transformers, adapters, converters
 

yikes. i'm going crazy trying to configure my electronic appliances for a trip to france. i plan to get a travel hair dryer with dual voltage. i also need to plug in an mp3 player charger and a battery charger for my camera. i can't figure out what i need for which one of these. i've read the thread on this forum but i just get more confused. can anyone give me the see-spot-run version?
thanks,
bobbye

Hi bobbye7

I find that my computer / camera / ipod / electronic chargers are all dual current. You just need adapter plugs for the holes in the outlets.

Just check everything and make sure they're dual voltage, 120/250v, and if they are all you need is an adaptor. If they're not, you'll need a converter. That simple.

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so i don't need a transformer for anything? i'd just read somewhere that you needed one for battery chargers.

When I was looking for battery chargers for NiMH/Nicad AA and AAAs, I found many were NOT multivoltage (especially those from BestBuy, etc.). I had to specifically get one that was. It seems most proprietary charges are multivoltage, but it's still important to check. The key is to look at the power plug, if it is separate, or the device. Somewhere it should say "Input voltage: 120-240V". If it says 120V only, it is NOT dual voltage and you need a transformer.

Of course, you'll still need plug adapters (http://www.voltageconverters.com/go.asp?ic=GS9 for 2-prong cords and http://www.voltageconverters.com/go.asp?ic=GS20 for 3-prong cords).

Paul

this helps clear things up. my canon camera charger is definitely dual voltage. now i have to buy a dual voltage charger for my mp3 player, a dual voltage hair dryer and a plug adapter!
got it.