How Can I Use a 100-220Vac Phone Charger in Europe?

If you have a cell phone charger designed for 110 to 220v AC, then it is possible to use this device in Europe. However, you will need a plug converter that will fit into the European electrical outlet. Styles of plugs vary across Europe, so make sure before traveling that you have an appropriate plug converter, as buying a converter designed to go from the American standard to a foreign standard may be hard to come by once overseas.

Things You'll Need

• American 110 to 220v AC cell phone charger
• European plug converter

Instructions

1. Check the back of your cell phone charger's plug to make sure that it's "110-220V."

2. 

   A UK style plug has three skinny rectangular prongs in a triangular pattern.

   Plug your charger into a plug adapter designed for the European electrical outlet. Note that different plug types are in use across Europe. The most common style is a plug with two round prongs on a horizontal line. However, in Cyprus, Ireland, Malta and the United Kingdom, you will need a plug with three skinny rectangular prongs in a triangular pattern, with the top prong vertical and the bottom two horizontal in a line.

3. Plug the combined charger and adapter into your phone and the wall. Check the screen display to ensure that the phone is charging correctly.

Tips & Warnings

• Make certain that your phone charger explicitly says that it is good for "110-220V." Plugging a charger that is not designed for multiple current levels into a foreign outlet can cause damage to the charger and your phone.

References

• IEC: European Plug Styles and Voltages