With so many products out there, I'm having a hard time figuring out what I will really need for converting power overseas. We will be bringing a hairdryer, mini plug-in fans, and a video camera (w/ batteries that will need to be recharged). So far I've gotten a converter with adaptors. Would we need to purchase a transformer to run these properly? How about a surge protector to prevent damage from short circuits and high voltage? I am interested in getting a powerstrip, how well does that work overseas? Any comments or suggestions you can give would help greatly!! Thanks

Nikki, A converter is a transformer. The appliances you mention are pretty low tech, you won't need a surge protector. Check your hair dryer and video cam charger, most have a switch to accept 110 or 220. Don't know about the fan and not sure why you feel you'll need one. Countries on the continent all use the same adapter, the UK however has a big, klunky 3 prong deal. <BR>

hi nikki, <BR>i was in england in dec.past and had a converter, tried to charge a video cam battery a couple of times, worked ok the first time, but the the second time almost burn up the b&b.hair dryers seem to work only at 1/2 speed with converter. very strange. my suggestion would be to forget the video cam, a real pain to carry around, and if you really need additional elect. products, buy them in the country you are staying in.if i can help with any other questions please feel free to email. <BR>have a fun trip <BR>doug

Hi. I have been told, specifically, that when charging a video cam battery, you must use the "under 50 watts" converter, same as the one you would use for a curling iron and other products that use much lower wattage. The converter for a hair dryer and other products requires the "over 50 watts" converter. If you look in the stores, you will see, normally, that there is a choice of which one to buy, if you go to a good store. I believe that there is also one brand that can be switched to over and under 50 watts. It's a real pain, I know, but I wouldn't DREAM of not taking my video cam. I have looked at our previous videos over and over and treasure them. They are definitely worth all the bother when one gets home and can re-live all the wonderful memories, especially with interested friends.

If you have bought hair dryers and video cameras during the last decade, they would most likely be able to operate 220-230v. Read the instructions on each equipment. The hair dryers when switched to 220v usually locks out the high setting. Frankly, although we brought a hair dryer, we did not use it at all during the trip. The room either already had one or we could borrow one from the B&B owner. The 220v model operates at high setting. On video cam battery, the BAD BATTERY indicator came on more frequently when operated from the 220v source. I had to restart charger many times to get batteries charged. The same battery had no problem charging once back to the USA. <BR>