getting charged up in Europe

This question is asked all the time. Basically, if you have fairly new equipment, your chargers should all be compatible with European 220 voltage. You can check this by looking at the charger, and if it says 110/220 V, or something like that, no problem. You can just plug it in to European wall sockets. But, because the American plugs are different, you will need a standard European adapter (the one with the rounded two prongs) for France and a different one for the UK. You can get these at Radio Shack and other sources online.

Lori, as a "virgin traveller" to Europe, my first suggestion would be to pre-read the Guidebook "Europe Through The Back Door". That will provide a lot of information to help travel "well" in Europe. ¶ A few comments regarding your electronic "gadgets". To begin with, why are you travelling with both a Blackberry and a Samsung Cell Phone? Also, it would REALLY help to know which Cell network you're with, whether the wireless devices are GSM or CDMA, and if GSM whether the Cell phone is quad-band. It will be easier to provide more detailed information once those questions are answered. Travelling with a Blackberry raises some very prominent "red flags" as data roaming can be VERY expensive. You NEED to get some specific information on that before taking it to Europe, so that you don't come home and find a $3000 bill in your mailbox! ¶ CHARGING: the first thing you need to do is check the "Input Voltage" spec's for EACH device you'll be travelling with. That will be listed on the Charger or Power supply somewhere. If these state "Input 100-240 VAC, 50/60 HZ." then all you'll need are inexpensive Plug Adapters. NOTE: you'll need two different types of Plug Adapters. The U.K. style has three large rectangular pins, while the Euro style has two small round pins. I'd suggest taking at least two of each type, in case one is "misplaced". Cheers!

Hey guys. Thanks for the tips. Re: both Blackberry and Samsung. My husband is attached to his "Crackberry" and although on vacation needs to be accessible for work calls. Argh! Also we'd both have a phone for connecting if we get separated. Samsung is Rogers. Blackberry is Telus. Probably primarily use the Samsung to communicate home with family on an add-on texting plan for the 3 weeks we're gone. The Samsung is a quad-band world phone. Not sure about the Blackberry. Thanks for the tips on roaming. Do they apply as long as the phone is on but not being used? Eeek!

Lori, thanks for the info. First regarding the Samsung. As it's a quad-band phone, you should have no problem using it in Europe. You may have to "search" networks when you land so that it will switch to the Euro frequencies (I usually have to do that). ¶ You might want to check with Rogers regarding their voice and text travel packs, as that will provide slightly cheaper prices while you're travelling. As I recall, if NOT using the travel packs, the rate will be $2 per minute for both incoming and outgoing calls. ¶ Text is the most cost effective method for communication while travelling. Outgoing text are usualy 60-75¢ each, while incoming are usually FREE. Depending on how much you plan on using the phone, you could also consider a "Travel SIM" (if your phone is unlocked). Check the websites for Roam Simple, Call In Europe, Cellular Abroad, Telestial & Mobal for further details. ¶ The "Crackberry" is another story. How long has your husband been using that particular phone? If it's a year or more old, it's more than likely a CDMA model, as Telus didn't activate their GSM network until last November as I recall. If the Blackberry is a CDMA-only model, IT WON'T WORK IN EUROPE! Some of the networks did offer "dual technology world edition" Blackberry models, but that's something you WILL NEED TO CHECK. ¶ If it turns out that the Blackberry will in fact work in Europe, you'll want to check with Telus regarding their data roaming options (hopefully his employer is paying the bill, as it could be expensive!!!). Cheers!