Electronic converters/adapters are necessary if you'll be taking items like hair dryers, electric shavers and travel irons overseas. They convert foreign voltages to the US-standard 110 volts with plug adapters to fit most of the world's outlets. Some styles automatically sense and select high (1650 watt) or low (50 watt) settings depending on the appliance used.

Computer/modem adapters are necessary if you'll be traveling with your laptop and plan on using your computer's modem overseas. Most laptops are dual-voltage, so they can use any standard wall current worldwide. If your laptop is dual-voltage, all you'll need is a surge protector and the appropriate adapter plug. If your laptop isn't dual-voltage, you'll also need a converter for areas that use 220-volt wall currents. To use your computer's modem overseas, you'll need the appropriate telephone jack adapter for an analog line. For digital lines, you'll need a converter that reduces the voltage to a safe level for your modem.