Electronics

1. Phone

   Usage

   Just "phone" in speech. The full word is "mobile" in Britain and "cell phone" in the US — "cell" puzzles Britons

2. Tablet

   Usage

   Security will ask you to take it out of your bag. Note that a pill is also a "tablet", so show the device if the context is unclear

3. Laptop

   Usage

   Show it when looking for a seat with a socket. In English a "notebook" is a paper pad, never a computer

4. Charger

   Usage

   For losing one, buying one, or borrowing one — "Do you have a charger I can borrow?" often works at a hotel desk

5. Charging cable

   Usage

   Say the connector too — "USB-C" or "Lightning". Americans also say "charging cord"

6. Power bank

   Usage

   Americans more often say "portable charger". Lithium cells must travel in your hand luggage, never in the hold

7. Travel adapter

   Usage

   Britain and Ireland use the three-pin Type G at 230V, the US and Canada flat Type A/B at 120V, Australia and New Zealand the angled Type I at 230V. An "adapter" only changes the shape — a "converter" changes the voltage

8. Power socket

   Usage

   "Socket" in Britain, "outlet" in the US. British sockets have their own on/off switch — flip it or nothing charges

9. Extension lead

   Usage

   "Extension lead" in Britain, "extension cord" or "power strip" in the US. One adapter plus one of these charges your whole party

10. Batteries

    Usage

    Sizes are simply "AA" and "AAA". Any supermarket or pharmacy stocks them

11. Wi-Fi

    Usage

    The first thing to ask about at a café or hotel. "Wireless LAN" is not everyday English

12. Wi-Fi password

    Usage

    Show it and staff will write it on your receipt. Britons often call it the "Wi-Fi code"

13. SIM card

    Usage

    Ask for a "prepaid SIM" or, in Britain, a "pay-as-you-go SIM". An "eSIM" needs no physical card and can be bought by app before you land

14. Memory card

    Usage

    Show it in an electronics shop when your camera fills up. "SD card" and "microSD card" work too

15. Headphones

    Usage

    The in-ear kind are "earphones" or "earbuds". Also the word for asking cabin crew for a pair

    Grammar Note

    Always plural — never "a headphone"

16. Speaker

    Usage

    Point at it to ask for the volume down. The same word means "a person talking", so point at the device

17. Camera

    Usage

    Show it when asking whether photos are allowed. Museums often post "No flash" or "No tripods"

18. Torch

    Usage

    British English; Americans say "flashlight". In the US a "torch" is a burning brand

19. Air conditioning

    Usage

    Shortened to "aircon" in Britain and Australia, "A/C" in the US. Many older British and Irish hotels simply have none — check before booking

20. Remote control

    Usage

    In speech just "the remote". The Japanese clipping "rimokon" does not exist in English

21. Fan

    Usage

    Ask for one where there is no aircon. The same word means "a supporter", so fan yourself as you say it

22. Fridge

    Usage

    "Fridge" in speech, "refrigerator" in writing. The small one in a hotel room is the "minibar" and its contents are usually charged

23. Kettle

    Usage

    Standard in every British, Irish and Australian room. American hotels usually have a coffee maker instead and no kettle at all

24. Microwave

    Usage

    For hostel kitchens and shop counters. "Could you heat this up, please?" is the polite ask

25. Washing machine

    Usage

    A coin laundry is a "launderette" in Britain and a "laundromat" in the US. The dryer is a "tumble dryer" (UK) or just "dryer" (US)

26. Hairdryer

    Usage

    Reception will usually lend one. British bathrooms legally have no normal sockets — often only a low-power shaver socket

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