Voltage

Having come back from Japan, I brought a lot of electronic devices with me, as you'd imagine. While you may be aware that the power sockets are different in Japan, you may not know that the voltages are different too. This means that - unlike when visiting other European countries - a simple socket adapter will not be sufficient as you will likely overload the equipment (or socket, in the case of using European equipment there). This is because in the UK we use 240v power sockets, while in Japan and the US they use 110v. I overcame this in Japan by using a transformer that could step up or down to meet the voltage requirements, but because of changing baggage allowances, I couldn't bring the transformer back with me - it was just about the heaviest thing I had.

Fortunately for us travellers, some AC adapters are already rated to work with voltages from all over the world, just look for the tiny writing that says Input: 110v-240v and you know you can use it anywhere without fear of overloading. However, there doesn't seem to be much consistency with what kinds of devices are supplied with a universal voltage AC adapter. While my Keitai (cell phone) adapter could be used with any voltage, as you'd expect, other portable devices like the Nintendo DS are supplied with chargers that only work in Japan. Conversely, the Xbox 360 Wireless Headset has a universally rated charger. Now how many people do you know who take their Xbox 360 wireless headsets on holiday with them? Unless you take your Xbox 360 with you too, you can't even use it! Furthermore, even if you did, the Xbox 360 is not rated to work with other voltages!

It makes me wonder how much extra cost and effort it takes to make AC adapters that work across all voltages and why the chargers for such obvious travel devices such as the Nintendo DS aren't rated to work around the world.