Wonder why there is no worldwide standard when it comes to the power plugs that may have prongs, blade or pins (all different and incompatible) ?
I have several adapters in my computer bag so that I can use my electronics that come with European, US and UK power plugs that are all different.
So, here in the Brazil the power outlets are European style, but you must use bit thinner pins that this white converter of mine had. I had to attach yet another tiny converter to it to be able to plug it in the wall. So, there are three different converters on the photo above.
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Conclusion
Hotels usually have number of different adapters that you can borrow from the front desk that other travelers have left behind. I certainly have left number of mine!
I wish that we could come up with worldwide standard for these power adapters. They certainly make connecting electronic devices cumbersome sometimes.
Some better hotels should have the sockets in their guest rooms designed to allow virtually all kinds of power plugs, I think this is the only practical solution for travellers. Recently I found some new hotels in Asia even provide USB sockets for charging mobile devices.
Most hotels do not have enough outlets. I always bring a small power strip (I have both 110 and 220) plus adapters.
I also travel with a small strip with 3m extension cord for the same reason. Can’t count the number of times I’ve had to unplug a lamp because whoever designed the room never imagined people would want to plug in their portable devices.
Also, don’t forget that many newer TV sets have built-in USB sockets. These can be used for charging your devices.
Yes, I make sure I tweet hotel chains that have USB charging either at bedside or desk. That really helps.I also call out properties that have a significant number of easily accessible (not behind furniture), unused outlets in the room. The record so far is 24.
Remember to check the compatability of your device with the local voltage too! This is where I find different socket types helps as it prompts me to remember to check it won’t damage my device.
It’s been a good many years since I’ve had any portable electronics that weren’t dual voltage. I think any OEM adapter made in the last 10 years is good to go, maybe some really cheap aftermarket stuff is only one or the other but that’s even increasingly uncommon. Larger things that people don’t often travel with may be worth checking, had a companion nearly burn out a hair dryer once as it was a 100v model and she plugged it into a 240v but how many people actually travel with their own hair dryer? Most hotels have them already.
Best travel adapter available from the rooms at Holiday Inn Golden Mile Hong Kong, costs USD 10 works everywhere including Brazil.
I’m lucky in a way that having bought most of my electronics in Europe they are normally built for running on 220-240V but will accept 110V as well. Plugging in a 110V-device into 220/240 will most likely damage if not destroy that device. After two expensive multi-country-Adapters melted on me some 15 years ago, I now travel with a set of very cheap (less than € 3 each) Adapters which would get me from european (Schuko) plugs to either American, Australian or UK pins and have not had any problems with them so far. Having said that, I’ve not been to Brazil so I wouldn’t know what to expect there.