We are traveling to England and France for a month in the summer of 08. Our eldest teen wants to bring an iPod; the younger one wants to bring the Nintendo DS. Our needs are simple, as we just want to charge our digital camera battery. I have no idea how to charge these things up while we're overseas. Any suggestions as to what I'll need to take in order to keep these items running? And will it make a difference in England vs. France?
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
Most likely all you will need is a plug adaptor, since none of those devices will need voltage converters (check to make sure it says something like "110v-240v" on the charger). UK and France will possibly have different plugs, so you will need different adaptors. A set of travel adaptors will have all you need. They can be purchased in the luggage/travel department of stores like Target as well as many places online.
Posted by
in a train schedule...
267 posts
UK and France do indeed use different plugs. I got my plug adapters at Radio Shack. If you use those, your electronics will be fine.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32363 posts
Ann, I have a few tips to help with the power issue.
As mentioned, you will need to check the Charger of EACH device that you want to bring with you to Europe. Look for the phrase "Input Voltage". If this states "100-240VAC, 50/60 Hz", then the product is designed for "world" operation. However, if any of the devices state "115VAC, 60 Hz" then a Voltage Converter will also be required.
You WILL need Plug Adapters however. I'd suggest at least two for each region. For use in England you'll need a UK Plug Adaptor with large rectangular pins, while for France you'll need the Euro style with two round pins.
In B.C. you should be able to find these at travel & luggage shops, BCAA, Source Electronics OR buy them from Rick's travel shop.
(we don't have Target or Radio Shack in Canada AFAIK)
If you need any further info, post another note.
Posted by
San Diego, CA, United States
864 posts
We travel (alot) and something I've found useful is taking two adapter plugs for the UK and the EU (plugging one into the other) to cope with deeply recessed outlets. You will need a different adapter for the UK and EU but they're cheap (try REI on-line). Now except for my laptop (I think they all have converters built in) I do use an adapter just because I'm an electronic chicken and am afraid of frying what little electronic gear I take. Take some thin strips of duct tape with you (wrap it around a pencil) and duct tape your plugs and whatever together so you don't leave any adapaters behind in the hotel outlet.
Posted by
Hendersonvlle, NC
486 posts
And here is a suggestion:
Bring a three-way extension cord so you can connect multiple devices into one adapter. Otherwise, you will be able to use/charge only one at a time and that is a real bummer when you want to charge two things at night and still go to sleep.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
1317 posts
I don't think the DS charger converts, so you will need to get a converter for that one.
Or, what I did was to pack a Cellboost battery (buy online through Amazon.com third party seller for $3, search for Cellboost gameboy battery) which gives you 6 hours of playing time and then you toss the battery at the end. The only catch is it does NOT work on the DS Lites, you need an older DS or GBA.
Posted by
OP
North Vancouver, BC, Canada
8 posts
Thanks, everyone, for the excellent advice. Happy New Year and happy travels in 2008 :)
Posted by
Philadelphia, PA
11 posts
England uses three prong plug and most other countries in Europe use the two prong plug. You can buy the converters at Radio Shack or any place that sells travel accessories.