One reader sums up the difference perfectly: “In simple terms, the adapter makes your device fit in the holes. Second, you can’t use some of your electronics while traveling unless they’re dual voltage because countries such as the USA and Canada have 120V electricity while destinations in Europe have 220V electricity. First, the plug you use at home may not work in a wall socket when traveling because different countries have different plug shapes.
There are two very important things you need to know about traveling with electronics.