Electric converters - suggestions?
 

Anyone have a recommendation for a not-too-expensive set of converter plugs for American appliances? <BR> <BR>My two sons are about to take off for the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, and Italy on a tour with their boys' choir. The older one uses an electric razor and the younger a hair drier. (I unsuccessfully argued that neither item is necessary.) <BR> <BR>By the way, in the event you are in any of these places and want to see a first-rate boys' choir singing in a historic chapel or cathedral, check out their schedule: <BR>http://marylandstateboychoir.org/schedule/ <BR>

Bill, are their razor and hair drier multi voltage. If not than you need a voltage adapter/converter, not just a plug converter. I us an adapter that I bought 3 years ago that not only converts voltage and watage but has a complete set of all of the plug conterters that you would need in Europe. I thing that I paid about $16.00 for the kit. <BR>Regards <BR>Art <BR>

Bill, sounds like you would appreciate the info at the following website which gives the voltage, plugs, adaptors for various countries. <BR> <BR>http://www.pacfusion.com/econcierge/adaptor/

We bought an adaptor/converter set for Europe before we left for Paris... it didn't work. The hotel plugs are the standard 2 round prongs; but the wall plug has a 2-inch diameter lip around it (Like someone had taken a jar lid and glued the top side to the wall). Square block plugs like our converter did not work. Fortunately, the wife's har dryer had a 125-250V switch on it. A helpful computer-store guy in Paris directed us to a quinquicillaire(???) or electrical/hardware store. They sold us a simple adaptor - 2 round prongs on one side, a 2-flat-prong socket for N. American appliances on the other.

Taking an electric razor for that many different countries/voltages probably isn't such a good idea. A lot of paraphanalia when just a disposible razor works great. (Some places do have outlets in the bathrooms for just razors and you don't need adaptors -- but not everywhere.) <BR> <BR>As for the hair dryer -- unless they are staying in hostels, many if not most B&Bs and inns either provide hairdryers in the rooms or have loaners available. <BR> <BR>If not, a small dual-voltage dryer and 2 or three adaptor plugs will work.

Dear Bill <BR> <BR> We just returned from Germany 3 weeks ago. I purchased a adapter/converter kit for Europe 3 years ago before we went to Great Britain. There was a chart that showed which adapter plug worked in each country. Our plug for Germany was the right socket size, but the prongs were just a fraction to short. I asked at the hotel desk if they had an adapter plug and they did. So I used the hotel plug then plugged my converter into that and was able to safely charge my camera battery. Then when I was checking out of the hotel I asked if I could buy the plug and they said sure. So if all else fails have them ask to see if the hotel has an adapter plug. They will still need the converter though to change the 220/240v to 110/125v of US appliances. On the hair dryer issue. Every hotel we stayed at in Germany had a hair dryer. Some travel hair dryers also have the converter switch on them. You should be able to find a reasonble converter/plug kit at any travel store or try AAA. Good luck to your sons on their trip. <BR> <BR> Peace Robbie

I wrote this earlier this afternoon but couldn't post. For what it's worth: <BR> <BR>As I sit here I am looking at my "International Polarized Adapter Plug Set," brand name Travel Smart by Franzus. I bought them at my local hardware store (Ace) about a year ago for $11.00. But you only need one of the 5 included for the European continent so you might want to purchase the one for Europe separately. (I found the plugs sold separately in a luggage store.) I'm pretty sure that I could also have bought the converter there as well, which is needed if you want to use American appliances (110-120 volts) in Europe, which uses 220-240 volts. That's the theory, anyway. Over the past several years I or my traveling companions have burned out several hair dryers and curling irons using a converter, so a few years ago I decided it wasn't worth the hassle or the danger and I bought a European hair dryer and curling iron. They don't have to be the best since you use them so infrequently. They will last forever. <BR>As for the razor, many European hotel bathrooms have a 110/120 outlet marked "For razors only". (Anyone know the reasoning behind this?) In your place I'd try again to convince the boys to use disposable razors and forget about the hair dryer. They're probably not going to have a lot of shopping time. In case you do decide to buy the plugs and/or converter and can't find them, the Customer Service address for the above company is Franzus Company, Inc., Murtha Industrial Park, Beacon Falls, CT 06403. You can probably order them off the Internet, as well. I hope your sons have a wonderful trip. I have recently retired from teaching at a high school where our orchestra did such tours in Europe every 2-3 years. For many of the students it was a life-changing experience. <BR>

I agree with your opinion that they don't need them. I did the adapter/converter thing 1 time & it ruined a hair dryer. You can buy a small hair dryer for less than $20 over there with the correct plug & voltage. If the older boy charges his electric razor just before he goes, most will last for at least a dozen shaves. If it runs down, take a BIC along as a backup. Been there, done that. <BR>

We bought a voltage converter at Radio Shack for $22.99 about three years ago and have taken it to France five times. One piece with four prong configurations and 220/240VAC converter built in. Use it for hair dryer,curling iron, and iron(I know,I know). Almost all baths have shaver outlets.

Having been to Europe since I was 19 yrs., I purchased a "Franz" convertoer set and 19 yrs later I still have ir, it's one of best you can buy, it's reliable, it WILL NOT BURN OUT your electrical appliances and comes with a host of adapters for literally every country! <BR> <BR>Worth every penny!!!! <BR> <BR>Eileen M. Weber, Pres. <BR>Eileens Travel LLC

I purchased an American Tourister set of converters for all countries at Wal-Mart for very cheap.

I saw a set of adaptors in Radio Shack today for about $6 or $7. They also stock inexpensive converters.