Question about currency and power adapters for Germany and Switzerland

You'll need to get Swiss francs for Switzerland. They are not on the Euro. Easily obtainable at most ATMs once you get there.
I have never seen a "universal" adapter for the different types of outlets in Europe. That doesn't mean that they don't exist but the outlets are so different that I can't imagine how there could be such a thing. German outlets are two rounded prongs and Swiss outlets are three prongs that are in a flattened triangle pattern. You'll need to get a converter with a different adapter for each country. If you have an iPhone you will only need the adapter as they are now manufactured to work with both US and European currents. I used an adapter for my iPhone all summer (Switzerland and England) and it was fine. If you don't have an iPhone you'll probably need a converter/adapter pairing for all your devices for the two different countries. That will only be three small things though; the two adapters with the converter to plug into them, as well as your computer and phone power cords. Just put everything into one small, zippered pouch together and it won't take too much space.

dickinsonhaul,

Regarding the currency, you're correct. Most of Europe uses the Euro, while Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc. Some places in Switzerland may accept Euros, but generally you won't get a very favourable exchange rate. If you withdraw cash from an ATM in Switzerland, you'll receive Swiss Francs.

Regarding "power adapters", some clarification of terminology needs to be addressed first. Are you referring to a Plug Adaptor or a Voltage Converter? A Plug Adaptor is a simple mechanical device which allows North American plugs to connect to European outlets, while a Voltage Converter "steps down" the European 220 volts to North American 115 volts. You will undoubtedly need Plug Adaptors, but you may or may not need a Voltage Converter.

The first thing you'll need to do is check EACH of the devices you'll be travelling with to determine the Input Voltage ratings. They will either be listed somewhere on the device itself (hair dryer) or the charger (phone, computer). If the ratings state Input 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, then you'll only need Plug Adaptors. The hair dryer may only be rated for 115 VAC, so DO NOT connect that in Europe or you'll see a display of sparks and smoke! Most hotels provide hair dryers these days, so it's probably not necessary to pack one along. If you would prefer to have your own dryer, buy a dual-voltage model or pick one up in Europe.

It's likely that most of your appliances use two-pin (ungrounded) Plugs, so THIS EURO PLUG ADAPTOR will work on both Germany and Switzerland. If your computer uses a three-pin (grounded) Plug, THIS ADAPTOR SHOULD WORK IN GERMANY and THIS ADAPTOR SHOULD WORK IN SWITZERLAND. I should note that you can use the ungrounded two-pin model, although the ground won't be connected. If an appliance is designed to be grounded, I always prefer to use that.

One other point of concern is that you'll be travelling with your phone. Are you planning to roam with your home network? Have you checked that your phone will work on the GSM networks in Europe? You'll have to be very careful with data roaming if you're using a smartphone, as the the costs can be HUGE!

Happy travels!

I've never stayed at a hotel in Switzerland that couldn't provide the correct outlet adaptor upon request.

Don't bring a hairdryer; hotels will provide them.

A few places may accept euros in Switzerland, but you will get an unfavorable exchange rate. Do get francs from the ATM and use them instead of euros. Some ATMs in Switzerland disperse both euros and francs, so if you are about to head to Germany you can always pick some euros up before that.