The apartment that I will be renting in Paris is not equiped with a hair dryer. Should I take my own with an adaptor and take my chances that it will work (i.e.won't burn the place down), or should I just buy a dryer in Paris? If I should buy, does anyone have any idea of the ballpark cost?<BR><BR>I realize this might seem pretty trivial to most people but the only way I can be without one these things, is to go to Paris bald.<BR><BR>thanks, K.

If your hair dryer is dual voltage (look for the screw thing that turns on the handle between two numbers), then an adaptor will work with your hair dryer as long as the bathroom outlet doesn't say &quot;for shavers only.&quot; In hotel rooms, we always search for the plugs the maids use for vacuums. <BR><BR>But any Monoprix (a sort of French K-mart) will have a cheap, serviceable hairdryer.<BR>

I would agree with purchasing a small dual voltage dryer. I bought a small travel one that lives in my suitcase. The adaptor was purchased for just a few dollars more at a hardware store. No need in buying (and packing) a really big voltage convertor.<BR><BR>You may need to set the dryer on its lowest speed when using it.<BR><BR>Have a great trip.

I've hardly ever found a bathroom electrical outlet in Paris that allows for anything other than a shaver. Which as amy says,means that sometimes I'm pushing furniture around looking for a wall outlet. In which case in addtion to a plug adapter you might also want an extension cord so you can dry near a mirror.<BR><BR>I've never had much luck with heat-making appliances in Europe with my American gizmos and all the right plug adapters and transformers. My dual-voltage dryer usually ends up pretty weak. I even had a curling iron melt on me once.<BR><BR>Monoprix has a lot of convenient locations.<BR><BR>

Oops... follow up to previous message. I would suggest buying it at home so you can use it on all your domestic trips.

This subject always comes up! As the poster above indicates, first check to see if your dryer is dual voltage. Many consumer electronics sold in the US these days are dual voltage. Read the package or check the website of the manufacturer. If it is dual voltage, then you may only need an adapter to adapt the shape of the plug on your dryer to the socket in the wall.<BR><BR>If it is not dual voltage, do NOT attempt to use it, you may electrocute yourself or start a fire. Consider buying a dual voltage dyer in the US before you leave, and you can use it from now on in Europe and Asia. They do not cost any more than regular hairdryers. Your drugstore should have them or check drugstore.com People on this site will [probably suggest that you buy one in France. However, I live in Switzerland an find consumer electronics to be more expensive, not to mention that the packaging and instructions are often not in English. Also, you may be picky about specific dryers. Anyway, why waste time looking for what you want while you are on vacation?<BR>

Years ago I bought a dual voltage small travel hair dryer with a directional air flow attachment (at that time it was $50!). This dryer has gone everywhere (just need to remember to change the voltage). Personally, I like it so much better than the hotel ones and the air flow is fine. I have the adaptors for all countries so that's perfect. However, after having left the adaptor in a hotel room (darn it) we bought a hair dryer in Germany (1996) and it only cost about $20. So, these are your choices. And, no, it's not trivial!!

Thanks for sharing your info. I had forgotten about adaptors working with dual voltage only which meant my dryer would not have worked, so I'm glad I asked the question. I think I'll opt for buying a dryer when I get there.<BR>Kay

I find that the dual voltage hairdryers are so much weaker outside their normal habitat (US for me.) When I take my 1875 watt dryer to Europe, it feels like a measly 1000 watt -- and I need more power than that!

Why bother packing equipment that you can buy cheaply when you get there? Just get a dryer at any corner drug store. Believe me , they are not expensive.