markbook

A simple question for experienced Czech Republic travellers....

I'm assuming that the Czech standard power outlets in the wall provide 220volt 50Hz electricity. My question is: does the power receptacle look the same as it does in all the western European countries?

I've used the same adapter in Italy, Germany, France, Switzerland, and Belgium (and even on a German train!), and I'm expecting that it will also work in the Czech Republic ... but is that true? The computer power supply I use is dual voltage and dual frequency capable, so that is not a problem. I just need to be sure that I can plug it in to the wall ... or buy yet another adapter if my existing one won't work.

I understand that phone connections are another issue. I may get lucky and find US-type modular connections in some places, but usually I won't. Any info appreciated about this.

Also, any experience you have about available access numbers to the Internet? I've been highly successful with Earthlink and AOL access in other western European countries, but don't know if that will also apply in the Czech Republic. No doubt that there will be available Internet cafes.

OK, ok, so maybe my questions are not all that simple!


--mark--

Christina

yes, the Czech Republic uses the typical continental European plug with two round pins and is 220-230V/50 hz. The outlets are similar to France, as I recall, and often have a grounding prong. I have an adapter with one of those in it, in addition to the regular simple two-prong plugs, so can't really recall if you can get by without the grounding receptacle. I think once in France the simple one didn't work (didn't fit probably, as the prong comes out and maybe conflicted with the adapter) and I had to use the grounding one, but am not sure. You've probably run into that situation before in Europe if you've been in France.

I don't know about access numbers, I just go to an internet cafe and don't travel with computers. If you have AOL, they are supposed to give you one, I think they have that info online (used to, anyway, as I have AOL). I didn't think they even had AOL in the Czech Republic, though -- I thought it was only in a few European countries (France, UK and Germany).

zbjoon

I have been in places in Czech Republic that they have one of those deep outlets with the ground prong sticking out. You would need the special adapter for that kind of a plug. I would also take a regular western European adapter.

markbook

Thanks folks. I think I have what I need to take. You've been most helpful. And, yes, I've had the trouble you described with the grouding prong in some of the French outlets!

sfowler

kropla.com is the standard source for information on these issues.