Power Strip/Surge Protector

How many little electronic gadgets do you have? Other than a camera, which tourists have been carrying for a century,, the only other gadget you need is a netbook. You can use it for everything, as a guidebook, as an expense ledger, as a journal, as a place to store organized pictures, to browse the web, and to send email. A phone? Phone booths are still prevalent, and you'll spend a lot less on them then on a cell. One Euro plug with a three/one adapter is all you need.

Well, Lee, since you asked [INVALID] we've got four people in our group, so four cameras, two iPods, an iPad, two cell phones, possibly a Garmin and my straightening iron (sorry, can't leave home without it). I realize we won't necessarily be charging everything at the same time, but thought a power strip might come in handy.

Really interesting question and a good idea for the multiple items. Can a power strip sold in the US to be used with 110 electricity work with 220 or will it blow out? Our electronics have built-in converters.

To browse prior discussions had here on power strips, go here, http://tiny.cc/tivqa

And for prior discussions of surge protectors, go here: http://tiny.cc/dezt3

Thanks, Kent!!!

Cynthia, to answer your question, it's certainly possible to bring a Power Strip if it's capable of operation on 220 VAC electrical systems, but DO NOT USE A Power Strip that contains a Surge Protector!!! The protective components inside surge-protected Power Bars sold here are designed for use on 115 VAC electrical systems (the European models contain different components). Some Monster Power Bars are designed for travel, and you can obtain those at Amazon or Magellans. ¶ I have some questions and concerns about some of the other appliances you'll be travelling with. First (and most important) is your Straightening Iron. Is it designed for "world operation"? If not, you'll likely have smoke and sparks as soon as you plug it in (which may cause electrical problems in your Hotel - I've seen it happen to others!). ¶ Regarding your Cell phones, which network are you with and what type of phones are you using? If you're with Verizon or Sprint, your phones likely WON'T WORK IN EUROPE! ¶ Finally (and perhaps most important) YOU NEED TO CHECK THE CHARGER OR POWER SUPPLY FOR EACH DEVICE YOU'LL BE TRAVELLING WITH to ensure they're designed for use on 220 VAC electrical systems. Look for the words "Input Voltage". If this states "100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz", then the products will work in Europe. OTOH if these state "115 VAC, 60 Hz" then the "smoke & sparks" situation will apply as soon as these are connected in Europe (at the least, you'll just hear a "pop" as the device self destructs). You'll also need at least one Plug Adapter (I'd suggest packing at least two), in order to connect to the different outlets in Europe. The Euro Plug Adapters have two or three round pins (three pins on the grounded models). Cheers!

As for plug adapters, the version with two Ø5/32" (4.0mm) pins is called the Euro plug (the same as So. Europe ungrounded) because it will fit into every receptacle design in continental Europe. However, technically, that ungrounded design is only rated for 2.5 Amps (about 600W). You shouldn't be using it for appliances like hair straighteners. Continental countries use various designs for grounded receptacles, although Benelux, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and some others have settled on one design, the modified Schuko plug, which the two pins plus clips on the side for Germany and accepts a grounding pin from the receptacle in France. Technically, you should be using these plugs for high power appliances. Italy's grounded plug has the grounding pin in between and inline with the two pins; Switzerland has the grounding pin between but offset.

Thanks so much for the detailed replies. Yes, I've traveled for many years with my hair straightener abroad, so I know it works with an adapter no problem. I'll make sure I do NOT get a surge protector if I end up going this route. The cell phones are AT&T, so we're set there. And I haven't traveled with an iPad before (it's not mine), but I believe it operates on AT&T network as well.

Cynthia, if you're using the 3G model iPad (as opposed to the models without cellular access), it would be a REALLY good idea to check with AT&T regarding the data roaming costs. You could find a nasty surprise waiting in your mailbox when you get home (ie: a $3000 bill)! If the iPad model only has Wi-Fi, this won't be an issue. ¶ I'm assuming you've checked the Chargers for your Cameras? Cheers!

Hi, Ken! Oh, yes, the Canon cameras and chargers are also making repeat appearances in Europe, so no worries there. I'll be sure to pass along to my travel companion about potential exobitant iPad charges if it's not Wi-Fi only. Thanks!

With the ipad the roaming doesn't work like the iphone. You have to pay as you go buying as many gigabytes as you think you need and then it will let you know when you are running out and you can buy more. This has to be done from the ipad so there are no nasty surprises like the iphone when you get home. The international plan is separate from the domestic plan.

"if you're using the 3G model iPad" . . . . . ¶ I have a standard netbook with only Wifi, but I stuck an airstick into the USB ports (your iPad does have USB ports, doesn't it), and I connected to one of the G3 networks in Europe.

One of the lovely features of the iPad is that it does not have a USB port.