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Charging Android and iPhone and iPad.

Hi,

We’ll be in Austria and Germany this December. Wondering what we need to bring to charge our phones (iPhone and Android and iPad). I know we need the adaptor for the two prong outlets. Anything else? Are USB ports common in Pensions, Gasthof, etc.?

Posted by
16352 posts

I always travel with the assumption that USB ports are not going to be available. Anyway, they usually charge slower.

I bring a multi USB port charger so I only need to use one outlet for most items.

The other problem with USB ports is you never know what is behind them. Some could be compromised to not just charge your device but transfer data out. I use a data blocker adapter when using one.

Posted by
3046 posts

You will need an F-adapter. Take care of a CE label.

No, afaik USB ports are not very common, especially not in older pensions or hotels. It is also a question how much power is on this - modern smartphones need up to 5V for fast charging.

Posted by
1534 posts

You can buy a charger almost anywhere over here for 10 euro or less. Most are 20v fast chargers and they already have the two prong built in. Uses the same cord you already have. Look for a Timi store or even in the airport. But if you don't have that the charger you do have will work fine just plug it into the adapter.

Posted by
32362 posts

I would also recommend a multi-port USB charger of the type that Frank II suggested. There aren't always a lot of outlets in European hotel rooms, so that would allow you to charge several devices with one charger. This article may provide some suggestions - https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-multiport-usb-wall-charger/ .

Some of the multi-port chargers only have USB-A outlets so be sure to have appropriate cables that match your phones and iPads. Also be sure the charger you choose has the capacity to supply multiple devices.

Posted by
1183 posts

Outlets in Austria and Italy look very similar, but the holes in Austria are larger. An adapter purchased in Austria may not be usable in Italy. (Ask me how I know.)

Make sure you buy adapters and wall-warts that are usable in both countries (and in Switzerland, if that's on your itinerary).

Posted by
3046 posts

Some older houses in Italy still has L-type power outlets, not the new F-types. The small / thin F-type plugs also fit into newer L-type outlets; the round ones do not or do not work.

Austria uses F-type.

Posted by
20355 posts

I would also recommend a multi-port USB charger of the type that Frank
II suggested. There aren't always a lot of outlets in European hotel
rooms

And bring fairly long charging cables as that outlet will probably be close to the floor in a corner.

Posted by
4864 posts

I carry small octopus-like extension cords because nowadays, you can't have too many outlets