Packing for the Day

I carry my passport with me because it's my only valid ID while I'm traveling. It shows who you are and proves you're in the country legally. I keep it in my moneybelt or neck wallet (whichever I decide to wear this trip). That said, most Rick Steve's readers aren't the kind of people who police are going to question. If they do, they'll probably be okay with just your Ohio driver's license. Worst case scenario, they'll probably accompany you to your hotel to get it. Most electronics nowadays are built to handle dual currents, so you're likely to only need an outlet adapter.

The question of what to do with a passport gets divided reactions; do a search here to see. I personally keep mine in my moneybelt; others travel with a copy, and keep the original back in the hotel. For your electronics, look at the charging "brick" (you may need a magnifying glass). If it says BOTH "100-240 volts" and "50-60 Hz," your device is multivoltage, and no converter is needed - just the correct plug adapter. It will automatically convert to the correct voltage, and, in fact, using a converter could damage it. Some devices, particularly hair dryers, are dual voltage, with a switch to change them from 110 (US voltage) to 220 (European voltage). It's not automatic, so you have to remember to flip the switch. If your device does not list "Input" over 120 volts, then you need the PROPER type of converter, or you will destroy your device, blow a fuse, start a fire, or some combination of these (not a joke). But it's much easier to get a new charger, or a new device. Particularly for things that get hot like hair dryers and flat irons, many are not designed to work with converters, and the required converters are very heavy. Furthermore, many on this Helpline report that travel dryers, even when used correctly and safely, just don't work as well in Europe as one bought there. Rick is now having a sale on plug adapters. You need the large, three-pronged one, shown as the top one in the picture: http://tinyurl.com/4dd4h

Why would you need to carry a voltage converter during the day? You probably don't need one at all, just plug adapters.

I will be using my iphone as a travel companion so I am concerned if I am out all day I will deplete the battery. It is not a life or death situation since I will not be using it as a phone. I will be using its wifi capacity when available so, it is a matter of convenience. Making a copy of my passport is a very good idea!

Personal update iPhones come pre-equipped to handled voltage/Hz conversions! http://store.apple.com/us/question/answers/product/MB974ZM/B/do-i-need-a-power-converter-to-charge-my-iphone-in-a-country-with-220-volt-power/QHU7PP7TF77AYY7DP Thanks for the responses they lead to the answer! Cheers!

I never carry my passport with me as I think the risk of my losing it far higher than the risk of it being stolen from the hotel or apartment. If I have my laptop with me I would have access to the scanned copy of the photo page of my passport if necessary and usually have a hard copy as well. I have never been stopped and asked for ID anywhere in the West.

Christopher -- not only does your iDevice require ONLY a plug adapter to work, if you DO use a converter, you'll fry your device!

Christopher As an iPhone user in and around London on a nearly daily basis, and as somebody who regularly deals with tourists, can I caution you not to flaunt your iPhone in London. This is not meant as scaremongering, but as knowledge of facts can cause a beneficial change in behaviour. There has been a massive jump in the last 12 months in London in the number of stolen smartphones. From restaurant tables to trains to buses and underground to parks to snatched from people's hands as they walk. There is a large don't show it campaign at the moment by the police. Can I strongly advise you to be very aware of your surroundings and the people around you. Thieves do not look like thieves with masks on and a bag over their back marked "SWAG". They look like you and me. Well, maybe you. Many people do have smartphones in London and most don't lose them. But enough do to warrent being careful. The last person who I had to help in tears because her iPhone had been swiped from her handbag while she chatted was the day before yesterday.

I never carry my passport with me as I think the risk of my losing it far higher than the risk of it being stolen from the hotel or apartment. If you are travelling in the Schengen Area you are required to have your passport or national identity card with you at all times. The authorities are not under any obligation to accept any other form of identification from you and are fully entitled to you until such time as they are satisfied as to your identity.