Charging rechargeble AA batteries while in Italy?

Great; thanks. I'll look at my charger to see what it uses. Btw, in Europe do they use the same AA batteries that we do in the US? If so, I assume they must also have AA battery chargers that I could buy once I get there?

IF your battery charger has a dual voltage input, then all you would need is a plug adapter. Should be a label somewhere in the charger indication voltage input requirement.

Rick, The first thing to do is check the Input Voltage ratings on the Duracell Charger, as it may be designed for "world operation". If the nameplate label states "100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz", then you'll only need inexpensive Plug Adapters (the Italy version has two round pins). If the Charger is only designed for North American electrical systems, you have two choices: > Purchase a small travel Charger that can be used in Europe. You'll still need a Plug Adapter (I'd take two, as it's always good to have a "spare"). > Use your existing Charger with a Voltage Converter. You'll need to purchase a Transformer-style Voltage Converter, and a rating of 50-watts should be adequate. DO NOT use your Charger with a solid-state Voltage Converter, as there could be unpleasant consequences! If you don't have any travel shops in your area, you can order whatever you need from This Website. Happy travels!

Really, truly, most battery chargers sold nowadays are dual voltage. I use mine everywhere, with the right plug adapter ($1!). Check to see what yours is. If your batteries are older, I'd priorize in investing in new batteries instead.

Why bother with this at all. I put in, just before leaving home, fresh Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries (the ones that say "lasts up to 8 times longer than regular batteries") in my camera or in whatever I'm taking that needs batteries. I throw in my suitcase an extra 4 pack. Sometimes I'm gone for 6 weeks and have yet to have to break into that extra 4 pack. Also, the same batteries you buy in the U.S. are widely available in most of Europe. Heck, they were available in Karnak, Egypt. The fewer do-dads you take the better off you are. Do take two adapter plugs. You'll be glad when you go off and forget one in a hotel room.

Marie is right on. I gave up on recharging batteries on vacation. the Lithum batteries last forever! They are more expensive, but worth it for time savings, and space savings. If you do bring your rechargable, all you need is an adaptor, then just plug your charger into that. The batteries will charge a bit faster than in the US... i got a new Canon camera last year, and it uses Canon brand block batteries, so I'm back to bringing a charger and 2 batteries. One in the camera, and the other one fully charged in my bag, just in case....

ok, I see that my Duracell charger does say -- Input: 100-24V AC 50/60Hz 8W so I guess all I need is a plug adapter if I decide to go that route. If not...I've been hearing about the new lithium batteries. They'll work in any camera that takes standard AA batteries? I'll be in Italy for 2 1/2 weeks taking lots of photos--they'll last that long? Thanks.

I'd suggest buying a new camera without AA batteries if you have a basic pocket size digital camera. On a trip to Portugal, I was going through batteries like crazy, and sometimes ended up missing pictures because I didn't have batteries with a charge. Then the battery recharger I brought from home died nd I had to find a store to replace it. Now I have a camera with a plug in charger, and with all the traveling and pictures, I've never come close to using the battery life in one day. And don't have to carry batteries.

Rick, I assume the label on your Charger states 100-240VAC and NOT 24VAC? If that's the case, it should work fine in Italy with only a Plug Adapter. One other question - what type of rechargeable batteries are you using? I'd suggest taking at least two sets of batteries, one in the Camera and one charged and ready for use. As you plan on taking "lots of photos", I'd suggest using rechargeable batteries rather than single-use Lithium or whatever.