Electricity in Europe
 

Will I need a converter for my hair dryer and shaver while in France and Italy? I have the adapter plugs for the wall outlets, but don't I need something to lower the power -- like a converter?

If you do a search here you will find much information on this excat topic.

To summarize, determine if your equipment is 110V or 220/110. If yes, great. The issue with transformers/converters is that they are low ampereage, while a hair dryer is high amperage, so you could burn out the converter. People here have recommended just buying one over there.

Check your applinaces to see if they are dual voltage. If so, you won't need a converter. For example, my shaver will atomatically switch between 110 and 220. My wife's hair dryer has a knob which must be turned to change the voltage.

Technically you are willing to lower the voltage but not the power.

Also look at your hairdryer to see the wattage (how much power it pulls). Some of the super ones- some are 2000 watts - (common in the US) are too strong for european wiring (esp in older buildings) and you can fry both the appliance and the wiring.