stacyp325

Exactly what type of electrical converters do I need in France, Spain, Germany, and Switzerland? I will need to plug in a hairdryer, curling iron, digital camera, etc. the basic stuff. I saw a kit, but it was about $30.00. I didn't know if that was the going price, or if I could just buy the converters I needed. The only problem is...I don't know what I need.

Travelnut

You need a transformer and one adaptor plug. The transformer is for converting the voltage, and the adaptor is so the transformer will fit into the wall unit. Europe adaptors have two round pins.
You most likely will end up buying a kit, and will only use 1 of the adaptor plugs. $30 is about right. You can look at them in Bentley's Luggage stores (malls) or online at Magellans.com ($26)

djkbooks

I've found that voltage converters are expensive, heavy, and don't work very well, especially with appliances that heat, such as curling irons and hairdryers.

Better bet is to get yourself a dual voltage curling iron and blow dryer (Conair, for example, has a large variety of these, available at K-Mart, Walmart, Target, etc.), then you'll need only adapters for the plugs so you can plug them into European sockets.

Most digital camera battery rechargers are dual voltage these days (check the bottom of yours to see), so all you need is the plug adapter.

Plug adapters are available online at Magellans and other travel gear stores, or nearly anyplace that sells luggage.

You need to understand the difference between a voltage converter and a plug adapter.

songster

Go to Wal-Mart, and purchase an adaptor unit for about $10.00. Buy a sm., inexpensive hair dryer when you get there; forget the curling iron. Voltage converter is needed for most units from U.S. The adaptor has the plugs you need. The converter changes U.S. 120 volt to the 220 volt used in Europe.

ira

Hi stacy,

The converter changes the 220V European power to 110V US power.

The adapter is the plug needed to fit the converter to the European wall outlet.

Your kit should be able to handle 1200 watts (the power of your har dryer).

jody

Check the appliances you already have. Most conair curlers are dual voltage, either automatic or with a switch. Check your dryer..though I never take one..most hotels provide them..Most battery chargers are dual voltage.check yours..somewhere it will say.

Then all you'll need are adapter plugs..about $5.00 a set. Even if your curler or dryer are not dual it would be cheaper and easier to buy a dual here and the adapter plugs.

Travelnut

After dealing w/ frizzies and seeing myself in trip photos (headband, anyone?) I promptly had my hair cut short upon return home, 6 years ago. Still love it! Quick wash, quick dry, just a little gel, voilá - ready to go. It was actually my husband's idea.

nancy

Years ago I bought a converter/plug adaptor kit (I think from Brookstone)and toss it in my suitcase whenever I travel outside the US. It's very small and light weight in a little bag. It will take care of you all over the world. Yes, you can buy individual dual voltage appliances but they'll probably add up to what you'd pay for the kit. Just remember to pull the plug out before you leave your room (forgot one and had to buy a hair dryer!)