Are car chargers the same in European Cars?

Absolutely the same. No doubt because we have a car we brought from the USA: it uses the same devices as those made & sold in Europe.

I'm interested in Andreas' experience, because I've never encountered different car chargers in European cars. I tell people not to worry about it, so if there is an issue of incompatibility, it would be good to know.

No worries,Lisa. They're the same,with the same 12 volt power source.

Thanks...just checking :) Better to find out now than later.

The old Boy Scout motto..."Be Prepared!"

HM! Not sure. For all the devices I bought in the US I had to get new car chargers over here in Germany.

Andreas....why did you have to purchase new car chargers?

Excellent question Lisa, I was going to ask the same thing! I was hoping to charge my iPod in the car occaisionally and I'll now make sure to take my car charger.

I have rented Opals and VWs in Germany and did not have a problem with getting chargers to fit and work. Nor have I heard of problems from others. Check first though to ensure that the connection is working; if you do have a problem, it may be something as simple as a blown fuse for the lighter or power outlet. My GPS charger would not work in a rental car for a recent rental from a local office. I reported this to the attendant and he said that they usually only learn of a problem like that when a customer reports it. In other words, if you plan to use a GPS, check to see if the cigarette lighter works before you head out.

OK thanks so much now I feel a little more assured that other people have had their stuff work. We have a gramin Nuvi 350 GPS that we are taking along with Germany maps we need it bad so just wanted to make sure it worked. Thanks for your help!!!!

We own a British car, a French car and an old Mercedes I bought in Germany in April. They ALL have the same cigar lighter fittings. Don't worry!!

This reminds me of a question I have for my next trip. Why wouldn't the wall adapter I purchased charge my son's DS? It worked for my flat iron, my cell phone and my laptop. I was so very thankful that at the last minute I threw the car charger in my carryon and he could at least charge his DS for the 2days we had a rental car!