Electrical adapter plugs & converters

You should bring an adaptor with you, but you probably will not need a converter unless you are dragging along a very old appliance. All recent electronics, medical equipment and so on have dual voltage so there is no need for a converter. But you will need an adaptor to plug into the outlet.

The ones Rick Steves sells are more than adequate and are only a few dollars. https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/p/european-power-adapter But you can also find them on Amazon, and some have multiple ports, which can be a benefit if you are bringing along additional devices that need to be charged.

well, yes.
you will need adaptors for most new things - cell chargers, etc.

These are things generally dual voltage; avoid Voltage Converters and things that need them.

converters are a great way to shut down the power in the wing of the hotel or the apartment building -- may have done that

All you need are simple plug adapters, the simpler the better. Some wall plugs are sort of round and recessed and universal adapters may not fit those; the prongs would fit, but the shape of the device doesn't allow them into the well that houses the plug. I like the very simple two prong adapter without large housing. If you find yourself without, adapters are easy to find at large Monoprix, many corner household goods stores, and FNAC.

And I'm 99% sure the reception in your jotel has a drawer full of adapters left behind by other travellers 😀

I always bring an adapter and a molded, 6-foot extension cord with multiple outlets. That way, I can use one adapter for many things at once (portables, battery chargers, etc.) and i can put them somewhere convenient even if the only available outlet is behind a piece of furniture.

Since no one else has mentioned this, I thought I would correct a mistaken response above.

All recent electronics, medical equipment and so on have dual voltage so there is no need for a converter.

That is incorrect.

In general (but not exclusively) anything with an electric motor in it is likely to be incompatible with different current types. For example, if you travel with a favorite blowdryer, chances are good it won't work in Europe because the voltage there is quite different and the frequency of the AC is slightly different. However, if you have a cordless razor that recharges through a transformer you plug into a wall outlet, it most likely will work because the motor is running off of the current supplied by the razor's rechargeable battery, not off of the line current.

Anyone taking anything electrical into Europe (220VAC) from the USA (110VAC), should verify the device's acceptable voltage range. Virtually all electronic devices now use transformers with a sufficient voltage range to allow their use in either location. This is easily confirmed by noting the specifications on the transformer itself.

Mechanical devices, generally those not powered by an external transformer, are trickier and are likely best left at home. You can purchase a new, 220VAC hair dryer for as little as 15€ at FNAC, Darty, or Boulanger.

converters are a great way to shut down the power in the wing of the hotel or the apartment building -- may have done that

Lol!

Having stayed at the Londres Eiffel, I can tell you that they have hairdryers so likely no need to bring anything that would need converting. Even if one of you uses a C-Pap the new ones have dual voltage so you should be good to go and not need a converter, just the adapter.

Your phones, iPad/tablets, Apple Watch/Fit Bit will all be OK with the little charger cubes and the adapter.

You will definitely need to bring Plug Adapters but whether or not you need Voltage Converters will depend on what type of devices you'll be bringing on this trip. It would help if you could provide a bit of further information on that.

For smaller appliance such as phone or camera chargers which don't have a grounding pin, this model of plug adapter should work just fine.

Got this great little item off Amazon. Has multiple USB ports, a/c outlets and plug adapters for UK and Europe. It even has a nightlight. https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07TZHN5J3/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A2TOK8BGDG5XUQ&psc=1

As advised by other contributors, don't take anything with you that has a motor (e.g., hair dryer) unless it has dual-voltage capability.

moonpics

I would not call that small. I've been in lots of hotel rooms where finding a place to plug that in would have been difficult.