Going to Europe - outlets?

Question

I'm going to several different countries for 3 weeks this summer: England, France, Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Switzerland -- and basically I want to know what I need to buy for outlets (I'm from the US). I'm not sure if it's like a different converter for each country and that's it or I need something else also - if anyone knows or has experience with this please let me know, thank you!

Answer 1

You can look up the converter that you need and you can buy them on ebay for about 2 dollars i know that France and Switzerland are 2 pronged outlets

Answer 2

yeah, im fron the UK you need a 3 pin plug for the uk, and we also run on 220v ac - not the american 120v so you may have to have more than a converter here!as for Europe im not entirely sure, i know Spain runs off the 220v but im not sure on the typre of plug...

this will tell you everything!!!

http://www.kropla.com/electric2.htm

Answer 3

If you use electric equipment it mostly has a notice on it telling you which voltage it works on.

In Europe we use 230, (220 to 240) in the USA you use 110.

So check your plug, the lead or the bottom of the thing you want to use. There will be a notice (or has been) telling you either 100/120 or 110, for the USA and some other countries, 220/240 or 230 for Europe and Australia/New Zealand, or 100/240 or 110/230 for things that can take the different voltages.

If your things all can run of 230 you only need a plug adapter, and you can buy one that fits all European (and some more) outlets or a set of different ones that together will work across the world.

If your things can only run of 110, you need a converter too.

In that case you also need to know how much power your things need. Often it is not worth taking hairdryers and straightening irons, as they need too much power to run of a converter, and they are cheaper to buy here than a converter is. (Or you can use the ones the hotels have handy.)

Most converters come with a plug adapter, if not, you need one of those too.

You  can buy converters and plug adapters in stores with travel supplies, (like suitcases,) electronics, (walkmans, cameras,) and in small stores at airports.

Answer 4

France, germany, austria, czech republic and switzerland all have the same 2 pin plug so if you buy a standard european converter you should be ok. The poms like to be different and have a 3 pin plug so you will need a different converter for england.

most travel shops like mountain designs (im in australia, not sure if the have that where you are) should have them, or airport duty free lounges.

hope this helps, im jealous have fun :)