I'm moving to France in September to study for the year. I know that Europeans have a different wattage when it comes to electronics, so I won't be able to bring my hair dryer or other things for my hair. I know that you can get converters, but they are never powerful enough to make it worth buying. So where in Paris is a good place to find personal items such as hair dryer, straightener, etc.?
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9110 posts
There is a very good chance the appliances you already have are dual voltage. If there is tiny switch that says something like "120/240" then it will with work with European currents. In this case all you need are adapter plugs not converters. But if you need to buy a new hair dryer etc., the cheapest place would at a chain called "Carrefour"; its very similar to Target/Wal-Mart.
Posted by
Lincoln, NE, USA
390 posts
You shouldn't have any trouble finding one. There are lots of discount stores and drug stores that will carry this sort of thing.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32350 posts
Corrin,
Just to clarify, European electical systems use a different voltage (220VAC vs. 115 VAC) and frequency (50 Hz vs. 60 Hz) than used in North America.
You have a couple of choices. You can either wait until you arrive in Paris and buy appliances there. I'm sure the people at the school will be able to suggest a nearby shop.
The other alternative is to buy dual-voltage appliances before you leave. You might check www.magellans.com as they have a great selection of travel products. Be sure to check the Plug that is attached to the product, as you will probably need a Plug Adapter as well (the "Euro" style Plug with two round pins is mostly used in Paris). If you buy a dual-voltage appliance, you won't need any "Converters".
Also, be sure to check Cell Phone or Camera Chargers that you'll be travelling with, to ensure these are designed to operate on the European electrical systems.
Happy travels!
Posted by
San Francisco/Marin County
9436 posts
The best place I have found for what you need is the Monoprix at the metro stop: La Motte Picquet-Grenelle in the 15th arrondissement. Go upstairs, which is the supermarket, and go straight to the back wall. You will find all kinds of hair styling appliances there. If I were going to live in Paris (which I have, twice), I would do exactly what you're doing. Not bring one with me, but buy one there. Have a great time!
Posted by
Omaha, NE, US
53 posts
As someone mentioned previously, in Paris Monoprix would probably be the cheapest. Outside the city you can try Auchan or Cora -- the French equivalent of Super Target or WalMart.
Posted by
Atlanta
15 posts
I have a dual voltage hair dryer that with my adaptor works great in france, even better than the dryer provided in the apartment! If you can find a dual voltage in the US, it is much cheaper than Parisian pricing these days. I am amazed as a new poster that so many people recommend La Bon Marche and BHV, the prices are crazy unless you won the lottery! I would also stock up on hair care products as most markets carry US brands at double the cost-who wants to pay 6 euro for Fructis:)But the boulangerie/pattiserie is awesome bargain wise!