Hi, we are going on the Rick Steves tour to Sicily. I have a cpap and need to be able to plug it in to electricity close to where I will sleep. will the hotels in Sicily work for this?
And although I can go without a hair dryer, just thought I would ask: are their hair dryers in the Sicilan hotels?
Thank you!
Your CPAP should be rated for 110-240v therefore it should work. All of my brother in law’s did (he’s on his fourth model now).
Hair dryer depends, check if yours does.
In any case you need an adapter because in Europe they use the two round prong outlets. You can find the adapters on Amazon or at Target or other stores. Buy several because they are easy to misplace.
You might also want to bring an extension cord as there is no guarantee there will be a plug near the bed.
Yes, an extension cord! My friend learned that the hard way. Some hotel front desks can supply one but don’t rely on that. Either take one or buy one as soon as you arrive.
I did the Sicily tour in March 2018 with a CPAP.
No problems at all! I don't remember if I needed the extension cord I always pack, and every hotel had a hairdryer.
I will just add that there are travel hair dryers with dual voltage these days if you want to take one with you. Most hotels and airbnbs provide them these days though. You can check before you go :)
Beth
Most electronics are dual voltage these days. All you would need is a Type E or F plug adapter
My Resmed CPAP worked fine in Rome, Prague, Paris, etc with the adapter
As for hair dryers - I would check the hotel's website. I can't recall not ever having one in a hotel in Europe....
You can always call the tour office and ask. Thats what they're there for. You can also let your tour leader know, the first thing, so that if necessary she can check with the hotels in advance and assign a room to you that will accommodate your need. The hotels aren't always the same, but it seems to be pretty standard across Europe to have hair dryers.
You might also want to bring an extension cord as there is no
guarantee there will be a plug near the bed.
Bringing a North American extension cord and using it in Europe means you'll be running 230 V through an extension cord designed for 120 V. I'm no electrician but I'd feel a lot better using a cord bought in Europe.
Bringing a North American extension cord and using it in Europe means you'll be running 230 V through an extension cord designed for 120 V. I'm no electrician but I'd feel a lot better using a cord bought in Europe.
There is no issue with using a N. American extension cord in Europe, provided you have the proper adapters.
I have also heard that a regular US extension cord is rated for 220, but I bought one in Spain and have used it all over Europe.
Most US extension cords are heavier than they need to be to carry a normal 120 V current at expected average amperage loads. This means you can run 220V through them as long as it is not a high amperage load, like a hair dryer.
I would leave the hair dryer at home as I have never stayed in any hotel anywhere in Europe that did not have hair dryers available.
"Bringing a North American extension cord and using it in Europe means you'll be running 230 V through an extension cord designed for 120 V. I'm no electrician but I'd feel a lot better using a cord bought in Europe."
The main issue with using a North American extension cord in Europe is the insulation ratings as that's what will be affected by the higher voltage. All extension cords sold should have at least U.L. certification, and they're most likely designed with a "safety factor" which means they can withstand higher voltages. Some of the European extension cords I've seen appear to have about the same thickness of insulation as the North American versions. A "flashover" in an insulated conductor is highly unlikely at either 115 or 220 volts.
However, given some of the products that are being imported from the far east, it's possible that a few "corners have been cut" in the materials. I've seen some very cheap electrical components in local hardware stores that were manufactured off-shore, and was surprised that they passed certification.
If the extension cord can operate safely with the higher voltage, it's not likely that the current will be a problem since it will be considerably lower at 220 volts to provide the same wattage.
One final point to mention. I only leave appliances (or extension cords) connected while I'm in the room and don't leave them plugged in while I'm out touring.
Do take your own lead and power board.
Though,
European supermarkets have, extension leads less than €10,
International plug converters are about €8 to €9.
While not for your application, for iPhones, iPads, and the like a double USB style charger (2.4A and 1A) for €14.
Regards
Thank you to all of you for your replies! so helpful and thoughtful. I am good now: will not take a hair dryer, and will bring my US extension cord. Also, I will contact Ryan Air (flight over to Sicily from Rome) to get a waiver to be able to carry-on my cpap and have it not count.
Again, thanks! I love the community that Rick Steves has created!
Happy travels!!!
Make sure that the extension cord is a "dumb" one. No electronics built in, no surge protector, no lights. Those features probably wouldn't like the jolt. Just plain vanilla.
Also, I will contact Ryan Air (flight over to Sicily from Rome) to get a waiver to be able to carry-on my cpap and have it not count
Is that possible wit Ryan Air? I know when i flew Czech Air, they did not allow it and I couldn't get an exception........
This is the official Ryanair information regarding CPAP machines - https://www.ryanair.com/gb/en/useful-info/special-assistance/the-carriage-of-medical-equipment .
These are the easyJet rules - https://www.ryanair.com/gb/en/useful-info/special-assistance/the-carriage-of-medical-equipment .
I had a look at Czech Airlines but they didn't have much information on their website.
Airlines in this part of the world tend to accept CPAP as carry-on and these don't apply to the normal carry-on limit, but I'm not sure if European airlines follow the same rules.
It's important to note that while many airlines allow CPAP machines as carry-on, the rules are different if passengers want to use the machines in flight. In that case it's usually necessary to contact the airline in advance. In many cases, it won't be necessary to use the machines during budget flights in Europe, as most flights are quite short and wouldn't allow time for a nap. In addition the budget airlines typically don't offer power points at each seat, so a battery powered model would be required.
If planning to use the CPAP machine during flight, the airline will probably require the cellular radio transceiver to be disabled and placed in "airplane mode". Most CPAP machines have an item in the menu to place the unit in "airplane mode". It would be prudent to also carry a letter from your Physician stating that the device is medically necessary.
This article has some good information - https://traveltips.usatoday.com/travel-europe-cpap-machine-102407.html .
Thank you, Ken. Yes, that is a good link to RyanAir and, for others that may need this info, here is what it says:
"Dialysis Machine, CPAP Machine, or Bipap Machine – These devices may be carried in the cabin of the aircraft without prior notification if the device fits in your cabin baggage. However, if the device will be carried in addition to your baggage allowance you must obtain a medical baggage waiver letter by contacting our special assistance team. These machines are not permitted for use onboard. "
Thank you again, all!
