awlrain

Hi all, I have an upcoming trip to Austrlia and was wondering if anyone had any ideas for where to buy a converter/adapter (any specific websites, stores)? I also suspect it's not a good idea to plug a large power strip into a single converter/adapter, so does anyone have any recs on the best way to charge up multiple appliances etc while traveling? (I will have iPod, camera battery, etc)

Many thanks!
Andrea

hetismij

Your iPod will not need a converter - it is multi voltage. Often battery chargers are too, if the one which came with your camera isn't then look around for a third party model which is.
Have a look at the plate on your electrical devices - if it say 110-240v you don't need a converter, just a plug adapter. You can buy plug adapters pretty much everywhere, including at the airport before you leave.

doug_stallings

Converters are expensive and heavy, plus they don't always work reliably. If you want a curling iron or hair dryer, buy it in Australia; it will probably be cheaper and more reliable than dragging a converter along.

As hetismij points out, ipods, most camera battery rechargers, and most other electronic gear require plug adapters not converters. There will be a label on the device itself that indicates if it's 110 or 110/240 (on rare occasions you have to flip a switch).

awlrain

Thanks, both. So basically, Australia runs on 240v electricity and I won't need a converter bc most electronics accept a range of 110-240v electricity? (which is why I only need an adapter to fit the socket?)

awlrain

Does anyone know if it's safe to plug a US splitter (turns one socket into 2 sockets) into an international adapter? I noted that a few of the ones I saw were only 110-120v.

Does that I need to find a splitter that accepts 220-240v to use it on an adapter in Australia?

doug_stallings

No, it is extremely dangerous to do that ... not to mention that it won't fit in the plug. Most of the world has a higher standard of safety regarding electricity than the U.S., so you could probably buy a power strip but probably not a splitter, and it might be expensive.

JoanneH

Hi: I have used this all over the world. Going to Australia on the 19th will let you know how it works. I simply plug it in to the plug converter and go from there. I got mine on ebay for $15.00 but Amazon has then for $8.00+ so its about the same
Here is the review:
http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-9889245-1.html
I use it for charging, gps, computer, mp3 player, phone and camera all at same time with no problem. Never used it with hair dryer to heavy to cart around one.