Power (electrical) converter

There's an excellent universal European adaptor in Rick Steve's travel store. Just click the link at the top of this site and go to accessories. If you only need an adaptor, it is very flexible. If you truly need a converter (110/220), Amazon com has many to choose from.

AJ, Some additional information would be really helpful. For example, what products will you be using with the Converter? I assume you're referring to a Voltage Converter and not a Plug Adapter? You will of course need Plug Adapters as well. There are two principles used in voltage conversion and it's very important to choose the correct type for the product it's used with.

I will be having with me my iPhone, iPad and camera.

AJ You need to look at the power block for each of those items and look at the rating plate. If it says something like "100-240v" on all of them you are good to go and just need adapters. If any of them say something like "115 vac" then you need to change the voltage and will need a converter. If the items are relatively new I would expect you to find the former rather than the latter. You will need to check each item you want to take.

Nigel has it right. Personally, I won't pack anything that won't accept dual voltage (most rechargers do work with only the small plug adapter). Converters take up too much of my carry-on weight allowance. You are spending all your time on the Continent so one plug adapter should be all you need to take. Adapters are fairly easy to leave behind. To keep from losing them, some people here attach them to the plug with a rubber band. Others take a couple or even one for each plug. They're cheap here, I'm not sure how easy they would be to find there (maybe in TI's?).

Not cheap here! I paid 3.50 euro in an electronics shop in Rome for an adaptor. Rick's are a buck. Take several, they come in handy.

For a little more information about European power and plug adapters, see my web page. At the bottom is a link to a page that shows what kind of plugs and receptacles are used all over the world. Romania uses the "German Schuko" (type F) plugs, as does Germany and Austria. As long as you are using low amperage, dual voltage devices, the two pin, ungrounded "Europlug" adapter will work for you. Note, however, if you have a device that depends on "polarization" for safety (one blade on the U.S. plug will be wider than the other) you might lose (50% chance) that protection in the non-polarized receptacles you will be using.

AJ, Thanks for the additional information. As the others have mentioned, you'll probably find that all of your products are supplied with multi-voltage power supplies. That's almost certainly the case with your Apple products, as that's true with my iPhone and MacBook Pro. You didn't say what type of Camera you're using, so it would still be a good idea to check that. Of more immediate concern is the fact that you plan to travel in Europe with an iPhone. Are you intending to use this for only voice and text, or will you be accessing the internet and E-mail as well? You'll need to be extremely careful with data roaming, as the costs can be horrendous! One example that I saw earlier this year involved a person travelling with her iPhone. When she returned home, there was a bill for $37,000 waiting in the mail box! Data roaming is something you'll need to be VERY careful with! Cheers!

I appreciate the assistance with this. As for the type of camera, it is a Sony Cybershot. The iPhone data network will be turned off and only using the text messaging and Wi-Fi, for the iPad I will be using skype and Wi-Fi.

AJ, It's very likely that the Battery Charger for your Sony Camera is designed for operation from 100-240 VAC, but it would still be a good idea to verify that. Look for a "nameplate" somewhere on the Charger, and specifically the words "Input Voltage". Cheers!

I have an old Sony Cybershot (circa 2000), and it has a dual voltage charger. I've used it eight time on the Continent. I seriously doubt that Sony would have gone back to single voltage. But Ken's right, check what's printed on the "brick". It's too easy not to do. The electronics' makers aren't providing these dual voltage chargers as a benefit to us. They found it was cheaper to make and stock just one model. BTW, I recently bought a new camera that runs on rechargeable AA batteries. I thought I was going to have to look for a dual voltage charger (not easy - most sold in this country are single voltage). Then I found on E-bay a USB AA/AAA battery charger. I can recharge my camera batteries at night while I'm working on my netbook. The USB charger weighs a lot less than the old brick for my Sony.

AJ, Which cellular network are you with? If you're leaving the iPhone enabled for text messaging, that means that voice calls will also be working. That means that anyone calling your number at home will reach you in Europe, and you'll be billed for "international roaming" calls. With voice enabled, another concern is friends or family not bothering to check the time difference, and getting calls at 03:00! I can tell you from experience that it's extremely annoying to be woken up with a trivial phone call at that time of the morning! If you're with AT&T, you might consider opting for one of their "Travel Packs", which will reduce the voice and texting costs slightly. Cheers!

My camera operates off of AA batteries, so I will be taking those with me. As for the cell phone carrier, I am with AT&T. Ken, thanks for reminding me about the phone calls coming through, I had forgoten about that, and I will be checking into any plans they might have.

AJ, If you're using rechargeable AA batteries, you'll need to ensure that the Charger is designed for use from 100-240 VAC. With your iPhone, it would be a good idea to check that the wireless data is switched "off" from time-to-time during the trip (I've heard of a few cases where it "mysteriously" switches back on). You can verify this with the "usage meter" to determine whether you're using any data. I also use an iPhone and will be travelling with it for the first time next year, so I'll also have to be very careful with the data roaming. Cheers!

We bought ours at Radio Shack, very cheap. Make sure it is 100-240 VAC.