We have found an apartment and now I would like to know what is the best adapter and converter to buy. I realiize we need only the adapter for things like curling irons however we think we need an adapter for the camera, laptop, ipod.
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An adaptor is just a plug and it doesn%26#39;t alter the current.
If your curling iron is %26#39;dual voltage%26#39; then you need to use the adaptor plug to fit it into the outlet. If there is a switch to change the current, be sure to do that first. Most cameras, laptops, ipod etc come with a dual voltage charger - check it to be sure. If so, then again, you need the adaptor plug for the charging unit.
* * laptops may need add%26#39;l products, I don%26#39;t know about these
A convertor and a transformer both act upon the current and there are different kinds, so I%26#39;m not going to advise on those. It is doubtful that you will need one.
I don%26#39;t think there is a %26#39;best%26#39; brand - you can buy the full kits at regular stores or luggage stores, or online at Magellans.com, or places like that. You can also buy just the adaptor plugs alone - buy a few not just one - you need the kind for %26#39;continental Europe%26#39; that is two round prongs.
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The transformers for items like cameras, laptops, and ipods usually accept 220v connections (they are clearly marked on the unit) so all you will need is a male adapter allowing you to plug them in to a French outlet. These are not expensive (2-3 euros each) and are availabe in France or the US (Radio Shack for example).
Curling irons and hair dryers are more complex. I highly recommend you leave these at home and buy French 220v models. They are not expensive (%26lt;20 euros), much safer to operate, and can be used again when you return to France (this isn%26#39;t your only trip?).
Do not try to purchase converters (changes voltage from 110 to 220). They are not cost effective and are very heavy with which to travel.
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Curling irons with duel voltage are easy to find in the U.S and they are relatively easy to find. I also found a duel voltage straightener made by connair. Both only need an adapter and you will not have any problem as long as you are sure they are duel voltage. Do look to see if there is a switch you need to change before plugging it in. There are duel voltage travel dryers too, but I don%26#39;t have much experience with them, again you would need only the adaptor.
Converters: If you want to take a curling iron that does not have duel voltage (although I recommend the small investment for a duel voltage one), it is not that hard to do because a converter for these low wattage items are not as large and heavy as the higher wattage ones. They are made for low wattage appliances. However, a hair dryer is a different matter. They are high wattage appliances and the converters are heavy and I would not consider the trouble. Most hotels and even apts. offer hair dryers. Check to see if you can avoid bringing one with you. Worst case scenerio is that you will have to buy a hair dryer there and that would be better than traveling with a hairdryer and heavy converter.
All decently new phone chargers and laptops are duel voltage. You only need a converter, but look on the appliance, it is clearly marked 100v-240v, 120v/240v etc.
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Iroccaf -
I agree with the advice to buy several plug adaptors - count your cameras, etc. and then add 2, just in case. Bring them from home, it%26#39;s cheaper that way.
I aree with the do not buy a transformer advice. For the same amount of money you can buy the appliances you need in Paris and then you have them for travels anywhere in Western Europe without having to worry about starting a fire or blowing the entire electrical system in your hotel. Your curling iron probably won%26#39;t cause problems, but hair dryers put a greater strain on the system and you transformer may not be up to the load.
Any female employee at your hotel will be able to direct you to a place to make your purchases (inexpensive = bon marche), and you%26#39;ll have great souvenirs and a good story when you get home.
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Sarasota - WHERE can I find a %26quot;European%26quot; curling iron in the USA to take on trips to Europe. We%26#39;re going back to France next, and I literally have NEVER on many trips to Europe been able to get my curling iron to work with converters and adaptors. And a girl has to look cute when in Paris!
Does anyone have a source (online?) for European style curling irons that don%26#39;t require an adaptor or convertor?
Thanks!
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drdebu,
When you say you could not get your curling iron to work in hotels I have to ask if maybe you have made the same mistake I have made. In some (if there is a plug at all) French bathrooms they have a small plug that has an icon meaning %26quot;shavers%26quot; only. They are made to only accept items with very, very low wattage or the circuit will not accept the appliance. It is my understanding this has to do with French safety restrictions in bathrooms. Many hotels have NO outlet at all in the bathrooms. I made this mistake in a hotel and the only way I got my curling iron to work was to use a regular plug in the bedroom area. For me once that meant unplugging the television. Funny thing is, in order to realize what I had done, I went out and purchased a French curling iron figuring mine would never work, and it did not work either (because of the wattage max in the bathroom of course), so I bought the new appliance for nothing. I still have the 30 euro curling iron and I personally like mine better that is duel voltage so I use it when I travel.
I hope this keeps at least one person from making the same mistake.
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Dr Debu
To purchase 220v appliances here in the US try:
http://welectronics.com/
http://www.eastwestintl.com/
It is much cheaper however to visit FNAC, Darty, Carrefour, Giante, Monoprix, or a host of other locations when you are in France to purchase curling irons and hair dryers. Either of these applicances can consume a great deal of wattage during operation. Improper usage can result in damage to the unit or fire. I believe it%26#39;s just easier and safer to use appliances designed for 220v operation when in France.
The exception is items using transformers designed to use 220v sources.
Sarastro is in favor of girls looking cute in Paris (and at home).
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Merci! I will check out those websites. I would love to have my curling iron in hand before we go. When travelling with my husband and two sons, the LAST thing they want to do is tromp through a store in France looking for a curling iron for Mom.....no matter how limp her hair looks. =)
Maybe that%26#39;s why Parisians feel Americans so lack the chic look....in reality it%26#39;s just because no one can get their curling iron to work!!!
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What do I need to recharge my son%26#39;s Ipod whild in Paris
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I would agree that buying a French iron would be much easier and safer. I plugged mine in waited a few minutes and when I pick it up it completly melted!! It made me very glad that I had brought AA for my camera as I didn%26#39;t know what that thing would do to my battery charger! Good luck!
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