Is it neccessary to bring the larger adaptor/voltage convertor on my trip to italy or is the smaller adaptor (plug only) enough? I'm using it for my hairdryer/curling iron only and would like to travel as light as possible. Thank you.
Posted by
Southborough, MA, USA
7 posts
If your hairdryer/curling iron has a switch (as most do these days) for 220V, you only need the plug. Usually it's a disc with a slot that you use a coin to flip to 110 or 220.
/eileen
Posted by
Cleveland, USA
61 posts
If your curling iron and hair dryer aren't dual voltage, consider buying ones that are. The voltage converters often don't work well and I have known many people who have "fried" dryers and curling irons using them.
Posted by
Austin TX after living in Boulder CO for 25 years
1174 posts
That's right-buy the dual voltage ones! I bring my dual voltage dryer and curling iron-the travel ones they sell at Target-and keep the adapter plugs on the end ready to go.
Posted by
Hendersonvlle, NC
486 posts
and I haven't encountered a hotel in Europe in 13 trips that did not have a hair dryer available. Curling irons? Don't know but others' suggestions are a good idea - dual voltage.
Posted by
Salem, Oregon, USA
2724 posts
There's a whole thread on curling irons - use the search box in the top right, above. You must have dual voltage appliances (see prior posts) or else you'll have to take a voltage converter. I take a very small hairdryer (dual voltage) and plug adaptor, get a "travel haircut" (low maintenance), and focus on the travel fun.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32350 posts
Susan,
Whether you will need to pack a Voltage Converter will depend on the design of your hair appliances. Check the label on both to determine the Input Voltage. If these state "100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz", then you will only need Plug Adaptors. However, if these state "115 VAC, 60 Hz" then you will also need a high-wattage Voltage Converter.
There are two basic principles used in "stepping down" voltage from 220 to 115 - Transformer and solid-state. I'm assuming your hair dryer, etc. are simple heating appliances, so the solid-state Converter is the one to choose. A Transformer in that wattage range would be extremely heavy, and NOT something you'd want to travel with! Smaller Transformer units are best used with electronic devices, such as Camera or Cell Phone Chargers.
You might check Magellans, as they have not only dual-voltage Hair appliances but also a good selection of Voltage Converters and Plug Adaptors.
Happy travels!
Posted by
Delta, BC, Canada
18 posts
Susan,
If all you want to power is a hair dryer, just take a dual voltage one as suggested by others with the appropriate plug adapter. If you have other lower voltage things to charge as well (camera batteries, cell phone) and they don't have the dual voltage designation mentioned previously (ie they are only 120V, get a voltage converter. I just received one from Magellan (http://www.magellans.com/store/Adaptor_Plugs___Converters___Adaptor___Converter_KitsEA247?Args=)
Magellan also has a good article on the issue of voltage converters.