider before buying.
Flexibility
Flexible cords are perfect for those who need to spend their limited available space carefully. No more tripping over an excessively long cable.
A power strip becomes much easier to use when it is right beside your desk instead of several feet away in the next room. When you need to step over a long cable every time you walk across the room, it simply becomes too inconvenient.
Durability
One of the most crucial factors to consider is the durability of the cord. So the first thing you want to look at is “how many cycles does a good quality portable power strip last?” This can vary depending on how often it’s used and what kind of power tool requires the use of the surge protector.
The higher the cycle count, the better the quality of the power strip.
The thickness of the insulation
The thickness of the insulation will affect how quickly it heats when the appliance is in use. For example, extension cords with thick insulation are more resistant to heat and will not wear out as fast.
Look for one with thicker insulation if you’re using a power tool with eminent power requirements or one that runs on 110 volts.
Conductivity
Look for a power strip with excellent conductivity. It should be made of copper or aluminum and not have any bends or kinks in the wire that might disrupt the electrical flow.
Stray voltage can create an electric arc that leads to sparks, heat, and arcing, severely damaging extension cords.
Gauge
The gauge is how thick or thin the wire is. Thicker wires are durable and better able to withstand excessive amounts of electricity and punctures.
If you’re using your cord outside or in the garage, it’s best to go for a gauge that’s at least 14 AWG.
Ratings
What’re the ratings? You can find many extension cords rated for indoor/outdoor use or many voltages. It’s also important to check the amperage or Wattage ratings and the highest and lowest allowable temperatures for each power strip you’re considering buying.
Must Read: 6 Easy-to-go Essentials for A Digital Nomad
FAQs
Is it safe to connect multiple extension cords?
Switching off your other computers and devices before connecting to the power strip is the safest way to do it. Make sure that you have disconnected any devices that might be charging while working on the network.
How much power can a travel extension cord handle?
Various materials are used to make extension cords. Depending on the power they can supply, each has its rating. You may experience problems with the voltage on an outlet if you use an adult-size plug on the wrong outlet.
The voltage could be higher if you connect a travel surge protector to a different outlet, such as a children’s room. 120 Volts is the minimum input voltage.
Can you wire a travel surge protector to a breaker box?
Yes. The tricky part is figuring out which outlets and light bulbs are compatible with your power strip. You’ll also need to recognize which type of outlet will work with your household plug type.
Is it safe to use an extension cord to outdoor power doors if it has at least a 10-foot length?
Yes, coils for the power cords help keep excess cord behind and out of people’s way. The bottom coil is heavier duty, meant more for an indoor doorway where the potential pulling force on the power cord is low.
Why do extension cords get curly?
Extension cords get curly because they are coiled. It’s the same reason why your earphones get curly or your garden hose gets curly.
Final Thoughts
It sounds like you want to protect your valuable electronics from voltage and frequency changes when traveling abroad. So this is an excellent time for TESSAN International Travel Surge Protector! It is great for overseas travel. So many features make it worth the investment, including automatic voltage change up to 240V/240W and two USB ports with 2A output.
I hope the above article gave you an idea of the best extension cords and things you should look for when buying an extension cord for international travel. If you have any suggestions or questions, please do tell me in the comments below.