First, the Magellan link was not an endorsement, just a picture that nicely illustrates the difference between an adapter and a converter.

Second, you are wrong. My wife recently had her electric hair curlers fried within seconds of plugging it into an electric socket in Italy using an adapter, not a converter.

Tumi makes a nice universal converter-adapter that works in just about every country, and it is what I use http://www.tumi.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4209721. I also carry a few adapters with me because they are smaller than carrying a few converters, and you only need an adapter to charge a computer or phone.

I agree with what antichef posted, "Right, you can see that you are going to need a few different types! A multiple adapter will probably do it, but the one you linked to doesnt look like it will cut it as it wont fit in some of those countries. The one you show seems to be to convert only some.

Do remember that there is a voltage difference in Europe too, 220V not the US 110V. You will need a converter unless your items are dual voltage (see the label), otherwise there will be a flash and a bang and your hairdryer will be a molten smoldering pile in the corner." (underline mine)

chx1975, without knowing what OP plans to charge, don't be so dogmatic.

Again - did you actually read the thread and see the conversation with MADPhil and antichef where converters and voltages were covered?

You guys are kidding, right?

All of Europe (including the countries you mentioned and excluding UK and Ireland) use C-type sockets, especially in hotels. Only older houses and hotels that haven't seen an update in the last 20 years use the other socket types mentioned. Maybe that excludes Switzerland, because the J-type they use reduces the chance of electrocution. But then again, the C-type plug can safely be plugged into the J-type sockets, so no problem there at all.

Check this map to see where C-type plugs can be used

For more expensive things like laptops I'd definitely suggest you check if they are 'dual-voltageproof', otherwise you'll need a converter.

If all you need is to charge a shaver (or other low power items), many hotels (even in Switzerland), have adapted some of their outlets to accept standard USA type plugs [no adapter necessary]. In any event (especially in hotels) ASK! [Some hotels (not just the expensive ones) may let you borrow adapter plugs from the front desk.]

I use to carry a lot of adapters both power and phone and today thankfully I can get by with just taking a C and a G power adapter. I have nothing I carry that does not support dual voltage either. Life is simpler than it was 10-15 years ago

What about a wife with curlers and a hair straightener?

They are available in dual voltage models, too. Go to Target and read the tiny print molded on the handles.

Many of the major international brand personal grooming will support dual voltage, it does not make sense to design two identical products for the different electrical market.

All my DW and DD's grooming appliances are dual voltage. Some have the setting switch under a unlabeled cover.

Perche asked: What about a wife with curlers and a hair straightener?

I found the single voltage wife hard enough to handle, goodness knows what these new models are like :D:D

^^^

Ha ha ha!

Why would your wife have BOTH curlers and a straightener? Is she dual voltage AND dual styling? :D

Seriously though, a good tip would be to pre-set the dual voltage appliance to the higher voltage to avoid frying said appliance when she plugs it in without checking first. If it is set to high voltage but you are in a lower voltage country, I imagine it just wouldn't work as well but would avoid the frying mess.

Because she does, and it would be very very unwise to challenge her logic with yours :eek:

One week it is straight, another week curly .... Which week is which is a decision probably better made by her! In the interests of your personal safety - hot curlers round your curlies etc is not pretty ;)

The rest of your advice is sound though :D

Yes, an Excellent idea about setting the Voltage on high 2xx and that would be safe. Many newer intl hotels worldwide have being to install multiple configuration plugs and in 220V countries, 110V outlets.

If the appliance is set to 220 and plugged into 110V it would just not be as hot or run at full speed.

This is what I use with my iPhone & iPad and use the same adapter for Germany, Austria, & Switzerland.

http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB...081147d99cace8