So I will have with me a few items that will need to be charged while I am in France and Italy. I understand I need a converter but want to make sure everything is ok.
Pda - input 100-240V~400mA 50-60Hz
output 5.4V- 2410mA,
Cell phone - output 5.9V - 400mA,
input 100-240V 50-60Hz
Camera battery charger -
input 100-240V 50-60Hz 16-21VA
output DC1.2V 310mA x2
565mA x4/1275A x2
I bought a $20 kit that came with Voltage converter and adapters. It converts 220/240V AC down to 110/120V 50/60Hz. It does caution to not use converter to operate applicance or equipment greater than 1600 watts/ And not to use for computers. Can I use this converter for the above 3 items safely? Do I need a special one for the pda? Or what/where should i get the right one?
The exception is my
curling iron - 120V/240V -- 50/60Hz 125W
Can I use this with my converter?
Thanks for clearing the confusion!
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We just returned from Paris. Even though we took a voltage converter and adapter, the curling iron would not work. However, my daughter was able to charge her ipod. Hope this helps.
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You need a high and a low converter. The high one runs hair dryers, etc., while the low one runs electronics (computers, PDAs, battery rechargers. Try Air Source or Radio Shack. Walmart usually sells only the one for appliances - this will blow your PDA.
vb
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Sorry to disagree with the preceding posts, but I don%26#39;t think you need a converter at all. All your devices are designed to work on both US 110V and on 220-240V systems found elsewhere. I assume there is no voltage switch on any of them, but if there is you will have to switch that to the higher voltage.
All you need is the correct adapter to enable you to plug your devices into the wall outlet. Check the manuals for your PDA, camera and cell phone for any other instructions or cautions.
Curling irons may not work in the bathroom outlet, but should work in a normal outlet in a hotel bedroom.
I assume you have done the needful in terms of making your phone usable outside your US network area.
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Ok, I just found 2 different websites and they both agree in stating:
The electrical current
If you don%26#39;t address this issue, your laptop could be destroyed by a power surge. Hopefully, you won%26#39;t need to do a thing. Although the U.S. and Canada%26#39;s current is 110, Europe (and indeed most of the world) use 220-240 volts. To find out if your laptop can convert to the new current, look at the box on your power cord. If it has small print stating, %26quot;110-240v%26quot; or something similar showing a range, you are OK.
If it doesn%26#39;t, you will need to buy a electrical current converter ...
…about.com/cs/travelplanning/a/laptop_p.htm
I guess I%26#39;m good to go with just the adapter for the 3 items. Manuals don%26#39;t state anything. The curling iron I%26#39;ll use the converter I have. Maybe someone who has brought a laptop or pda can comment here...
Re: the cell phone I got my unlock code 2 days after calling cingular! I get the SIM card next month.
Thanks-
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What Irish says is correct. Most if not all transformers can accept 110 or 220 volts (which they subsequently reduce even further). This should be clearly indicated somewhere on the unit and includes those used in PDAs, cell phones, and cameras.
In a very general sense, transformers change voltage, converters change AC current to DC. Adapters allow you to alter the plug-in ends of your cords. French receptacles accept two rounded prongs vs. the two slotted prongs found in the US. You will need only to purchase adapters for your appliances. These are very inexpensive and can be found at Darty, FNAC, Carrefour, or some other location selling electronics. They cost 1-2 euros and you really only need one or two.
For your curling iron, I recommend buying one in France (same for hair dryers). These units do pull a lot of amps and while there are tricks allowing you to use the 110 versions in 220 receptacles, there is still an all too wide margin for error. Buy the French versions for use in Europe; they are much more difficult to accidentally melt down than the US versions; and safer.
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Hi fotogirl. Can you explain the unlock code for the phone to me? We are cingular also and had made sure our phone is usable while we are in Europe - but it is $1.29 a minute. Does this unlock code make it cheaper - we will be in several countries.
Thanks
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Okbrit-
There are many threads on this subject if you search for %26quot;cell phone%26quot;.
Basically if you%26#39;re an established cingular customer they will give you the unlock code for your phone. Right now your phone is %26quot;locked%26quot; into Cingular, unlocking it means you can use any Sim card. I will buy a French SIM card when i get there (from mobile phone store for about 30 euros) and get the local number and cheaper rates. Incoming calls in France are free which is really nice!
On another post i had cingular%26#39;s number, you just call and ask for subsidy code. They will ask for your IMEI number (and tell you how to get if from your phone) and they email you the code. From there, (haven%26#39;t tried yet) I can remove my SIM and input another and it will prompt me for subsidy code. Enter it, and it should work.
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Thank you fotogirl. I will check it out. The internet is great but there is so much different information out there it gets a bit confusing at times.
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fotogirl,
Your%26#39;re becomming the person to go to for answers about electronics.
I might suggest that you save your money and return whatever voltage converter devices you have purchased. Your transformers don%26#39;t need it and your curling iron information leads me to conclude that there is probably a small, flat, penny sized selector on it allowing it to be used in 220v receptacles. Do consider purhcasing one in France hkowever as it%26#39;s a safer approach and they really are not that expensive.
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Hi,
I was reading all the posts about how to hook up hair dryers and curling irons. I have a straightner instead of curling iron but basically the same thing. Do you recommend buying the hair dryers in France or buying the converter/adapter?
thank you!
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