French Electricity?

Question

ok, well here is the dumb american! well I know that we don't have the same power outlets as them. So I went to radio shack today, and the guy had no idea what he was talking ahout. So I bought a Power adapter. then the guy was saying something about needing a voltage converter. Which they had, but i didn't get. He had no Idea what he was talking about. So do I need a voltage converter? I plan to use a Phone charger,laptop charger, hair straightner, and a blowdryer for the outlet! PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!!!

Answer 1

Yes, you need both and normally they come in the same kit together along with plugs for other international countries.

I would return it and get a convertor and adapter together.

Forgot to add that your phone will not work in Europe but you can buy one once you are there.

Answer 2

You will need a voltage converter for the small appliances but probably not the laptop...look on the battery box to make sure it can take the voltage. Just keep in mind that sometimes even with the converter sometimes things will fry. And everything but the hair dryer you can get in France and save the luggage room.

Answer 3

I had the same problem. Make sure that when you buy the actual converter it is one that can handle a hair dryer. Alot of the converters are only good for battery chargers, radios, cd players, etc. You have to buy a converter that can handle a type of heater (curling iron, hair dryer..). Unfortunately these usually are a bit more expensive. But the upside is that the more expensive ones come with several plug attachments which will fit most countries. Best of luck!

Answer 4

Hiya,

You will need an adaptator for Europe (Not the adaptator for the UK !).

It is generaly 220V/240V.

It is not a stupid question don't worry.

Cheerio.

Answer 5

Check and see if you have any dual voltage appliances (e.g. hair dryer)-- if so, it will have a switch on it allowing conversion to 120V (US) to 220V (Europe and UK).  The first repondent is right.  Since you haven't been to France before, be aware that in addition to the "voltage convertor" you have to have the right adaptor.  In the US, the plugs on appliances are flat prongs.  In Europe the "prongs" are round pegs.  BTW, one handy phrase in French is "La prise de courant ne marche pas"-- "The electrical outlet does not work."  When I saw this in a book, I LOL.  What a ridiculous sentence!  Well the first week I was there, I had to say "la prise de courant ne march pas."  Bon voyage!

Answer 6

besides the SEVERAL DIFFERENT TYPES OF ELECTRICAL PLUGS AND RECEPTICLES USED IN EUROPE,, MOST COUNTRIES UTILIZE  A BASIC  220-240 VOLTAGE---SO, ACT ACCORDINGLY!!!

Answer 7

Yes you will also need a voltage converter. Our system runs on 110volts and France's runs at 220volts

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index....

Answer 8

France is on 220V so check your appliances to see if they convert to this.

If you are planning on travelling "frequently" then I suggest purchasing "travel appliances" before you come and not wasting your time on arrival. Travel appliances will be more compact and bi-voltage (110/220). Check out some travel websites which might propose such appliances.

You'll also need a plug converter. Here's a picture of what French plugs look like : http://users.pandora.be/worldstandards/e...

It is likely that your computer power adapter is bi-voltage, then the plug converter will be sufficient.

For your phone. Certain of the newer models can be bi/tri adaptable to worlwide GSM specifications automatically. Read the manual, or drop into a specialised store or call client service.

Your phone might also have a europe/international roaming option to which you are probably not subscribed. In other words even if your phone is adaptable to the European system... you still need the subscription to use the service.  Again, read your operator contract or call their client service. Sometimes you can add this service for the time you travel.

If none of the above work, ask your operator if they rent a phone for travel. If they do great, if not, search the yellow pages... or sometimes you can find such service providers in travel or in flight  magazines.

Bon Voyage