Electrical adaptors
 

Hello! <BR> <BR>I am travelling from Canada to Australia and I will be staying at Sydney Central Backpackers hostel in Sydney and Port O'Call Lodge in Port Douglas. Will I have to bring my own adaptor for things like our video camera charger, hair dryer, etc. or will the hostel provide us with one? <BR> <BR>Thanks for your help once again! <BR> <BR>KC

You will need to bring your own adaptor but also don't forget that you will need dual voltage equipment or a converter as our electrical appliances operate on 240V and plugging in 110V equipment would blow it. I'd suggest if you don't have a dual voltage hairdryer you purchase a cheap KMart model when you arrive

Check to see if your camcorder charger is already dual voltage, if so you won't need a converter for that. You'll still need the adaptor which costs about $5.

KC, <BR> <BR>You will need both a plug adaptor and a voltage adaptor (which you can find at least at the specialty travel stores). However, I found that even with the voltage adapter, my hairdryer either did not work or started to smell like it was burning out. When you first try charging the camcorder, I'd watch & sniff for a bit, just to make sure. <BR> <BR>I think the best suggestion is to buy a hairdryer there (although many hotels now have them in the bathrooms; the same cannot be said for the hostels, though). <BR> <BR>Good luck. <BR>

What type of adoptor will I need in <BR>Australia and New Zealand? Can you <BR>describe it to me? How many prongs, etc.? <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

Kerry is right - make sure your appliance will run on 110 as opposed to 240 - I blew up my travel iron (supposed to be convertable) and my hair dryer in NZ. Fortunately, they were "cheapies". London Drugs offers a great supply of these appliances that you can use on dual voltage. For your more expensive items - use caution. <BR>

I forgot to add - you will also need an adapter - I believe a 3 prong. It is about $30 at London Drugs - Have fun in AU.