south east asia travel plug

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Travel Plug Adapters in Southeast Asia: A Quick Guide

(Keep on reading to be informed about what Southeast Asia travel adapter suits your travel needs.)

Traveling to another country could be a pain if you forget to consider the electrical plugs that your country of destination uses, especially if it is different from the electrical plugs you use in your home country. Some hotels have universal electrical plugs, but what if you went somewhere with no such plugs? That is when you will need a travel adapter and I found learning about these things practical and useful since I’ve been traveling around Southeast Asia for a couple of years now. This is why I came up with this Southeast Asia travel adapter guide to also help other travelers out there.

When I went to Singapore this year, I forgot to bring my travel adapter, and the hotel I stayed did not have a universal electrical plug. I asked the receptionist if I could borrow one. However because of language barrier, he kept on insisting that there is an electrical plug available at my room and he’s not aware that my gadgets have a totally different type of electrical plug required despite showing him the actual cables. I ended up buying an adapter in a convenience store which cost me SGD8.

Another instance I had was when I went to Indonesia for a couple of days where I had to stay in different hotels as I move from one city/town to another. Some hotels I stayed only had the Type C electrical plug. As a result, I had to connect my phone to the USB outlet of the television and let it charge while I sleep.

These are some of the possible reasons why, my friends, you will definitely need this Southeast Asia travel adapter guide.

SOUTHEAST ASIA TRAVEL ADAPTER: A PRACTICAL GUIDE

Travel plug adapters are necessary when traveling to Southeast Asia because the region uses different types of electrical sockets and voltages than what you might be used to in your home country. Here are some common types of electrical sockets and voltages in Southeast Asia:

• Type A: This is a two-pronged plug, commonly used in Thailand and some parts of Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. The voltage is usually 220-240 volts.
• Type B: This is a three-pronged plug, commonly used in the Philippines and some parts of Indonesia. The voltage is usually 220-240 volts.
• Type C: This is a two-pronged plug, commonly used in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and some parts of Thailand and Vietnam. The voltage is usually 220-240 volts.
• Type D: This is a three-pronged plug, commonly used in India and some parts of Nepal and Sri Lanka. The voltage is usually 220-240 volts.
• Type G: This is a three-pronged plug, commonly used in Brunei, Hong Kong, and some parts of Malaysia and Singapore. The voltage is usually 220-240 volts.

To ensure that you can use your electronic devices in Southeast Asia, you will need to bring a travel plug adapter that is compatible with the electrical sockets in the countries you are visiting. You can purchase a universal travel plug adapter that is compatible with multiple types of electrical sockets to ensure that you can use your devices wherever you go in the region.

I’m sure you don’t want to experience these inconveniences during your trips abroad. Since I am traveling around Southeast Asia the most frequent and most of my readers also do, I compiled this practical guide to Southeast Asia travel adapter guide:

TRAVEL ADAPTER BRUNEI DARUSSALAM

You need to have a Type G Travel Plug Adapter when traveling to Brunei Darussalam.

ALSO READ: A COMPLETE GUIDE TO 23 INSTAGRAM-WORTHY SPOTS IN BRUNEI DARUSSALAM

TRAVEL ADAPTER CAMBODIA

TRAVEL ADAPTER CAMBODIA. You need to have either Type A, C, or G Travel Plug Adapter when traveling to Cambodia.

ALSO READ: WHERE TO STAY IN PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA: KOLAB SOR HOTEL

For more specific travel adapter Cambodia tips and my experiences, you can always send me an email! 🙂 Other sources of travel adapter Cambodia tips in this link .

TRAVEL ADAPTER INDONESIA

TRAVEL ADAPTER INDONESIA. You need to have either Type C or F Travel Plug Adapter when traveling to Indonesia.

For more specific travel adapter Indonesia tips and my experiences, you can always send me an email! 🙂 Other sources of travel adapter Indonesia tips in this link .

ALSO READ: VILLA RECOMMENDATION IN BALI, INDONESIA: VILLA KORU

TRAVEL ADAPTER LAOS

You need to have either Type A, B, C, E, or F Travel Plug Adapter when traveling to Laos.

ALSO READ: WHERE TO STAY IN VIENTIANE, LAOS: MINI S HOTEL

TRAVEL ADAPTER MALAYSIA

You need to have a Type G Travel Plug Adapter when traveling to Malaysia.

ALSO READ: 4 MUSEUMS TO VISIT IN KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA

TRAVEL ADAPTER MYANMAR

TRAVEL ADAPTER MYANMAR. Surprisingly, Myanmar uses a variety of electrical plugs: Types A, C, D, G, and I. You have to prepare these travel plug adapters when going to Myanmar.

For more specific travel adapter Myanmar tips and my experiences, you can always send me an email! 🙂 Other sources of travel adapter Myanmar tips in this link .

ALSO READ: 15 (OF THE SO MANY) AWESOME PLACE TO VISIT IN MYANMAR

TRAVEL ADAPTER PHILIPPINES

The Philippines uses Types A, B, and C electrical plugs, but Type A is the most commonly-used type. To be sure, you can consider bringing all 3 types.

ALSO READ: A COMPLETE GUIDE TO 57 INSTAGRAM-WORTHY SPOTS IN MANILA, PHILIPPINES

TRAVEL ADAPTER SINGAPORE

Like Brunei and Malaysia, Singapore uses Type G electrical plugs, hence be prepared to bring the same travel plug adapter to avoid the hassle I just shared you earlier.

ALSO READ: POSTCARDS FROM LITTLE INDIA, SINGAPORE

TRAVEL ADAPTER THAILAND

Like the Philippines, Thailand also uses Types A, B, and C electrical plugs. In addition to that, Thailand also uses a special Type O electrical plug:

Be sure to prepare these types of travel plug adapters when traveling to Thailand.

ALSO READ: BANGKOK, THAILAND TRAVEL: 11 AMAZING THINGS IN 24 HOURS

TRAVEL ADAPTER VIETNAM

Vietnam’s electrical plugs are similar to the Philippines and Thailand: Types A, B, and C.

ALSO READ: SHERLYN’S QUICK (AND HONEST) OVERSEAS HOTEL REVIEWS: TO STAY OR NOT TO STAY AGAIN?

The Southeast Asia travel adapter variety can be intimidating, but it does not hurt to prepare all travel adapters for the types of electrical plugs in the Southeast Asian countries you will visit. After all, you want your travel to be hassle-free. Happy travels!

SOUTHEAST ASIA TRAVEL ADAPTER FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What plugs are used in southeast asia, what plugs are used in vietnam and cambodia, what travel adapter is needed for thailand, what plug adapter do i need for cambodia.

(Most of the information from this blog are collected with the help of information from ASEAN website: www.asean.org )

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Best Travel Adapters for Backpacking Southeast Asia

Written by Adam Whitehouse

Posted, 5th September 2023

Southeast Asia, with its intricate blend of cultures, traditions, and mesmerising landscapes, has long been a haven for backpackers and solo travellers. As you embark on your solo journey or backpacking adventure, it’s crucial to stay connected. Amidst the excitement of planning, don’t overlook the essentials: ensuring your devices remain charged across the region’s varied electrical outlets. Each country, be it Thailand , Vietnam , Bali , or Sri Lanka , has its distinct plug types. Dive into our comprehensive guide to the best travel adapters for Southeast Asia , tailored for the tech-savvy explorer.

Top Travel Adapters for Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia’s diversity isn’t confined to its vibrant street markets or ancient temples; it’s also evident in its electrical standards. For instance, while backpacking through Thailand, you’ll encounter plug types A, B, C, and O. In contrast, a solo trip to Indonesia will predominantly introduce you to types C and F. For the intrepid traveller, a versatile travel adapter isn’t just a convenience; it’s a lifeline, ensuring you stay connected with loved ones and fellow travellers across these diverse terrains.

Hyleton Worldwide Travel Adapter

Features: If you’ve embraced the world of USB-C, this is the travel adaptor for you. With four standard USB slots, it can charge a tablet, smartphone, and other low-power gadgets. The Hyleton also boasts a USB-C slot for fast-charging smartphones. Its multi-function plug is compatible with over 150 countries, and built-in safety shutters protect users from direct touch with live socket parts. Price: £20-30 Buy Now: Amazon

Samsonite Worldwide Adapter

Features: Samsonite, a brand synonymous with travel, brings you an adapter that promises robustness and reliability. Designed to keep you connected in over 150 countries, its prongs slide out with satisfying ease, ensuring quick setup. The two-year warranty is a testament to its durability, especially appealing for those who might be a bit rough with their travel accessories. Price: £35 Buy Now: Samsonite.co.uk

Mophie 3-in-1 travel charger with MagSafe

Features: This kit is a testament to modern travel needs. Tailored for the smartphone generation, it boasts a wireless charging station, ensuring you can power up without the hassle of cords. The ultra-bright LED light indicator is a handy feature, letting you know when your device is charging. The kit’s sturdy pouch is a thoughtful addition, ensuring all components stay organised and protected during your adventures. Price: £169 Buy Now: Apple

Anker Powerport 4 Lite

Features: Don’t let its compact design fool you; this adapter is a true powerhouse. Specifically tailored for phones and other USB devices, with 4 outlets, you’ll get all the power you need. The attachments, though small, are meticulously designed for easy slotting, ensuring a hassle-free experience. The clean white trim adds a touch of modern aesthetics while making the product easy and convenient to use. Price: £19.99 Buy Now: Amazon

OneAdaptr All-in-One World Adapter

Features: This adapter stands out as a multitasking marvel. With the capability to charge up to five devices simultaneously, it ensures you’re always connected. The prongs slide out effortlessly, eliminating the need for fumbling with multiple buttons. The added touch of a colour-coordinated drawstring pouch not only adds a touch of elegance but also ensures your adapter is protected and stored safely during your travels. Price: £35-40 Buy Now: oneadaptr.com

Southeast Asia, with its harmonious blend of age-old traditions and contemporary flair, promises an unforgettable journey. As you traverse this captivating region, whether you’re backpacking through remote villages or exploring bustling city streets solo, ensure your devices are always charged and ready.

The Hyleton Worldwide Travel Adapter stands out as the top choice for Southeast Asia explorers. Its compatibility with over 150 countries ensures you’re never left without power, no matter where your adventures take you. The inclusion of USB-C, the future of charging, combined with its multiple USB slots, makes it a versatile companion for tech-savvy travellers. Its safety features, like the built-in shutters, further cement its position as the best travel adapter for Southeast Asia.

With the right travel adapter in your backpack, you’re not just staying powered up; you’re ensuring every memory, every sunset, and every new friendship is captured and cherished.

Whether you’re looking to travel solo or bring a friend along for the ride, our group tours in South East Asia & Australia are the perfect balance of culture, adventure, chill time & nightlife. You’ll arrive as strangers and leave as the best of friends.

Here are a few useful links to help with that planning; 👉🏼  View all Trips 👉🏼  Frequently Asked Questions 👉🏼  Check out our Reviews 👉🏼  Why choose us? 👉🏼  How does it all work?

If you’ve got any burning questions or just need a little travel inspo… jump in the DM’s with the team via either  Whatsapp , Livechat or  Instagram .

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Adam’s an exceptionally tall human and one of the co-founders at Feel Free Travel. You’ll often find him near the beach sitting in front of his laptop with a coffee in hand. When he’s not bashing away at his keyboard he’ll have a camera in hand shooting some cool and exciting new content!

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I'm visiting the following countries: Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam

I'm trying to find a travel adaptor to suit, I've found several that claim to be "universal" but not sure how much I believe that as they never specifically list the countries they serve!

(I'm from the uk) , so I'm just wondering if anyone has an adaptor they would recommend? Or knows anything about these "universal" chargers? I'm really hoping I don't need to carry 6 different adaptor said around with me!

this is the one ive been using for the past 3 years. Some of the other ones i have used are knock offs, but you will get an idea really quick if you will like it or not. Its not a cheap as the others, but i like it since it has 2 USB ports on it and you can use the plug adapter at the same time.

http://www.skross.com/en/product/93/world-adapter-muv-usb.html

i will let you see if it has the plug adapters for the countries you are visiting.

Note that i havent been to any Asian countries - yet - to verify its function.

whats also nice is that i leave the power adapters home and just bring the USB cords with me. Just make sure your chargers/adapters are dual voltage.

Thanks that's really helpful! The USB ports are a great idea!

It looked like a good idea until I read the reviews on Amazon. Among other things, the device emits a high-pitched sound that can be heard in a quiet room. I'll stick with the inexpensive set I bought at Radio Shack some years ago.

It doesn't need to be so complicated, any basic adapters will do the job. $1 and up online, all work, buy 2-3, for multiple devices, and if you lose one, you don't care. My wife and I have 3 iPhones, iPad and laptop when we travel, we need at least 2 every night.

Malaysia uses the same plugs as the UK.

Order one of these from Amazon

www.amazon.co.uk/Masterplug-SRGDU42PB-Charging-Protected-Extension/dp/B006HFME4C/ref=sr_1_21?ie=UTF8&qid=1467819042&sr=8-21&keywords=extension+lead

I don't travel anywhere without this now

You then just need to take a UK to 2 round pin plug and a UK to 2 flat pin plug.

That will cover you for all the countries you've mentioned as well as Europe

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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Asia power plugs and outlets

Traveling across Asia? To save you the trouble of having to browse through each country in Asia, we list all power plugs and outlets used throughout the continent in a single overview. Simply click on a country for more information on that specific country.

different outlet types used

most common voltage

most common frequency

• Afghanistan

• Brunei Darussalam

• Myanmar-Burma

• North Korea

• Philippines

• Saudi Arabia

• South Korea

• Turkmenistan

• United Arab Emirates (UAE)

All countries

• Åland Islands
• American Samoa
• American Virgin Islands
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Balearic Islands
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• British Virgin Islands
• Burkina Faso
• Canary Islands
• Cayman Islands
• Central African Republic
• Christmas Island
• Cocos (Keeling) Islands
• Cook Islands
• Czech Republic
• Dominican Republic
• Easter Island
• El Salvador
• Equatorial Guinea
• Falkland Islands
• Faroe Islands
• French Guiana
• French Polynesia
• Galápagos Islands
• Guinea Bissau
• Isle of Man
• Ivory Coast
• Liechtenstein
• Marshall Islands
• Netherlands
• Netherlands Antilles
• New Caledonia
• New Zealand
• Norfolk Island
• Northern-Ireland
• Northern Mariana Islands
• Papua New Guinea
• Puerto Rico
• Saint Barthélemy
• Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Martin
• Saint Pierre and Miquelon
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Sao Tome and Principe
• Sierra Leone
• Sint Eustatius
• Sint Maarten
• Solomon Islands
• South Africa
• South Sudan
• Svalbard and Jan Mayen
• Switzerland
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Turks and Caicos Islands
• United Kingdom
• United States
• Vatican City
• Wallis and Futuna
• Western Sahara

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The Best Travel Adapters

If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more . Please also consider subscribing to WIRED

Best Overall Ceptics World International Travel Plug Adapter Read more

Upgrade Pick Zendure Passport III Read more

Budget Pick Epicka Universal Travel Adapter Read more

Best Travel Adapter Set Ceptics Adapter Plug Set for Worldwide International Travel Read more

Whether you're planning a country-hopping odyssey or a quick business trip, your journey will go more smoothly with the right kit. That includes good travel adapters so you can safely charge all of your gadgets wherever you land. We've tested several, and our favorites below will work in most parts of the world.

Adapters make great gifts for travelers , and be sure to check out our roundup of other travel essentials if you’re a frequent flier. Don't forget to pack USB-C charging cables .

Updated January 2024: We added the OneBeat Travel Plug Adapter, mentioned the OneWorld135 and OneWorld30, added a note on our OneAdaptr recommendations, and updated prices throughout.

Special offer for Gear readers: Get WIRED for just $5 ($25 off) . This includes unlimited access to WIRED.com , full Gear coverage, and subscriber-only newsletters. Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.

Best Overall

Jet off to more than 200 countries with this compact adapter in your luggage, and you can charge up all your gadgets. The classic slider design pushes out EU, UK, and US plugs, and you can rotate the pins for sockets in Australia or China. I appreciate how securely the plugs lock into place, and you must press a side button to retract them. You have a universal input socket, and Ceptics has included three USB-A ports on the bottom and two USB-C ports on the side. The USB-A ports can deliver a maximum charging rate of 15.5 watts, while the USB-C ports offer up to 18 watts (one PD and one QC 3.0).

The main problem is the lack of any grounding, which is meant to reduce the risk of an electrical shock if there's a fault, such as a loose wire inside a device with a metal case. ( This video explains grounding really well. ) Thankfully, there's overload protection with an 8-amp fuse, and it comes with a spare, but you should not use this adapter with any device that has a third metal ground pin on its plug.

Upgrade Pick

Zendure's all-in-one travel adapter is what I toss in my bag first for every trip. It has a boxy design with sliding toggles to switch between US, European, and British plugs. (It covers more than 200 countries.) There’s an auto-resetting fuse to protect your gadgets from power surges, and the Passport III has a 10-amp limit. The latest version also sports a funky, translucent design with a metallic finish (purple is best). Sadly, there's no grounding, so you shouldn't use this adapter with any device that has a third metal grounding pin on its plug.

There are four USB-C ports alongside a single USB-A port and an AC socket, so you can charge six devices simultaneously. Using gallium nitride technology, Zendure was able to increase the power output of the USB-C port to 65 watts, capable of fully charging a 13-inch MacBook Pro in under two hours. That means you can leave your laptop's charging brick behind (if it charges via USB-C). There’s support for the Power Delivery (PD) and Programmable Power Supply (PPS) standards (Samsung uses PPS in its flagship range), so it can fast-charge almost any phone or tablet. It’s expensive, but this travel adapter will satisfy even the most gadget-laden of travelers.

★ A Good Alternative : The OneWorld 65 ($69) sports a very similar design, the same 65-watt charging rate, and support for more than 200 countries. But it has three USB-C and two USB-A ports. It comes in white and has a 10-amp fuse with a replacement included. WIRED readers can also get a discount with the code OneWorld65_15%Off .

Budget Pick

With the capability to work in more than 150 countries, this affordable adapter from Epicka will do the job for most people. It has sliders you push to reveal the three most common international plugs—EU, UK, and US—and you can rotate the pins for sockets in Australia or China. This plug can recharge your power-hungry devices, like laptops and camera batteries, but there are four USB-A ports on the bottom and a 15-watt USB-C port on the side for phones, tablets, smartwatches, and Kindles. It’s not as well constructed as our other universal adapter picks, but it's much cheaper.

Once again, there’s no grounding here, so don’t plug devices with a third metal ground pin into this adapter, but there is an 8-amp fuse for safety, and it comes with a spare. It is also certified by RoHS, CE, and FCC.

Best Travel Adapter Set

Universal adapters don't always work properly everywhere, and most do not have any grounding. The cheaper and more reliable alternative is to buy individual adapters. This international set from Ceptics is our favorite. It includes five types to cover most of the globe, and they are properly grounded. If you’re visiting only a single destination, just pack the relevant type. None of these adapters have any kind of USB ports, so you will need to bring the respective charging adapter for your gadgets.

This set is especially good for Europe, because it includes Type C, E/F, and G adapters (more on this below), so you’re covered for any socket. Ceptics offers an even cheaper and smaller five-piece set, but we don’t recommend it. The adapters are flimsy, there’s no grounding, and the European plug's design doesn’t work well with the recessed sockets you will sometimes encounter.The drawback of plug adapters is that they’re easy to lose, but at least Ceptics includes a small bag for storage.

Brenda Stolyar

Jeremy White

Eric Ravenscraft

Medea Giordano

Extra Outlets

What I love about this sturdy, compact plug adapter is the lack of sliding pins or moving parts to worry about and that it stays put in the outlet. Offered in several versions (Type C, Type E/F, Type G), it enables you to charge up to six gadgets. I’ve been testing the Type G model in Scotland, and it plugs into a single outlet to give you three US outlets, a USB-C port, and two USB-A ports. The USB-C can put out up to 15 watts, and the USB-A ports are limited to 12 watts, not especially speedy but fine for overnight charging. The adapter is grounded and has various safety features.

On the downside, it can be tough to make use of all the outlets simultaneously as larger plugs, like the MacBook power adapter, tend to block one of the other US outlets. It does not offer surge protection, and the Type G adapter maxes out at 3,250 watts (250 volts, 13 amps), while the EU versions top out at 2,500 watts.

For Charging Everything

This kit includes multiple plug attachments that slide and lock into place to keep you powered across most of the world. It is much larger than the average adapter, but provides two grounded US AC outlets. There is also a built-in USB-C cable, two USB-A ports, and two USB-C ports. The USB-A ports and built-in USB-C cable offer a combined maximum charging rate of 15 watts. The PD USB-C ports go up to 20 watts each. The top charging rate for all of them simultaneously is 55 watts.

There is built-in surge protection, but this is not a voltage converter, so don’t go plugging in hair dryers or other electronics that are not dual voltage. While the two AC outlets are handy, they are close together, so the shape and size of some plugs can make it tricky to use both. But with the ability to charge up to seven devices, this kit is handy. We also like the original Ceptics World Travel Adapter Kit ($36) , though it lacks the two USB-C ports.

Fast Charging

With a familiar sliding pin design, this adapter also covers more than 200 countries. Taller and heavier than our top pick, this is OneAdaptr’s most powerful release to date, and it employs gallium nitride technology to deliver up to 100 watts. Aside from the universal AC outlet, you will find two USB-C ports and two USB-A ports on the bottom. Both USB-C ports offer 100-watt charging, and both USB-A ports are 18 watts, but 100 watts is the maximum in total, so when you plug in multiple devices, it divides between them.

Almost every charging standard you can think of is supported, including PD 3.0, QC 4+, FCP, SCP, AFC, PPS, and more, so there’s a good chance you can charge your phone at the fastest rate possible. There is no grounding, so don’t plug in any gadget with a third metal pin. But there is a 10-amp fuse with a spare included, and this adapter conforms to IEC 60884, CE, and FCC standards. If you want more power or feel you can make do with less, we also tested and liked the OneWorld135 ($109) and the OneWorld30 ($39) .

Note : We have tested OneAdaptr’s range extensively and found they work well, but the company has had issues fulfilling orders, and we are concerned about the volume of negative reviews online. The company assured us that it has recently taken steps to improve fulfilment and customer service, and we will continue to monitor the situation.

Safest Option

The OneWorld PD has sliding toggles on the side that cover the US/Canada, the UK, and Australia/China, and you can pop out a much smaller stand-alone European adapter. It promises to work in more than 150 countries. There are three USB-A ports on the bottom as well as a USB-C port that supports Power Delivery and Quick Charge 3.0 to deliver up to 18 watts. That's enough to fast-charge most phones and tablets, not so much a laptop. You can plug in your laptop's AC charger to speedily juice it back up, but that means carrying the heavy charging brick around.

What sets the AC plugs apart is that each one is earthed. Most universal travel adapters offer two-pin US plugs and make the third pin on the UK plug plastic, but the OneWorld PD provides fully grounded connections for every plug type to protect you from the risk of shock due to faulty wiring. It can handle up to 10 amps. Over-current protection automatically shuts down the power if there’s abnormal usage, and it resets via a button on the top. The rare British Standard 8546 compliance guarantees that the OneWorld PD has been fully tested and is one of the safest travel adapters you can buy. The downside? It's frequently out of stock.

Note : We have tested OneAdaptr's range extensively and found they work well, but the company has had issues fulfilling orders and we are concerned about the volume of negative reviews online. The company assured us that it has recently taken steps to improve fulfilment and customer service and we will continue to monitor the situation.

For Wireless Charging

A few of the best wireless chargers can be good choices for travel. This modular system from RapidX is compact and capable of wirelessly charging two phones at up to 10 watts each, which makes it a good option for couples or families. The beauty is that you can add or remove pods, and a single charging cable can power up to five. They snap together magnetically and pull apart for easy packing. You can also get additional phone pods ($15) , and there’s a version with a phone pod and an Apple Watch pod ($45) .

You get a 30-watt US power adapter and a 5-foot USB-C cable in the box, so you will still want a travel adapter to pair with this system. If you plan to add pods, you will want a more powerful adapter. (RapidX recommends 65 watts or above for three or more devices.)

For Apple Devices

This handy trio of chargers keeps your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods ticking and folds neatly into a felt carrying case for travel. The magnetic pad in the center can charge your iPhone at the fastest 15-watt rate, the Apple Watch dock pops up for Nightstand mode (sadly no fast charging here), and there is a grooved spot for your AirPods. It is compact and lightweight, and charges all three devices from a single cable and outlet. A 30-watt US wall adapter and a short USB-C to USB-C cable are included, but you must pair this with a travel adapter. We recommend this Mophie charger for travelers in our guide to the  best Apple 3-in-1 wireless chargers .

International Plug Types and Universal Adapters

There are 15 plug types in use across the world. Type A and Type B are used in the US, Canada, Mexico, and Japan; Type C is common across Europe, South America, and Asia; Type E and Type F are found across Europe in places like Germany, Russia, and France; Type G is used in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and a handful of other places; and Type I is used in Australia, New Zealand, China, and Argentina. Universal adapters tend to cover all of these types.

Some countries are not usually covered by universal adapters, such as India ( Type D ), Israel ( Type H ), and South Africa ( Type M or N ). You'll need to buy specific plug adapters for those places. To avoid any surprises when you land, double-check what type you need before you travel.

If you're visiting just one destination, a basic plug adapter that caters to one plug type is all you need. For trips to multiple destinations or for frequent flyers, a universal travel adapter can prove more versatile. The universal adapters we recommend here have the bonus of including multiple USB ports for charging several mobile devices from a single outlet.

A Word on Voltage Converters

Voltage converters are big, heavy, and expensive, and they don’t always work, so it’s probably best not to buy one. The reason you might think you need one is that the AC sockets on all of our recommended travel adapters do not convert the voltage coming from the socket. This means plugging into a UK socket will deliver 220 volts at 50 hertz, which is very different from the 120 volts at 60 hertz you can expect in the US. Don't worry! Your gear won't get fried. You just need to make sure anything you plug into one of these universal travel adapters has something like this printed on it:

Input: 100–220V 50/60Hz .

That should include most modern gadgets. If your device or charger can’t handle a variable voltage, it’s probably best to leave it at home. Most places provide hair dryers , irons, and kettles, so there’s no need to take them with you. It's often cheaper to buy a set with the correct plug at your destination and save the luggage space and hassle.

Matt Jancer

Parker Hall

Ryan Waniata

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The Best Travel Plug Adapter

By Geoffrey Morrison

If you want to use electronic devices in a different country, you’ll probably need a travel plug adapter. After spending more than 30 hours researching and testing 14 options, we found the Epicka Universal Travel Adapter to be the best one. It fits four types of outlets, and it has more USB ports than any of its competitors, so it can can charge more devices at higher speeds.

Everything we recommend

Epicka Universal Travel Adapter

Best universal travel adapter.

With four plugs that will work in most countries, plus faster-charging USB ports (and more of them) than its competitors, this adapter is the best all-around choice.

Buying Options

You save $4 (17%)

Ceptics International Worldwide Travel Plug Adapter 5 Piece Set

The best plug adapter.

Individually, these tiny plug adapters are smaller, lighter, and cheaper than any universal travel adapter. To juice up multiple devices, though, you’d need a separate multiport charger too.

Ceptics Plug Adapter Set

Heavier, but sturdier.

The plugs in this set of five are bigger and heavier than our top pick for plug adapters, but more solidly built.

In a sea of almost-identical travel adapters, the Epicka Universal Travel Adapter stands out, combining the best of the features we were looking for. It contains the three most common international plugs and a US-style plug, which should cover you in the majority of countries around the world. It has the most USB ports—four of the standard USB-A and one USB-C—of any universal adapter we tested, and it could charge more of our devices faster. A replaceable fuse and an included spare should take the brunt of any accidental, unfortunate, or shockingly bad connections. The Epicka is fairly compact and well built, and it even comes with a nylon case.

However, no universal travel adapter is truly universal, and they’re all a lot bulkier and more expensive than simple plug adapters. If you want the smallest adapter possible, or if you’re going someplace where a universal adapter won’t work (more on that in a minute), then a plug adapter could be what you need.

The Ceptics tiny plug adapters are barely larger than the prongs they convert. Small, simple, and cheap, they’re perfect for someone who wants to carry only the adapter they’ll need and who already has a multiport USB wall charger they like. Like our universal adapter picks, this set contains the three most common international plugs and the US plug. However, it also includes a somewhat rarer plug used in some European countries that has two thick, cylindrical prongs. This means that the Ceptics will likely cover you in even more places—as long as you pack the appropriate plug adapter.

These plug adapters are bigger than our top pick for plug adapters, but this means they offer a larger surface for chargers to brace against, which makes them more stable and less likely to fall off the wall. (We’ll call these “ Ceptics White ” to minimize confusion and set them apart from our “Ceptics Black” top pick.) While you can purchase these as a five-pack, which contains basically the same assortment of plugs as the Ceptics Black set, the company also sells, in this same model line, three-packs for nearly a dozen specific regions. So if you’re headed to a country not covered by the so-called universal travel adapters (for example, Brazil , India , Israel , or South Africa ), or if you want to purchase multiple adapters for your gear, there’s probably an option available here.

A note up here, which we’ll discuss in detail below: All of these are adapters only . They do not convert voltage. The majority of your electronic devices only need adapters—the voltage converter is built into the charger itself. (If the device charges via USB, just about any USB port will suffice, though different ports may provide different charging speeds.) Check out Do you need a voltage converter? if you’re curious about these aspects.

The research

Why you should trust us, who should get this, how we picked, how we tested, our pick: epicka universal travel adapter, flaws but not dealbreakers, our pick: ceptics international worldwide travel plug adapter 5 piece set, runner-up: ceptics adapter plug set for worldwide international travel use, do you need a voltage converter, the competition.

In addition to my work here at Wirecutter, I also write about tech and travel for CNET, Forbes, and Wirecutter’s parent company, The New York Times . Perhaps more relevant to this guide, I usually spend a good chunk of each year (global pandemics aside) as a digital nomad, living months at a time in different countries all over the world. My current country count is 50, spread across six continents, and since I travel with a lot of electronics gear for work, being able to plug in is obviously crucial.

I’ve owned and used many different types of universal-style travel adapters, and several different companies’ worth of plug adapters, plus I’ve talked with countless travelers about what they like … or, more important, what they hate. We also got some advice from Wirecutter's Mark Smirniotis, who used to oversee our power devices section.

Do you travel? Are you going to travel sometime in the (near or far) future? Do you want to be able to charge or use electronic devices in a different country? If so, you’re probably going to need a travel plug adapter. There’s a variety of different outlet types around the world, not to mention different voltages and frequencies, so you can’t expect your phone charger to just plug in and work wherever you’re headed. Sure, Canada, Mexico, Japan, and many other countries use the same small pair of prongs as the US, but places like continental Europe, the UK, Australia, India, Russia, and pretty much everywhere else do not.

You have two main choices when it comes to travel plug adapters: the universal-style travel adapters (that’s one device with multiple sets of prongs that you extend and retract) and smaller, individual plug adapters that usually come in sets. Both have pros and cons.

Should you get a universal travel adapter or a simple plug adapter?

Universal travel adapters are for the person who wants one handy adapter that will work in just about every country. You can keep it next to your passport and toss it in your luggage when you’re packing. The ones we considered have USB ports, so you don’t need to worry about bringing a separate charger for anything that charges via USB (think  phones  and noise-cancelling headphones ). However, these are bulky, they have parts that can break, and even the best will take longer to charge your phone or tablet than will a good USB wall charger .

The alternative is small and simple plug adapters. These attach to the prongs of your current USB charger (whether it’s a multiport one or the charger that came with your device) to allow them to fit into a foreign outlet. These can work because nearly every modern charger can adjust to the available voltage in pretty much every country, as long as you can adapt the prongs to fit in the outlet. (More on this in Do you need a voltage converter? ) These are great for people who already have a multiport USB charger they like and don’t want to deal with the additional bulk of a universal travel adapter. Also, these are necessary if you’re traveling to a country that has outlets incompatible with any of the four types included in a universal adapter (which, as that sentence reveals, aren’t actually universal).

The choice between universal travel adapters and individual plug adapters ultimately comes down to personal preference. Both types work, and different people will like or dislike each. If you’re not sure which will be best for you, read each section here closely.

Here’s the big caveat: If you’re planning on bringing something with you that has a motor, a heating element, or a single power cord that leads directly from the plug to the device (i.e. there’s no power brick or wall wart ), it almost certainly won’t work with a travel plug adapter. Most people will only need one of the adapter choices we recommend, but very occasionally there’s a piece of gear that needs a voltage converter. For more on that topic, also check out the voltage converters section below.

Where in the world will your travel plug adapter work?

All universal travel adapters have four different sets of prongs, which cover most countries most Americans tend to travel to. First is the big, wide-blade UK-style plug (often designated "Type G”) . This will work in places like the UK, obviously, and also Ireland, Hong Kong, and some other parts of Asia and the Middle East.

Next is the round Europe-style plug, aka the Europlug (Type C) . However, this is where we run into complications. This plug should work in most of Europe—it was designed, in fact, to fit into a wide range of European outlet types. For instance, parts of Italy, Switzerland, and Denmark each use different plugs from one another. Should this double-round one work in those locations? Yes. Will it? Hard to say. I’ve stayed in places where my Europlug didn’t work, yet it did in the hostel before and the hotel after—all within the same small region of a country. With any luck, if this happens to you, the place you’re staying will have a power strip that will let you plug in, though there’s no guarantee of that.

Third is the angled small-blade style (Type I) found in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and other parts of Oceania, and a few other areas. Some universal adapters have one set of blades for this and the US style—you just manually rotate the blades into the correct position depending on where you are. In our testing, we had no trouble getting them to work.

The last, the small US-style blades (Type A or B) , mean you could use our picks to visit the US and other countries that have the same plugs—if, that is, you’re reading this from outside the US.

What are the places not covered by these four styles? Some parts of Brazil, South Africa, India, and more. I’ve stayed in parts of Italy, for example, that should have Europlugs but only had something called Type L . I’ve stayed in houses in Brazil that had Type N , but the Europlug fit enough to work. In others, it wouldn’t.

To find out which plugs you might need while traveling, refer to the excellent Wikipedia article called Mains electricity by country that shows pictures of (almost) all the possible plugs and outlets, along with a list of the world’s countries and (almost all of) the style or styles they use. This is invaluable information to check before you leave. If multiple plug types are listed for a specific country and you’re staying in an older building, you should probably assume its outlets will require whatever plug isn’t on a universal travel adapter, since these only have the most common, newer varieties of plugs.

Which brings us to perhaps the most important fact: Getting your gear to work in different countries isn’t quite as simple as it should be, and there’s no single solution that’s guaranteed to work for everyone. Our picks should work for you, but you may have some random piece of equipment, or be traveling to some country, for which our “good for most” picks just won’t work. (Case in point: One Wirecutter editor visited Iceland recently. The house she stayed in had outlets unlike anything on Wikipedia’s chart, and the plug adapters she’d used elsewhere in Reykjavik didn’t fit at all. It turns out the mystery sockets belonged to an obscure Italian system from the 1960s that was popular in Iceland for a time. Luckily, the hosts had power strips in the house that her adapters fit into.) We’ll try to mention such potential caveats when we can, but the world is a big place, and when it comes to electricity and wall outlets, there’s a lot of variation. That’s important to keep in mind.

There are approximately 70 billion universal travel plug adapters on the Web. However, after spending 20 hours staring at them, I found there’s only about a dozen basic designs—and countless “companies” selling them. Among those dozen or so actually different products, I saw a few distinctions that helped narrow the field. Since most options had four USB ports, that seemed like a reasonable minimum to require. Their maximum power output, rated in amps, became a determining factor in our rankings. The higher the maximum output, the faster the port will charge your gear.

Some plugs came with a replaceable fuse, which seemed like a good idea, and a few included a replacement for said fuse, which seemed even better. This way, if either you plug the adapter into a sketchy outlet or a roommate at the hostel uses your adapter to plug in their completely necessary portable arc welder, the fuse will go, not your adapter. Then it’s just a matter of swapping in the included spare fuse and you’re good to go.

These fuses have a maximum power rating, and therefore the adapters have a maximum wattage rating. However, you shouldn’t be connecting anything with a high enough power draw to trip these fuses. Check out Do you need a voltage converter? for more information. The short version is that recharging portable electronic devices is fine, but powering anything that has a motor or heats up is not. Nearly every appliance or device has its power draw written on it somewhere , so worst case, you can compare that to what’s listed on the adapter. And so you don’t have to look it up, volts × amps = watts.

The other option we considered and tested is individual plug adapters. These small adapters attach to the prongs of your current charger so they’ll plug into a foreign outlet. In deciding which of these to test, we judged by size and available plug-type options. As you’ll see with our two picks, one is exceptionally small, and the other offers sturdier plugs that are available in a range of plug types that’s wide enough to cover you no matter where in the world you’re headed.

The universal travel adapters are far more similar to one another than they are different. However, getting in a dozen and playing with them for a while revealed that some felt better put together than others. After spending several minutes with each one, forcefully extending the various plugs, slamming them back in, and just being fairly rough with them, I found it easy to tell which felt like they’d last a few trips, and which wouldn’t. None felt like you’d own them for a lifetime. Since none are expensive, though, this didn’t seem like a major issue.

All had a US-style plug, so I tested each one in several outlets around my house—some new, some old. I didn’t find much difference in how they fit and worked. I connected several chargers and plugs to the output side of each adapter as well. Again, not much difference. Last, I checked how bright the LED on each was, since a too-bright LED keeping me awake has been a pet peeve of mine for years. Many USB chargers have LEDs bright enough to practically read from; I eliminated any universal adapter that had this problem.

For the plug adapters, I tried plugging in several devices, as well as inserting them into outlets around my house. I checked how tight the connections were and how they felt overall. Would they fall apart with simple use or perhaps hold up to being tossed around in bags for a few weeks or months?

In reality, the testing for all the adapter types didn’t reveal much variation in terms of performance. These are all remarkably similar products. How they felt to use and their different features played a far bigger role in establishing our final picks.

While all the universal travel adapters we tested included the same three types of plugs (plus the familiar US-style one), they differed in how many USB ports each had and how quickly they could charge—and that’s where the Epicka Universal Travel Adapter excelled. It has five USB ports: four of the standard USB-A size and one of the newer USB-C. (You may not have a USB-C device at the moment, but you likely will in the future.) These will let you charge, say, three phones, two tablets, and—via the adapter’s main plug—a camera battery that has its own wall charger, all at once.

In addition, and just as important, is the maximum power output: 5.6 amps. This was the highest of all the adapters we considered, which means you can charge more of your devices at higher speeds before hitting the max output.

Keep in mind that the maximum output per USB-A port is 2.4 amps, the max on the USB-C port is 3 amps, and if you’re using all five ports you won’t be able to charge every connected device at full speed—it’ll only give you that 5.6 amp output in total . The output is still far lower than what you can get from a decent USB charger combined with our pick for a simple plug adapter (more on that in the plug adapter section , below), but it’s significantly better than most universal travel adapters, which often max out under 3 amps total.

The Epicka has three sliders on one side, with a button on the other to lock/unlock your chosen plug in place. This arrangement feels more secure than the semi-locking or slide-locking system that some other universals use. However, this is plastic-on-plastic, so don’t expect a tank. As these things go, the Epicka feels sturdy. The US and Australia share a pair of prongs—you twist the prongs manually to set them up for an angled Australia-style outlet.

The four regular USB plugs are all on one side, which is tidier than the “flailing gibbon” look of some other universal adapters.

The above details were what put the Epicka at the top of our list, but the adapter has a few other features that are the cherry on top, so to speak. For instance, it comes with a small nylon case and a USB cable with a split end, so it works with either Micro-USB or Lightning devices. While the adapter has an LED to show you it’s working, the glow isn’t so bright as to be a distraction at night.

One last note. There are multiple Epicka universal adapters, and even Epicka can’t keep the names straight. We’ve seen this one called, variously, Universal Travel Adapter, International Travel Adapter, Travel Adapter-2, Universal USB Travel Power Adapter (2018), and even Universal Travel Adapter One Worldwide International Wall Charger AC Plug Adaptor with 5.6A Smart Power 3.0A USB Type-C for USA EU UK AUS Cell Phone Tablet Laptop (Grey). Best to follow the link above. Also, you may find another company selling a twin of this. The Epicka has the most reviews and offers free shipping with Prime. The other options we saw have few or no reviews, or charge outrageous shipping costs.

As with all of these adapters, I wouldn’t expect the Epicka to last forever. Given its locking design and case, it’s probably going to last longer than many others, but all of these are almost entirely inexpensive plastic devices. Just something to keep in mind.

While the prongs themselves felt secure, and being able to lock them into place was nice, it’s entirely possible that the size and weight of the adapter, plus whatever you’ve plugged into it, could pull it out of an outlet. That is, unfortunately, a risk with every universal adapter.

Another risk with any universal adapter—as we mentioned above—is that it’s not going to work where you’re headed. Epicka claims it will work in 150 countries, but there are more than 200 countries (the exact number is harder to pin down than you might realize) . And even in each of those 150 countries, there’s no guarantee that the adapter will work in every outlet in every building. Plug adapters are a somewhat safer bet to work specifically where you’re going, but they have their own downsides, which we’ll discuss below.

Also, while the Epicka is a little smaller than some of the others we tested, all universal adapters are much bulkier than plug adapters. As someone who has spent most of the past several years traveling, I feel plug adapters are far easier and less annoying to deal with. This is largely why we have two recommendations for that category.

The Ceptics Plug Adapter set combines everything we were looking for in plug adapters: small size, solid build quality, and—well, small size is really the thing here. Each adapter is no larger than it needs to be to fit over the American-style prongs of your charger. The plastic feels solid and not flimsy. Each adapter has the region or countries it should be used in written on the side. The five plugs in the set are the same four as you’ll find on the universal adapters recommended above, plus the thicker, round European-style prongs used in parts of France, parts of Asia, and elsewhere.

Though the set comes with a small case, you probably wouldn’t be traveling with the entire set very often. Instead, you’d pack just the specific adapter or adapters you’d be using on each trip. These are for the person who wants to travel as light and as simply as possible. I myself, and my friends who travel frequently, swear by these small, inexpensive adapters. Also, if you have a USB multiport charger you like or a charger that’s especially fast, you can use that charger with just a tiny, almost weightless plug at the end.

However, plug adapters aren’t for everyone, and that’s why they’re not our main pick. For one thing, if you don’t already own a multiport USB wall charger, you’ll still have to get one if you don’t want to carry a charger for each device. Also, depending on what you’re connecting with these plug adapters, your charger or device could wobble and maybe fall out. The connections inside are solid enough that this shouldn’t happen, but it’s possible. Our universal-adapter picks, as well as the other Ceptics set we discuss below, have a larger “face” for your charger to brace against—more like that of a traditional outlet—so there’s less chance of gravity having its way with your gear.

Being small and inexpensive, plug adapters are not built for high-power, high-wattage items, though hopefully we’ve persuaded you to leave those at home . If you’re charging a battery, you should be fine. If you’re running a motor, probably not. Laptops, yes; mini-fridges, no.

Last, these things being so small, you could easily lose them in your bag or leave them behind in an outlet somewhere, if you’re the type of person who loses things. (That’s why I usually keep mine connected to my charger.)

For a hardcore traveler like me, these are my pick. They’re cheap, light, and small, and they work.

Though made by the same company as the Ceptics International Worldwide Travel Plug Adapter 5 Piece Set—and bearing a confusingly similar name—the plug adapters in the Ceptics Adapter Plug Set for Worldwide International Travel Use are, as you can see, a completely different design. They’re much larger than the other Ceptics (let’s call the previous set Ceptics Black and this one Ceptics White for simplicity). Nonetheless, they’re each smaller than a universal adapter, and they have one key benefit over our top plug-adapter pick: You can purchase them in multipacks for individual regions, including regions beyond those covered by the Ceptics Black set.

The Ceptics White are small, but not as small as the Ceptics Black. That extra size does offer one benefit, however: These adapters have more of a face on the output side, so there’s more surface for your charger to lean against. This means your charger is less likely to fall out. Again, neither set of plugs we tested had loose connections, but this is always a risk, as chargers vary. One other difference: In place of the two-pronged US plug we saw (type A) in our other picks, this set includes the three-pronged grounded version .

The real benefit to the Ceptics Whites, however, is not their physical characteristics. This range is one of your only options if you want to buy a plug adapter for a specific region or country. Headed to India or South Africa ? A universal adapter probably won’t work, but you can get a three-pack of Ceptics that will. You can also buy the offset three-prong and in-line three-prong for Switzerland and Italy, respectively, as well as plugs for Israel and Brazil , both the thin and the thick European plugs, and of course, Australia and UK versions too. They cost less than $10 per set. Any of those links will bring you to a page that lets you choose among plugs for different regions—definitely verify at checkout that you’ve picked the correct ones!

These adapters are ideal for someone headed to a country not covered by a universal adapter, or who has multiple chargers they want to plug in while traveling. They’re not quite as compact as the Ceptics Black adapters, but for most people, this difference in size won’t be an issue. I’ve traveled with these Ceptics plugs for many years, and they show no signs of wear.

Every adapter you see in this guide merely sends the current from the wall directly to whatever you plug into it. These are not voltage converters. Which is to say, if you’re in the UK, whatever you plug into the front of the adapter is going to get the UK’s 220 volts/50 hertz electricity, not the 120 volt/60 hertz that you’d get in the US. Travel plug adapters don’t convert the voltage; they only convert the plug . (Our universal picks do convert the local current to USB voltage, but only for the USB ports.)

However, for the vast majority of people, this is all you need. It’s exceptionally rare that anyone would need a voltage converter anymore. This is because most so-called wall warts, like on your phone charger or your camera’s battery charger, will convert the wall voltage into what it needs automatically.

Take a look at your charger. Somewhere, it should say “100–220V 50/60Hz.” This means it can accept anything between 100 V and 220 V, which covers domestic electricity pretty much everywhere, and either 50 Hz or 60 Hz, which again covers everything. If your charger doesn’t say this, it might not work with a travel adapter. If it only says "120V–60Hz," it will almost certainly not work—or not work correctly—with a travel adapter.

But here’s the other reason we don’t recommend buying a voltage converter: Your device might not work even with one. Anything with a motor (like hair dryers), anything with a heating element (like a clothing iron or a curling iron), or anything with a plug that goes directly to the device (as in no wall wart), probably won’t work in another country regardless of what kind of converter or adapter you bring . The good news is, pretty much every hotel, hostel, and Airbnb will have a hair dryer you can borrow. This is one of those times where we can’t cover everything you might want to bring, but for the vast majority of you, you don’t need a voltage converter. Either it’s not necessary, or the device that needs one won’t work anyway. Worst case, if it’s something cheap and you really need it—a hot pot or an electric kettle, say—consider buying one at your destination.

One occasional exception is electric razors. These often fall into the “single cable, no wall wart, has a motor” category. Which is to say, they probably won’t work without a voltage converter. (Again, check the fine print near the plug or on the device itself.) Many hotels have a shaver plug in the bathroom , with a US-style outlet and US-style 110 volt-or-so voltage. However, not every hotel will have these, and they’re very rare in hostels and Airbnbs. If you need one, best to call ahead and see if your hotel has them. Or use disposables on your trip.

It’s worth noting again for clarity, USB is USB, so if you’re just plugging in a USB cable , unless something is horribly wrong, one USB port’s voltage is the same as any other USB port’s voltage. How fast that port will charge your gear will vary (that’s related to amperage), but unless the charger is faulty, a USB port shouldn’t damage your gear.

We considered many more adapters than those listed here. However, the majority of travel adapters available boil down to just a dozen or so designs sold by myriad companies. We’ve listed two representatives of each of the most common designs, but in most cases, many more exist. Chances are, if it looks similar and has similar specs, it’s probably the same inside.

Universal travel adapters

Askali, Unidapt , others: Only 3.4 amps maximum output, which means it’ll take longer to charge all of your devices.

Bluegogo  (currently unavailable): Only two USB and slower-charging than our picks.

Bonaker: Formerly our runner-up pick, this travel adapter had the usual mix of four plug types to cover you in most countries, but its four USB-A ports were slower than our top pick’s, and it had no USB-C port at all. It’s also since disappeared from Amazon.

Bonazza , Urbo , others: Feels flimsy, even compared with others here. Two-piece design is more cumbersome than helpful. Only 3.4 amps maximum output.

Ceptics Travel Power Strip : The Travel Power Strip combines the interchangeable-plug aspect of the Ceptics Plug Adapter Set with a two-outlet power strip and short extension cord. It also has USB-A and USB-C outputs. If you have multiple non-USB items you want to charge at once—a laptop and a camera charger, for instance—this is a good option. But we think most travelers will prefer the more portable brick design of our picks over this power strip.

Conair Travel Smart : It has only one USB port, with a maximum of 1 amp, but with three outlets, it’s one of the few travel adapters that lets you plug in multiple non-USB devices.

Monoprice Compact Cube Universal Travel Adapter : I own one of these, and it’s fine, but if you’re going the universal route, our picks have USB charging for just a few dollars more. If you don’t need USB charging, our plug-adapter picks are probably better choices. Insten is a similar product but with, apparently, surge suppression built in. But as there’s no way to change the fuse, this is likely one-and-done if you plug in something too powerful.

Mu One (currently unavailable): The Mu offered a much higher power output than other travel adapters: 45 watts, enough to quickly charge even a big-battery device such as a MacBook Air. However, after trying and failing to launch a Mu Two in 2020, the company went out of business. The name and remaining assets were bought by a company called Discovery Club, which seems to be selling off the inventory.

Ougrand (green) : Same shape as the Unidapt, but with a USB-C in place of one of the regular USB connections; 3.4 amp max total.

Huanuo  (currently unavailable): A bit bulky, with three regular USB ports and one USB-C; 3.4 amps maximum.

WGGE , Jollyfit : Only 2.4 amps max, less than either of our picks.

Plug adapters

Bestek Grounded Universal Worldwide Plug : Likely made in the same factory as the Ceptics White plugs, the Bestek set looks the same and is roughly the same price. It offers a wide variety of plug types, but lacks the Type C Europlug that’s common in most adapter sets and usable across most of Europe. (The Europlug was invented to fit into a wide range of European outlet types.) If our Ceptics White pick is sold out, these will also work.

Lewis N. Clark Adapter Plug Kit  (currently unavailable): This kit looks fine, but it is more expensive and has one less plug compared with our Ceptics pick.

Insignia Global Travel Adapter Kit  (currently unavailable): The Insignia has a clever interlocking and compact design, akin to that of the old Flight 001 universal adapter (Flight 001, the specialty travel-gear retailer, is now no longer operating in the US), and the individual plugs feel solid. However, it is expensive compared with our picks, and it doesn’t offer anything that you couldn’t do with our picks just by connecting them end to end (if you wanted to).

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

Meet your guide

Geoffrey Morrison

Geoffrey Morrison is Wirecutter’s former AV editor, current editor-at-large, and a travel writer and photographer. He covers action cameras, gimbals, travel backpacks, and other gear. He has been to all 50 states and 60 countries, and he is the author of Budget Travel for Dummies and the sci-fi novel Undersea .

Further reading

The Best Travel Power Strips and Surge Protectors With USB Charging

by Sarah Witman

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The Ultimate Packing List for Southeast Asia (With Checklist)!

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.

Deciding what to pack for a long trip to a foreign country can be unnerving, especially if you’ve never travelled anywhere before. I’m excited to share my uber-researched packing list for Southeast Asia (or any other tropical climate) which contains what many travellers consider the “essentials” as well as an extensive list of “options” that you can consider bringing if you have the space or inclination.

I admit it: this is a lot of reading, and a lot to remember. I made a free printable checklist you can use to help narrow down what you consider your necessities and what you’d like to bring, to help make sure you have everything you want for an awesome trip!

I’ve never been on a long trip to Southeast Asia, and I needed to know what to buy and pack for our upcoming trip. Luckily, I’m an obsessive research nerd who likes to be prepared for as many possibilities as I can, so I can be as comfortable as possible!

I spent countless hours researching countless blogs to learn the commonalities among all the “ultimate packing lists” and the reasons why each item is considered necessary. Then I spent more hours researching the actual supplies we’ll need for our 6 to 7 month trip to a tropical climate. As a result, I’m very proud and confident of this packing list, and hope you find it helpful!

So read on to find out what you need for an essential packing list for Southeast Asia.

Table of Contents

Backpack vs suitcase, packing cubes, crime prevention, waterproofing, miscellaneous organization, actual clothing packing list, electronics, papers and documents, don’t forget….

• Travel Comfort 

Packing and Organization

Wayne and I never really debated this, as we knew from the start that we wanted to try to be as minimalist as possible and keep as mobile as possible; for us, backpacks are the way we want to travel. We don’t want to worry about the weight of a larger/heavier suitcase or the possibility of wheels breaking off a roll-away.

We decided to get smaller backpacks than we would if we were solo-travellers for 2 reasons: (1)  we can sort of split the load between us, and (2) we want to be able to go carry-on as much as possible (as opposed to checking our bags). 

I did do a pile of research and absolutely love the website www.packhacker.com to compare backpacks. They have very comprehensive reviews on a wide range of backpacks.

Eventually, we both chose to buy Eagle Creek Global Companion 40L (Wayne bought the unisex, I bought the women’s fit). We love the suitcase-style opening which gives you the ability to ultra-organize and actually see all your stuff at once instead of having to dig through the whole bag. The Global Companion has an attached rain cover, so I don’t have to buy one separately and then store it. It also has a waterproof storage area (for shoes, rain jackets, etc) underneath.

I got Wayne’s backpack from Amazon on sale, and I found mine on sale at Canada Luggage Depot . I actually received the wrong backpack originally (Unisex instead of Women’s) but the customer service was stellar! The replacement arrived (with a handwritten apology and gift! How often does that happen?!) just a couple of days later, so I would definitely recommend them. 

And what are packing cubes, you ask? Only the best organizational packing method EVER, I answer!

Seriously, though, they are.

Packing cubes are small zip-up fabric pouches to organize, pack and store your stuff so you can actually find what you’re looking for because you know where you packed it! They come in different sizes, colours and weights (if you’re trying to keep your weight down and every oz counts) so you can fit them like a puzzle in your suitcase/backpack and organize literally *everything*. I’d probably use them in a grocery bag to organize my stuff, I love them that much.

Have you figured out yet that I like organization? It makes life less stressful. Anyway, I digress.

We chose the Eagle Creek brand of packing cubes because they’re highly rated and we found a sale. I got a couple of their Pack-It Specter Compression Cube Sets (which have a wrap-around sort of zipper which compresses the pack to a smaller size) for our clothing. And I bought some Pack-It Cube Sets which have more varying sizes for all our other stuff.

I love these things so much!

Misc. Safety/Protective Organization

Sorry, it was hard to come up with a heading for this sub-category, but it’s fairly important. There are two things to consider when it comes to protecting your stuff: crime prevention and waterproofing.

I won’t get into too much detail here, because it really depends on how much you worry about your belongings and your comfort level concerning theft.

You’ll need a couple of combination padlocks (not keyed…keys are too easy to lose!) for lockers, safety boxes, and to lock your zippers together. At least one of your padlocks should be a cable type so you can be sure it’ll fit into any size locker.

A cable wire is good to either lace your bags together or to attach them to a stable pole etc. when you’re in transit.

Some people just aren’t comfortable leaving their bags or valuables unprotected in their room and prefer to take extra safety precautions. The company Pacsafe has you covered! They offer a backpack & bag protector (different sizes are available) to wrap around your bag/suitcase and secure it to an immovable object. They also have a variety of portable safes to help secure your electronics/small valuables; we purchased ours at Sail .

There are also loads of clothing options that contain secret/hidden pockets for hiding valuables and extra money on you when you’re out and about; here’s a cash belt that has a zippered pocket to hold cash.

We also bought a FlipBelt for Wayne to wear, which will hold our passport and some extra money; after we see how hot it feels against his body in a humid climate, I’ll come back and update this post!

You can get purses that are slash-proof and have security zippers if you’re in an area prone to pickpockets, but be aware that these purses can be a bit heavy; two trustworthy brands are Pacsafe and Travelon . Here’s my travelon ; I absolutely love it … check out all the pockets!

You have a lot of very important documents to carry which need protection, along with your expensive electronic equipment. It doesn’t cost a lot or take a lot of effort to protect these.

It also only takes a moment to have them soaked in an unexpected downpour, or to have a wave wash over the boat and ruin them (this actually happened to at least a couple of bloggers who I follow). Take a moment and protect your belongings.

Simple Ziploc bags are great for your documents and paperwork, and serve the purpose of both organizing and protecting them.

You can get a dry bag to protect your electronics, especially when you’re on the water (and it can double as a washing machine )!

When you’re swimming or kayaking or whatever and want to bring your phone/passport etc. with you, you can use a small waterproof pouch like this ; apparently, you can also take photos through the plastic with your phone, but we haven’t tried that with ours.

You can use zip ties or velcro cable ties to organize your cables if you plan to store your small electronics in a packing cube, but I’d recommend an electronics organizer similar to this one if your budget allows (I know, again with the organization)!

You should also get a lightweight, hanging toiletry bag for your toiletries; the one we got is a bit heavy and I may yet replace it.

Cheap shower caps are great to put around your shoes to keep them together and away from your clean clothes.

Depending on what liquids you’re bringing you may or may not want silicone travel bottles. If you do bring any, make sure they’re under 100 mL.

Don’t forget the basics like toothbrush covers, soap holders, and soap savers ; the soap savers are great at helping your soap or shampoo/conditioner bars dry out instead of getting soggy. I even use mine at home!

I also highly recommend you bring a small packable daypack for day trips; they’re very light, take up very little space, but still let you bring everything you need for the day without lugging your big backpacks around.

For all of my life, the only criteria I placed on buying clothes was comfort and price; that’s still applicable, but when shopping for our long trip to Southeast Asia I also had to consider the culture.

In general, the countries in Southeast Asia are more conservative than North America, although this seems to be slowly changing. On the whole, though, people still seem to show less skin than we’re accustomed to, especially when you consider the humidity! Also, many temples require that you wear clothing that covers the shoulders and knees, sometimes even the ankles.

Personally, I don’t like to make people uncomfortable, and I want to be able to go anywhere without borrowing or buying clothes (or running home to change) so I chose some clothes that are more modest than I’d probably pick otherwise.

Along with the culture, you have to consider the weather. For a humid climate such as Southeast Asia, try to choose more natural fabrics such as linen whenever you can. A less fitted (more flowy) fit also allows more airflow and may be less sweaty. I’m prone to infections of tinea versicolor (which causes some skin discoloration) that worsens in heat and humidity (yay!) so I tried to choose less form-fitting clothes for our trip.

Lastly, be aware that it’s not hot everywhere! Some areas of Southeast Asia are cooler, so if you’re not staying planted in a warm place you’ll want at least one long-sleeved, warmer hoodie, sweater, whatever so you can layer if needed. You’ll also want some warmer clothes to wear as layers on the long plane trip since that can be quite cool.

In one way, this is a very general list; how much of what clothing you pack really depends on how you’re travelling (ie/ how much you can actually bring)!

If you’re backpacking and walking a lot with your pack, you’ll definitely want to carry less. If you’re slow travelling with a couple of suitcases and not planning on trekking, you can load up! Also, the amount of clothes depends on how often you plan to do laundry … don’t bring only a couple of pairs of underwear if you’re not planning on nightly washing.

Lastly, try to get dual-function clothing if possible! Shorts that double as swim trunks, pants that zip off to shorts, reversible swimsuits … anything that can extend your wardrobe so you either don’t have to pack as many things, or can pack more of what you want.

What you do *not* want to bring is anything heavily woven that will take a long time to dry, such as denim jeans. But again, it’s a personal choice… for as many times as I’ve read that recommendation (and it makes sense logically considering the humidity), I’ve read packing lists that say to bring a pair of jeans! And there are many people in SE Asia who wear jeans.

As always, do what works for you.

Anyway, here’s my recommended clothing packing list for Southeast Asia:

While the major electronics you bring on your trip really depend on your lifestyle and career, I’ll go over the general travel necessities.

You’ll definitely want your phone (unlocked) and you’ll want to have some apps loaded (see the app section below).

If you need a computer for work then obviously bring it, but if it’s not 100% necessary I’d seriously consider the cons of bringing it: mainly the extra weight and the extra concern, as it’s expensive and you may worry about its safety. Perhaps you could get away with a lighter and cheaper tablet? Just something to think about.

Unless you need professional photos your phone will probably take adequate ones, except for any “adventure” photos, in which case you might want a GoPro or a similar camera . If you bring an extra camera, remember you’ll need some extra accessories which will take up more space and money.

Either way, you’ll probably want a selfie stick/tripod combo.

You’ll definitely want to bring a travel adapter and converter (get one that does both, we bought this one for Southeast Asia). Different countries have different electrical currents, and a converter will change the current so that what you plug in doesn’t die, while an adaptor fits your plug to the outlet.

Ours also functions as an extension cord and has USB ports for charging (which can be convenient, especially if you’re planning to stay in hostels where outlets can be few and far between, or inconveniently located).

A power bank is a really good idea if you have the space, for recharging equipment on the go when you don’t have access to electrical outlets.

For external storage be sure to bring at least a couple of SD cards; if you need more storage, consider a hard drive ; we’re bringing a couple because we’ll be taking lots of photos and videos.

Some smaller electronics you might want to bring for entertainment include your e-reader, noise-cancelling headphones (great for airports!) and wireless earbuds. If you’re travelling with a friend/partner, a y-split would be nice for movies.

A headlamp can be really useful in hostels and on trains and buses, etc.

If you’re not bringing a full-size computer but will be typing a fair bit, you could consider a folding keyboard for typing comfort.

Depending on how fussy you are with your hair and how much space you have, you could bring a portable hairdryer or other hair styling accessories.

You’ll also need the charging cords for every electronic you bring, so double-check that you have them all! 

Now you see why I’m a fan of the electronics organizer!

Health and Beauty

While you can certainly pick up a lot of your toiletries and medications in Southeast Asia, some may be difficult to find and/or very expensive; also you may not find a specific brand if you’re stuck on a certain one. Also, many lotions and creams contain skin lighteners/whiteners.

There are also some items that you should have on hand during your travel to your destination country, so don’t just leave empty-handed thinking you’ll buy anything you need when you arrive!

Lastly, try to pack solids as opposed to liquids whenever possible for the obvious “spill” issues, because they generally weigh less, and because of flight limitations on liquids. Many airlines have a maximum amount of total liquids they permit as carry-on, as well as a maximum mL limit per item, so definitely check rules before travel.

It’s a good idea to bring your own sunscreen to Southeast Asia, as it can be both difficult to find and expensive, and may contain skin lighteners.

Deodorant and face/body lotions are readily available but, again, may contain skin lighteners.

Tampons can be both difficult to find and expensive. Instead of disposable menstrual products, I highly recommend using a menstrual cup (I’ve used them for over a decade); you can read about them here . I use and love the Ladycup .

If you prefer a specific brand of razors, you might want to bring your own. 

You’ll definitely want an insect repellent; we’re bringing < incognito >, an award-winning, all-natural repellent that we’ve personally tested – it works crazily well! If there are any mosquitoes around when I’m outdoors, they’ll be on me and sucking me dry, guaranteed; but with this stuff, I literally walked through *clouds* of them in a damp forest and emerged Without. One. Bite!!! While Wayne, who left one leg untreated, got bitten multiple times… but only on his untreated leg.

If you don’t want to bring repellent, you can easily find both DEET repellents and natural ones pretty much anywhere.

Shampoo and conditioner can also be picked up anywhere. However, if you’re backpacking and trying to keep supplies light, or if you’re flying a good bit and want to avoid the hassle of travelling with liquid, bring shampoo and conditioner bars . They last forever. We use and love the Ethique brand of bar shampoo and conditioners, but there are many more brands as well.

Some other toiletries you might want to pack for the trip include SPF chapstick, disinfectant (gel and wipes), soap, toothbrush/floss and paste, moisturizer, clippers/tweezers, and a hairbrush; basically, your normal bathroom and Covid necessities. And TicTacs, which aren’t exactly a toiletry, but where else could I put them?

I’m also bringing my eyelash dye since I’m blonde and my natural lashes are nearly invisible. I never wear mascara because my eyes run like mad and I look like a raccoon within hours (and that’s in Canada, a not-crazy-humid climate). I can’t imagine what Southeast Asia humidity does to makeup! Think of the humidity. Don’t bring makeup.

While you can probably pick up any medication you need when you arrive at your destination country, I advise travelling prepared! Be sure to bring any prescription medication, including birth control pills, as well as your written prescriptions. 

If you’ve never heard of “traveller’s diarrhea”, you probably will; definitely get a prescription for antibiotics from your nurse when you’re getting vaccinated for the trip, and bring them! Besides antibiotics, you will want Pepto Bismol tablets, Immodium, and Hydralyte or a similar electrolyte powder to rehydrate if needed. 

Some other meds to consider bringing on your trip are probiotics (to help repopulate your gut flora after a round of antibiotics), activated charcoal or ginger chews (for stomach issues and nausea), eye drops and Nasogel (you can easily dehydrate on the plane), and melatonin (a natural sleep aid). If you have allergies, bring Claritin or Benadryl. 

Be sure to bring a small first-aid kit . If it doesn’t include a painkiller (like Tylenol) or an antibiotic (such as Polysporin Complete) add them. I recommend Polysporin Complete because it has lidocaine, which may keep you from scratching at itchy insect bites and infecting them.

Speaking of insect bites, I bought a neat little heat thing similar to this one . It’s supposed to help prevent insect bites from becoming itchy by neutralizing the mosquito saliva with heat. Or you can just get an After-Bite pen!

And of course, be sure to pack disinfectant gel and wipes along with face masks.

Your papers are some of the most important things you will be bringing with you; you should have the originals, as well as copies in case of accident or theft.

You need physical copies of Every. Single. Document. Really. Colour copies of all the pages of your passport, copies of your insurance, your licences. Everything. Also bring extra passport photos (in the appropriate sizes, since some countries have different passport photo size requirements). Keep a copy in each carry-on as well as in each checked bag.

Absolutely everything should also be photographed and backed up on cloud storage. Be sure to make arrangements for someone you trust to have access to this information as well.

Bring originals as well as copies (kept separate from the originals) of all the following:

• Driver’s License, home and International if you have it
• Health card
• Copies of Birth Certificate (don’t bring your original)
• Certificate of Entry, if needed
• Vaccine certificates
• Credit cards, Banking cards.
• Extra passport photos
• Prescriptions – medications and eye (for your eye prescriptions, bring both contacts and glasses if you wear both)
• Emergency contact information

Don’t forget the “short-term” documents you will need to have at times:

• Travel tickets
• Onward travel ticket
• Consulate phone number and address
• Hotel/Hostel, etc.  phone and address

Miscellaneous Stuff to Bring

If you wear glasses, don’t forget your prescription sunglasses and eyeglass cases. The same goes for contact lenses and the accompanying solutions. Also, eye drops (which are nice for the plane, anyway), and non-prescription sunnies if you wear them.

I highly recommend bringing a microfiber towel ; some hostels don’t offer towels, and sometimes you’d just rather use your own. They come in different sizes, are very light, pack small, and are incredibly quick-drying. They’re also great for drying your hair…it doesn’t get as frizzy as with a terry towel.  I use mine at home.

If you want to be able to drink tap water, you can get a filtering water bottle or a Steripen . We haven’t decided to buy either of these yet, but at least if we do I’ve got the ones I want picked out)! At the very least, bring a reusable water bottle to try and help prevent more plastic waste from disposable bottles; it’s a real problem, especially in Southeast Asia.

You may want a packable shopping bag like these to keep on hand for shopping (again, plastic waste).

If you want to be able to exercise anywhere you are, you can add some resistance bands to your workout.

If you think you might be hand-washing laundry, you can either use your dry bag or buy a Scrubba wash bag if you didn’t want to use a sink. Don’t forget laundry strips , although you can use dish soap in a pinch.

Lastly, don’t forget some pens and small notebooks, and possibly a journal. And maybe a sewing kit. I haven’t needed a sewing kit in my 47 years, and have resisted buying one for our trip so far. Knowing me, though, I’ll probably get one before we leave because that’s how I roll.

Travel Comfort

A comfortable sleep mask along with earplugs can help make sure you get a good night’s rest wherever you are.

A travel pillow is nice if you’ve got the room; you can get a “real” (but small) pillow that rolls up small like our Thermarests , or an inflatable one .  Side note: I only paid $16 for that inflatable pillow, but when I posted my link it’s running $50!

If your flight is long, you should honestly have a pair of compression socks . They help prevent your legs and feet from swelling…they’re not just for old people!

Okay, so apps aren’t technically a “packing list” item. But they’re pretty important and you should look into them, upload them and get familiar with them before you travel, so I’m adding them to my packing list for Southeast Asia!

Look into your destination country to see what rideshare/taxi apps they use and download them before you go; that way you can book a ride online and know the fare before your driver arrives.

Also, download a map of your arrival city before you get on the plane.

You should also have an easy-to-access currency converter and, of course, Google Translate.

Lastly, make sure you have the apps for your credit cards, debit cards, banks, etc.

You should also have a VPN (Virtual Private Network). VPNs protect you when you’re using public wifi in areas where hackers tend to hang out (airports, train stations, restaurants etc). They also allow you to “change” your location, so you can access your home country stuff from your home country even when you’re not there.

That’s about it! I hope you found my packing list for Southeast Asia helpful. I know it was a lot to take in, so I’ve created this free printable checklist for you to use so you don’t forget a thing. Wayne and I hope you have an absolutely amazing trip!

We’d love to hear from you! Just drop a line below or email us to let us know where you’re travelling!

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The Ultimate Southeast Asia Packing List | What To Bring & Wear

Planning your Southeast Asia adventure but feeling a bit lost in the packing process? Overwhelmed with fitting everything into your travel bag? Don’t worry; we’ve got your back! Packing for Southeast Asia, especially if it’s your first backpacking trip, can be a bit of a puzzle. The dynamic climates, diverse terrains, and cultural variations across Southeast Asia demand a thoughtful approach to packing. Lucky for you, this article is your go-to packing list guide for Southeast Asia , based on our own experiences exploring the region for years. This packing guide is for anyone up for a variety of outdoor activities , from hiking and swimming to navigating city life in Southeast Asia’s different weather vibes throughout the year.

The motto here is less is more , but traveling efficiently and lightly doesn’t mean sacrificing style or comfort. We’ve put together this super practical Southeast Asia packing list to ensure you don’t forget a thing on your trip. We’ll break it down into different sections – from picking the right travel bag, and organizing and protecting your stuff, to detailed lists for clothing, toiletries, electronics, and other handy travel gadgets. Let’s make sure you’re well-equipped for the adventure of a lifetime!

*  Disclosure:  This post contains affiliate links. We will receive a small commission if you book through our links. This is at no extra cost to you. This way you’re helping us write awesome travel guides and keep providing you with free content. We only recommend products we like and trust ourselves.

Some golden packing list rules for Southeast Asia

Packing for Southeast Asia is actually surprisingly uncomplicated. Given the consistently warm and humid climate, your wardrobe will likely consist of lightweight, loose-fitting, and breathable fabrics. This not only ensures comfort but also makes packing a breeze as these clothes won’t take up much space. Laundry facilities are readily available in most places, and in case you forget anything, local shops and supermarkets have you covered. However, there are a few items that might be trickier to find once you touch down in Southeast Asia. Depending on your planned activities and regions you’ll be exploring, it’s wise to consider some extra items.

Traversing Southeast Asia is much smoother when your backpack or suitcase is on the lighter side. This proves invaluable when hopping on and off various modes of transportation like buses, boats, trains, tuk-tuks, and ferries to navigate this stunning region.

Southeast Asia stands out as one of the most traveler-friendly continents. Many adventurers effortlessly roam these countries armed with just a handful of essentials and a reliable pair of comfortable shoes.

For your Southeast Asia packing list, keep these key points in mind:

• Opt for lightweight, quick-drying materials as it’s hot and humid all year around.
• Less is more. You will have to pack, unpack, and carry your luggage around in a very hot climate!
• Laundry facilities are readily available in most places.
• Bring a few sarongs, as you have to cover up your shoulders and knees when exploring temples.
• Pack ample reef-safe sunscreen and mosquito repellent.
• Utilize packing cubes for organized and stress-free packing.
• Roll your clothes and arrange them side by side in your packing cubes to maximize space.  
• If you’re moving around Southeast Asia, favor a backpack.
• Avoid bringing luxury or valuable items.
• Keep some space for the treasures and souvenirs you might pick up along the way.

1. Choosing the right travel bag

When it comes to choosing between a backpack and a suitcase for your Southeast Asia adventure, it ultimately boils down to personal preference. But let me tell you, from my own experience, I highly recommend going with a backpack . Southeast Asia is known for its uneven surfaces, rugged terrain, and plenty of stairs. Plus, you’ll likely find yourself hopping on boats to reach some of the beautiful islands, not to mention navigating through various modes of transport.

Trust me, having a backpack makes all of this a breeze. I started my travels with a trusty suitcase at 20, adamantly claiming I’d never go the backpack route. But after a few trips, I quickly converted to the backpacking lifestyle. It just makes everything so much smoother, especially when you’re racing after a bus or making a mad dash through the airport to catch your connecting flight.

Now, if you’re torn between the two worlds, fear not! There are convertible backpacks that can transform into either a backpack or a wheeled suitcase, giving you the best of both worlds.

Having explored most Southeast Asian countries over the past decade, and discovering all sorts of destinations, we’ve narrowed down a list of backpacks that we’ve personally tried and tested. These gems are perfect for carrying your ultimate packing list for Southeast Asia. Let’s dive in!

Our Recommended Travel Backpacks

Selecting the right backpack is a game-changer for your trip. So, when it comes to brand, size, and quality, choose wisely, you want your backpack to accompany you on many journeys to come! The gear you pack can make your journey a whole lot smoother. Remember, in Southeast Asia, you’ll be doing a lot of walking with all your gear in tow, so the size and volume of your backpack definitely matter . It’s essential to know how much space you’re working with before you even start assembling your ultimate packing list for Southeast Asia.

Now, when it comes to your main backpack, we highly recommend trying them on with some weight in person . We’re all unique, and what works like a charm for one person might not be the best fit for your body. Personally, we are big fans of the German brand, Deuter . We’ve been using their gear for years, and it’s never let us down. Good to know, Deuter offers both female and male versions of their various backpack models, catering to everyone’s preferences. We’ve personally experienced these bags as comfortable, practical, and built to last, so be sure to include them on your Southeast Asia packing list.

Woman Travel Backpacks

Deuter AVIANT VOYAGER 60+10 SL  –  Standing at 175 cm (or 5’7″), I find the 60L capacity of this backpack to be just right and in perfect proportion. Designed with the female anatomy in mind, it boasts a VariQuick back adjustment system, allowing you to customize the fit to your body. Plus, both the back system and the straps are generously padded, ensuring ultimate comfort even during long hauls. The integrated 10L daypack is a handy addition. What I particularly love is the dual access points – both from the front and the top – and the separate bottom and lid compartments. There is also a transport cover included at the bottom which doubles as a rain cover.

Osprey Fairview 55  – If you’re a fan of the popular American brand Osprey, you’re in luck. The Osprey Fairview 55 is tailored for women and offers an adjustable torso fit. It cleverly separates into a main backpack and a smaller, detachable daypack that can be either attached to the larger pack or worn on the front for easy access. The large front panel makes easy access to the main compartment. Need even more space? Consider the Osprey Fairview 70 for added packing room. And for those times when you’re looking to streamline, the back panel harness can be conveniently stowed away. 

Men Travel Backpacks

Deuter Aviant Access Pro 60 + 10L  – Moritz his backpack from Deuter shares similarities with the Osprey counterpart. It features a single, generously sized main compartment accessible from the front, offering a more suitcase-like feel rather than the traditional top-loading style. This design choice makes organizing and packing your belongings a breeze. Inside, you’ll discover handy side pockets and a dedicated shoe compartment for added convenience.

The exterior boasts a spacious pocket that houses the included 10L daypack with a comfortable, padded back. It can also be securely attached to the shoulder straps if necessary. The entire back panel harness can be neatly stowed away for easy transport, giving the backpack a sleek and streamlined look.

Osprey Farpoint 40  – A fantastic alternative to the Deuter for men. Like the Deuter, it offers a spacious main compartment accessible from the front, providing easy access to your belongings. However, it lacks the additional side pockets which can often be quite handy. We also observed that it doesn’t feature an adjustable strap system in the back for a customized fit. Just like the Deuter, it does come with a practical cover to neatly stow away the straps during transport.

The Osprey Farpoint 40 boasts a convenient size, allowing for a very compact travel experience. If you find yourself in need of more space, there’s also the option of the Osprey Farpoint 70L , which comes complete with an extra attached daypack for added versatility.

Smaller daypack for daily adventures

In addition to our primary travel backpacks, which typically hold our clothes and are checked in during flights, we each carry a compact daypack that accompanies us on board. This smaller pack is reserved for our valuables and personal items like laptops and camera gear. We also bring along one of the extra 10L daypacks that come with our main Deuter backpack. This often serves as a secondary daypack for hiking when we need a bit of extra space. When we’re on the move, our daypacks are carried at the front for easy access, while the larger travel backpacks rest comfortably on our backs.

Deuter Giga 28L  – Depending on your needs, we’ve come to appreciate the 28L Deuter Giga for its ample capacity and well-designed compartmentalization, making it ideal for daily use. Once we reach a destination, it often becomes our go-to for carrying travel essentials like water and snacks while on the move. For a smaller option, take a look at this light daypack from Deuter .

WANDRD PRVKE 21L   – The second daypack in our arsenal is the WANDRD PRVKE 21L , which we got together with their removable camera cube , tailored specifically for safeguarding our camera equipment. It has many discreet compartments to neatly store smaller items, including a hidden passport pocket at the back. There is also side access for easy retrieval of your camera while on the go, and the camera compartment opens from the back, providing a convenient overview of your belongings. Additionally, there’s an expandable section at the top, keeping personal items separate from your camera gear.

2. Organizing and protecting Items

Packing cubes.

When it comes to keeping your clothing neatly organized in your backpack, investing in packing cubes is a game-changer. This way you don’t have to dig through your stuff and create a chaotic mess just to find that one item. We allocate each cube for a specific category – whether it’s t-shirts, bottoms, socks, you name it.

TIP | Roll your clothes and arrange them side by side in your packing cubes. This little hack works wonders, helping you maximize the space within your cubes even further. 

Luggage locks

Luggage locks are an absolute essential on your Southeast Asia packing list to ensure the safety of your belongings while you’re on the move. They come particularly in handy in situations where you can’t secure your backpack in a locker, and they’re a must-have for air travel as well.

If you’re planning on engaging in water-related activities in Southeast Asia, like snorkeling or kayaking, consider adding a dry bag to your packing list. It’s a smart move to keep your belongings safe and moisture-free. This particular dry bag even comes with a waterproof phone case, which proves incredibly useful for capturing moments by the beach. All in all, a dry bag is a valuable addition to your packing list, especially considering the climate and occasional sudden downpours in Southeast Asia.

Backpack Covers

The same principle applies to your larger backpack – you will be happy having a rain cover to shield it from getting completely soaked. If you’re considering renting a motorbike to embark on the Mai Son Loop in Thailand or the Ha Giang Loop in Vietnam , this addition will be a true lifesaver on your Southeast Asia packing list.

Anti Theft Bags

For an added layer of security, especially if you’re a frequent hostel-goer, consider investing in a Pacsafe bag. These anti-theft bags are purpose-built to safeguard your valuables and are often referred to as “portable safes” . The stainless steel wire mesh integrated into the fabric is highly resistant to cutting. Whenever we found ourselves in accommodations without door locks or safes, we’d stow our passports and laptops in it before heading out. Fortunately, we didn’t have to use it too often. While it’s a bit of an investment, it provides peace of mind, and we always bring it along. It’s incredibly compact, lightweight, and can be easily stashed flat at the bottom of our backpack.

Cross-Body Bag

We each also have a cross-body bag that we carry next to our big backpack and a small daypack. This is to carry our phone, wallet, and other small things on the go and for easy access. Also handy to have for in the evening or if for once you don’t want to wear a backpack.

Carabiners are yet another handy addition to our arsenal. We make sure to pack a few every time. They typically find a home on our bags, ready to swiftly link them together, or secure items like a water bottle or a camera to our backpacks when we require hands-free convenience.

Travel Document Organizer

Personally, we’re a bit fanatical about the organization, so while this item may not be an absolute necessity, we find it incredibly valuable. A travel organizer allows us to keep all our crucial documents, including passports, boarding passes, and various currencies, neatly together. It streamlines the check-in process and ensures that all our paper documents are conveniently in one place .

Electronic Cable Organizer

If you’re anything like us, traveling with a multitude of chargers for your phone, laptop, and camera gear, this electronic cable organizer is a game-changer. It effortlessly fits into our smaller daypacks, providing a tidy home for all our cables, chargers, SD cards, and portable chargers. Say goodbye to the hassle of tangled cables; everything is neatly organized and easily accessible.

3. Clothes Packing List for Southeast Asia

Opt for light and breathable fabrics like cotton or linen when selecting clothing for your Southeast Asia packing list. Choose versatile pieces that can be easily mixed and matched and dry quickly. Steer clear of overly tight or synthetic materials that can feel sticky in the heat. Comfort should be your priority – leave delicate fashion dresses at home , as they’re likely to suffer wear and tear. The combination of sunscreen, constant packing and unpacking, and rigorous laundry sessions can lead to fading and damage to delicate fabrics. In most cases, you won’t need an extensive wardrobe for your Southeast Asia trip. Laundry shops are plentiful and will wash your clothes for just a dollar or less. 

That doesn’t mean you can’t rock fashionable outfits! Just keep in mind that Southeast Asia generally experiences warm and humid weather year-round . The exception might be if you plan on hiking in places like Sapa ( Vietnam ), Pai (North Thailand ), or the Cameron Highlands (Malaysia), where you’ll need some extra outdoor gear.

With the exception of the beach area, it’s crucial to remember that many parts of Southeast Asia are more conservative , and locals tend to dress modestly. When visiting religious sites, you’ll need to cover your shoulders and knees, so keep this in mind when choosing your outfits.

Below, you’ll find a suggested packing list for Southeast Asia, tailored for both men and women . Keep in mind that these items are just recommendations and may vary based on your individual travel style.

Southeast Asia Packing List Women

• 3 pairs of shorts – Active shorts ,  Denim Shorts  &  Linen shorts
• 1  pair of leggings  – Perfect for the colder areas when you go hiking, but I also use these as loungewear
• Hippie pants (buy those in Asia!) 
• 1  long skirt
• 3 dresses – two long dresses  and  one short dress   
• 4 tank tops  or  light shirts
• 2 lightweight shirts with sleeves
• Long-sleeve base layer   – I usually wear this when flying from home, where it’s often significantly colder, and use it as loungewear for overnight train rides and hiking in colder areas.
• 7 pairs of underwear
• 1   Sports Bra
• 2 Bralettes
• 2-3 Bikinis
• Hat for sun protection, definitely if you go hiking to prevent heat stroke
• 1 pair of sunglasses
• 2 or 3 lightweight cotton scarves  (in some fun colors) for covering up when visiting temples, often I also use them to protect myself from the sun when I am wearing a sleeveless top. We always carry one in our backpack as it comes in handy on numerous occasions, as well as a sarong or beach blanket!
• 5 pairs of socks  +  1 pair of trekking socks  (we really like the ones from Falke!)
• L ightweight sneakers   (we personally enjoy the ones from Adidas)
• Birkenstocks  are always a comfy option to explore a town and go temple hopping all-day
• 1 pair of comfy flip-flops  
• Fleece  or  hoodie  – to be comfortable on train rides and definitely if you plan on visiting Northern Thailand (can be rather cool in the morning), North Vietnam like Sapa or plan on trekking Mt. Kinabalu in Borneo Malaysia.

All of the above fit into my Deuter AVIANT VOYAGER 60+10 SL  backpack divided over packing cubes. I highly recommend the roll-and-stuff method!

Optional items for women:

• Lightweight Rain Jacket  – We, personally, don’t pack rain jackets as we’ve never found the need for them. Whether or not you should bring one depends on whether you’re traveling during the peak of the rainy season. In our case, we usually opt for compact foldable ponchos or simply purchase disposable ones on the spot if necessary.
• Hiking Shoes  (lightweight and low cut) – The need for these depends on your planned activities. Everyday sneakers work perfectly for standard hikes. However, if you’re venturing into more intermediate terrain, it’s highly recommended to bring an additional pair of hiking shoes. I was immensely grateful for mine in L a os , where the landscape was rougher. Personally, I really like the brand Salomon , as they provide extra support, excellent grip, and stability on challenging surfaces like pebbles and gravel. Plus, these shoes are equipped with a GORE-TEX membrane, making them waterproof. You’ll certainly appreciate this feature if you encounter a sudden rain shower or find yourself in a muddy area.

Southeast Asia Packing List Men

• 3 pairs of shorts – cotton shorts ,  linen shorts  &  athletic shorts
• 1 pair of hiking pants – Moritz really likes these convertible cargo pants from North Face , as they can be worn both long and short, also perfect for hiking in the colder areas.
• 1 pair of long trousers   (for temple hopping and cities, lightweight pants over jeans!)
• 6 T-shirts, a combination of cotton T-shirts   and  dri-fit sports T-shirts
• 1 Long Sleeve Cotton Shirt
• 1 Casual sleeved shirt
• 1 Warm Fleece  or  hoodie
• Lightweight sneakers  (we personally enjoy the ones from Adidas)
• Flip Flops  
• Birkenstock Sandals , a comfy option to explore a town and go temple hopping all-day
• Cap  for sun protection, definitely if you go hiking to prevent heat stroke
• 1 pair of  Sunglasses
• 2 pairs of  swimming shorts
• 10 pairs of underwear (this depends on how long you are on the road, we packed 10 pairs on our 3-month backpacking trip through South East Asia).
• 10 pairs of socks  (can really recommend bamboo ones) + 1 pair of trekking socks from Falke

Optional items for men:

• Light waterproof rain jacket   – As mentioned, we don’t pack rain jackets as we’ve never found the need for them. In our case, we usually opt for compact foldable ponchos or simply purchase disposable ones on the spot if necessary.
• Hiking Shoes  – Moritz got these lowcut ones from Adidas for South East Asia, they are also with Gore-tex.

4. Electronics Packing List for South East Asia

On a personal note, we tend to travel with an abundance of electronics since we work while on the road. Our WANDRD PRVKE 21L backpack is fully geared with everything necessary, from laptops to external microphones. We understand that not everyone shares our passion for photography and shooting, and for those looking to keep their backpacks more streamlined, we’ve listed only the items we believe might make your travel easier and could be fun & easy for capturing your incredible adventure.

General electronics packing list for Southeast Asia

Besides the obvious as not forgetting your phone and phone charger, below are some other electronics that we personally always pack and make our travels more easier and pleasant:

Portable Charger / Power Bank

A reliable power bank for your phone is an essential item on your Southeast Asia packing list for on-the-go charging. Particularly during long bus rides or full days of exploration when you may not have access to power outlets. This specific portable charger from Anker provides almost 5 full charges for your phone.

Travel Adaptor

Don’t forget to pack a universal adaptor to ensure you can charge all your electronic devices during your trip. Different countries in Southeast Asia will require different plug sockets.

Kindle or E-Reader

While we have a deep appreciation for physical books, it’s not the most practical to lug around weighty volumes while backpacking. Opting for a Kindle  or  e-reader allows you to carry an entire library of books for on-the-road entertainment. Given the likelihood of spending considerable time on long bus or train rides, it becomes the perfect companion for passing the hours. The latest e-readers feature a glare-free HD touchscreen, making it possible to read in direct sunlight while also offering adjustable brightness and color temperature. Plus, many of them are waterproof, ensuring they’re always ready for unexpected spills or the occasional dip in the swimming pool.

Another entertainment item for those overnight trains is headphones . We love having a good travel playlist or listening to podcasts while on the road. I’m personally more a fan of classic headphones while Moritz these days prefers earbuds from Anker .

USB Flash Drive

While Southeast Asia is frequently modern and technologically advanced, there may still be instances where you need to print bus tickets or visas. We consistently carry an old-school USB drive from Sandisk with us because it proves to be quite handy in these situations.

Lightweight Laptop or tablet (optional)

While we strongly encourage you to immerse yourself in the outdoors and limit screen time during your Southeast Asia backpacking adventure, having a small t ablet can be incredibly useful. Even before we began working on the road, we found handling emails, making bookings, and checking things on a tablet more comfortable than on a phone. Additionally, for some Netflix indulgence during our journeys :p, a tablet provides a screen size that’s just right. If your tasks involve travel writing or photo editing, a travel-sized laptop might be more convenient in this scenario.

Photography Packing list for South East Asia

While your phone may be sufficient to capture all those unforgettable moments these days, the following gadgets can add a fun touch to your photography packing list for Southeast Asia:

If there’s one item that will truly enhance your travels, it’s an action cam! We personally have been enjoying the Go Pro Hero 10 on our latest travels. Depending on the range of activities you have in mind—whether it’s snorkeling, kayaking, or hiking—a GoPro is an ideal tool to capture your underwater adventures or any extreme environment where using your main camera or phone might be challenging. Its versatility shines as it captures both photos and videos, offering super wide-angle shots and even the option to shoot in raw format. While the GoPro can handle some water exposure, consider an underwater case for deeper dives. The compact size of an action cam is perfect for travel, but for hands-free filming, we recommend using a backpack mount to secure it to your backpack or another attachment .

Tripod or selfie stick

For solo travelers seeking to capture some self-portraits, investing in a versatile selfie stick that doubles as a tripod can add a fun dimension to your journey! Consider the Joby Gorillapods ; they’re compact, sturdy, and flexible, allowing you to attach them to branches or fences for creative shots. With various mounts available, they offer versatility for use with both phones and cameras.

As mentioned earlier, nowadays, you can effortlessly capture all your travel memories with your phone. However, if you’re keen on exploring photography further, consider starting with a budget entry-level model. We’ve always had a soft spot for Canon as a brand, you might want to check their entry-level DSLR model Canon EOS Rebel T7/2000D . For a lighter option, a mirrorless camera could be the perfect fit. If you’re just diving into photography, the Sony Alpha A6100   or  Sony α6400 are excellent choices.

Always good to take a few spare SD cards for your camera, we personally don’t like deleting on the go and want to make sure we have enough memory space with us. We can personally advise the SanDisk Extreme Pro SD cards , and we usually buy ones with a minimum of 128 GB to be sure that we have enough space (also depends on whether you shoot in RAW). Lately, we also have been testing the Samsung Pro Plus Micro SD cards   for our Go Pro & drone.

Drone (optional)

Undoubtedly, this falls under the category of a splurge item and isn’t essential. It will occupy a notable amount of space in your daypack. Nevertheless, it’s an incredibly enjoyable addition that provides a unique perspective of your surroundings. We have the DJI Mini 3 , a small and compact model. Before taking flight, make sure to familiarize yourself with the regulations, as flying these devices isn’t permitted everywhere. In 2023, it stands out as the smallest, lightest, and best-value mini-camera drone in DJI’s lineup. Not only is it the quietest, but it’s also the simplest and most fun to use. Moreover, it falls below the maximum weight threshold, eliminating the need for additional registrations, and making it a hassle-free choice.

5. Practical Travel Gadgets & Accessories

Listed below are a few more essential accessories that we recommend you take:

• Bring a Reusable water bottle and fill up at refill stations with clean water whenever possible. Alternatively, consider investing in a Life Straw or high-quality filtered water bottle from GRAYL that can turn any water source into safe, drinkable water, ensuring you’re never without a clean water supply!
• Ziplock bags – these always come in handy to store away snacks or leaking bottles.
• Elastic Bands or closable clips
• Duct tape – we have used this multiple times during our travels!
• Microfiber Towel – for at the beach or in case your stay doesn’t have towels.
• Flashlight  or  head torch – useful on poorly lit alleys, or if you stay in hostels and need to find something in your bag without putting on the light.
• Swiss army knife / Multi-tool – Make sure to store this in your checked-in luggage when flying, not your carry-on luggage!
• Sleeping mask – Although we only started bringing this recently, it has been a game-changer for our sleep, especially during overnight rides or in hotel rooms that often lack darkening curtains.
• Noise-cancelling earplugs – Same as the sleeping mask, but definitely recommend if you will be staying in hostels. The walls in Southeast Asia are thin!
• Travel journal – Carrying a compact journal while traveling is an excellent way to reflect on your experiences and chronicle your adventures.
• Waterproof watch – Moritz likes to bring a watch and this waterproof Casio watch in army green is just the perfect men’s accessory.

6. Toiletries Packing List for Southeast Asia

For added peace of mind, in case you’ve forgotten a toiletry item at home or need a replacement, most things are readily available in major cities throughout Southeast Asia . However, if you have specific preferences, such as skincare for acne-prone skin, it’s advisable to bring those along. Some items may not be as easily found everywhere and can be expensive, especially sunscreen. Additionally, be cautious about creams or skincare products that may contain whitening agents . Here’s what we typically bring, categorized for both men and women + items we both share.

TIP | We use travel-size containers for shampoo, body wash & lotion, etc. so we don’t have to bring the full-size bottle.

Products we share together:

• Toiletry Bag – This is the toiletry bag we share together. In case I’m traveling alone, I use the following smaller toiletry bag .
• Sunscreen – As a face sunscreen I can recommend Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Face Lotion , and for the body Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion , both are oil-free, water-resistant, and reef-friendly. 
• Mosquito repellant
• Wet wipes – keep these in your hand luggage, will often come in handy!
• Hand sanitizer
• Tissues – Always have some paper with you because a lot of restrooms in Southeast Asia do not have toilet paper. 
• Travel Medical Kit – Carrying a first aid kit is vital for Southeast Asia! The high humidity in the region can easily lead to infections in cuts and burns, making it essential to address such issues promptly. Our travel medical kit includes bandages, plasters, sterile gauze pads, disinfectant, tweezers, scissors, a thermometer, and a range of medications, including ibuprofen, paracetamol, diarrhea pills (loperamide), buscopan for abdominal cramps, and motion sickness tablets.

Toiletries Packing List Southeast Asia: Women

• Refill Deodorant
• Shampoo & Conditioner
• Body lotion – if you have very dry skin like me you will want to bring a travel body lotion as this is also not easy to find in Asia and often holds whitening ingredients. You can also use this after the sun to moisturize.
• Face wash & cream – I am a big fan of products by The Ordinary   &  Origins . Make sure to bring your favorite products, because again most facial products have whitening in them!
• Hair Brush – Tangle Teezer Hairbrush for the win!
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Nail clippers & file
• Feminine hygiene products & tampons (not easy to find in Asia).
• Basic make-up: I don’t wear that much makeup anymore in general, and trust me in Southeast Asia it melts right off. So keep it basic, some mascara, eyebrow pencil, and maybe some concealer. One product I highly recommend is this tinted moisturizer with SPF from Origins , I wear it on top of my sunscreen, no need for foundation. Check out the following small make-up pouch .
• Chapstick with sunscreen – don’t forget to protect your lips!

Toiletries Packing List Southeast Asia: Men

• Body wash or soap bar – Moritz is a huge fan of this all-around soap bar from Foamie
• Nail clippers 
• Shaver/Razor
• Toothpaste & toothbrush

7. Documents & Finances Checklist

• Passport – stating the obvious here
• International Driver’s License – this is a must if you intend to ride a scooter or motorbike while in Southeast Asia, your driver’s license from back home isn’t sufficient. Fines are really high if you don’t have one.
• Photocopies of your passport – important in case of loss or theft
• Cards – Debit, credit
• Vaccination certificate
• Cash Money – We always carry some euros and dollars with us; often, in major cities, there are exchange offices with favorable rates. Also, just in case you need to exchange a bit at the airport to pay for a taxi or bus fare.
• A printed copy of your booking or stay – in case you don’t have an internet connection yet upon arrival and need to know where to go.
• A printed copy of your travel insurance – Prioritize travel insurance for peace of mind, especially if engaging in motorbiking or adventurous activities.   Heymondo   is a recommended provider; carry a printed copy of your insurance details in case of emergencies.
• Copy of your emergency numbers
• Extra passport photos – always handy for visas.

TIP | We also recommend scanning these documents and storing them online . This is very easy, e.g., with Google Drive or Dropbox. If you lose something or it’s stolen, it will be a bit easier if you can present a color copy of the original document for recovery.

Last Piece of Packing Advice for Southeast Asia

When you embark on the packing process, lay everything out on your bed . Personally, I like to envision potential outfit combinations, try them on, and consider the occasions for which I can wear them—whether it’s hiking, beach outings, city explorations, or temple visits. During my initial trips to Southeast Asia, I packed a suitcase filled with the 20kg limit, only to realize I didn’t wear half of it. With some strategic planning and packing finesse , it’s entirely feasible to limit yourself to the essentials listed above. Keep in mind that you’ll be packing, re-packing, and carrying your luggage around frequently in a very hot climate!

To give you an idea, here are the approximate total weights of our backpacks:

• Large backpack: approx. 13-15 kg
• Small daypack: approx. 5-7 kg

Consider getting some items in Southeast Asia:

• Some clothing: Leave space for beautiful pieces you’ll find at night markets for just a few euros! Elephant pants, in particular, will become your favorites.
• Tiger Balm: This magical cream is a must-have for soothing muscle aches (a holy grail among Thai boxers) and easing mosquito bites. Stock up!

Leave the following items at home:

• Jeans: It’s too hot; you’ll never unpack these.
• Laundry line: Laundry services are so affordable that there’s no need to bring your own.
• Mosquito net: Most places provide them in the room, and mid-range hotels often have well-secured windows, eliminating the need for one.

Practical Travel Basics & Links

TRANSPORTATION | For checking and booking bus, boat, and train rides in advance, we recommend using the website 12go . This platform has been our go-to across Asia, saving us from the hassle of queuing at travel agencies or bus stations. If you’re traveling during peak season, consider booking tickets ahead, keeping in mind that peak season coincides not only with the best weather but also with festivals and local holidays.

ACCOMMODATION | Finding affordable places to stay in Southeast Asia is a breeze with Booking.com . It’s the ideal platform to discover budget-friendly hostels and hotels.

FLIGHTS | Discover the best flight deals to Southeast Asia on Skyscanner . We love that they highlight the days with the cheapest prices for a destination, and the ability to search by month or region for flexibility. Skyscanner’s filter system simplifies finding the most suitable flight, and you can stay updated on the best prices with price alerts.

TRAVEL INSURANCE | When it comes to travel insurance, especially for backpacking in Southeast Asia, consider Heymondo . It’s our top recommendation for comprehensive and trustworthy coverage. Get 5% OFF through our link .

CREDIT CARD | When it comes to managing your money while traveling, it can be a headache! We recommend getting a Credit Card that doesn’t charge you extra for foreign transactions.

INTERNET | Secure reliable internet access for your Southeast Asia trip with Airalo . Simply install it on your eSIM-compatible smartphone before your journey.

TOURS & ATTRACTIONS | For the best and most affordable city tours, day trip excursions, food tours, and cooking classes in Southeast Asia, check out GetYourGuide or Viator .

VISA ORGANIZATION | Before your trip, ensure you check the visa requirements for your passport nationality in the countries you plan to visit. Explore details on travel documents at iVisa.com .

Southeast Asia Packing List Guide

We hope this Southeast Asia Packing List guide helps you when planning for your exciting upcoming trip. You can show some ❤ and support for the blog and help us share more adventures! Our travels are entirely self-funded, so any show of support is greatly appreciated. It allows us to keep writing helpful travel guides and gather information to make it easier for people to discover the world.

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• Plug, socket & voltage by country

Last updated: 23 January 2024

Country-by-country list of plugs, sockets and voltages

Below is a full overview of all countries of the world and their respective plugs/outlets and voltages/frequencies used for domestic appliances. The table shows that in most countries the mains supply is between 220 and 240 volts (50 or 60 Hz); countries that operate on 100-127 volts are greatly outnumbered. The list also reveals that types A and C are the most frequently used electric plugs worldwide.

If you take a scroll down the page, you will notice that most countries have a well-defined plug and voltage standard. Many Latin-American, African and Asian countries, however, use a motley collection of – often incompatible – plugs and sometimes also the voltage differs from region to region. Obviously, this makes it very hard for travellers to assess what kind of plug adapter or transformer they will need for their trip. Whenever the electricity situation in a country requires additional information, the country name in question is highlighted in red. That link will take you to an in-depth description.

Check out all plug types used around the world

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• Tech Essentials

The 6 Best Travel Adapters and Converters of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Whether you prefer a set of specific adapters or something universal, these are the best options on the market.

In This Article

Jump to a Section

• Our top picks
• Other Options We Liked

Our Testing Process

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We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / Alexander Huang

Travelers these days have all types of gear and gadgets that require power: cellphones, headphones, cameras, laptops, and even their toothbrushes. And, when venturing abroad, you’ll often find that not every hotel, airport lounge, or even public mode of transportation accommodates the U.S. plug, which means you likely need an adapter and/or converter for international trips. 

Our favorite adapters and converters are compact, work in multiple countries, have several ports including both USB and AC sockets, and, of course, power your essentials without frying them. As avid travelers, we tested an array of products on actual trips across the world and ranked them based on ease of use, effectiveness, and value to bring you the best picks for every scenario. Below, find our favorite easy-to-use adapters and converters for your next international journey.

Best Overall

Epicka universal travel adapter.

• Ease of Use 5 /5
• Effectiveness 4 /5

It’s able to charge six devices at once. 

This is not a converter, so you shouldn’t use it with high-power appliances like curling irons and hair dryers. 

Ready to use in more than 150 countries, this adapter from Epicka can charge six devices at the same time, as it comes with four USB-A ports, 1 USB-C port, and 1 AC socket. It works with all USB-enabled devices including iPhones and Androids, and can charge laptops, cameras, tablets, and power banks, too. It eliminates the need to purchase individual adapters for each trip, which makes it a great money-saving travel product . The adapter also has a built-in, double 8A fuse and safety shutters that keep children from trying to plug other items into the socket. The adapter comes in four different colors, and has a 1-year limited warranty. 

We love that it’s small and easy to pack, plus it’s simple to switch over to different prongs from country to country. The multiple USB ports are great for charging everything at once, and the adapter is super lightweight, so it isn’t adding much weight to your suitcase or carry-on either. We did find that the adapter was hard to fit in tight spots or use with older outlet styles in the UK and Hong Kong, but this didn’t happen often. 

The Details: 2.8 x 1.97 x 2.05 inches | 5.1 ounces | No converter | 6 ports | 1 AC, 4 USB-A, 1 USB-C | 240 volts

Travel + Leisure / Alexander Huang

Best for Apple Users

Apple travel adapter kit.

• Effectiveness 5 /5

It’s exclusively for Apple products so you can trust it with those devices.

It only works with Apple's block-type power adapters.

This kit made by Apple, for Apple products, includes seven AC plugs that work for iPhones, iPods, iPads, and Mac laptops in North America, Japan, China, the UK, Europe, Korea, Australia, Hong Kong, and Brazil. Each one lists the regions the plug is compatible with, making it easy to grab what you need quickly. However, you will need Apple's power adapter brick to serve as a base; these tips work with Apple’s USB-C power adapters, MagSafe and MagSafe 2 power adapters, and 10-watt and 12-watt USB power adapters that come with devices (or can be purchased separately in a range of wattages including 12 watts , 35 watts, and 67 watts ).

We love this set because it’s an Apple-certified product, so we know our devices are safe. The adapters are also built to last, as one of our testers used the adapters for 10 years before having to replace some of them. The only thing we wish they added onto this set is a carrying case to hold all the pieces for traveling. 

The Details: 5.3 x 5.3 x 1.9 inches | 11.2 ounces | No converter | 1 port | 100-240 volts (10W, 12W, 30W, and 35W)

Most Compact

Ceptics travel adapter plug for south africa & botswana.

It comes with USB and AC outlet charging abilities in a compact plug. 

USB ports are on the bottom, instead of the top of the adapter. 

If you’re traveling through South Africa, Botswana, or Namibia, this compact adapter will allow you to charge up to three devices at once. The AC outlet allows you to plug your U.S. device into a Type M socket for South Africa, allowing you to charge up for safari adventures and more.  It works with cell phones, laptops, smart watches, tablets, and more, and we especially like that it has the ability for two- and three-prong AC input, as well as USB ports for added versatility. The style of adapter is a block shape, so you can tuck it into your backpack, purse, or carry-on without compromising on much space, and you can also buy similar adapters for Europe , India, Germany, Hong Kong, Switzerland, Brazil, and more. 

The Details: 1 x 1 x 1 inches | 2.5 ounces | No Converter | 3 ports | 2 USB-A , 1 AC | 250 volts

Best for Families

Bestek travel adapter and voltage converter.

• Value 4.5 /5

You can power seven devices at one time. 

It’s bulkier than a lot of other adapters. 

With three AC outlets and four USB ports, you can charge up to seven devices at once on this charger, making it easy for the whole family to charge their phones, laptops, tables, and camera batteries. Three plug adapters are also included and work in more than 150 countries, meaning you can travel far and wide and, most likely, have the right adapter for what you need. We also love that this one is a converter, too, converting 220 volts to 110 volts for U.S. electronics but it’s still not recommended to use this device to power your hair dryer, curling iron, or straightener.

The adapter comes with overcurrent, overload, overheat, and short-circuit protections. We tested the adapter by charging a phone, battery pack, Apple watch, and Kindle all at once and found that all devices were nicely charged overnight with no issues. 

The Details: 7.4 x 6.8 x 1.8 inches | 1.15 pounds | Converter | 3 AC, 4 USB-A | 110-220 volts

Best Multipack

Ceptics european travel plug adapter.

• Ease of Use 3 /5

It’s easy to use.

You'll need to use a separate plug for each item you're charging.

For a super affordable multipack for one destination, this one from Ceptics is a great choice, as it comes with three identical Type C adapters that will work across Europe, the Middle East, and South America. It accepts North American two- and three-prong plugs, and has a simple straightforward design. It’s worth noting though that this set won’t work in England, Ireland, or Scotland, but there are other three packs available that will work in those countries, plus India, China, Hong Kong, Australia, and more. 

The Details: 3 x 2 x 1 inches | 3.2 ounces | No Converter | 3 AC outlets | 100-240 volts

Best for Europe

Jarvania european travel plug adapter.

It works in both the EU and the UK. 

It’s a bit bulky as the UK adapter is separate. 

American travelers to Europe will most likely need an adapter that can handle numerous countries, and this one from Jarvania is great because it can be used with EU and UK outlets. It’s compatible with Type C (which also fits into Type E, F, H, J, K, L, and N outlets) to work in Italy, Denmark, Switzerland, Spain, and France and more. It also comes with a separate Type G plug adapter that will also work in the UK, so you’re getting an extra adapter, too. The main adapter has three ports (one AC, two USB), so you can charge up to three devices at once — a perk for the modern traveler carrying a phone, laptop, camera, and more. 

The Details: 2.7 x 2.1 x 2.2 inches | 3.8 ounces | No Converter | 3 ports | 1 AC, 2 USB-A | 110-250 volts

Other Travel Adapters We Liked

Two adapters we tested couldn’t quite earn a spot on our list but had standout features that may meet the needs of some travelers. 

Tessan Type G Adapter : This adapter with two AC outlets plus two USB ports works in countries such as Scotland, Ireland, the UK, Hong Kong, UAE, Singapore, and various African countries. However, we found the AC outlets are too close together on the adapter to always be useful. 

Tessan Type E F Adapter : With five total ports (USB and AC) that work in numerous countries, this is a great adapter, but we think the two pack is a bit much, as one adapter already has five ports, meaning lots of travelers wouldn’t need a second adapter. This adapter is also wider than other adapters so it can take up more unnecessary space. 

The T+L team tested 12 different adapters and converters in various countries across the world. We noted what countries we were in while using the adapters or converters, and how easy it was to use each one. We also ranked them based on effectiveness, meaning how well they charged our devices, and value in terms of price versus performance. 

Tips for Buying Adapters and Converters

Research your destination.

Before leaving on your trip, be sure to check out what types of outlets are used in the countries you’re visiting, and buy adapters and converters accordingly. The last thing you’ll want is to accidentally fry your device while abroad. Some hotels provide USB ports inside hotel rooms, but it’s best to make sure they’re available before arriving empty-handed.

Consider a kit

If you’re visiting numerous countries and are in a rush, it’s sometimes easier to simply buy a kit with several adapters for multiple different destinations, which can save you money instead of buying numerous adapters. Lots of kits are small enough to tuck away in your bag or carry-on, so just be sure that you take along the ones you need.

Read the fine print

Always be sure to read the instructions that come with your adapter or converter, and be sure to pay attention to the power details. You may think a converter is safe for your styling tools or appliances when it's actually not, and you could fry your device, or blow a fuse, if the adapter doesn’t convert voltage.

An adapter is used when you need to plug a specific type of prong into a different socket. It allows you to plug your U.S.-style prong into an outlet in another country that uses a different type of plug. A converter is different in that it changes the voltage of an outlet to match the voltage of the item being plugged in. Some countries use 110/120 volts, while others use 220/240 volts. If you don’t use a converter, you could ruin your device, or even risk a fire.

If your destination has a different prong type than your outlets at home, then you’ll need an adapter. But if the voltage is different in the place you’re traveling than it is at home, you’ll need a converter to convert that voltage. Some products have dual voltage, which means the device can handle voltages from all over the world.

Most of Europe uses Type C plugs, which also fit into Type E, F, H, J, K, L, and N sockets that may replace Type C in places such as Denmark, Switzerland, and Italy. (England and the rest of the U.K. uses Type G.) Always double check exactly which one you’ll need before your departure.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this article, the T+L team tested and reviewed numerous adapters and converters to find the best of the best for countries across the world. Freelance writer and world traveler Amanda Ogle further researched travel adapters to add additional insights to this list. 

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.

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Pope Francis plans to travel to South-East Asia this summer

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Pope Francis plans to travel to South-East Asia in late summer, the Holy See's spokesman said on Friday.

The head of the Catholic Church is to visit Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor and Singapore from September 2-13, it said.

During the planned trip, 87-year-old Francis is to visit the capital cities of Jakarta, Port Moresby, Dili and Singapore.

In Papua New Guinea, a stopover in the small town of Vanimo is also planned in addition to the visit to Port Moresby. The Holy See intends to announce the exact itinerary at a later date.

Francis has mentioned a visit to the East Asia-Pacific region in public appearances, however, he has been in poor health for some time.

Francis has recently been struggling with various respiratory infections. In November, his doctors advised him to cancel a trip to Dubai.

So far this year, only three further trips by the Pope have been officially announced: Domestic trips to Venice, Verona and Trieste.

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Tourism Malaysia takes roadshows deeper into the Middle East

Tourism Malaysia has continued its pursuit of Middle Eastern travellers following the conclusion of Arabian Travel Market, with a series of roadshows in Iran, Oman and Qatar from May 13 to 21.

Travellers from the region have traditionally been long-staying and among the top five spenders in terms of per capita expenditure, making them an important source for Malaysia.

Led by Tourism Malaysia’s director-general Zainuddin Abdul Wahab, the roadshows in the capital cities of Tehran, Muscat and Doha bring together Malaysia’s tourism fraternity comprising travel agents, hoteliers, product owners, state tourism bodies and medical tourism industry players.

Zainuddin said in a press statement: “As we welcome more West Asia travellers back to Malaysia, it is a timely occasion to strengthen our partnership with international airlines such as Qatar Airways, Oman Air and Mahan Air, which offer direct flights to Kuala Lumpur.

”With an exciting line-up of new attractions to be explored, including the newly opened Genting Skyworlds Theme Park, the world’s second tallest skyscraper, Merdeka 118, and the Sunway Resort in Kuala Lumpur that had just reopened after a once-in-a-generation transformation, we are thrilled to welcome international travellers worldwide to experience our country again.”

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Home » Europe » Moscow

EPIC MOSCOW Itinerary! (2024)

Moscow is the heart of Mother Russia. Just the mention of this city conjures images of colorful bulbous pointed domes, crisp temperatures, and a uniquely original spirit!

Moscow has an incredibly turbulent history, a seemingly resilient culture, and a unique enchantment that pulls countless tourists to the city each year! Although the warmer months make exploring Moscow’s attractions more favorable, there’s just something about a fresh snowfall that only enhances the appearance of the city’s iconic sites!

If you’re a first-time visitor to Moscow, or simply wanting to see as much of the city as possible, this Moscow itinerary will help you do just that!

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Best Time To Visit Moscow

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Here is a quick look at the seasons so you can decide when to visit Moscow!

The summer months (June-August) are a great time to travel to Moscow to take advantage of the enjoyable mild temperatures. This is considered peak travel season. Bear in mind that hotel prices rise along with the temperatures!

If you’re planning a trip to Moscow during fall (September-November) try to plan for early fall. This way the temperatures will still be pleasant and winter won’t be threatening.

Russian winters (December-February) are not for the faint of heart as Napoleon learned to his peril. Some days the sun will be out for less than an hour, and snow is guaranteed. Although winters are exceptionally cold, this is when you’ll get a true glimpse of the Moscow experience!

The best time to visit Moscow is during spring  (March-May). The temperatures will begin to creep up and the sun begins to shine for significant portions of the day. Hotel rates will also have yet to skyrocket into peak ranges!

With a Moscow City Pass , you can experience the best of Moscow at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!

Moscow is a large city with many accommodation options to choose from. Staying in a location that fits with your travel plans will only enhance your Moscow itinerary. Here is a brief introduction to a few great areas of the city we recommend checking out!

The best place to stay in Moscow to be close to all the action is Kitay-Gorod. This charming neighborhood will put you within walking distance to Moscow’s famous Red Square, thus cutting down on travel time. This will allow you to see more of the city in a shorter amount of time!

It’s surrounded by restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops. If you’re a first-time visitor to Moscow, or just planning a quick weekend in Moscow, then this area is perfect for you!

Another great area to consider is the Zamoskvorechye district. This area of the city offers a blend of new and old Moscow. It has an artsy vibe and there are plenty of fun sites you can explore outside of the main touristy areas of Moscow.

Of course, as in all areas of Moscow, it’s close to public transportation that will quickly connect you with the rest of the city and make your Moscow itinerary super accessible!

Best Airbnb in Moscow – Exclusive Apartment in Old Moscow

Modern and cozy, this apartment is in the heart of Old Moscow. Bordering the Basmanny and Kitay-Gorod districts, this two-bedroom flat is walking distance to the Kremlin and Red Square. Safe, quiet, and comfortable, this is the best Airbnb in Moscow, no question!

Best Budget Hotel in Moscow – Izmailovo Alfa Hotel

The Izmailovo Alfa Hotel is a very highly rated accommodation that provides all the components necessary for a comfortable trip to Moscow. There is an on-site restaurant, bar, fitness center, and an airport shuttle service. The rooms are modern and spacious and are equipped with a TV, heating/air conditioning, minibar, and more!

Best Luxury Hotel in Moscow – Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre

If you’re touring Moscow in luxury, the Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre is the hotel for you! Elegantly furnished rooms are equipped with a minibar, flat-screen TV,  in-room safes, as well as tea and coffee making facilities! Bathrooms come with bathrobes, slippers, and free toiletries. There is also an onsite restaurant, bar, and fitness center.

Best Hostel in Moscow – Godzillas Hostel

Godzillas Hostel is located in the center of Moscow, just a short walk from all the major tourist attractions and the metro station. Guests will enjoy all the usual hostel perks such as self-catering facilities, 24-hour reception, Free Wi-Fi, and security lockers. This is one of the best hostels in Moscow and its wonderful social atmosphere and will make your vacation in Moscow extra special!

Godzillas Hostel is one of our favourites in Moscow but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.

An important aspect of planning any trip is figuring out the transportation situation. You’re probably wondering how you’re going to get to all of your Moscow points of interest right? Luckily, this sprawling city has an excellent network of public transportation that will make traveling a breeze!

The underground metro system is the quickest and most efficient way to travel around Moscow. Most visitors rely exclusively on this super-efficient transportation system, which allows you to get to pretty much anywhere in the city! It’s also a great option if you’re planning a Moscow itinerary during the colder months, as you’ll be sheltered from the snow and freezing temperatures!

If you prefer above-ground transportation, buses, trams, and trolleybuses, run throughout the city and provide a rather comfortable alternative to the metro.

Moscow’s metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses are all accessible with a ‘Troika’ card. This card can be topped up with any sum of money at a metro cash desk. The ticket is simple, convenient, and even refundable upon return to a cashier!

No matter which method you choose, you’ll never find yourself without an easy means of getting from point A to point B!

Red Square | Moscow Kremlin | Lenin’s Mausoleum | St. Basil’s Cathedral  | GUM Department Store

Spend the first day of your itinerary taking your own self guided Moscow walking tour around the historic Red Square! This is Moscow’s compact city center and every stop on this list is within easy walking distance to the next! Get ready to see all of the top Moscow landmarks!

Day 1 / Stop 1 – The Red Square

• Why it’s awesome: The Red Square is the most recognizable area in Moscow, it has mesmerizing architecture and centuries worth of history attached to its name.
• Cost: Free to walk around, individual attractions in the square have separate fees. 
• Food nearby: Check out Bar BQ Cafe for friendly service and good food in a great location! The atmosphere is upbeat and they’re open 24/7!

The Red Square is Moscow’s historic fortress and the center of the Russian government. The origins of the square date back to the late 15th century, when Ivan the Great decided to expand the Kremlin to reflect Moscow’s growing power and prestige!

During the 20th century, the square became famous as the site for demonstrations designed to showcase Soviet strength. Visiting the Red Square today, you’ll find it teeming with tourists, who come to witness its magical architecture up close!

The square is the picture postcard of Russian tourism, so make sure to bring your camera when you visit! No matter the season, or the time of day, it’s delightfully photogenic! 

It’s also home to some of Russia’s most distinguishing and important landmarks, which we’ve made sure to include further down in this itinerary. It’s an important center of Russia’s cultural life and one of the top places to visit in Moscow!

In 1990, UNESCO designated Russia’s Red Square as a World Heritage site. Visiting this historic site is a true bucket-list event and essential addition to your itinerary for Moscow!

Day 1 / Stop 2 – The Moscow Kremlin

• Why it’s awesome: The Moscow Kremlin complex includes several palaces and cathedrals and is surrounded by the Kremlin wall. It also houses the principal museum of Russia (the Kremlin Armory).
• Cost: USD $15.00
• Food nearby: Bosco Cafe is a charming place to grat a casual bite to eat. They have excellent coffee and wonderful views of the Red Square and the Moscow Kremlin!

The iconic Moscow Kremlin , also known as the Kremlin museum complex, sits on Borovitsky Hill, rising above the Moscow River. It is a fortified complex in the center of the city, overlooking several iconic buildings in the Red Square!

It’s the best known of the Russian Kremlins – citadels or fortress’ protecting and dominating a city. During the early decades of the Soviet era, the Kremlin was a private enclave where the state’s governing elite lived and worked.

The Kremlin is outlined by an irregularly shaped triangular wall that encloses an area of 68 acres! The existing walls and towers were built from 1485 to 1495. Inside the Kremlin museum complex, there are five palaces, four cathedrals, and the enclosing Kremlin Wall with Kremlin towers.

The Armoury Chamber is a part of the Grand Kremlin Palace’s complex and is one of the oldest museums of Moscow, established in 1851. It showcases Russian history and displays many cherished relics. Definitely make sure to check out this museum while you’re here!

The churches inside the Moscow Kremlin are the Cathedral of the Dormition, Church of the Archangel, Church of the Annunciation, and the bell tower of Ivan Veliki (a church tower).

The five-domed Cathedral of the Dormition is considered the most famous. It was built from 1475–1479 by an Italian architect and has served as a wedding and coronation place for great princes, tsars, and emperors of Russia. Church services are given in the Kremlin’s numerous cathedrals on a regular basis.

The Grand Kremlin Palace was the former Tsar’s Moscow residence and today it serves as the official workplace of the President of the Russian Federation (Vladimir Putin seems to have bagged that title for life) .

Insider Tip: The Kremlin is closed every Thursday! Make sure to plan this stop on your Moscow itinerary for any other day of the week!

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Lenin’s Mausoleum

• Why it’s awesome: The mausoleum displays the preserved body of Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin .
• Cost: Free!
• Food nearby: Khinkal’naya is a charming Georgian restaurant with vaulted ceilings and exposed brick. It’s a popular place with locals and right next to the Red Square!

Lenin’s Mausoleum, also known as Lenin’s Tomb, is the modernist mausoleum for the revolutionary leader Vladimir Lenin. It’s located within the Red Square and serves as the resting place for the Soviet leader! His preserved body has been on public display since shortly after his death in 1924.

It’s located just a few steps away from the Kremlin Wall and is one of the most controversial yet popular Moscow attractions!

Admission is free for everyone, you’ll only need to pay if you need to check a bag. Before visitors are allowed to enter the mausoleum, they have to go through a metal detector first. No metal objects, liquids, or large bags are allowed in the mausoleum!

Expect a line to enter the building, and while you’re inside the building, you’ll be constantly moving in line with other visitors. This means you won’t be able to spend as long as you’d like viewing the mausoleum, but you’ll still be able to get a good look. Pictures and filming while inside the building are strictly prohibited, and security guards will stop you if they see you breaking this rule.

The mausoleum is only open on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday – unless it’s a public holiday or a day scheduled for maintenance. The hours it’s open for each day are limited, make sure to check online before you visit to make sure you can fit this into your Moscow itinerary for that day!

Insider Tip: The Lenin’s Museum is there for people to pay their respect; remember to keep silent and move along quickly, it’s not intended for people to congregate around. Also, men are not allowed to wear hats and everyone must take their hands out of their pockets when inside the building.

Day 1 / Stop 4 – St. Basil’s Cathedral

• Why it’s awesome: A dazzling designed cathedral that showcases Russia’s unique architecture. This cathedral is one of the most recognizable symbols of the country!
• Cost: USD $8.00
• Food nearby: Moskovskiy Chaynyy Klub is a cozy cafe serving food items and pipping hot tea; it’s the perfect place to go if you’re visiting Moscow during the winter months!

Located in the Red Square, the ornate 16th-century St. Basil’s Cathedral is probably the building you picture when you think of Moscow’s unique architecture. Its colorful onion-shaped domes tower over the Moscow skyline!

The cathedral was built from 1555-1561 by order of Tsar Ivan the Terrible. It was designed with an iconic onion dome facade and enchanting colors that captivate all who see it. Fun fact: If you’re wondering why Russian churches have onion domes, they are popularly believed to symbolize burning candles!

This iconic cathedral has become a symbol of Russia due to its distinguishing architecture and prominent position inside the Red Square. It’s one of the most beautiful, wonderful, and mesmerizing historical cathedrals in the world!

The interior of the church surprises most people when they visit. In contrast to the large exterior, the inside is not so much one large area, but rather a collection of smaller areas, with many corridors and small rooms. There are 9 small chapels and one mausoleum grouped around a central tower.

Visiting the inside is like walking through a maze, there are even small signs all around the cathedral tracing where to walk, and pointing you in the right direction! The walls are meticulously decorated and painted with intricate floral designs and religious themes.

The church rarely holds service and is instead a museum open for the public to visit.

Insider Tip: During the summer months the line to go inside the cathedral can get quite long! Make sure to arrive early or reserve your tickets online to guarantee quick access into the cathedral!

Day 1 / Stop 5 – GUM Department Store

• Why it’s awesome: This is Russia’s most famous shopping mall! It’s designed with elegant and opulent architecture and provides a real sense of nostalgia!
• Cost: Free to enter
• Food nearby: Stolovaya 57 is a cafeteria-style restaurant with a variety of inexpensive Russian cuisine menu items including soups, salads, meat dishes, and desserts. It’s also located inside the GUM department store, making it very easily accessible when you’re shopping!

The enormous GUM Department Store is located within the historic Red Square. It has a whimsical enchantment to it that sets it apart from your typical department store.

A massive domed glass ceiling lines the top of the building and fills the interior with natural sunlight. There are live plants and flowers placed throughout the mall that give the shopping complex a lively and cheerful feel! A playful fountain sits in the center, further adding to the malls inviting a sense of wonder and amusement!

The GUM department store opened on December 2, 1893. Today, it includes local and luxury stores, including Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Prada, and many more! There are numerous cafes, restaurants, and even a movie theater inside!

For a special treat, head into Gastronom 1. This 1950s-style shop sells gourmet food items, like wine, freshly-baked pastries, cheese, Russian chocolate, and of course, vodka! Also, be on the lookout for a bicycle pedaling ice cream truck with an employing selling ice cream!

The ambiance is simply amazing, a trip to this idyllic shopping mall is an absolute must on any Moscow itinerary!

Insider Tip: Make sure to carry some small change on you in case you need to use the restroom, you’ll need to pay 50 rubles – or about USD $0.80 to use the bathroom in GUM.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Novodevichy Convent | Gorky Park | State Tretyakov Gallery | All-Russian Exhibition Center | Bolshoi Theater

On your 2 day itinerary in Moscow, you’ll have a chance to use the city’s excellent public transportation service! You’ll explore a few more of Moscow’s historic highlight as well as some modern attractions. These sites are a little more spread out, but still very easily accessible thanks to the metro!

Day 2 / Stop 1 – Novodevichy Convent

• Why it’s awesome: The Novodevichy Convent is rich in imperial Russian history and contains some of Russia’s best examples of classical architecture!
• Cost: USD $5.00
• Food nearby: Culinary Shop Karavaevs Brothers is a cozy and simple place to have a quick bite, they also have vegetarian options!

The Novodevichy Convent is the best-known and most popular cloister of Moscow. The convent complex is contained within high walls, and there are many attractions this site is known for! 

The six-pillared five-domed Smolensk Cathedral is the main attraction. It was built to resemble the Kremlin’s Assumption Cathedral and its facade boasts beautiful snowy white walls and a pristine golden onion dome as its centerpiece. It’s the oldest structure in the convent, built from 1524 -1525, and is situated in the center of the complex between the two entrance gates.

There are other churches inside the convent as well, all dating back from many centuries past. The convent is filled with an abundance of 16th and 17th-century religious artworks, including numerous large and extravagant frescos!

Just outside the convent’s grounds lies the Novodevichy Cemetery. Here, you can visit the graves of famous Russians, including esteemed authors, composers, and politicians. Probably the most intriguing gravestone belongs to Russian politician Nikita Khruschev!

The Novodevichy Convent is located near the Moscow River and offers a peaceful retreat from the busy city. In 2004, it was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The convent remains remarkably well-preserved and is an outstanding example of Moscow Baroque architecture! 

Insider Tip: To enter the cathedrals inside the complex, women are advised to cover their heads and shoulders, while men should wear long pants.

Day 2 / Stop 2 – Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure

• Why it’s awesome: A large amusement area in the heart of the city offering many attractions!
• Cost: Free! 
• Food nearby: Check out Mepkato, located inside Gorky Central Park for a casual meal in a cozy setting. There are indoor and outdoor seating options and the restaurant is child-friendly!

Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure is a large green space in the heart of Moscow. The park opened in 1928, and it stretches along the scenic embankment of the Moskva River. It covers an area of 300-acres and offers a lovely contrast from the compact city center.

You’ll find all sorts of wonderful attractions, from boat rides to bike rentals to tennis courts and ping-pong tables, and much more! there are an open-air cinema and festive events and concerts scheduled in the summer months.  A wide selection of free fitness classes is also offered on a regular basis, including jogging, roller skating, and dancing!

Although many of the options you’ll find here are more suited for outdoor leisure during the summer, you’ll also a selection of winter attractions, including one of Europe’s largest ice rinks for ice-skating!

If you’re trying to decide what to do in Moscow with kids, the park also offers several venues designed specifically for kids. Check out the year-round Green School which offers hands-on classes in gardening and art! You can also feed the squirrels and birds at the Golitsinsky Ponds!

The park is very well maintained and kept clean and the entrance is free of charge, although most individual attractions cost money. There is also Wi-Fi available throughout the park.

With so many attractions, you could easily spend all day here! If you’re only planning a 2 day itinerary in Moscow, make sure to plan your time accordingly and map out all the areas you want to see beforehand!

Day 2 / Stop 3 – The State Tretyakov Gallery

• Why it’s awesome: The gallery’s collection consists entirely of Russian art made by Russian artists!
• Food nearby : Brothers Tretyakovs is located right across the street from the gallery. It’s a wonderfully atmospheric restaurant serving top quality food and drinks!

The State Tretyakov Gallery was founded in 1856 by influential merchant and collector Pavel Tretyakov.  The gallery is a national treasury of Russian fine art and one of the most important museums in Russia!

It houses the world’s best collection of Russian art and contains more than 130, 000 paintings, sculptures, and graphics! These works have been created throughout the centuries by generations of Russia’s most talented artists!

The exhibits range from mysterious 12th-century images to politically charged canvases. The collection is rich and revealing and offers great insight into the history and attitudes of this long-suffering yet inspired people!

All pictures are also labeled in English. If you plan to take your time and see everything inside the museum it will take a good 3-4 hours, so make sure to plan your Moscow trip itinerary accordingly! This gallery is a must-see stop for art lovers, or anyone wanting to explore the local culture and history of Russia in a creative and insightful manner! 

Insider Tip: When planning your 2 days in Moscow itinerary, keep in mind that most museums in Moscow are closed on Mondays, this includes The State Tretyakov Gallery!

Day 2 / Stop 4 – All-Russian Exhibition Center

• Why it’s awesome: This large exhibition center showcases the achievements of the Soviet Union in several different spheres. 
• Food nearby: Varenichnaya No. 1 serves authentic and homestyle Russian cuisine in an intimate and casual setting.

The All-Russian Exhibition Center is a massive park that presents the glory of the Soviet era! It pays homage to the achievements of Soviet Russia with its many different sites found on the property.

The center was officially opened in 1939 to exhibit the achievements of the Soviet Union. It’s a huge complex of buildings and the largest exhibition center in Moscow. There are several exhibition halls dedicated to different achievements and every year there are more than one hundred and fifty specialized exhibitions!

The Peoples Friendship Fountain was constructed in 1954 and is a highlight of the park. The stunning gold fountain features 16 gilded statues of girls, each representing the former Soviet Union republics. 

The Stone Flower Fountain was also built in 1954 and is worth checking out. The centerpiece of this large fountain is a flower carved from stones from the Ural Mountains! Along the side of the fountain are various bronze sculptures.

You will find many people zipping around on rollerblades and bicycles across the large area that the venue covers. It’s also home to amusement rides and carousels, making it the perfect place to stop with kids on your Moscow itinerary! Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and allow a few hours to explore all the areas that interest you!

Day 2 / Stop 5 – Bolshoi Theater

• Why it’s awesome: The Bolshoi Theater is a historic venue that hosts world-class ballet and opera performances!
• Cost: Prices vary largely between USD $2.00 –  USD $228.00 based on seat location.
• Food nearby: Head to the Russian restaurant, Bolshoi for high-quality food and drinks and excellent service!

The Bolshoi Theater is among the oldest and most renowned ballet and opera companies in the world! It also boasts the world’s biggest ballet company, with more than 200 dancers!

The theater has been rebuilt and renovated several times during its long history. In 2011 it finished its most recent renovation after an extensive six-year restoration that started in 2005. The renovation included an improvement in acoustics and the restoration of the original Imperial decor.

The Bolshoi Theater has put on many of the world’s most famous ballet acts! Tchaikovsky’s ballet Swan Lake premiered at the theater in 1877 and other notable performances of the Bolshoi repertoire include Tchaikovsky’s The Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker!

Today, when you visit the theater, you can expect a magical performance from skilled singers, dancers, and musicians with the highest level of technique!

If you don’t have time to see a show, the theater also provides guided tours on select days of the week. Tours are given in both Russian and English and will provide visitors with a more intimate look at the different areas of the theater!

The stage of this iconic Russian theater has seen many outstanding performances. If you’re a fan of the performing arts, the Bolshoi Theater is one of the greatest and oldest ballet and opera companies in the world, making it a must-see attraction on your Moscow itinerary!

Godzillas Hostel

Godzillas Hostel is located in the center of Moscow, just a short walk from all the major tourist attractions and the metro station.

• Towels Included

Cosmonautics Museum | Alexander Garden | Ostankino Tower | Izmaylovo District | Soviet Arcade Museum

Now that we’ve covered what to do in Moscow in 2 days, if you’re able to spend more time in the city you’re going to need more attractions to fill your time. Here are a few more really cool things to do in Moscow we recommend!

Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics

• Hear the timeline of the ‘space race’ from the Russian perspective
• This museum is fun for both adults and children!
• Admission is USD $4.00

The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics is a museum dedicated to space exploration! The museum explores the history of flight, astronomy, space exploration, space technology, and space in the arts. It houses a large assortment of Soviet and Russian space-related exhibits, and the museum’s collection holds approximately 85,000 different items!

The museum does an excellent job of telling the full story of the exciting space race between the USSR and the US! It highlights the brightest moments in Russian history and humanity and is very interesting and fun for all ages!

If you’re a fan of space or just curious about gaining insight into Russia’s fascinating history of space exploration, make sure to add this to your 3 day itinerary in Moscow!

The Alexander Garden

• A tranquil place to relax near the Red Square
• Green lawns dotted with sculptures and lovely water features
• The park is open every day and has no entrance fee

The Alexander Garden was one of the first urban public parks in Moscow! The garden premiered in 1821 and was built to celebrate Russia’s victory over Napoleon’s forces in 1812!

The park is beautiful and well maintained with paths to walk on and benches to rest on. The park contains three separate gardens: the upper garden, middle garden, and lower garden.

Located in the upper garden, towards the main entrance to the park is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with its eternal flame. This monument was created in 1967 and contains the body of a soldier who fell during the Great Patriotic War!

The park stretches along all the length of the western Kremlin wall for about half a mile. Due to its central location in the city, it’ll be easily accessible when you’re out exploring The Red Square.

It provides a bit of relief from the city’s high-energy city streets. Bring a picnic lunch, go for a walk, or just sit and people watch, this is one of the best Moscow sites to wind-down and relax!

Ostankino Television Tower

• Television and radio tower in Moscow
• Currently the tallest free-standing structure in Europe
• Make sure you bring your passport when you visit, you can’t go up without it!

For spectacular views of the city, make sure to add the Ostankino Television Tower to your itinerary for Moscow! This impressive free-standing structure provides stunning views of the city in every direction. The glass floor at the top also provides great alternative views of the city!

It takes just 58 seconds for visitors to reach the Tower’s observation deck by super fast elevator. The tower is open every day for long hours and is a great site in Moscow to check out! There is even a restaurant at the top where you can enjoy rotating views of the city while you dine on traditional Russian cuisine or European cuisine!

The tower is somewhat of an architectural surprise in a city that is not known for skyscrapers! To see the city from a new perspective, make sure to add this stop to your Moscow itinerary!

Izmaylovo District

• The most popular attractions in this district are the kremlin and the flea market
• Outside of the city center and easy to reach via metro
• Most popular during the summer and on weekends

Travel outside the city center and discover a unique area of the city! The Izmaylovo District is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, and one of the coolest places to see in Moscow! The two main attractions we recommend checking out are the Kremlin and the flea market.

The Izmailovo Kremlin was established as a cultural center and molded after traditional Russian architecture. This colorful complex is home to several single-subject museums, including a Russian folk art museum and a vodka museum!

Next to the Kremlin is the Izmailovo open-air market, which dates back to the 17th century! The market is connected to the Izmailovo Kremlin by a wooden bridge. Pick up all your Russian souvenirs here, including traditional handicrafts, paintings, books, retro toys, and Soviet memorabilia!

You will find many hand-made and hand-painted options available at higher prices, as well as mass-produced souvenir options at lower prices!

Museum of Soviet Arcade Games

• Closed on Mondays
• Filled with old arcade games that visitors get to try out!
• The museum also includes a small cafe and burger shop

For something a little different, check out the Museum of Soviet Arcade Games! The museum features roughly 60 machines from the Soviet era, including video games, pinball machines, and collaborative hockey foosball! The machines inside the museum were produced in the USSR in the mid-1970s.

The best part is, most of the games are still playable! Purchase tickets and try the games out for yourself! The museum also has a neat little screening room that plays old Soviet cartoons and an area with Soviet magazines! This unique attraction is a fun addition to a 3 day itinerary in Moscow, and an attraction that all ages will enjoy! 

Whether you’re spending one day in Moscow, or more, safety is an important thing to keep in mind when traveling to a big city! Overall, Moscow is a very safe place to visit. However, it is always recommended that tourists take certain precautions when traveling to a new destination!

The police in Moscow is extremely effective at making the city a safe place to visit and do their best to patrol all of the top Moscow, Russia tourist attractions. However, tourists can still be a target for pickpockets and scammers.

Moscow has a huge flow of tourists, therefore there is a risk for pickpocketing. Simple precautions will help eliminate your chances of being robbed. Stay vigilant, keep your items close to you at all times, and don’t flash your valuables!

If you’re planning a solo Moscow itinerary, you should have no need to worry, as the city is also considered safe for solo travelers, even women. Stay in the populated areas, try and not travel alone late at night, and never accept rides from strangers or taxis without a meter and correct signage.

The threat of natural disasters in Moscow is low, with the exception of severe winters when the temperature can dip below freezing! Bring a good, warm jacket if you visit in Winter.

However, please note that Russian views on homsexuality are far less accepting than those in Western Europe. Likewise, Non-Caucasian travellers may sadly encounter racism in Russia .

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Moscow

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Now that we’ve covered all the top things to see in Moscow, we thought we’d include some exciting day trips to other areas of the country!

Sergiev Posad (Golden Ring)

On this 7-hour guided tour, you’ll visit several scenic and historic areas of Russia. Start your day with hotel pick-up as you’re transferred by a comfortable car or minivan to Sergiev Posad. Admire the charming Russian countryside on your drive and enjoy a quick stop to visit the Russian village, Rudonezh!

You’ll see the majestic Saint Spring and the Church of Sergiev Radonezh. You’ll also visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, one of the most famous Orthodox sites in Russia!

Lastly, you’ll swing by the local Matreshka market and enjoy a break in a nice Russian restaurant before returning to Moscow!

Day Trip to Vladimir and Suzdal

On this 13-hour trip, you’ll discover old Russia, with its picturesque landscapes and white-stoned beautiful churches! You’ll visit the main towns of the famous Golden Ring of Russia – the name for several cities and smaller towns north-east of Moscow.

Your first stop will be in the town of Vladimir, the ancient capital of all Russian principalities. The city dates back to the 11th century and is one of the oldest and the most important towns along the Ring! Next, you’ll visit Suzdal, a calm ancient Russian town north of Vladimir with only 13,000 inhabitants!

The old-style architecture and buildings of Suzdal are kept wonderfully intact. If you’re spending three days in Moscow, or more, this is a great option for exploring the charming areas outside the city!

Zvenigorod Day Trip and Russian Countryside

On this 9-hour private tour, you’ll explore the ancient town of Zvenigorod, one of the oldest towns in the Moscow region! As you leave Moscow you’ll enjoy the stunning scenery along the Moscow River, and make a few stops at old churches along the way to Zvenigorod.

Upon arrival, you’ll explore the medieval center, including the 14th-century Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery. Next, you’ll take a break for lunch (own expense) where you’ll have the chance to try out the Russian cuisine! Next, you’ll visit the Museum of Russian Dessert and sip on tea at a Russian tea ceremony.

The final stop of the day is at the Ershovo Estate, a gorgeous place to walk around and enjoy nature!

Day Trip to St Petersburg by Train visiting Hermitage & Faberge

On this full-day tour, you’ll enjoy a a full round trip to St Petersburg where you’ll spend an exciting day exploring another popular Russian city! You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Moscow and be transferred to the train station where you’ll ride the high-speed train ‘Sapsan’ to St Petersburg.

Upon arrival, you’ll start the day by touring the Hermitage Museum and the Winter Palace. Next, you’ll visit the Faberge Museum, where you’ll explore the impressive collection of rare Faberge Eggs! In the afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing boat ride and a traditional 3-course Russian lunch.

If you’re spending 3 days in Moscow, or more, this is an excellent trip to take!

Trip to Kolomna – Authentic Cultural Experience from Moscow

On this 10-hour tour, you’ll escape the city and travel to the historic town of Kolomna! First, you’ll visit the 14th-century Kolomna Kremlin, home to the Assumption Cathedral and an abundance of museums!

Next, enjoy lunch at a local cafe (own expense) before embarking on a tour of the Marshmallow Museum – of course, a marshmallow tasting is provided!  Your final stop is the Museum of Forging Settlements, where displays include armor and accessories for fishing and hunting.

Discover this beautiful Russian fairytale city on a private trip, where all of the planning is taken care of for you!

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Find out what people want to know when planning their Moscow itinerary.

How many days you need in Moscow?

We recommend that you spend at least two or three days in Moscow to take it all in.

What’s the best month to visit Moscow?

The best time to visit Moscow is over the spring, from March to May as temperatures are mild, crowds are thin and prices are reasonable.

What are some unusual things to do in Moscow?

I mean, queuing up to see an almost 100 year old corpse is pretty unsual! Check out Lenin’s Mausoleum if you fancy it!

What are some fun things to do in Moscow?

The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics is a fun place to explore the famous space race from the perspective of the ‘other side’!

We hope you enjoyed our Moscow itinerary! We’ve made sure to cover all the Moscow must-sees as well as some unique attractions in the city! Our addition of insider tips, favorite food stops, and day trips from Moscow is an added bonus and will guarantee you make the most out of your exciting Russian vacation!

Immerse yourself in the modern and traditional Russian lifestyle! Get lost in museums, witness awe-inspiring architecture, and indulge in Russian cuisine! Spend the day strolling through all of the charming sites of Moscow, admiring the beautiful scenery and discovering the city’s fairytale-like enchantment!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Alya and Campbell

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