Visiting London: A Guide for International Travelers
As one of the world’s most iconic cities, London is a must-see destination for anyone interested in history, culture, architecture, and entertainment. Located in the heart of Britain, London is home to world-class museums, vibrant neighborhoods, and landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and the British Museum. However, one thing that may catch the attention of international visitors, particularly those from the States, is the country’s electrical outlet system. You see, London uses British three-pin sockets, with three round prongs. This can be a issue for visitors from the Americas, who are accustomed to using two-prong grounding plugs.
Using Your Hairdryer in a 4-Prong Outlet
So, if you’re planning a visit to London and are traveling with a hairdryer that uses a 2-prong plug, be prepared to adapt. Thankfully, there are a few solutions to help you access the power you need for your daily grooming routine. Here are a few ideas:
- Buy an adapter: You can easily purchase a British adapter to convert your 2-prong plug to a British 3-pin plug at most electronics stores, appliance shops, or even London’s famous street markets (like Camden Market). It’s a simple, economical solution that will allow your hairdryer to power up.
- Use a travel hair dryer: If you don’t want to worry about dealing with adapters, consider using a travel hair dryer, which often come with foldable designs and dual voltages (e.g. 110-240v). These handy devices ensure that you can dry your hair safely and efficiently even in foreign lands.
- Look for voltage converters: If your travel hair dryer is specifically rated for use in 50Hz (Europe’s standard), consider purchasing a voltage converter device. This will convert your hair dryer’s 125v (US standard) to 230v for use in London. Caution: be sure that your hair dryer is built to withstand the 13A (amps) common in the UK.
Additional Tips for Using Technology in London
When adapting to London’s electrical network, it’s also useful to remember a few best practices:
- Check if your electronic devices are equipped with dual voltage, enabling them to function on European standards.
- Keep yourself informed about London’s regional voltage fluctuations (in central London, for example).
- Pack a travel cord, in case your provided hotel or Airbnb doesn’t have an outlet suitable for your hairdryer needs.
More Essentials to Know When Visiting London
- London’s capital city, the city covers an area of 649 square miles, so to get around, you’re best using the Underground public transportation system, London City buses, or hail taxi cabs.
- Tip: Take advantage of Oyster cards or contactless payment options for quick transfers and convenience.
- Carry a guidebook or an app to navigate London’s eclectic neighborhoods, from the cultural hotspots of Bloomsbury and Soho, to the bustling Westfields shopping center.
London waits for no one! But with these tips and basic knowledge, you’ll breeze through your visit and marvel at the city’s magic. So, get on with your London adventure… and don’t forget the hairdryer!
Visiting London. How do I use a hairdryer with 3 prongs with this 4 prong outlet?