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| Name: |
greycove
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| Subject: |
Charging my cell phone in Europe?
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Date:
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4/14/2013 11:03:35 AM
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I know some of the forum members travel to Europe. To charge my cell phone, I need a Converter to change European wall outlets mainly from 240 to 120. I will also need a set of adapters to use since European wall outlets are different from those in the U.S.
I have a black Protégé converter with a HI/LO switch. On the back is the phrase "Dual Wattage Converter". Anything else I need other than a rather large loan from the bank and a pocket full of Euros.? Any adive would be helpful.
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| Name: |
MrHodja
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| Subject: |
Charging my cell phone in Europe?
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Date:
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4/14/2013 1:32:33 PM (updated 4/14/2013 1:51:09 PM)
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Two challenges, one electrical, one physical.
The electrical challenge is that European power is 240 volts, 50 Hertz (cycles per second). US power is 120 volts, 60 Hertz. Most modern chargers are dual voltage (the Hertz doesn't matter), and will state on the charger itself (usually in tiny print) that they are 120/240 compatible. If it doesn't say anything about switching, it will automatically switch from one to the other. From what ypu've described, you may have to manually switch yours.
Another option would be to go to your local Radio Shack, Best Buy, or maybe even Wal Mart and buy a 240/120 converter. It actually has a step-down transformer that will convert the 240 to 120, and thus you'll be safe no matter what. You should be able to get one for about $20 or less, and make sure it is a true converter (i.e., transformer).
The physical problem is a bit different. Indeed Europe uses the round plugs, where ours are the spade type. Also available at those stores mentioned above would be a universal converter kit that adapts any physical connection, no matter where you are in the world, to the US type. These are less expensive but DO NOT step down the voltage. They may even contain an adpater that you screw into a light bulb socket and thus plug in your 240/120 dual voltagen appliance.
Depending on where you are staying and their dependence on international customers, the hotel may have converters available, and some even have a low wattage 120 volt, US-style outlet in the bathroom.
And yes, be prepared to spend plenty Euros. We've found that he least expensive alternative is to use the ATMs that you will find at just about every street corner. If you convert dollars to Euros at a bank hjere or at a currency conversion kiosk you won't get a good rate but will get a conversion fee. Whatever you do, forget Travelers' Checks, because nobody takes them any more. If you do plan to use the ATM or charge anything to your credit card, check with your bank to see if they tack on an international transaction fee.
By the way, I assume you have checked and your cell phone will work in Europe? There may be some incompatibilities, depending on your carrier, phone type, and frequency.
So where all are you going?
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| Name: |
Mack
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| Subject: |
Charging my cell phone in Europe?
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Date:
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4/14/2013 8:31:26 PM
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All of Hodja's info on converters is fact. Fun indeed to watch your wife's hairdryer smoke when we plugged it into our new wall outlet adapter kit w/o the voltage reducer. Melted plastic.
Travel in Europe can be really good, or really bad. And good or bad is based on YOUR ATTITUDE.
As Hodja asked, where are you going?? Makes a difference.
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| Name: |
greycove
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| Subject: |
MrHodja...thanks for responding to my request.
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Date:
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4/15/2013 12:10:14 PM
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Your response was very thorough. Sounds like you are very experienced in foreign travel I will have to read your note a few times to get a better understanding.
Will post again on the board about how things went
Greycove
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| Name: |
MrHodja
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| Subject: |
MrHodja...thanks for responding to my request.
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Date:
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4/15/2013 12:15:34 PM
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Email me if you have any other questions. My travel has mostly been to Italy but have been a few other places as well. If you end up in Rome, I very definitely have a restaurant recommendation!
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| Name: |
MrHodja
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| Subject: |
Youir Protoge is a Transformer
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Date:
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4/15/2013 7:14:03 PM (updated 4/15/2013 7:21:03 PM)
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I googled the protoge converter and the first hit was a Wal Mart web page giving good information.
It is a transformer so you can plug any of your US appliances into it....however it may not support a hair dryer (check the maximum wattage against the hair dryer wattage). I would still check the fine print on your cell phone charger, because just about all of them these days are dual voltage and thus all you would need to do is find a plug converter (European round to US spade physical conversion) - but even there it looks like the Protoge comes with them as well, so you may be in high cotton!
URL: Wal Mart Web Page on the Protoge Converter
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| Name: |
winers
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| Subject: |
Charging my cell phone in Europe?
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Date:
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4/25/2013 9:51:07 PM
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I did not read all the responses, but can share some advice. I traveled a lot in Europe and when it comes to adapters for charging things, there are several that are available in the USA. The one that I use has two or three adapters to fit the wall plugs in the various countries. Which ever one fits the wall socket will be safe to then plug your male part into. I have never had a problem. I believe that Radio Shack is where I purchased mine at. I hope this helps.
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