Availability of power converters in Burma?
 

Trying to figure out if we should purchase a converter (step-up) for things like electrical toothbrush, etc. or if hotels in Burma will most likely have one on-hand.

Never had to buy one before in places like Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam...hotels always had them.

But realize that Burma isn't exactly the norm.

For those that have been recently, what's your experience been?

Billy I would bring along a surge protector, or something with a fuse, as well.

Do they make portable versions of those, Pook? I can't imagine bringing a full-size surge protector in our luggage. :)

Don't really understand this question. On any foreign travel we have each brought a converter set and used it rather than relying on hotels to provide this. You will definitely need one in Myanmar.

Billy I use a Belkin surge protector similar to the one in the link below. This coupled with a universal plug give me peace of mind when charging or using power supply in countries with unstable currents.

http://www.belkin.com/us/BV106050-CW...C9AC4BF71140E6

Just wanted to add that while on trips where I had to depend on power from a generator the surge protector had saved a lot of my equipments.

Sorry for any confusion. The question is: do most hotels in Myanmar have these in- house?

In 6 yrs of traveling SE Asia, I've never been to a hotel that doesn't have them to lend out to customers.

Thanks for the idea, Pook!

I found this one which seems more suited to traveling:
http://www.belkin.com/us/p/P-F9H220-TVL

Question: since the surge protector is 3 pronged, how does that work with, say, the standard 2 pin European adapter?

Now these seem actually probably most appropriate:

http://www.walkabouttravelgear.com/surge.htm
(1st product listed on the page)

or this one (sort of an all-in-one-stop-shop kind of setup):

http://www.brookstone.com/7-Piece-Co...=#ReviewHeader

I normally have a universal plug, the one you can buy most stores inc supermarkets, that I attached that to. Something like this: http://dancarrphotography.com/blog/w...6/EA102_lg.jpg

Billy any of those should be fine.

Generally, your electronics have a built in convertor - any rechargeable items (ipod, laptop, camera battery recharger). All you need is an adaptor. We have universal adaptors that have built-in surge protectors.

It's the toothbrush charger in particular I worry about. In the haze of flying jetlag this past February I accidentally fried a base charger for it in my Bangkok hotel.

As Kathie said, any portable equipment should have a universal supply. That means it works on any voltage from 85 to 265 volts. You only need an adapter plug to connect your plug to their receptacles. If portable electrical appliances do not do that, then go find one that is minimally sufficient.

The universal supply in each appliance also does better anything that a separate protector might do. Another reason have a better appliance with a universal supply.

I don't know that electrical toothbrushes can transform voltage. Aren't they in the same category as shavers, blow dryers, etc? Usually only electronics (cameras, ipods, laptops etc) can transform from 220v to 110v on the fly and so when you're only traveling with those, a simple adapter will do. Blow dryers and stuff will blow up without a transformer, which are heavy to carry around unless your toothbrush is low wattage, so check that or it will blow up anyway.

Jeez Billy cantcha just get a manual drive toothbrush for your trip? :)

Two steps ahead of you, Lori.

No transformers i've found seem compact enough for travel.

Would've liked to have brought the electric brush (have you USED those suckers? A godsend!) but it ain't worth carrying a brick in my suitcase for.

Are you people serious??? Electric toothbrush as a travel necessity? What's wrong with the manual variety and a vigorous brushing technique. If you can't travel without an electric toothbrush, Burma is not your destination.

Maree,

Hmm, maybe I should cancel my trip? I can't live without my precious toothbrush. And what is this 'vigorous technique' you talk of? Is there a book I can purchase that would assist me while traveling to best utilize said technique?

You've really opened my eyes to a whole new world, Maree!

As an aside, I don't recall ever saying anything about necessity anywhere. It would've been a nice-to-have. You know what that is, right? Kind of like you...minding your own business.

Hmmmm..... my comment got deleted!

Color me confused. I'm going to Burma and will want to charge my I-Pod and Kindle. Did I understand this thread to say that these would have the necessary built-in converter, and I just need a two-prong adapter and a three-prong adapter? Does it matter if the ones I buy say "grounded'?
Kathie, do any of the higher-end hotels supply hair dryers? I like to have one but definitely won't be packing one.
And would a curling iron require a Converter as well as an adapter?
The hair stuff is optional, I can wash 'n wear, but need my music and books! Thanks