You've finally booked that trip to Iceland. All your bags are packed and you are ready to go. However, your electronics and electrical items come with a different plug from the typical electrical outlets in Iceland. Don't worry. Let's find out what to do.

Two Round Prongs:

Electrical outlets in Iceland use two round prongs. This device is known as the Euro plug. Most travellers from outside North Europe will definitely need an adapter.

It's not too hard to locate adapters or converters for electrical outlets in Iceland or online.

The standards in Iceland are no different from other North European countries. They are 240 volts / 50 hertz. Therefore, electrical devices from the USA need an adapter or converter (or both, if your item runs on 120 volts and has a USA-style plug.)

UK residents use three pin plugs at home. They'll need the adapters only because the electrical plug shapes and sockets are different.

A - Z of Compliance:

Most electrical devices from North America are not compatible with electrical outlets in Iceland. These devices use A. or B. types of plugs and outlets. The ones in Iceland use C. and F. types.

As such, many devices from the USA need both an adapter and a converter because they operate using only 120 volts / 60 hertz which is incompatible and will lead to overheating appliances.

However, devices such as laptops, smart phones, MP3s, iPods, iPads and similar appliances have built-in converters and are suitable for use globally.

Therefore, only shape adapters are required to connect them to electrical outlets in Iceland.

Double check the back of the laptop plug and other devices to ensure the power input markings are mutually compatible. Therefore, devices that are compatible only require an adapter to connect to electrical outlets in Iceland. Most adapters and converters can be purchased at the airport. It is cheaper, though, to order them from online stores or buy them before you leave.

General electrical stores like Radio Shack or Brookstone in Canada and USA stock these devices. They are fairly cheap.

However, if you are unsure you have the right adapter or converter or you wait until your arrival in Iceland, there is no need to worry. There is a fantastic, well stocked hardware store in the centre of Laugavegur. It is the main commercial vein in Reykjavik. The electrical devices there are reasonably priced and you can buy adapters and converters here.

By the way, if the word converter sounds unfamiliar, it is also known as a step down (or step up) transformer.

Camcorders, Hairdryers and Straighteners:

Items like hairdryers and straighteners from the USA are likely to be 120 volts or 60 hertz. It is not a good idea to carry them along. Hefty converters will be required to use them. Most guesthouses and hotels will have hairdryers in the room and ready to be used. If the charger you use to recharge the camcorder or stills camera indicates the input is 100 - 240 volts and 50 - 60 hertz, you will need an adapter only and not a converter. To be on the safe side, check that all the appliances you intend to bring to Iceland are clearly marked 100 - 240 volts and 50 - 60 hertz. If they are, you will only need an adapter. If they aren't, you'll need both the adapter and converter to ensure your appliances are compatible with electrical outlets in Iceland.