How to Buy a Converter Kit as a Gift

Because electrical systems are different throughout the world, figuring out which converter the traveler needs can be an exercise in frustration. Choosing a basic converter that can handle a variety of wattages is the best bet.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Travel Adapters And Converters

1. Choose a converter that will handle a wide range of wattages, accommodating everything from clocks to hair dryers.

2. Get a converter with overload protection. That way, the converter will shut off if the circuit is overloaded.

3. Choose a converter with an automatic restart feature.

4. Consider including something else with your gift, since a converter is relatively inexpensive (between $15 and $20). You may want to choose a converter combined with another item, such as an adapter, a transformer or a surge protector.

5. Remind the recipient that most converters run on battery power, which means they have to be recharged periodically.

Tips & Warnings

• If you include adapters, you may wish to choose one or two based on the countries that your favorite traveler visits often. Adapters usually cost less than $5 apiece and can be bought for specific countries such as Britain, Hong Kong, Australia and South Africa. It's good to get a grounded adapter, which costs slightly more.