bakerstreet

Will our iPods (one old 80-gb video classic, one video Nano) charge in Spain without needing a converter? After several conversations with Apple and getting conflicting information depending on the person with whom I'm speaking, I thought the travel experts here would know.

I use "converter" to mean the device that converts the voltage from 110v to 220v, and I use "adapter" to mean the plastic part that has prongs the correct shape for Spain, into which I plug the prongs that are the correct shape for the US, so that the cord will actually plug into the wall socket in Spain.

Do I need a prong adapter but not a voltage converter? The nice people at Apple tell me things like "You need to buy the World Travel Adapter so it will convert your iPod for use in Europe." One person told me all iPods are dual voltage, one told me none are, and several said they didn't have any idea.

I don't see any writing on the side of the device that gives me the information I seek, and am hoping someone here knows whether they are ALL dual voltage. If they are not, is there an objective dividing line between the ones that are and the ones that are not -- iPods made before a certain date, say, or certain models of iPod dual voltage while certain other models are not?

Does anyone have actual experience in plugging in their iPod in Western Europe, with or without success?

Thank you.

Travelnut

It's the charger unit you need to check, not the iPod itself. It should read a range like: 100v/250v or 110v/240v.

Typically, modern electronics are all dual-voltage. The charge units for my cell phones, camera, and laptop are dual-voltage.

Belledame

gosh, i can't remember. i know i took my iPod, travel adapter, a converter and Western Europe adapter. But i don't think i used my ipod must.

best to just get the adapter and converter. the last thing you want to do is risk frying your iPod. you could always use them again or sell them.

txtree

I have had several versions of the iPod and have traveled with them to various countries (including Spain). I never used a converter - just an adaptor - and it was fine.

cheryllj

As Travelnut, it's the *charger* that has the voltage listed, not the ipod.

What charger do you use? Have you looked at it to determine the voltage?

I believe the Apple USB power adapter is dual voltage. According to the Apple site, if you have that one , it works "around the world" and needs only the adapter plug set (conveniently sold by Apple) to work anywhere.

bakerstreet

Thank you! Yes, it's the official Apple iPod charger I'm talking about, you're right. I will take plug adapters, not worry about converters, and I appreciate your help. I should have just posted here instead of wasting all that time with Apple.

imperialtopaz

Yes, I have the apple travel charger, and it says on the side that it is dual voltage. It also comes with a co-axil cable that connects into your ipod or iphone.I have an ipod nano. You will just need a converter.

amyb

I used my 30g iPod video in Italy and all I needed was the plug attachments to fit it into Italian outlets. The plug kit is $29, I think. I already had the cord with the USB plug on one end and the US outlet plug on the other to charge my iPod at home (doesn't come with the iPods), so you may have to buy that too.

magrb

I think converter is what you need for hair appliances like curling irons/straigheners. Is that right?

Larryincolorado

There are two "kinds" of converters. For low wattage devices, a transformer is used. It preserves the wave form, which is essential for electronic power supplies. The second kind is an electonic device that chops the top off the sinewave. It works for high wattage heating appliances like hair dryers but can damage a power supply. A few converters have both devices in one.

Larryincolorado

When I looked at an ipod a few years ago, it had a replaceable piece in the corner with an American 2-blade plug. The $30 Apple "World Travel Adapter" was just another piece to go in the corner, with different pins. I'm not sure it would work with the highly recessed receptacles in Germany. You can do the same thing with a $5 plug adapter from Ace Hardware.

rkkwan

Larry - I have the world adapter kit from Apple, and yes, the two round pin adapter for continental Europe use will fit and clear the Schuko plug.

amyb

In case anyone is still unclear:

This is the plug to charge at home (and abroad with the help of the kit below):
http://tinyurl.com/2hfkhc

And this is the World Adapter (not converter) Kit:
http://tinyurl.com/286xep

That's all I need for Western Europe. I'm sure you can do it more cheaply using non-Apple products, but I bought these separately as the needs arose.

zippo

Tip - look at the charger itself. It will have the allowed mains voltages written on it somewhere, usually on the base.(safety laws)