People are always needing power adaptors, converters and transformers for foreign travel. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of bad information out there and people lacking the experience and knowledge in this department, resulting in damaged merchandise and your dollars lost! Here are the basics of what you need to know when planning this sort of purchase.
- Have with you a list of all the appliances and /or electronics you are taking with you. Really think about what you want to take and what is a necessity.
- Are your items dual voltage? What this means is in North America, we work on 110 volts. Most places abroad are 220 volts. Some adapt to both 110 and 220. Once it is determined what voltage your appliance is, one can assist you with what exactly you will need to take with you. If your item is dual voltage, an adaptor plug is all you will need. If not, you will need either the converter or transformer.
- An adaptor plug is almost always needed. All that an adaptor plug does is allow you to plug in your appliance to the foreign outlet. It does not convert any voltage for you.
- Depending on whether your item is Electric, or an Electronic, will determine the need for either a converter or transformer. Heating items generally require a converter, where items with a micro chip require a transformer. Examples of these are: Converter ( Hairdryer, Clothing iron, Curling iron, etc…) Not included in this list is a Flat iron. This will be discussed later. Items needing a Transformer ( Battery chargers, Electric shavers, non-dual voltage lap tops, Electric toothbrush, etc..) Depending on how many watts your item is, will determine what transformer will work for you. Transformers come in different sizes. Why carry a 10lbs transformer, when all you really need is a 2 lbs one.
- Flat irons are the exception to the rule. There are many styles and grades of irons. There are the conventional ones that you can buy in just about any department store and then there are the higher end models found in most salons. If the iron is dual voltage and non-ceramic, it can be used in foreign countries with a grounded adaptor plug. If the iron is ceramic, regardless of voltage, it cannot be used overseas. One can purchase a flat iron designed specifically for travel.
If you have any questions about converters or adapters, feel free to contact Liz, the Manager at our "Geo Everything for Travel" store, at EGarcia-Bonnema@Geo.ca.
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1 comment:
This is all the very informative matter and this article is very useful and worthwhile in travel abroad and in plane travel as well.
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