Travel adapter for Bern Switzerland

I'll let others answer the specifics on adaptors vs. transformers...

Specifically for adaptors, Switzerland uses a unique diamond-shaped socket. The standard round European plug does not fit safely in the socket, so your best option would be to buy an adaptor specifically for Switzerland. You can probably find one at any electronic store in the country.

Should I wait to purchase it in Switzerland? Or is there a name for it that I can use to search for it on Amazon and buy it before I leave?

Hi Fastre, I purchased this adapter from Amazon. It worked great for our trip to Switzerland in September 2016. Beautiful country, have fun!

https://www.amazon.com/OREI-Grounded-Universal-Adapter-Switzerland/dp/B004SY6AHG/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1482979635&sr=1-2-spons&keywords=adapter+for+switzerland&psc=1

In cases like this I Google "electrical adapter for Switzerland", etc., and check out a few of the links, being careful to read the reviews to be certain I'm getting what I need. Sometimes Google will cough up the opposite of what you're looking for.

I haven't been to Switzerland since I began to travel with electric/electronic devices, so I can't personally vet Google's results, but I bet someone else here will be able to do so.

You'll certainly be able to find what you need in Switzerland, but it will be simpler (and quite possibly a good bit cheaper) to pick it up in the US ahead of time.

Are you not planning to do any side trips to other parts of Europe? If so you'll also want to pick up an adapter for Europe and possibly an adapter for the United Kingdom.

Edited to add:

Euro adapter purchasable from this website

UK adapter purchasable from this website

Unfortunately, Rick doesn't sell an adapter for Switzerland.

fastre,

It would help to have some idea on what type of electrical devices you'll be using in Switzerland?

You will definitely need a Plug Adaptor in order to connect a North American plug to a Swiss outlet. I'd suggest packing at least two as they're small and easily misplaced. This website provides further information on that - https://www.quora.com/Do-I-need-a-specific-power-adapter-when-travelling-in-Switzerland-or-can-an-EU-adapter-be-used-with-Swiss-power-outlets . I'd suggesting buying Plug Adaptors here, and you should be able to find them at Best Buy, Walmart or travel shops in your area. They're also commonly available in airports, but more expensive.

If any of the devices you'll be using have a three-pin (grounded) Plug, I'd recommend using a grounding Plug Adaptor. If you plan on travelling anywhere else in Europe during your stay there, you may need other types of Plug Adaptors.

It's also very important to check EACH device you'll be travelling with to ensure that it's designed for use on 220 VAC electrical systems. Look for the words "Input Voltage" on the Charger or device and if this says "Input 100 - 240 VAC" then the devices will work fine without a Voltage Convertor.

I put the plug adapter on the end of a 6 foot electrical cord and then I can plug three items into one outlet with one adapter. Definitely buy it here first. It will be much cheaper. Buy two as advised above. If your devices are not rated for 220 V you will need to find a replacement for that item. Most computers and electronics are today bur check. Our last two trips to Switzerland had the standard two round European Plugs, but this may not be the norm since we were in a tourist area.

Fastre, Yes, Swiss three pin plugs are different from those of any of the surrounding countries.
Two-pin plugs are the same as other nearby countries (so-called Europlugs). My two-pin phone charger works in Switzerland, Germany, France and Italy. If you have a 2-pin plug and a 2-pin adaptor, you will be OK.
BUT BUT BUT 3-pin plugs are different. The adaptor posted by above ( https://www.amazon.com/OREI-Grounded-Universal-Adapter-Switzerland/dp/B004SY6AHG/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1482979635&sr=1-2-spons&keywords=adapter+for+switzerland&psc=1 ) is WRONG. The pins are in the correct place, but the shape is wrong, it has round ends. All modern sockets are recessed, and require a flattened hexagonal shape. As here: http://www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/plugs-and-sockets/j/

You can buy adapters in most larger electronic stores in Switzerland, so no need to worry, but they may be cheaper in your own country (if more difficult to find).

All the above assumes you appliances are all "110-230V 50/60Hz", but all modern chargers for electronics are. Power hungry devices may not be (e.g. a hair dryer). In this case just buy another one when you get here.

If you are going to be in Switzerland for a while check out the englishforum.ch You will find a lot more information targeted at long terms stays there. Including various meet ups, other students doing the same etc.

As others have mentioned: What you are looking for is a J-Type plug adapter. However, as Chris F, has warned you, MANY MANY sockets in Switzerland will be recessed into the walls and you'll only be able to use an adapter that accurately matches that indentation. Like this: https://www.amazon.com/Switzerland-Travel-Adapter-TYPE-Plug/dp/B01I1S1Y66/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1483391352&sr=1-4&keywords=J+Type+Adapter

(I can't comment on the US side of that adapter but the Swiss side of that one is what you' are looking for...)

Another issue is that most sockets in rooms will be arranged in a triangle pattern like this:
https://elektro-zollinger.ch/Shop/image/cache/catalog/steckdosen/Typ13%20UP/FEG_87303.FMI.65-380x380.PNG

Those are wonderful for plugging in cables, but if you have something more bulkier, like a power supply or a travel adapter you'll only be able to use one socket. I'd recommend getting a short extension cord AND / OR a power strip in case you:

• have to compete with other devices for that socket
• need to power multiple devices of your

Have a great stay!

I bought my adapter on Amazon and had no problems. Keep in mind that if you're going over as an exchange student you'll be travelling all over Europe, so consider just buying a set of all the adapters you'll need.

Don't take any US hair care appliances with you (if needed), just buy them over there so you'll automatically get the right plug and voltage. Electronics like computers, tablets and cell phones should be fine since they are now built for the global market but always check ..........