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European plug adapter

Recommend your European plug adapter, we have/had one but tested is this weekend with the US connection & it doesn't work :( (guess we should have tested it when we first ordered it ~ it was $50, hopefully we'll be able to return it even though we've had it for over 6 months)  At least we figured it out before we were actually on our trip.  We are going to Spain (don't think that matters)
We just need it to be able to run a hairdryer, charge the camera & other gadgets.

Re: European plug adapter

  • http://www.amazon.com/All---One-Travel-Power-Adapter/dp/B000YN01X4/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1328547872&sr=8-7

    We bought this one for our honeymoon to Italy and Greece and it was amazing.  I just wish we had bought 2 of them.

     

  • I have one like this adapter, which I used in both Ireland and Italy.

    image

    Know the difference between a power adapter and a power converter.  (Info here.)

     

    Definitions For Electrical Conversion Devices
    Plug Adapter - an interface that attaches between the American two-pronged plug and a specific European socket. The result is that the American appliance will be connected to European 220v 50 cycle electrical power. Power Converter (or transformer) - converts the European 220v to 110 volts so that American appliances will operate on European Current. Watch that the power rating (in watts) exceeds the rating of all appliances you expect to plug in at one time.

     

    For the hairdryer, you're better off using the hairdryer in the hotel than trying to use your own (and who wants to haul the weight anyway?) with an adapter.  Hairdryers are particularly power-intensive.

  • I would say the hairdryer would not work with an adapter unless it is a special travel one.  You would need a converter but I wouldn't take my chance and just use the hotel one.  I have messed up too many chi flatirons. :( 
  • Thanks for the info on the adapter vs the converter.  I need to email our hotels/apt to see if a hair dryer will be provided.  But I'll still want to bring a flat iron but I'd assume that takes way less power than a hair dryer. 
    I went to Ireland in 2006 but its been so long I don't really remember the plug we used for a flat iron (we had a hairdryer that we'd bought over there)

  • Ah yes I think I was confusing the two.  So a flat iron will need a converter but charging a camera would only need an adapter?

  • imageSusie Derkins:

    For the hairdryer, you're better off using the hairdryer in the hotel than trying to use your own (and who wants to haul the weight anyway?) with an adapter.  Hairdryers are particularly power-intensive.

    AGREE!!! leave yours at home and use one there (or buy a cheap one when you get there if there isn't one in the room). i wouldn't want to blow out my adaptor that i need for every other electronic device taking the chance with the hair dryer. they're cheap enough.

    Friday, December 28 2012. The day I had emergency appendix surgery in Mexico and quit smoking. Proof that everything has a good side!! DH and I are happily child-free!! No due date or toddler tickers here!! my read shelf:
    Alison's book recommendations, favorite quotes, book clubs, book trivia, book lists (read shelf) 
  • imageNDSUGirl:

    Ah yes I think I was confusing the two.  So a flat iron will need a converter but charging a camera would only need an adapter?

    Yes, because most electronics like camera or laptop chargers have dual power.  In a lot of places, you can just plug them in specified dual power outlets (usually near the restroom/sink area for portable shavers, etc.).  But my flat iron is not dual power so I tried using converters and they always short-circuited.  not fun! 

  • To find out if an item is dual power it will say something like 110-240v on it but if it's not it will just say something like 240v correct?

  • yeah! found this great page (after a lot of searching)

    http://www.letravelstore.com/VOLT.html

     

  • imageNDSUGirl:

    To find out if an item is dual power it will say something like 110-240v on it but if it's not it will just say something like 240v correct?

    Yep! Since we're renting apts for our trip; I plan on just buying a hairdryer when we arrive. 

    Your appliance should say on them what they can handle like you posted.  I'm not taking my Chi (my sister blew hers the first week she was there), but I'm going to take my cheaper flat iron that is 110-240v.

  • imageNDSUGirl:

    Thanks for the info on the adapter vs the converter.  I need to email our hotels/apt to see if a hair dryer will be provided.  But I'll still want to bring a flat iron but I'd assume that takes way less power than a hair dryer. 
    I went to Ireland in 2006 but its been so long I don't really remember the plug we used for a flat iron (we had a hairdryer that we'd bought over there)

    Even with using the adapters/converters, I have still screwed up two straigteners I brought from home to Europe. Instead, I recommend that you just buy one when you get there. Ask someone at your hotel what sort of stores in the area carry straighteners, as they aren't always the easiest to find.

  • imageTravelingJen:
    imageNDSUGirl:

    Thanks for the info on the adapter vs the converter.  I need to email our hotels/apt to see if a hair dryer will be provided.  But I'll still want to bring a flat iron but I'd assume that takes way less power than a hair dryer. 
    I went to Ireland in 2006 but its been so long I don't really remember the plug we used for a flat iron (we had a hairdryer that we'd bought over there)

    Even with using the adapters/converters, I have still screwed up two straigteners I brought from home to Europe. Instead, I recommend that you just buy one when you get there. Ask someone at your hotel what sort of stores in the area carry straighteners, as they aren't always the easiest to find.

    I agree with this.  I was bummed when I destroyed my Croc straightener in Italy while using a converter and adapter. I ended up finding and buying an inexpensive one at a pharmacy in Florence, and it's what I plan to use each time I go back to Europe now.

    image
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