Updated December 5, 2023

Reduce the weight and space demands of your various chargers and pack light with a USB to AC international travel charger. An added advantage is that one single charging unit makes charging your electronic devices more convenient, secure, and efficient.

What is a USB to AC international travel charger?

A USB to AC international travel charger is a single charging block. It eliminates the need to pack separate charging bricks for each of your devices. Depending on the quantity, quality, and type of ports, all your devices can be charged at the same time. You’ll need to pack charging cables compatible with each device, and one or more plug adapters for international travel.

What to look for in a USB to AC international travel charger

The best USB to AC charger for international travel has the following features:

• It’s portable and compact, and plugs into a socket without any extra cords or cables.
• It has as many USB ports as the number of devices you typically pack.
• The USB ports are compatible with your devices. For most of today’s devices this means both USB-A and USB-C ports.

• The USB ports are accessible, built into the front or side of the unit. Chargers with ports on the bottom of a unit are less effective or useless if the AC plate and sockets are too close to the floor or a countertop. Charging cords are more likely to be bent and sustain damage and besides, the ports are more difficult to see and access.

• It comes with at least four separate international adapters that lock securely into the charging block. These are commonly listed as USA/UK/EU/AUS adapters covering most countries. When the adapters are built for the unit, chances are the charger will maintain a secure connection with the wall outlet or power bar. Sometimes, combining a charging block with a small plug adapter can result in the charger’s being too heavy. The same can apply when a charger is connected to an all-in-one universal adapter. In these circumstances, the extra weight can lead to a loss of connection with the power supply. Another advantage of having separate adapters is that just the one(s) required need(s) to be packed.
• It’s rated for international use. This is usually listed on the unit as 100-240 V and 50 – 60 Hz. Also, look for the product safety and certification symbols and claims of the manufacturer.

• It includes one fast-charging port and outputs enough power to charge several devices at the same time. 
• It’s smaller and lighter than the combined volume and weight of your devices’ charging bricks.
• It’s reasonably priced.

Advantages of a USB to AC international travel charger

The world of plugs, adapters, and the worldwide electrical system can be confusing. A USB to AC international travel charger helps simplify maters.  

• It requires only one AC outlet. This is convenient in spaces with a limited number of outlets. It also means that devices are all together. They’re not scattered around a room charging off separate outlets. This is more secure in shared accommodation, and airport waiting areas.
• It’s more convenient and efficient being able to charge devices at the same time. It eliminates making decisions about which device to charge first. There’s no negotiating with others on whose device should have priority charging status.
• One charging block consumes less space. It’s easier to pack, easier to retrieve, and easier to keep tabs on.
• It’s a multi-use solution for light packers because separate charging bricks can be left at home. For example, my USB to AC travel charger replaces the charging bricks of an iPad mini, iPhone 14 Pro, and my Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS200 camera. These have a combined weight of 5.5 oz / 156 g.

My choice in a USB to AC international travel charger

• The Lencent 45W charger ticks all the features mentioned above in what to look for in an international USB to AC travel charger.
• It has two USB-A (12W max per port) and one USB-C port (15W max) s plus a single 45W USB-C Power Delivery port. The latter provides fast charging for MacBooks, later iPhones, and other devices able to negotiate the higher charge rate.
• The charging block measures 7.6 x 3.1 x 5.4 cm and weighs 104 g. All four adapters add 63 g.
• It’s reasonably priced at around USD 20.
• The build is solid. Ridges on the sides of the unit promote a decent grip when changing adapters or plugging it into an AC wall outlet or power bar. The adapters lock securely in place and are easily removed with the aid of a release button. There’s no danger of leaving an adapter behind after unplugging the brick from the outlet because the adapter is securely attached.

Another choice in a USB to AC international travel charger

Here is an option that might appeal to travellers from countries (e.g., North and Central America and Japan) that use Type A and Type B plug types. Plug type A has two flat parallel pins and plug type B has two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin. The Ceptics World Travel Adapter Kit (with USB-C) is worth a look.

• It features two Type A and B outlets widely used in Canada, Japan, Mexico, and the United States, and four USB ports (two USB-A and two USB-C).
• A USB-C cable is included.
• It’s relatively compact measuring 2.75 X 3. 75 X 1. 5 in / 7 x 9.5 x 3.8 cm and weighs less than 7 oz / 200 g. A travel pouch is included.
• A built-in surge protector safeguards electronics from harmful voltage surges and spikes.
• There are six international adapter attachments that are compatible with outlets in North America, United Kingdom, most of Europe, Australia, Japan, parts of Africa, Middle East, Asia, and China, and more. Attachments not included can be purchased separately.

If you need more information on the worldwide electrical system and travelling with electronics, my post, Electrical issues for travellers: 12 tips for travelling with electronics and electricals offers additional insights.

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