Which Adaptor? France

French electrical outlets accept two round pins, as opposed to the flat prongs we use in America - you will need a continental adapter. Also, the electrical voltage from French outlets is higher than ours. If the cables on your devices are stamped with something along the lines of "110-220 v", then they can handle the extra voltage. Most modern electrical devices can do this, but it's always best to check.

Is this a question?

I always take a computer with me when I travel in Germany. My latest is a 2.2# Acer Netbook, and I have found on my last trips that many places in Germany, even "Privatzimmer" have Wifi.

I attach my one Europlug (s.a. continental) adaptor to an American 3-way adaptor (like the end of an extension cord) so I can work on my computer and charge my camera at the same time. It has always worked for me.

One tip, however. The European receptacles grip the Europlug adaptor very tightly. I once pulled my 3-way adaptor out of the wall and left the Europlug in the receptacle. Now I tape them together to prevent that from happening.

If your appliance is manufactured to accept dual voltage (100-240v), all you need is the plug adapter (about $4). If it is not dual voltage, you will need a current transformer also (about $40). If your appliance is dual voltage, it states this embossed in the plastic of the power cord or on a label. If it's something that trickle charges, like all three of the devices you mentioned, they are almost always dual voltage.

Heather,

To begin with, you need to check the Input Voltage ratings on EACH of the devices you'll be travelling with. If these are designed for "world operation", the ratings will state 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz.

Just for clarification, is your Cell phone a quad-band GSM model? If so were you planning on using roaming with your home network (AT
&T, T-Mobile), a "travel SIM" or buying a SIM card in Paris?

Regarding your "surge protector", I'd suggest extreme caution. It's difficult to say without more specific information, but I suspect the unit you're using is designed ONLY for use on 115 VAC electrical systems. The "clamping voltage" in the surge portion will be designed for a 115 VAC power system. It's possible that as soon as this is connected to a 220 VAC system, sparks and smoke will result as the MOV's (or whatever component the design uses to establish surge protection) burn to a crisp. I would especially be VERY hesitant to leave this connected in the apartment, especially when you're not present, as it may be a fire hazard.

IF you want to take and Power Bar with you and IF all of your devices are designed for world operation, I'd suggest buying a Power Bar that is designed for use at the higher voltages. I'd have to check the spec's, but the Monster Outlets To Go MAY work?

Another method you might consider would be to buy an inexpensive Power Bar (with Surge Suppression?) when you arrive in France. This will be supplied with the correct plug for the region, although the outlets will be in the two-pin Euro format. As you're only travelling with 3 appliances, it shouldn't be overly expensive to travel with 3 Plug Adapters. Magellan's has Euro Plug Adapters for $2.85 each, so 3-4 of those would still be less expensive than a Power Bar. It's a bit of an "awkward" arrangement, but one way to charge several devices at once.

Happy travels!

Heather,

Some "follow up" information for you. I checked a bit further on the Monster Cables website and found some information on the Outlets To Go in the FAQ's section, which states:

"Can I use my Outlets To Go in a 220 / 240 volt country?
Yes your Outlets To Go will function with the appropriate plug adapter. Make sure that any devices you will be using can also work in multi voltage applications. If not, a converter will be necessary."

I believe these products are available at Amazon or click the "Where To Buy" tab at the top of the web page. They appear to have at least eight dealers in the Portland area.

Happy travels!

Thank you everyone for your helpful advice!! I am getting really excited for my trip.