I am taking my mac to Italy and my Android. I have both a converter, which I had to use in the orient and surge protector adapters. Which will I need to take with? Is the voltage in Italy 220 as it is in China or 110 and the plugs just different?
Posted by
NY, USA
500 posts
Do not use a converter all recent portable devices are multi voltage just use a plug adapter.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23271 posts
All European voltage is 220. I doubt if you need a converter -- only a plug adapter.
Posted by
San Diego, CA, United States
864 posts
Forget the surge protectors. Just unplug whatever you're not using. Of course I might not plug anything in during the worst thunderstorm in Italian history...ha ha. Have a great trip.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32212 posts
Diana, To begin with, the electrical system in Europe is 220 VAC, 50 Hz, and each country uses slightly different Plug configurations. Virtually all Chargers for newer Mac Computers are designed for 100-240 VAC operation, so you'll only need a Plug Adapter to use in Europe. I just checked the Charger for my MacBook Pro to confirm that. I'd suggest taking at least two Plug Adapters, as it's always wise to have a "spare". It's important to check the Charger for your Android to ensure that it is also designed for "world operation". One important question to ask - which cellular network is your Android with, and will it even work in Europe? Also, does it have data capability (ie: internet access)??? Data roaming can be VERY expensive, so this is something you'll need to consider. Could you provide some further information on the "surge protector adapters" that you're using? One very important point to mention is that Surge Protectors designed for 110 VAC electrical systems SHOULD NOT be used on 220 VAC systems in Europe! Happy travels!
Posted by
Wilmington, DE, USA
712 posts
We have taken our Mac Laptop to over the past 5 years. We bought a plug adaptor from Apple that we attach and use overseas. See also - http://www.datavis.com/cgi-bin/product.cgi?prrfnbr=554510&site=GOGL
Posted by
Caruthers, CA, USA
244 posts
Have you looked into the data costs for taking your Android? We've got an Android and we tether it and use it for internet access. I looked into the cost of using it in Europe and it was VERY expensive. As a result, I bought a used Motorola V-190 cell phone and will buy a SIM chip in Italy. Of course, I won't have internet through the phone, but as I said the cost of the Droid data plan is not worth it.