Anyone taken their iPhone charger and/or flat Iron to Italy? Converter?

Lots of helpful info here at Ron in Rome. Happy travels.

My iphone charged fine in Europe with a converter. Can't help you on the iron. Sorry.

I charged my iphone and if I am using the correct terms I do not think you need a converter, but simply an adaptor so you can plug in your charger. Someone else who knows about hair electronics will chime in, but from most I have read it is not a good idea given changes in current.... I burned up a blow dryer there once that was supposed to be okay. Now I have purchased on in Europe and use it exclusively over there.

Terry Kathryn is right, you only need an adaptor for your iPhone, not a converter. I only know blow dryers, but assume it's the same principle, and they burn up fast even with a converter. Keep on lowest setting. But, as Terry Kathryn said, better to buy one there.

I've never had a problem with any iPhones or iPods. I wouldn't do the Chi though. My friend blew my converter using her Chi. If you will be in Italy for a while, or can sell the flat iron to someone else who will be going, I would say just buy one there.

TJ, The first point to mention is that you'll need to ensure that your cellular data on the iPhone is switched OFF while in Europe, so that you don't incur HUGE charges. What type of Charger are you using for your iPhone now? There are lots of travel chargers available from different manufacturers. For one example, have a look at www.amazon.ca/Travel-Charger-iPhone-Shuffle-Generation/dp/B0021ZUMPK (Plug Adaptors appropriate for the areas you'll be travelling WILL be required as well). The Flat Iron is more of a concern. I vaguely recall a warning from the manufacturers of the CHI products, warning against using these with Voltage Converters. You might want to contact the manufacturer for more specific information. I'd suggest leaving the CHI Flat Iron at home and either purchasing a travel model from Magellans OR purchasing an inexpensive Flat Iron when you arrive in Europe. Good luck and happy travels!

TJ, look at your flat iron. If it is not marked 110-240 (110 for US and 240 for Europe) then do NOT take it. My wife went out a bought a lo-cost one for travel (at our local store) that was made to be used on both US and EU voltages. It worked fine. All she had to do was put a plug adaptor on the end of the cord and she was in business. Same thing for your IPhone. Mine is marked 110/240, and worked great when I attached a plug adaptor. Here is some great info about using your IPhone in the EU. http://www.lodgephoto.com/blog/set-up-iphone-for-europe-travel-save-money/277/

John...you don't take your flat iron with you to Europe? ;) I will leave my Chi at home. It does miracles for my hair & will be missed during my vacation but everyone has provided a lot of great alternatives to choose from. When an iron says it works on both voltages, does that mean you only need an adapter and not a converter or do I still require a converter? Glad to hear the iphone works with a simple adapter. I had not heard about needing to turn off the data, good tip. I am with Verizon and, unlike AT&T, I have read that I won't be able to use my iPhone to make calls in Italy (other than as an iPod). It is something I plan to contact Verizon about but just haven't gotten to that yet. I'll report back for those interested. If anyone else has an iPhone with Verizon and has already been through this drill, please let me know. Thanks again for all the great tips.

My flat iron was supposed to work on their voltage but fried. I bought a new one there and wish my one at home worked as well! I'd buy one there if it's really needed.

Dual voltage flat irons, dryers and curling irons are easily available on Amazon, including a Chi dual voltage flatiron. I can personally guarantee you that they work in Italy with a good adapter. I was in Italy for a month in 2009 and again for a month in 2010 and used my hair appliances every day. I read somewhere that the adapter was the key so I have thrown away all my cheap ones and purchased a good surge protecting adapter. I use it for everything and have no problems.

Peggy - You just got a plug adapter, not a converter, is that correct? Can you share which adapter you have & where you found it?

TJ, Here is a crazy answer to your question. I bought the Dekcell universal travel adaptor from Magellan travel store in 2009 for about $20. I just looked on amazon for it before responding to your question. It is there for $0.40 with about $3 shipping. What a crazy thing, but it works beautifully and is a great surge protector. My scientist husband says the surge protector is what keeps the high energy flat iron working when it is fried by other adapters. So I am buying 3 or 4 more on amazon to give my travel-loving kids for the holidays.

Short answers: your iPhone charger will be fine with a plug converter. The flat iron will likely not work without a transformer (voltage converter), and you'll need a huge transformer (as in size and weight) to make it work. Better off buying a travel flat iron. Here's a video I did on this topic that shows the options: http://www.lodgephoto.com/blog/what-kind-of-power-adapter-do-i-need-in-europe/231/

Just returned from Italy. Purchased dual voltage hair dryer by Conair, and dual voltage flat iron by Remington at ULta, before leaving. Blew the fuses with the hair dryer in Venice while using an adapter from Italy, so used the hotels' hair dryers. Flat iron worked fine with the Italian adapter. Also used adapters with iPad and Nikkon camera, with no problem. Hope this helps.

We are in Italy right now. Converter works fine for iStuff and irons.

We are in Italy right now. Converter works fine for iStuff and irons.