Voltage Convertors

Hi Barry, I got one from Brookstone and it worked very. However, if your appliances are dual voltage (most hair dryers, curling irons, razors, I-pads, etc.), you just need a plug adapter. Adapters are available on the RS website for $1 each.

See:
http://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/phones-tech/electric-adapters-converters

Any voltage step down converter that can handle high amperage (current) needs to be robust (heavy). Electronic devices and chargers usually are low amperage devices, are "smart' and will handle dual voltages automatically. Watch out trying to use heating devices like irons. One of our ski group burnt out both his converter and his waxing iron in Germany.

You may not need a convertor depending on the device you are using. Most modern electronics already have built in convertors in the chargers already: i.e. ipods, laptops, cell phones, etc. Its the low tech items like hair dryers, electric shavers, etc that may not convert. You will need adapters regardless though.

Given the rise of many more dual voltage items now standard (nearly all electronics for example), I have since adopted the stance that if it is not dual voltage, it does not go. Adapters only.

Since I do not use hair dryers, curlers, shavers and the like, this is simple. If you absolutely cannot travel without a hairdryer for example, invest in a dual voltage one.

If you were asking soley about adapters, I have one like this I take, http://www.staples.com/office/supplies/StaplesProductDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogIdentifier=2&partNumber=580594&langid=-1&cid=PS:GooglePLAs:580594&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=580594&KPID=580594 then usually a couple cheap ones for the country I will be in.

barry,

Before recommending a Voltage Convertor, it's important to first know what you plan on using this with? There are two basic principles used in voltage conversion for travel devices, and it's important to use the correct type with each appliance. You may or may not need a Voltage Convertor, but you will most certainly need Plug Adaptors.

Could you provide further details?

For the past 10 years or more, even low-tech hairdryers have often come with a dual-voltage switch, both compact, travel-specific dryers and "large" hand-held household versions. If you pack a dryer you won't need it, if you don't pack one, you'll surely be desperate for one at some time on your trip:-) The same probably goes for converters, if you take along your own converter . . .

Depending on where you're staying, at a hotel, B&B, rented apartment, hostel, etc., there may be a European-voltage dryer on-site, either in the bathroom or at the front desk for the asking.