Student travelling to U.K. for 3 weeks-do we need a voltage adapter or converter?

Question

If you can give any advice on using American devices in U. K. (London, Ireland, Scotland, Wales) please help. Will be using a straightening iron, Ipod, Digital camera with lithium-ion rechargeable battery, Blackberry Curve. What will we need in order to use and not fry these devices?

Answer 1

Your flat iron will be the biggest challenge. Your iPod and Blackberry are definitely dual voltage and I'm willing to bet your digital camera is too...check on the charger to see if it says 110-240 or not. If it does (or 110-230, that's okay too) then you're fine...all you'll need is a plug adapter. Make sure that there are no switches (possibly on your camera?) to change from 110 to 230/240 voltage. If there's a switch, you'll need to flip it BEFORE you use it in the UK, or you'll fry it, and then you'll need to flip it again before you use it in the States when you get back. Most of these small electronics automatically switch from one voltage to the other though (like your iPod) so if you can't find a switch you'll be fine.

The flat iron is probably just 110 voltage and you'll need a converter to use it. These can be heavy and expensive. If you're planning on doing a lot of traveling outside of the U.S. Honestly, I would get a dual voltage flat iron in the States before you leave or buy a UK flat iron when you first get over there. It will save you a lot of headaches in the long run and a lot of weight in your luggage, especially if you're planning on backpacking.

I have a dual voltage flat iron by BaByliss that has worked great for me and also a dual voltage travel blow dryer that I HIGHLY recommend. Here are the links and have a great trip!