I was told that in Europe voltage is different and that I need some type of adapter. Anyone knows what it is?
Thanks!
Posted by
Chicago
8818 posts
Most American electronics such as phones, cameras, computers etc run on 110 and 220 and thus all you need is a plug adapter to allow our plug with two flat prongs to be used in their two round prong outlets. Any travel store, REI, luggage shops etc will have adapter plugs. Check to make sure it is true of your devices.
If you use a devise not rated for 220 you run the risk of fire, meltdown of the devise etc. In particular don't try to use hair dryers, hair curlers or any heating device that is not rated for 220. The converters that step down the power that are sold in travel kits are not adequate to the task especially for heating devices.. It is easy to buy cheap hair dryers that work for both power sources but virtually all hotels and apartments will provide hair dryers.
Posted by
Basel, Switzerland
8889 posts
Different? Different from what? All countries in Europe have the same 'mains' voltage. It is 220-240V 50Hz AC.
In the rest of the world it varies, Mostly either 110-120V or 220.240V, and either 50 Hz or 60 Hz.
This map shows the voltage and frequency in each country: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f5/Weltkarte_der_Netzspannungen_und_Netzfrequenzen.svg/1280px-Weltkarte_der_Netzspannungen_und_Netzfrequenzen.svg.png
I do not know where you live, so I cannot say what the voltage is you have at home.
Most modern small portable appliances (such as phone chargers) can cope with both voltages. If it says "110-240V" (or similar) on the charge you are OK. If the appliance is 110V only, do not bring it, you will destroy it if you plug it in.
The bigger problem is the shape of the plugs and sockets. This varies a lot more between countries. You will almost certainly need a plug adapter, but which sort depends on where you live and where you are going to.
Posted by
Medford, OR, USA
5837 posts
A FAQ answered by: https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/phones-tech/electric-adapters-converters
Assuming your device is rated for 110-240 volts and 50 or 60 hertz electrical power, you would generally get by with a "continental" two round prog adapter that accept your North American plugs. The short story is if your device is a thermal (e.g. heat) device reated at 110-120 volts, don't bring it.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32419 posts
jo4,
The voltage may or may not be different, depending on where you live. Your profile doesn't indicate your home location.
You'll need to check the specifications on each device that you'll be travelling with, looking for the words Input Voltage. If this states "Input 100-240 VAC, 50~60 Hz" then you can easily use these in Europe. You will most likely not require a Voltage Converter but you'll probably need one or more Plug Adapters (they're cheap, pack along at least a couple).