Voltage Converter - yes or no? That is the question

An adapter is likey all you need:
https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/phones-tech/electric-adapters-converters

Per Liz's RS FAQ tip:

[North] American appliances run on 110 volts, while European
appliances are 220 volts. Today's gadgets are "dual voltage,"
which means they work on both American and European current. If you
see a range of voltages printed on the item or its plug (such as
"110–220"), you're OK in Europe.

Chargers for most electronics (phone, laptop etc) are rated for multi-voltage 110 to 240v 50Hz//60Hz.

While a J Plug adapter should be a sure thing, most C plug (two round pins) usually work as long as you don't need to ground the device (three conductor).

Does your appliance (whatever it is) work on European style electricity (230V 50 Hz AC), or only on North American electricity (110V 60 Hz AC)? You will need to read the small print on the label to find out.

If it accepts both types (and most phone, camera and laptop charges do), then you only need a plug adapter.
If no, you would need a heavy voltage converter, best to leave the item at home.

Type J plug is correct for Switzerland (photo here: http://www.iec.ch/worldplugs/img/plugs_sockets/J_3d_plug_l.png ), 3 round pins. But check the plug has triangular ends, or it will not fit in recessed sockets.

Thank you for your quick and helpful responses. Switzerland is on the 230 voltage system, but obviously does fall within the 220-240 v range.
Really appreciate this forum for questions and answers!!

Happy travels to everyone!!

I summarize it this way: if all you have is electronics items like computers, phone, tablet, camera, then 99% of the time you should be fine with the simple adapter. If you are taking an iron, hair dryer, or elec. shaver, then you need a converter. (I switch to a Bic razor for travel.)

marina,

It would help to have some idea what type of devices you'll be travelling with? It's important to check the charger of each device to ensure it's designed for multi-voltage operation. I prefer not to use the term "dual voltage" as it's not entirely accurate. Look for the specifications for Input Voltage. If this states "Input 100-240 VAC" as shown in THIS example, then all you'll need is inexpensive Plug Adaptors.

I'd highly recommend NOT packing along a Voltage Converter for a number of reasons. The transformer-type Converters are inherently heavy, and not the easiest to travel with. The solid-state type Converters (which use switch-mode conversion) are lighter but these can cause problems with the devices they're connected to, including self destruction.

For Plug Adaptors you can use either the two-pin Euro Adaptors or the three-pin (grounded) Swiss Adaptors - https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/switzerland/ .

To summarize the above, keep it simple!

Hi, the only items I'm bringing are an iphone, an android cell phones, a portable power charger, and camera charger....nothing major. Sounds like I'm all set. Tku all so much for taking the time to write a response. Love Rick Steve's forums where you get real life experience responses!! 😀😀

marina,

It's likely that all the items you mentioned are designed for multi-voltage operation, but it's still worthwhile to check each of them. The iPhone charger is definitely OK.

Regarding your "portable power charger", are you referring to a battery pack for your phones?

Yes a portable battery pack. Its a Poweradd.

How do you re-charge this portable battery pack? You presumably have "something" (a charger?) between this battery pack and the wall socket. It is this "something" which you need to check to see if it will accept 230V 50Hz AC.

The battery pack will accept and deliver the same voltage as the phone it is supplying: 5V DC.

Chris F, Basel Switzerland - yikes, i just checked, it would typically plug into a PC, but can also plug into an iPhone's USB charger. Thank you for pointing that out!! :)

marina,

As you have to charge several USB devices, you could also look at something like this - https://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-multiport-usb-wall-charger/ . I realize that you won't have time to order it by May 25, but you may be able to find something locally in your area at Best Buy or similar retailers.

Thanks so much Ken from Canada!! I may just get it via Amazon Prime if i order now!!
So helpful!

Switzerland has a different adapter than all of Europe and I wasn't aware of that until we got there . The hotels generally had adapters they would loan. I wonder why they ended up with something different? In terms of converters, the only electronic I had that might have needed a converter was a curling iron so I just purchased a new one for $13 which didn't need a converter

marina,

The Anker 4 port model seems to be their top pick. If you manage to get delivery of the charger by the time you leave, be sure to pack along all the necessary cables, and of course Plug Adaptors. I hope Amazon Prime is able to get the item to you by departure day.

Happy travels!

Hi ken, I ordered the Anker and Amazon guaranteed delivery by 5/25 (my flight is at 9:45 pm) so here's hoping.. Gotta love Prime!! Tks again.

Marina,

Good luck..... fingers crossed! Hope it arrives on time.