Looking for 220 Electrical Items
 

I'm moving to Germany in a couple months and wanted to purchase a few dual voltage/110/220 items before getting there. Can anyone recommend a good website or a good catalog to use to purchase these items? Thanks for your help!

Kathy, depending on what you're looking for, you might be surprised at how many things are dual-voltage now. For example, any WalMart probably has dual voltage hair dryers/curling irons if you just look for them, and then all you need is a "machts nicht" plug as Americans over here call them, to make them compatible with the outlet. Usually don't even have to flip a switch anymore, it's automatic. Just check the product specs.

If you have any friends in the military have them take you to a nearby base - you can find 220 items there for pretty decent prices.

If you have any friends in the military have them take you to a nearby base - you can find 220 items there for pretty decent prices.

And get them court martialed for using their exchange privledges for non-authorized people??? <BR><BR>Kathy - if you are moving to Germany why not just wait until you are there? Most dual voltage personal appliances (hair dryer, curling iron, etc.) don't work as well as 220. And 220-only ones will be cheaper in Europe.

there must be a website out there somewhere for this kind of stuff. I would really like to know one as well since I'm moving overseas next May.

there must be a website out there somewhere for this kind of stuff. I would really like to know one as well since I'm moving overseas next May.

Kathy:<BR><BR>I second Janis' suggestion of waiting til you get here and buy what you need. Unless you need to use them again in the US, it is cheaper in the long run to get 220 only here...the motors or heating elements on 220 only are smaller and therefore less heavy and bulky- and 110/200 dual voltage really does not work as well on 220 as designated appliances.<BR><BR>Unless someone other than yourself is paying for the mover, save yourself the shipping/weight/expense of bringing items to Germany that you can easily find here and bring what you will need, such as clothes (can be very expensive here-and sizing is very different from US) and personal items.<BR><BR>Querry: did you have something exotic in mind for dual voltage?? Or was it more like curling iron, hair dryer stuff? Unless it is truly unusual, my advice after living in Germany off and on over the years-wait til you get here and hit Saturn or Quelle or similar store where you'll be living.<BR><BR>Hope this helps,<BR><BR>Judy from Germany<BR><BR>PS- Using military friends to buy at the PX is a no-no for them, and unlikely you'd be allowed on base post 9/11 anyhow.

there must be a website out there somewhere for this kind of stuff. I would really like to know one as well since I'm moving overseas next May.

Prices in europe for most 220 volt electrical items are about the same as 110 volt items in the USA. Plus by buying in europe you get a valid warranty coverage while there.<BR>For a very large electronics/appliance megastore chain that has stores throughout europe, see www.mediamarkt.com<BR>

True, using military friends to purchase things in the PX is highly illegal. But there is nothing that says you can't purchase used 220V appliances from military who are departing Europe for the States. If you are near a military base, there are always military selling used appliances and transformers, at good prices. And many times the appliances have been used only 2 or 3 years, so are in very good shape.

House of 220 (appliances of all kinds with 220 voltage) http://www.houseof220.com/

I have looked in both France and Italy for a wide-barreled curling iron and have never found one. They're widely available over here. Anyone ever buy one anywhere in Europe? I hate carrying mine along and having it not work well when I get it there.

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