International Travel help, please!! RE power converters

[Kimberle]

I thought this would be so easy, but I'm so confused. We're leaving for Tahiti in a few days. I need a power converter so I can plug in things such as recharge batteries, DS, portable DVD player, ipods, and hairdryer. The voltage in Tahiti is 220.

I found a Samsonite Converter/Adaptor. It says ok for hairdryers, irons, but not batteries, VCR's, etc. I found another converter at Macy's, which looks like it will work, but it is only for things with UB ports (ok for ipods).

What can I use for my small electronics?

Thanks so much!

 

[Adipoo]

Check the writing on your normal chargers for things like cameras, iPods, cell phones. Somewhere in that teeny tiny print, see if it has something like100/240 input. If it does, that means that charger works as a converter. Hair dryers can sometimes be iffy even with a converter. We traveled through Europe this summer and never used a separate converter, just our regular chargers with no problems.

If you need reassurance about the chargers, as I did, go to the manufacturer website or the internet forums for whatever electronic device you are using just to be sure.

And have a wonderful time in Tahiti!!

Edited to add: You will probably still need the prong adaptors for your plugs, depending on the configuration used where you are visiting. http://users.telenet.be/worldstandards/electricity.htm#plugs

 

[Poohs Wishing Star]

Hi!

I was looking at other websites where your question about a power converter to be used in Tahiti had been asked.

The stores that were suggested are:

Radio Shack
Best Buy
luggage stores
Target
Walmart

Another suggestion is the catalog company/online store Magellans (www.magellans.com). Under the heading "adapter plugs and converters", there are numerous products that might solve your problem. There is an "800" telephone number that you can call. They might have expedited shipping so that you can get it in time for your trip.

Another catalog company/online store is TravelSmith (www.travelsmith.com). In the search box, enter power converters. They have two products. I checked under the customer service heading (at the bottom of the page), and this company does provide expedited shipping.

I have purchased items from both companies, and they did provide terrific quality products and customer service.

Have a great time on your trip.



RJ

 

[Pakey]

I travel a bit internationally and I got a "pack" at Radio Shack. It includes a converter and various adapters.

Anymore, many of the hotels have an outlet at the desk area that does not need a convertor; just an adapter. That's where I plug in my iphone, camera, kindle, etc.

 

[Disneyadore]

We have the same problem coming to the US. We have 220 volt and have to convert to 110.
Many electric devices like lap tops can be used as the adapter is for 100-220 volt.
The rest I just bought new like my toothbrush,shaver for both of us,cell phone and so on. The price was so low it would have been ridiculous to buy a heavy converter and haul it across the ocean.

 

[BroganMc]

Check the writing on your normal chargers for things like cameras, iPods, cell phones. Somewhere in that teeny tiny print, see if it has something like100/240 input. If it does, that means that charger works as a converter. Hair dryers can sometimes be iffy even with a converter. We traveled through Europe this summer and never used a separate converter, just our regular chargers with no problems.

Yup this. I learned that when I went to London. Most consumer electronics these days are built for global use and therefore have chargers that use variable currents. Laptops for instance have the converter build into the power brick. You just get a different power cord for the wall plug or use an adapter.

Hair dryers and razors use a steady current so need the converter. But converters are not meant to be used for extended periods of time (i.e. hours).

 

[NewDCLGuy]

Mostly repeating what others have said... In order to use electronics overseas, you need two things - a plug converter and a voltage converter.

Plug converters allows the prongs of your device to fit into the wall in the foreign country. For about $15, you can pick up a good set that will cover most countries. Get a set with different adapters for each setup.... not a multi-function gizmo that tries to connect everything to everything.

Except in unusual circumstance, do not buy a voltage converter. You are just asking for trouble by using one. Instead, use electronics that have the voltage converter built in. Probably 90% of what you own, including all the small electronics, are set up for dual voltage. Somewhere on the device will be notation such as "110V-240V" letting you know you don't need a voltage adapter. If it just says 110V, you would need an adapter to use in most countries. The most common non-dual-voltage things people want to bring on vacation are hair dryers/curlers/straighteners. If you have one, I'd still recommend not getting a voltage converter and just

- buying a new dual-voltage device, or
- buying a cheap device in that country when you get there, or
- do without during your trip

Of course, if you have some irreplaceable item that is single voltage, you can always buy a voltage adapter. But do spend a few bucks and buy a good one, and only as a last resort.

 

[Kimberle]

Thank you!