Electronic Adapters help!
#1
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Electronic Adapters help!
I'll be traveling to Rome/Amsterdam/Barcelona and I would like to buy a travel adapter. Would I be able to use the same one in all 3 countries or should I buy different ones? Any advice where to get them/brand?
#2
Join Date: Jul 2005
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For my recent trip to the UK, I purchased a converter. Unforntunately,I told the staff I was visiting "Europe" and the staff didn't know there was a difference between the UK and continental European systems. My $40 converter was useless in the UK since it didn't come with a special plug or three "prongs", for lack of a better word. Luckily, my parents had a set of converters and plugs so we were o.k. My advice is to go to a travel store (forget Radio Shack!) and be sure to purchase a converter with enough wattage. Some of the cheaper models only handle small eletrical appliances up to 40 or 50 watts (for shavers and the like), but not blowdryers. The $40 one I purchased had the option of using the 40 watt setting or the 1600 watt setting; I guess that's why is was fairly expensive.
#3
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If you are speaking of the plug adaptor (and not a converter) all three countries have receptacles which accept the so-called "Continental plug" which has two round pins.
You can easily but these at places like Radio Shack.
You can easily but these at places like Radio Shack.
#4
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Intrepid1,
Hopefully the OP won't have to go to my local Radio Shack. The staff didn't no anything. I went there upon my return to purchase a plug so my $40 converter could be used in the UK; they didn't know what I was talking about and I didnt' see any plugs on display. I'll be seeking out a travel store for such needs from now on.
Hopefully the OP won't have to go to my local Radio Shack. The staff didn't no anything. I went there upon my return to purchase a plug so my $40 converter could be used in the UK; they didn't know what I was talking about and I didnt' see any plugs on display. I'll be seeking out a travel store for such needs from now on.
#6
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Here's a link to plug adapters -- take the U.S. plug to fit into a European outlet.
GS-9 is used in most wall sockets where you would normally plug in a lamp.
GS-20 is used for most kitchens.
Get a few -- they're inexpensive.
http://www.voltageconverters.com/plug_adapters.html
GS-9 is used in most wall sockets where you would normally plug in a lamp.
GS-20 is used for most kitchens.
Get a few -- they're inexpensive.
http://www.voltageconverters.com/plug_adapters.html
#7
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I went to Walmart and bought the travellers pack that has all of the adaptors (worldwide) as also bought a transformer. If you have items that are 120/220, then all you need will be the adapter, if not, you will need the transformer...but when I went last october, I could not plug in my transformer because the hotel outlets had a third pin and I had to do a transformer + adaptor combo...so if in doubt bring both the transformer AND adaptor.
Mike
Mike
#8
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And if you bring a cable from the US, all you have to do is to buy a 1€ plug and a screwdriver when you arrive. Converters are dangerous and illegal if they don't carry the "CE" mark, so make sure your devices do work with 230V.
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