I've been to Europe before, but going again, I need more info on outlet converters?

Question

I had this big bulky one from Radio Shack, I was 14 when I went, so I didnt know how it worked...but I plugged in my blow dryer, and the nozzle turned red! Since then, I've been so traumatized with my american products if I ever go back...

any advice as to what I should do?

what is the best type of converter?

I will be taking my laptop, camera charger, hair straightener, and blow dryer. I don't want any of those things to have the same effect. Also, Let's say I wanna charge my camera over night over there, is it safe for it?

Answer 1

Buy any converter. Go to Staples or look on-line. I travel to Europe at least twice a year for work and never had a problem. I use my lap top and my cell phone charger without an issue.

Have fun.

Answer 2

You can buy voltage converters at almost any store that sells luggage and of course travel stores.  Even my local hardware store sells them.  Voltage converter have watt ratings.  Like 100 watts, 400 watts, 200 watts.  You need to make sure you get one big enough for your hair dryer.  It's probably about 1200 watts so the converter needs to be able to handle that.  But one big enough for the hair dryer might be too big for your camera charger.  You might need a 200 watt converter for your small stuff.  You can get ones that you can switch the power rating on.  This would be your best bet.  Set it to the high rating for your blow dryer and the low rating for the small stuff.   Your laptop shouldn't need to use a converter, most don't.   Read what's on the power supply for the laptop.  It probably says something like:  100 to 240 volts, 50 or 60 Hz.  If it says that all you need is an adapter so you can plug it in.  You wouldn't need the voltage converter for it.