Charging iphone and mac computer

I've made 8 trips to Europe with electronics (Compaq LTE, NEC MobilePro, Toshiba Protege, Acer) without a surge protector and never had a problem. Then, I have a netbook that sold for $250. If you have to have a $1000+ MacBook maybe you should have a concern.

Jane, It's very likely that the Power Supply / Charger for your MacBook Air is designed for "world operation", but it's still a good idea to double check that. If you read the label on the Charger, it should indicate "Input Voltage 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz." If that's the case, you will only need inexpensive Plug Adaptors to use this in Europe. I'd suggest taking two Plug Adaptors, as it's good to have a "spare". Where will you be travelling in Europe? Note that Plug Adaptors are different for the U.K. and for mainland Europe? I'm assuming you're planning to charge your iPhone from the USB port on the computer? Are you planning to use your iPhone for internet, E-mail or other data uses while in Europe, or strictly voice and text? If you're planning to use data, it would be a really good idea to speak with AT&T regarding international roaming packs. Cellular data is VERY expensive in Europe, so you might want to leave the data portion of the iPhone switched off while you're there. That means you'd only be able to access the net when you have Wi-Fi available. Happy travels!

Wow, thanks again for the feedback. Ya'll just saved me at least $30. Great suggestions and thanks for the link for the adapters.

I have a Macbook Pro I got last summer in the States. With a $2 plug prong adapter I plug it straight into the wall with 220v here in Europe. Some countries need a different adapter due to the prong type (Switzerland).

You don't really need a surge protector, you can get a little multi plug adapter, some include USB ports. If there is a thunderstorm unplug. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002CVTUBK/ This one is a surge protector, just add a plug adapter to the end you plug in.
http://www.amazon.com/Belkin-Mini-Surge-Protector-Charger/dp/B0015DYMVO/

The MAC and IPhone chargers both have removable plug s. I have different plugs for the UK and the EU that just slip right into the MagSafe Power Adaptor.
I bought the different plugs in a kit from Apple on-line, and they work fine.

I bought the travel kit at the Apple Store. So easy to swap out the plugs for the local needs. This works very well. Pam

Thank you all for your help! I am going to buy the trip kit from Apple as suggested.

I love apple stuff and actually have one of these kits from long ago when apple sold returned goods cheap but. You will be spending $39 for something you can get for $2 in a little plug adapter. You then just plug your current US adapter into it.

Jane, I definitely agree with Lisa. I like Apple gear too (I'm typing this on a MAC), but why spend more than you need to (unless you're rich). You can buy inexpensive Plug Adaptors like These for a few dollars (the products in this link are very good quality!). The choice is certainly yours..... Cheers!

I brought and charged my iPhone all over Europe last fall, and charged it just fine in any outlet. I also brought my Powerbook G4 to Russia (about 5-6 years ago now), and it also charged just fine. I can't imagine that the technology backtracked since then :) Just make sure you have correct plug adaptors.

Jane, The Apple travel kit doesn't contain a surge protector which is what you originally asked about. Here's one place to look: http://www.walkabouttravelgear.com/surge.htm Further, people are saying you don't need a surge protector. That's true. But you don't need travel insurance either. In both cases, you get to decide. Have a great trip!

Your surge protector/strip doesn't have to be dual voltage if the chargers you are plugging into it are already dual voltage.

Your surge protector/strip doesn't have to be dual voltage if the chargers you are plugging into it are already dual voltage.

John, One point to clarify regarding Surge Protectors, is that if using these in Europe they must definitely be designed for use on 220 VAC electrical systems. This Model is one unit which is appropriate for use in Europe. Surge Protectors (or Power Bars containing Surge Protection or Filtering) intended for use on North American electrical systems must NOT be used in Europe! Without getting into design specifics, the components (usually involving MOV's) are designed for a specific voltage range. I've never seen any "dual voltage Surge Protectors" available for consumer use. Cheers!

I've been thinking about this issue. When I travel in the US with my company PC I never worry about having a surge protector in the hotel room. I blithely plug it into any outlet. Maybe I'm naive or just don't worry because it is company property, but I think that this is possibly overkill. Pam

This is an old post, but hope someone can answer my question. I'm going to the Apple store but know they will try to sell me an expensive travel kit. I bought a $3.00 adapter from Magellen but my iphone charger plug does not fit tightly in the adapter. Hair dryer and shaver and other electricals fit fine, but not the iphone. Any suggestions?

"Any suggestions?" The i-Phone charger might not fit tightly into the adapter, but the European receptacle will grip the adapter tightly. When removing the assembly from the wall, make sure the adapter comes out. I now tape the two together after leaving an adapter in the wall in Germany. Doesn't the iPhone charge by USB, and your Macbook have a USB port? Is it possible to use the USB port to charge and leave the iPhone charger at home?