Going to France... is there anything I can do about my charger for my rechargeable batteries? The plugs...?

Question

I know the plugs are different. I live in the U.S. Is there anything to buy so where I don't have to buy a completely new charger, but still be able to use my charger in France?

Answer 1

Get an adapter. They sell them at any electronic store. Make sure you tell them what country you are going to.

Answer 2

Firstly, check the specs of your charger.

If your charger only runs on 100v-120v and cannot work at the higher voltage of 220v-240v used in France, it may actually be cheaper to buy a new charger than to buy a voltage transformer to use with your existing charger.

If you buy a new charger, get a travel charger with interchangeable plugs that can be used worldwide. For AA/AAA and 9 volt batteries, the Ansmann Energy 4 is a great travel charger that can be used anywhere in the world.

If your existing charger does in fact work on 220v-240v, then all you need is a simple plug adapter (travel adapter) that should cost you no more than a few dollars. You should be able to find one in any store that sells travel accessories.

Answer 3

Yes, you can buy a converter, just a small plug that you plug into the outlet in France and then you are able to plug your appliances (phone charger, blow dryer) from the US into it also. These are really easy to find at the airport (or probably anyother electronic store). Also note that in Europe they use different voltage, so make sure you check on your phone plug to be sure that it will work. I think the US Voltage is 100v and in Europe it is 240v. Most phone chargers will work on both, but things like hair dryers WILL NOT, so make sure you check, if it is not something that will work with higher voltage you will need to buy an adapter that also converts voltage. Hope this helps.