Why I Packed the UGREEN EU Universal Travel Adapter for Lisbon

Packing for a trip usually means deciding which gadgets are meant to be taken to make the trip better. So for Lisbon, one thing I knew I wanted in my bag was a reliable travel adapter.

I've used the typical rectangular shaped international travel adapters before, but I've never particularly liked how they (really don't) fit into the recessed round European sockets.

While browsing Shopee, I saw the UGREEN EU Universal Travel Adapter and knew I had to get it as it fits the recessed European sockets much better (being round and a perfect fit). It was going for about S$13~, so I got myself two pieces (cos why not?).

It typically costs around S$17–S$25 (US$8–20), depending on ongoing promotions, vouchers, and sales.

Shopee has an app for Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines and Indonesia, mostly for the South East Asian countries. Besides the (probably) more affordable (cheaper) pricing, shipping is either free or less than SGD$2 (for majority of the sellers). The only downside is that you need a local number and address for each of the Shopee country app.

If you have not signed up for Shopee and want to get S$5 off your first order, sign up 🠊here🠈😊

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Why I Packed the UGREEN Travel Adapter

EU sockets are typically round and recessed, and I've found that some of the more common international travel adapters can be an awkward fit (being rectangular in shape and bulky). In addition, the thinner metal plugs on my usual international adapter also made it feel less secure in the socket.

What made the difference for me?
The UGREEN adapter's EU configuration fitted into the recessed socket much more comfortably, while the thicker plug design felt more stable (and safer) than my usual international adapter.

What I Used It For

Charging my travel essentials in Lisbon such as my phone, power bank, mini speaker, hair straightener and other devices was a breeze as it fit the hotel's power socket perfectly.

It might not be anything particularly exciting, but it served it's purpose and gave me a peace of mind. Since I bought two, one was at the bedside to charge my phone and other devices, while the other was plugged in near the mirror for the hair straightener.

What I Loved

✓ Better EU Socket Fit

The EU configuration fitted recessed European sockets much better than my usual adapter.

✓ More Stable

The thicker plug design felt more secure than the thinner metal prongs on my usual travel adapter.

✓ Easy To Pack

One compact adapter means fewer separate pieces to remember when packing.

Good To Know

It is a travel adapter, not a voltage converter.
The different plug configurations are built into the adapter.
The single international socket means only one plug can be connected at a time.
If you need to power several devices from separate sockets, bringing two adapters can make sense.
Always check your devices' voltage requirements before travelling.

UGREEN also states that its universal travel adapters do not convert voltage, so your devices still need to support the voltage used at your destination.

Would I Pack It Again?

✓ Yes — 95%!

A better fit for recessed EU sockets and much more stable than my usual travel adapter. The only drawback is having just one international socket, so I'd bring two if I needed to charge multiple devices at once.

My Takeaway

I didn't expect a travel adapter to be one of the gadgets I'd have much to say about after Lisbon, but the little details ended up making the biggest difference.

What I appreciated most was having an adapter that actually fitted the European sockets better and felt more stable than the one I normally travel with. For my next trip to Europe, this is staying in my travel bag.

Quick Verdict:
Better fit for recessed EU sockets, more stable than my usual adapter, and easy to pack. The main limitation is having only one international socket.