We will be travelling in the Netherlands, Belgium and France with cell phones (2) iphones, a flat iron for hair and a CPAP machine. (Requires plug in for 8-9 hours per night)
Any recommendations for a travel adaptor converter product ( ie all in one product preferred).
Where to purchase in Canada?
Thank you
Buy one adapter and a conventional power strip. Plug everything into the power strip just like at home. Plug the power strip into the adaptor and the wall socket. If your hotel has an interlock that turns off the lights when you are away be sure to disable it by inserting a spare library card into the slot so things can charge when you are out.
I believe France, Belgium and the Netherlands all use the same standard. I’m sure Rick Steves will sell you one. Likewise, Amazon. Wal-mart or Target would be likely places in the US.
Be careful with your flat iron as if it is not dual voltage, a converter (+ adapter) will not work and the flat iron could burn out or become overheated and be a fire risk. If it is dual voltage, you need the adapter only.
Adapters can be purchased at CAA, London Drugs in western Canada, probably Canadian Tire.
Flat irons are notorious for not converting, catching fire, etc. Lots of posts here about that. Buy one when you get there or let your hair go natural. As for the CPAP machine, I would check with the manufacturer. For your phones, you might not need anything, as most accommodations have USB plugs for charging. One like this works just about everywhere:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078S3M2NX/?tag=thewire06-20&linkCode=xm2&ascsubtag=F0401K6B2V2X8NYJNNS0N6VX0AQEV&s=A17KEQT2FIFS5B&th=1
Just like the flat iron, you should also check that your CPAP is dual voltage. Check the power label or nameplate on the device for an input voltage range, like "INPUT: 100–240V" or "120/240V". It probably is, but if not, consult your medical provider to ensure you get a proper converter for it so you don't fry it too. As suggested, a power strip with a longer cord is a good idea as many hotels do not have plugs close to the bed.
Search on "flat iron" in the forum and you'll get many ideas for dual voltage ones.
I have a CHI dual voltage flat iron that has worked WONDERFULLY for all of my 4 trips to France on just an adaptor.
The Netherlands, Belgium and France all accept the same adapter plug (type C/E/F) and you should be able to get hold of one fairly easily that has 2 or more USB ports for charging your phones.
https://www.travel-adaptor.com/europe/us/european-travel-adapters.php will give you the information you need and they are easy to find on Amazon and likely Canadian Tire.
That's the easy part. For the flat iron check to see if it's dual voltage (should say 100 - 240V 50 - 60Hz or similar). If it is make sure to get a decent quality adapter that is rated at 10A or so, some of the cheap ones are rated really low and can catch fire. If it's not trying to get a converter for power hungry items like this is usually problematic as most converters will only supply low powered items reliably. Flat irons tend to draw high amounts of current in their initial warm up.
The CPAP machine is the critical item. Again, you need to make sure that it can run on 230V 50Hz. If it doesn't you'll need to source a reliable transformer that is matched to the current draw of the machine. As it is used continuously for hours converters aren't usually a good option here and choosing something rated at about 150% of the machine's rated current is a rule of thumb. Unfortunately transformers are usually quite bulky and heavy. Worth doing some research here as it's obviously a critical piece of equipment.
As we're on the message board that Rick Steves has kindly provided us, it's worth pointing out that the adapter he sells is very convenient and very well priced: https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/p/european-power-adapter
Adapters and converters are two different things. Adapters are fine for things like portable smart phones and even laptop computers or I-pads that can safely run on 220 or 120 volts. Converters do the adaptation and also power down from 220 volts to 110 for devices like your iron and typically provide connections so you can plug in multiple devices to recharge. So, converters are all-in-one products like you want. Look on Amazon and you will find multiple choices for about $30 - $35 USD. Better yet, support your local travel store if you have one.
We take a converter with us because we take our waterpick. The converter is 1” x 2” x 4.5” and with a single plug into a wall outlet in a hotel room, it offers us 3 US outlets, 3 USB outlets and 1 USB/C outlet. So even in a hotel room with limited outlets, we can easily and simultaneously charge 2 cell phones, one portable/pocket charger, run the waterpick, and charge one or two other items, like an electric toothbrush.
You want to be sure when you go to Europe that you take the right plug adapter that comes with the converter for the wall socket in your hotel room. England uses “G” plugs. France uses “C” and”E”. Germany uses “C” and “F”. Italy uses three different ones: “C,” “F” and “L.” See https://www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/plug-voltage-by-country/
When you buy a converter, it should come with an array of plugs for you to pick and choose from as you pack for your trip.
Many hotels have a usb or USBC ports at this point within lamps. I wouldn't bring anythign with you and then when you arrive, if they dont have the right port, pop down to a corner store and buy a charging brick. It will be super cheap.
