Okay . . . I admit that I can be a little bit of technology ignoramus. To prove it, here's a really dumb question. How will we charge up our digital camera and iPods while traveling in Italy?
Posted by
Northborough, MA
636 posts
For the iPod, though, if you only have a USB charger, then you'll need an adapter for your wall socket, then the adapter Kent mentioned. Or, you have to continue to charge it on a computer. If you have a laptop along with you, you're all set. And, some digital cameras can also be charged via the USB cable connected to the laptop.
Posted by
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
180 posts
Look closely at the charger for each piece of equipment. You first need to determine if your equipment is compatible with the higher voltage European system.
There will be a small label or inprint on the charger which will display a voltage. It will say: INPUT =... If it says 100 V (or 110) to 220 V (or 240) it will work in Europe and the only thing you will need is a small little adapter plug that converts the prongs on the end. They are only a few dollars and slide on top of the North American style. If it only says INPUT = 100 - 120 or similar, it is not safe to use that charger in Europe. You will either need to purchase a different charger that can handle 220 volts or purchase a larger plug in adapter that actually converts the 220 power down to 110 so that you can safely plug in a charger.
In 95% of cases, digital camera chargers are fully compatible with 220 V. Apple iPod chargers are almost all compatible as well if you have the Apple adapter.
Pete
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
8057 posts
Just to add to the 120V/240V compatibility, some older electronic items also have a switch on the charger to change from 120 to 240 and back. Your device would have to be years old by now, but if you see it, thats what it is.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32351 posts
Linda,
As the others have pointed out, you need to check the Nameplate data for EACH of the devices you will be travelling with. If these indicate "Input Voltage 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz" they will work fine in Europe with just a Plug Adapter (note that the Plug Adapter for the UK is different than mainland Europe).
I don't know if all Camera brands provide "Universal Chargers", but all recent Canon models are provided with these. What type of Camera are you using, and how old is it?
Regarding charging your I-Pod(s) while in Europe, you might have a look at Sonnet Chargers. I've been using one for a couple of years, and so far it's working well both here at home and in Europe.
Happy travels!
Posted by
Jonesboro, Arkansas, USA
606 posts
On my China trip last year there was a beautiful lady in our group, 70ish with striking, well set white hair. On our 2nd day out I noticed she had developed a blond streak in her white hair. She'd plugged her 120v curling iron into the 240v socket and cooked her hair!
Yes, most digital cameras & other modern computerized devices automatically handle both 120v and 240v, but read on your chargers to verify that they do this.
Otherwise, Radio Shack-type places & Wal*Mart sell travel power converters that plug into 240v outlets and let you use your 120v hair dryers, etc. but the converters are a bit heavy, so don't take one if you don't need it.
Also, get a plug converter that lets you plug US chords into European round 2-hole outlets. Check before leaving home to make sure your US plugs fit the travel plug converter. If your US plug has 3 prongs, get a converter that cuts US 3 prongs to US 2 prongs, then you plug that into the travel converter to fit European outlets.
Posted by
OP
Pittsfield, MA, United States
103 posts
Thanks, everyone. I appreciate it. I have already purchased a voltage converter thinking I would need for the camera and iPod. I'll just need to take some time and look at both to see how it will work.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32351 posts
Linda,
You might not need a "Voltage Converter", and this could cause problems? Some clarification.....
There are two types of voltage conversion used to "step down" 220 VAC to 120 VAC - solid state and Transformer. Small (<50 watts) electronic devices such as I-Pod and Camera Chargers must use a Transformer type Converter, or unpleasant results may occur!
Larger heating appliances (~2000 watts) such as Hair Dryers that consist mostly of a simple heating element, should use the solid state type Converters.
Your Camera Charger may already be designed for "world" operation, so a Voltage Converter is not necessary. The small I-Pod Charger in the link in my previous Post is also designed for travel use.
Happy travels!