An American Blow Dryer in Paris
 

I have a 1875-watt, dual voltage blow dryer that I'd like to take to (and successfully use in) France. I know I'll need an adapter (but not a converter since it's dual voltage - right?) But tell me, am I being unrealistic in thinking the dryer will work at all? Should I get a less powerful dryer? Just buy one in France? Any guidance you can offer is much appreciated.

I would buy one there and not have to lug it around in luggage, or find out when there that it is not going to work. If you need less powerful, the one in the hotel might be good :)

And don't forget, if you bring hair gel, you'll have a Rhapsody in Goo!

((H))

I've used my American dual voltage hair dryer in France for about 15 years with no problem. However, it is less wattage as they didn't used to make them as strong as now. So, I can't say for sure (mine is probably around 1000-1200W). Mine runs really strong in France because running it on their voltage makes it stronger--of course you must only set it on low when running it on their voltage, but even then, it seems to be a little higher than when on high in the US.

Anyway, I think some other folks on here have more recent models and can weigh in. I would rather take one as I don't want to spend a minute of my time shopping for hair dryers on vacation, and you will have to lug it around if you buy one and bring it back. I don't believe in buying appliances and throwing them away when they are perfectly good, although I think some people have proposed that idea. I think it's back for the world ecology. A lot of people wouldn't want to just throw that money away, anyway, so I suppose you could leave it at the hotel for others if you want to buy one and leave it there.

I had no problem with my dual voltage hairdryer in either France or Italy. I used an adapter and did just fine. Thanks.

And your title cracked me up...

I am the J (Judy) in the screen name. I have taken a dual voltage hair dryer to France and Italy on 20 different trips. My Conair Vagabond 1600 watt has never created a problem. I don't know if 275 more watts would make a difference. My friend took two curling irons because she was so paranoid one would fail. (but it didn't)Make sure you slide the setting to the correct voltage. Even though it's the low setting, it will work well. Sometimes you must hit the reset button. I am not sure what that does but when you panic because it doesn't work, remember to hit that button. The trickiest part is to find an outlet in your hotel room. Once my friend plugged her hairdryer into the only outlet (Marked for razors only!)in the bathroom to be able to use the mirror over the sink, and it blew up! In fact, smoke came out of the outlet and the hairdryer died. We spent one afternoon of our precious sightseeing time in search of a new one. Ten years ago, it cost $40. You won't find a discount store and will be really disappointed when you learn how expensive they are in Europe. You will need to attach the plug adaptor to the end of your dual voltage plug to buypass the ground. Definitely buy your hairdryer at Target before you leave. I was in Nice and Tuscany last May and often we ended up unplugging the TV to use the only outlet. We had to use the TV screen as a mirror. It's quite frustrating but works. Even if you hotel mentions they have hairdryers, take your own because you must use one hand to hold the hose, one hand to press the switch which doesn't leave you a hand for the brush.

I've traveled with the same 1875 dual voltage blow dryer (and plug adapter) for many years and it has always worked just fine. Once switched, it will only turn on Low, but this is just like High at home.

It's a good idea to turn the switch when you pack it, just so you don't forget. Then, turn it back as you're packing to come home.

Those provided by hotels tend to be: a) located in the bathroom (and I dry my hair while my husband is in the shower); b) have very short hoses/cords; c) far less powerful.

Your blow dryer should work just fine.

Mrs. Fly has always mangaged to survive using hotel blow dryers. But she is one tough lady who doesn't mind roughing it.

I bought a BabyBliss compact hair dryer in Paris for $15 at the local Monoprix a few years ago and it's still going strong. You CAN get inexpensive hair dryers at Carrefour and other large hypermarkets and, to a lesser extent, at Monoprix. And when you get back home, you can loan it to traveling friends or family.

All the hotels I've been in supply you with a hairdryer.

Thanks, everyone, for your helpful responses!

Merci!

While many hotels do provide a hairdryer, I've found that they aren't always what I need--some of the hang-on-the-wall varieties get very hot after about a minute and are hard to hold. Also, there's only one setting, and the force just blows my hair around.

My solution has been to buy a dryer for use in France and just lug it back and forth.

I have to complement you on your title, very clever.

I am another one who has blown up a socket in a bathroom of Europe. My curling iron got red hot and then sort of blew up. I thought I had it on the right setting, but obviously not.

BTW, the hotel driers are just as powerful as having someone standing next to you and blowing their breath on you.

Have fun.

I have a 1600W dual voltage folding hariblower that I use for travel only. Probably cost $12 and it's held up quite well everywhere in the world.

On the few occasions that a hotel provided a hair blower that was powerful enough, hot enough, didn't burn through to my hand and was located in the right place - in front of a mirror and designed for right-handed (you'd be surprised how many are situated best for lefties) people - I didn't use my own.

I would never think to travel with the hair blower I use at home. Suggest you buy a small dual-voltage for travel only. They're inexpensive. If not, your 1875W should be fine.

>>BTW, the hotel driers are just as powerful as having someone standing next to you and blowing their breath on you.<<

LOL...so very true...and if you have thick hair...you might as well plan on a couple of hours or more to dry your hair with the hotel hair dryer...I don't know why they even bother!