Computers/Electronics in Europe

I have more adapters than I will ever need and not a one says not to be used with computers. Where did you get the adapters?

You are talking just about the plugs, right, and not voltage converters?

The warning on voltage converters is due to the way the voltage is converted. It can damage sensitive electronics. That said, check your chargers as most are now multi-voltage. Somewhere on the "power brick", it should say something like "Input: 100-240V" (dual voltage) or "Input: 110-120V" (NOT dual voltage). If all of your devices are dual voltage, all you need is a plug adapter. This will change the North American plug to a European plug. No voltage conversion is involved. Most of continental Europe uses the same plug for ungrounded (2-prong) outlets. Much of continental Europe also uses the same plug for ground (3-prong) outlets (the "Schuko" plug), though in southern Europe you may see the "three prongs in a line" plug. The UK and Ireland use a different plug. See http://www.kropla.com/electric2.htm for details.

If you have non-dual voltage chargers, I would recommend looking into replacing the chargers. Generally this is not that expensive and makes life simpler.

"all of the voltage/plug adapters"

Get your terminology straight. A purely mechanical device that has two round pins to go into continental European receptacles and accepts our two blade plugs is a "plug adapter".

A device that converts 230V European electricity to 120V for US appliances is a "voltage converter". Voltage converters can be either transformers (heavy for more than 50W) or electronic devices that chop the top off of the 230V sine waves and are usable for heating devices up to 1600W. The output from those electronic devices can harm the low wattage chargers on your computer, cell phone, etc, or even the device itself. That's why they say not to be used with computer. They are however necessary for appliances such as hair dryers, curling irons, etc.

You can get low wattage (up to 50W) voltage converters, but you probably don't need one. You laptop, cell phone, etc probably has a universal power supply rated at 100-240V, 50-60 Hz. If so, all you need is a plug adapter.

See my webpage.

To answer your question, we all have electronics that accept European voltages, and we just use plug adapters.

Emily,

As the others have pointed out, it's important to use the correct terminology to differntiate between Plug Adapters and Voltage Converters.

The first thing you need to do is check the "Input Voltage" ratings on EACH of the devices you'll be travelling with (the ratings will probably be very small and a bit hard to read). If these state "Input 100-240 VAC, 50/60Hz", then you'll only need inexpensive Plug Adapters. Leave the Voltage Converter at home unless it's absolutely needed.

The European style Adapters have two round pins, while the UK style has large rectangular pins. I'd suggest taking a couple of each type, as it's always good to have a "spare".

Another question though. Which Cell phone network are you with, and which phone handset are you using? If you're with AT&T or T-Mobile, have you checked the current international roaming rates?

Are you using a "Smart Phone" such as an I-Phone or Blackberry? If so you'll need to consider the data roaming charges, as it could be VERY expensive (some travellers have returned home to find a $3000 bill waiting in their mailbox!).

Cheers!

Thanks everyone! I think I've got it figured out.