Skip to content

Tip: My New Go-To International Power Converter

May 14, 2017
2 min read
Group of wall outlets with black plugs, cables stucked in
Tip: My New Go-To International Power Converter
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Daily Newsletter
Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter
Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s experts

With as much as I travel internationally, I recently sought out a true power converter to replace the handful of power adapters I'd been taking with me. I needed a device that would be small, light and — as I can't afford to have any of my equipment damaged while on the road — have surge protection. All of these together in one device seemed to be a tall order, but I found one that fits the bill. After four months of testing it in Taiwan, Japan, Portugal, England, Germany, Qatar and Oman, I'm ready to give the BESTEK Travel Converter/Adapter my stamp of approval.

Inputs: The converter naturally plugs into the "Type C" Europe-style power outlets, but comes with three adapters so it can work in "more than 150 countries." The converter takes pretty much any power source you're going to find when traveling — from 90 to 220 volts.

My converter was in high demand during my recent trip to Germany.

Outputs: There are seven power outputs — three three-prong US-style power plugs and four USB power plugs. Two of the USB power plugs have a 2.4 amp output and the other two provide 1 amp output.

There aren't many downsides with the device. While I'd like more than three US plugs in some situations, I can usually get by using the USB chargers for some of my electronics. But there's one important downside to know about: noise. The device has dual fans that can be quite noticeable in a quiet hotel room or lounge. While I've actually grown to enjoy the white noise, it might be obnoxious to some.

If you're looking for a power converter/adapter for your travels, I'd recommend the BESTEK Travel Converter. I bought it from Amazon, and you can find it here.

Featured image by Getty Images

TPG featured card

4 / 5
Go to review
Rewards rate
1XChoose to earn up to 1X points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee
2XEarn 2X points + the option to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday purchases
Intro offer
Open Intro bonus
50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status + $300 of Bilt Cash
Annual fee
$495
Regular APR
26.74 - 34.74% variable
Recommended credit
Open Credit score description
Good Credit, Excellent Credit

Pros

  • Choice to earn up to 1 Bilt Point per dollar spent on rent and mortgage payments
  • Elevated everyday earnings with both Bilt Points and the option to earn Bilt Cash
  • $400 Bilt Travel Portal hotel credit per year (up to $200 biannually)
  • $200 Bilt Cash annually
  • Priority Pass membership
  • No foreign transaction fees

Cons

  • Moderate annual fee
  • Designed primarily for members seeking a premium, all-in-one card
  • Earn points on housing with no transaction fee
  • Choose to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday spend. Use Bilt Cash to unlock point earnings on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee, up to 1X.
  • 2X points on everyday spend
  • $400 Bilt Travel Hotel credit. Applied twice a year, as $200 statement credits, for qualifying Bilt Travel Portal hotel bookings.
  • $200 Bilt Cash (awarded annually). At the end of each calendar year, any Bilt Cash balance over $100 will expire.
  • Welcome bonus (subject to approval): 50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 90 days + $300 of Bilt Cash.
  • Priority Pass ($469/year value). See Guide to Benefits.
  • Bilt Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent and mortgage payments, Lyft rides, statement credits, student loan balances, a down payment on a home, and more.