It is one of the first things people wonder before a trip: can I charge my power bank overseas?

The short answer: the thing that matters is not the power bank, and not the cable. It is the wall charger.

First, know the difference between an adapter and a charger

  • Plug adapter — changes the shape of the pins only. It does not change the voltage.
  • Wall charger — this is the part that matters. It converts high-voltage mains AC (110 V or 220 V) into the low-voltage DC your power bank can accept.

A plug adapter only changes the pin shape, while a wall charger is the part that converts the voltage

Why voltage is the thing to check

Mains voltage varies from country to country. If your charger only supports a single voltage — 110 V, say — plugging it in somewhere that runs at 220 V can destroy it, sometimes dramatically.

Look for a wide-voltage charger rated 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz. That range covers essentially the whole world and adapts automatically.

Where do I find that on the charger?

Read the small print on the charger body and look for the Input line. If it says 100-240V~50/60Hz, you are fine anywhere.

Close-up of a charger's label showing an input rating of 100-240V, meaning it works worldwide

Then check the socket type at your destination

Socket shapes differ by country, so it is worth checking before you fly. Korea, for example, uses round-pin Type C or Type F sockets — so you would need an adapter to change the pin shape so your charger physically fits.

One practical tip: universal "all-in-one" travel adapters are convenient but often fit loosely and work their way out of the socket. Buying a simple local adapter at a convenience store when you arrive is frequently the better option.

Three steps before you travel

  1. Check the charger's input rating — it should say 100–240 V.
  2. Look up the socket type at your destination and get an adapter, either before you go or on arrival.
  3. The safe combination — a wide-voltage charger plus the right plug adapter will charge reliably anywhere.

What to pack

Related products

Further reading