How to Adapt

Literally. My sister wrote me yesterday and asked whether we need to bring along plug-adapters for the trip to Mexico. Uhh....honestly, I had not yet thought about that. Dang. So, I did a little basic research and discovered the following:

1. Electrical sockets (outlets) in Mexico (Estados Unidos Mexicanos) are very similar to the electrical outlets found in the United States and Canada, and if your appliance has a North American plug, it's possible that you won't need any adapter at all in order to plug in there.

2. Sometimes though, if you have an item that has a 'grounding' agent (aka, that third plug below the other two plugs) it will not fix into the plugs in Mexico.

3. Therefore, bring an adapter so that you do not find yourself languishing without a hair dryer for a week.

4. Electrical sockets (outlets) in Mexico (Estados Unidos Mexicanos) usually supply electricity at between 110 and 120 volts AC. If you need to plug in a U.S. or Canadian 120 volt appliance, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need.

5. However - here again it is important to consider what kind of voltage your appliance can take. You may need a voltage transformer in order to handle this properly.

6. Moral of the Story: Bring it all, to maybe need it.

You could go all-out and purchase something like this Samsonite Dual Wattage Converter/Adapter








Or, just forget the converter (the more expensive component) and get the adapters, like this Lenmar AC5 World Traveler Plug Set. If your appliances can handle the voltage differential, this should be all you need.







Do the research before you go, and you won't find yourself with unnecessary headaches on your vacation. Oh, and ask your little sister for ideas on other things you're forgetting in the whirlwind-wedding-fog of the last 30 days prior to your destination wedding. :o)