I've never travelled internationally with my laptop and I'm going to be on Crete (specifically Gerani near Chania) for two weeks in August and need to be able to communicate via the internet from my laptop.

I'm assuming as far as power I just need the appropriate converter for their power system. Is that correct?

As far as internet, I'm clueless.

Any information or suggestions will be VERY much appreciated!

Thanks!

Look on your charger. It probably says something like "100-240V." If so, all you need is a plug converter to get you to the Euro two-prong standard.

As for the internet, it's all pretty much the same as home (US?, but it doesn't really matter). You've got your free and non-free wired and wireless.

Also observe the European hand luggage rules as you will want to carry your laptop on board. Officially, it is strictly one bag at the moment. If you want to carry things other than the laptop, think about the type of bag you need.

For a holiday, something that lies within the maximum size limits and has a laptop pouch will probably do since the laptop will probably just stay in the hotel accommodation. Business is a little different.

<insert joking tone of voice>
Not only do you need a power converter to 24 volt DC but you will also need to start learning Greek very fast as your laptop will automatically detect it is in a different country and all change all the language settings and keyboard layout as soon as you step of the plane. This is why international travel is so demanding and needs loads of preparation.

<end joking tone of voice>

Seriously speaking, answering your question is like answering "how long is a piece of string?"

What kind of laptop do you have? Does it have wireless connectivity or eathernet or dial up modem only?

But before you get in to that I suggest you follow previous advice and check the powerbrick to your laptop, get a plug adaptor so you can stick it in the wall (if it does cover 110 - 240) then my advice is to start trawling google for information on internet cafe's and also check if the hotel has internet.

/E - trying to figure out how long a piece of string is

I'd be surprised if it is possible to buy a laptop that is tied to any one power system these days. When I took my (now 4 years old) laptop on holiday with me for the first time, it never even occurred to me to check this out.

Emma,

That can happen, sort of. I took my laptop to Tokyo, where I signed up for Skype. In spite of the name, address, etc. information on my Skype account, I guess that based on the server I was on when I signed up, they send me lots of Japanese e-mails.

Ya,please dont swith on your laptop during landing and take off and also try to charge it fully before leaving your place,if u are not taking it as a hand baggage then pack it carefully