We are getting ready to go to Italy and Greece and I was wondering if someone could tell me what kind of converters I need for both countries. I am bringing along a hair dryer and a curling iron and my husband is bringing a razor. Do both countries have different outlets? Do I need an adapter and a converter? What's the difference? Where can I buy these things? I do not know of any travel type stores around my area (detroit). Is it possible to order these on line and have them delivered by next weekend? Last question, are they expensive? Sorry for asking so many questions!

You can pick up converters in stores like Target or Radio Shack. They usually come with all the converters you need in Europe. There are also usually two "sizes", one for little stuff like the razor and another for big stuff like hair dryers. (I think the little one is up to 50 watts and the big one is up to 1600 watts. This is output, not physical size, they're both about the same physical size.) You shouldn't use the big one for the razor or the little one for the hair dryer. <BR>However, you may want to do a search on converters, hair dryers and razors. This has been discussed before and I think the consensus was that most hotels supply hairdryers and they may also have outlets for razors.

Thank you very much Ron. There is Radio Shack close to where I work so I think I may stop over there right now on my lunch. Thanks!

Good idea to check with your hotels to see if they accommodate US appliances. That might save you the trouble of lugging converters, which can be heavy and clunky.

Hi <BR>There are two things you need, plug adapters, and converters. The converter will work anywhere in Europe, but to plug it into the wall, you need the plug adapter that is proper for the country. <BR>Do find out if your hotel supplies a hairdryer--it saves the weight, and the trouble. Some people prefer to buy an inexpensive hairdryer in Europe--they work reliably and you'll have it for your next trip. <BR>As many people have commented on this forum, and as I agree, even with the proper transformer and plug, many American heat-making applicances like hairdryers and curling irons don't work at all well in Europe. Hairdryers, even dual voltage ones that don't require the use of a converter, often operate at <BR>much less power, and I had a curling iron literally melt on me once. <BR>Also, in some European bathrooms, you can't plug anything at all into the one outlet except for a low-voltage razor, not even a European hairdryer. It's a safety issue I guess. Which means you may have to move furniture around in your room until you can find an outlet for your hairdryer and curling iron, and odds are it won't be near a mirror. Some people bring their own extension cords, which of course still have to be plugged into the converter and the plug adapter. <BR> <BR>If your Radio Shack doesn't have what yo need, and you don't have a Civilized Traveler book shop near you (they carry the plugs and adapters)or a Rite Aid Drug store (they often carry them too), <BR>call the Magellan's travel shop--they have a toll free number, and will deliver in two days if you pay extra.

sure thing Jim ! Give your European hotel a call and find out about US plug ins. Are you are moron ? I can guarantee you that the person answering your call will like to spit in your face if she only could ...and Americans ask why people consider themselves ugly ?? HAHAHA. <BR> <BR>btw , THE NEW CONVERTERS DON'T WEIGH MUCH AND AREN'T BULKY . BUY ONE ASSHOLE AND DON'T MAKE A BIGGER ASSHOLE OF YOURSELF BY CALLING A FOREIGN HOTEL.

Thanks for the advice. I went to Radio Shack over lunch and checked out the converters and adapters. They are expensive! The 1600 volt one for Europe only, is $18.99. 50 volt is $16.99. the one for both voltages is $34.99. Then if you want one for Europe, Africa, Asia, etc. its $30.99. Too expensive! I think I will just take Elaine's suggestion and buy a hairdryer there. Sounds like it will save a lot of hassle and money. I don't need the curling iron really and my husband will have to just shave the old fashion way! Thanks!

Dim is as he says.

Dim: I have seen 110V two-prong (American style) electrical outlets in quite a few hotel bathrooms in Italy (Hotel Canova-Milan for 1) and possibly a 4* hotel in Greece. <BR>Sonnie: check out http://kropla.com/ for some info. <BR>Regards, Walter <BR>

If all you need is a hair dryer, really, I have a cheap dual-voltage one I bought in a drug store in US about 15 years ago and it still works fine (as I only use it about once a year for a few weeks). It's a Clairol, I think, and cost maybe $10-15. It's also good for travel in the US because it's dual voltage and I do need a trael hair dryer as I have long and thick hair, so consider the fact that buying a dual voltage rather than one in Europe will be useful for other travel. They always seem to have places to plug in 125V electric shavers in the hotels I stay at in Europe (I think they convert in the wall), but I've not examined them much. Just buy a prong adapter for the dual-voltage hair dryer, should be only a couple bucks or so at AAA travel store or luggage store.

Walter, those two-pronged, American-styled outlets in the bathrooms are for razors only. Nothing else will work if plugged into them. I think there is some kind of safety regulation throughout Europe that forbids plugging anything that uses more wattage than a razor being plugged in in the bathroom.