Of course, I wish to look stunning while on vacation in Paris, so I am bringing my flat iron for my hair. It is 120v. Instructions say it works in US, Canada and Mexico. Do I need a voltage adaptor for France? Same question for a camera battery charger.

Thanks!

The plug shape is different and the voltage is different. Get an adaptor that also changes the voltage so it does not blow up on you...my mother blew up hairdryers years ago as she got the plug to use but not the elec converter!

Thanks Siobhan. Will do.

flat iron:
Buy a new one, once you arrive. DO NOT buy or use a converter. May blow fuse or set house on fire.

Camera + charger: check if it is 230 Volt capable. (chance close to 100%) In that case, buy plug adapter

Chances are your camera battery chager is dual voltage (charger will probably say something like "input 100-240V&quot in whcih case all you need is a plug adapter to go from two prong flat to the round two pin.

If flat iron only says 120v - it will not work in Paris - if I were you I'd buy a dual voltage o buy one in Paris.

Unless your appliances offer a working range of something like "110v - 240V" don't use them in Europe which uses the higher voltage. This will be written on them somewhere.

Battery chargers should work fine, the flat iron sounds as though it could present a overheating/fire risk. There have been quite a few threads on this subject before so try a search.

Don't forget to buy a US-Europe plug adaptor.

logos, I am looking at the battery charger. It says input is 100v - 240v. So am I safe with just a plug adapter? I note that i did that successfully, though without thought, in Spain last year. Assume it's the same for France.

Please, tell me why a voltage adaptor is unsafe.

Was typing while you all were posting. I'm ok with the battery charger.

Why is voltage adapter unsafe?

Thanks.

>It says input is 100v - 240v.
Perfect, will work.

>Why is voltage adapter unsafe?
It's illegal to use, yet sold in the US. (Transformers (havy) are legal.

>Why is voltage adapter unsafe?
How good is your understanding of physics and electronics? Are terms like switching power supply, internal resistance and phase known to you?

Regardimg flat irons, the Chi website actually posts a warning NOT to use them with a converter in Europe. Buy one there.

It will <i>probably</i> work w/ a power converter and a plug adaptor - but it may also burn up and blow the fuses in the entire bldg.

But even IF it does work, it won't work at the highest temps. So - buy a European flat iron (not a dual voltage one - since it would have the same low temp issue) in Paris.

Voltage converters do not work well, if at all, for appliances that heat up.

As mentioned above, many flat irons indicate on the package that they are NOT to be used with converters.

Totally agree with the advice to either buy a dual voltage flat iron or purchase one in Paris.

Iregeo, one of the problems is that the frequency of the power supplies differs, 60Hz in the US and 50Hz in Europe. Try something like &quot;US Electrical voltage&quot; on Google. You are getting good advice here.

Hi Ir,

Most voltage converters are intended for use with low wattage appliances, not for irons.

It would be much better if your brought a 110/220 dual voltage iron for which you will need an adapter plug, or buy an iron in France.

Your camera battery charger should say 110/220V on it.

If it does, you only need a plug adapter.

If it doesn't, get a new one.

Back to my comments about the temps.

A dual voltage flat iron (or hairdryer for that matter) will <i>work</i> w/ just a plug adaptor. But those type of appliances w/ heat (and in the case of hair dryers - motors) will not work at its highest temperature/speed settings.

When used at the higher voltage there is a sort of governor inside the appliance that prevents it from going to the top settings. So - that means if you need a <b>HOT</b> flat iron to deal w/ your hair type, you will be disappointed w/ the performance of a dual voltage model. If you don't need the highest heat setting - then it will be OK.

That is why I recommended buying a single voltage flat iron in Paris.

I wonder what the availability of flat irons is in Paris? I've looked in London, Rome, and Paris for a wide-barrel curling iron with no success. So I take my dual voltage one with me, and to be sure, it doesn't heat up well in Europe.

I haven't seen any curling appliances with wide barrels in Paris either.

I prefer a &quot;hot brush&quot; to a curling iron (much easier to manager and better results) and love the Conair dual voltage, which is available in 3/4&quot; or 1-1/4&quot;. I've been using the 1-1/4&quot; for over ten years, and have a second I keep packed in the travel tote at all times. It worked wonders when I had a too tight/frizzy perm. And, it's easier catch the ends smoothly than with a curling iron. With an adapter plug, I've used it in Great Britain, France, Switzerland, and Russia with no problems.

I'll be in the same flat-iron predicament for Paris specifically.

Does anyone know where I can pick one up? I'll be staying in Montmartre, but obviously can go wherever in Paris to get one. I'm just not familiar with any stores that might sell this appliance.

Geez...why does stunning have to cost so darn much?!?!

Djkbooks, thanks for the recommendation for the curling brush; I'll have to try it next trip.