Suggestions for Power/Charging in Japan and Malaysia/Singapore

LCarydadon on 08/08/2017 - 21:09

Hiya. I was hoping for some advice on how we can keep all our portable electronic goods charged on our overseas trip later this year. Wed like to take mobile phones, gaming devices, camera, laptop for work and play over our 3 weeks away.

I was thinking of getting a power strip suh as this, as it has the universal input plugs and usb https://m.gearbest.com/plugs-sockets/pp_322116.html

I would then need the correct 'head' adapter for the country (ie Japan 2 straight prong, Malaysia fat 3 prong). Whack them together.

But am I simplifying things too much? Do I need to consider other things such as amp/voltage? I thought devices were pretty 'smart' and can regulate what they need. Then again, I'd like to ask the question before plugging in a few hundred dollars then seeing smoke.

Any advice would be appreciated! Thank you.

Travel

Comments

  • brian77 on 08/08/2017 - 21:16
    +1

    I used the Aldi travel adapter when I was in Japan, no issues encountered. It comes with multiple adapter heads (there is one for Japan, and should be one for Malaysia but not completely sure). I can't comment on the voltages/amplitudes and how the device deals with this, but on use of the device, I would highly recommend.

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/315070

  • avenasat on 08/08/2017 - 21:17
    +2

    You may like to read comments here: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/315070.
    Also used the Aldi travel adapter - worked a treat.

    • Carydadon on 10/08/2017 - 07:28

      May I ask what countries did you use it, and what devices?

  • xoom on 08/08/2017 - 21:18
    +1

    For portable devices like mobile phones. Bring a powerbank. As for laptops. Just get a socket adaptor. Most if not all laptop power bricks are multivoltage.

  • [Deactivated] on 08/08/2017 - 21:42
    +5

    I have one of these, takes ever kind of plug and going into every kind of socket. In a single unit.
    http://thumbs.ebaystatic.com/images/g/1u0AAOSw-jhUGU8v/s-l22…
    https://i.ebayimg.com/thumbs/images/g/HGoAAOSw3ydVi7hR/s-l22…

    I also bring an Australia 6 way power strip in my checked luggage, then only really need one adaptor to plug everything in.

    • dasher86 on 09/08/2017 - 08:10

      Yep. Similar to what I do.

    • Carydadon on 10/08/2017 - 07:30

      This seems like the way to go! Thank you. Am curious what countries and devices did you use? My fear is blowing something up!

      • [Deactivated] on 10/08/2017 - 09:30
        +1

        Check your power adaptors for voltage support.

        If it says something like 100-240v input, then you're golden anywhere around the world.
        If its only like 200-240v input, then don't use those things if its a 110v country.

        Most phone chargers and laptops support 100-240v, so you're fine there.
        My electric toothbrush doesn't too 110v, so I just charge it before I leave Australia.

  • tabz on 08/08/2017 - 21:44
    +2

    For anything that can be charged via USB, consider getting something like a Tronsmart 5 Port Charger (such as this one from a previous deal). You just need the proper figure 8 cable for that country.

    For portable charging, bring a power bank.

    For your laptop, just bring a travel adaptor.

    Edit: I should also add that for some devices that don't natively charge via USB, such as gaming devices (3DS, Vita) or camera batteries, you can get compatible USB cables for cheap off ebay.

    • JimB on 09/08/2017 - 10:15

      Good advice.

      I bring my Tronsmart 54W 5 Port Charger and 2 powerbanks when we travel.

      You can charge nearly everything at the same time.

      Hotels will lend you a power adapter if you don't have one.

      • Carydadon on 10/08/2017 - 16:33

        I'll think I'll go the power adapter route. The figure 8 cables cost about 10x an adapter.

    • Carydadon on 10/08/2017 - 07:31

      Ah yes, I've got a blitzwolf one. Would prefer to use an adapter rather than an additional figure 8 cable, but will suss all options. Thank you!

  • [Deactivated] on 08/08/2017 - 22:33
    +2

    Powerboard for travelling is hardcore. You pack heavy :) I think a tiny single is the way to go.

    • Carydadon on 10/08/2017 - 07:33

      Wife, 7yo, and myself go through a lot of juice :) gone are the days that nature was enjoyed as much as a screen. Plus some work to do.

  • lupiter on 08/08/2017 - 22:52
    +1

    Things I know that don't like the voyage difference and how I deal:

    • hairdryer (buy a cheap one when i arrive or do without)
    • Nintendo brand 3ds charger (use 3rd party or USB adaptor)
    • my electric toothbrush (use manual toothbrush or AA powered)

    Every other laptop/phone/tablet/camera/console charger I own does 110 and 240 - check the label on your power adaptor.

    • Carydadon on 10/08/2017 - 07:34

      We might even leave the 3ds at home then.

      • lupiter on 10/08/2017 - 08:22
        +1

        You will never get as many street passes anywhere else as in Japan :D

        • Carydadon on 10/08/2017 - 16:30

          Yeah, right about that. Its worth getting something then!

        • lupiter on 10/08/2017 - 16:37
          +1

          @Carydadon: Easiest is just to order a 3DS-to-USB cable from eBay, but if you can't wait for postage from HK you can get this one for $13 from EB.

  • altomic on 08/08/2017 - 23:01
    -1

    it's easy and fine to go from 240 —> 110. just need a plug adapter. going form 110—>240 is bad if the device/power supply can't handle it.

    • mskeggs on 09/08/2017 - 09:44
      +1

      No. This is not correct.
      There are numerous appliances that will not work and be damaged if you do this.
      For different voltages you need a transformer.
      Many electronics plug packs have a transformer that covers 100-250v, and they can all be used without issue if you have an adapter to make the socket fit.
      Any appliance that connects directly, like a hair dryer or travel kettle, hair straightener need a heavy, costly, bulky transformer to work.

      It is likely the devices you listed are all multi-voltage, look at the info sticker on the plug packs to check.
      My travel strategy is to just use USB powered devices. Almost all USB chargers are multi voltage, so I just use a plug adaptor.

      • Carydadon on 10/08/2017 - 07:36

        The takeaway is USB, and use blitzwolf first. Then I'll be careful reading re: the other appliances that don't USB. Great advice, thank you!

  • crentist on 08/08/2017 - 23:18
    +1

    the aldi thing looks good. the powerboard you listed is unnecessary. all of your own stuff is australian anyway, so you could do better with any old powerboard you have lying around, and a single travel adaptor for that. which is basically the aldi thing
    powerbanks are also useful for this, because they let you stagger charging through the day, act as another outlet in the hotel, and pass through power to something else while charging. best of all, they let you relax about trying to make sure everything gets fully charged every night
    another thing to look into is replacing any charger heads you can. apple stuff is good for this, if you bought from overseas you may have one

    after travelling for a few months with the gf, most of our cables and stuff barely left our bags.
    we basically just ended up using 2 chargers for: 2 laptops, 2 powerbanks, 2 phones, and a digital camera.
    we found that as long as we kept an eye on the powerbanks (10000mah xiaomi) everything else was fine.

  • MT2010 on 09/08/2017 - 06:52
    +2

    Malaysia and I think Singapore is similar in voltage/amp as in Australia as I only need to buy the adapter head to use the power in Malaysia.

  • alexlim2000 on 09/08/2017 - 10:17

    I've taken a liking to using my laptop as a charger - mine is a HP laptop and also has a powerbrick that has a single USB port as well. That way all I need is a different converter, or 3prong laptop cable when I go to different countries.

    Now adays, I either bring the 3 prong plug for the country, or buy one the day I land , even if its $15. - If I'm in a nation with Amazon, I'll just order the cord to be delivered to my hotel ahead of time.

    Saves me packing weight, and guarantees no issues as the laptop power brick handles all the voltages.

    • Carydadon on 10/08/2017 - 07:37

      Good idea. My laptop has only one active USB port though (miix500), but maybe that be a reserve with the blitzwolf.

  • cupcake on 09/08/2017 - 15:08
    +1

    How about power point adapters and a power bank?

  • dasher86 on 10/08/2017 - 17:16

    Room hack many tvs have usb you can charge devices on.
    down side is it will take forever…

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