How is it possible to use appliances designed for the US voltage in other parts of the world?

In most countries of Europe, South America, Africa and Asia, they use 220 VAC, usually at 50 Hz.

The voltage issue is solved by transformer of a voltage converter.

Transformers must be used with electronic devices (cameras, DVD players, answering machines, etc.) . A transformer will reduce the voltage from 220 VAC to 110 VAC, which is what the US equipment use.

Voltage converters can ONLY be used with hair dryers, hair straighteners, most small appliances (mixer, can opener, drills, etc.) Voltage converters provide 220 VAC to the appliance. However, because the converter only conducts current a fraction of each cycle, the power applied to the appliance is reduced by 50%.

Transformers are quite heavy and are marked with a "VA" (volt-ampere) figure, which is roughly the power withdrawn by the equipment. In addition, they usually exhibit a body made of iron laminations, easy to spot.

Voltage converters are very light and have holes for ventilation in their aluminum body. In addition, the power they can handle isualy indicated in watts (W).

Again, NEVER connect an electronic equipment to a voltage converter. Use a transformer instead.

Better yet, travel with electronic equipment and appliances with dual voltage settings. Even better if they detect the voltage automatically, like most laptop power supplies.