W Europe Travel

» Lori Henry - Techie Question

Well, I'm heading to France (and England and Sweden) in April and my laptop will, of course, be at my side. Can anyone recommend a laptop converter/adapter that will convert my North American plug to European electicity?

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» gidgelux - Techie Question

In response to Techie Question posted by lorihenry:

Computers and other devices that need to be plugged in can be tricky. I'm certainly not an expert, but I do know that I was able to plug in my Dell laptop in France, Germany, the Czech Republic, etc. using a simple adapter for European outlets. They cost around $4 at travel shops and are very basic.

My friends and I, however, were not so lucky with other devices, such as blow dryers, shavers and walkie talkies. None of them worked after plugging them into the adapter and then the European outlets.

I would suggest emailing the manufacturer of your computer or talking to an expert because replacing a blow dryer is one thing, your laptop - if it is anything like mine - is a whole different story.

I hope you have a wonderful time in Europe. Best of luck!

Bridget

-- posted by gidgelux

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» Lori Henry - Techie Question

In response to Techie Question posted by gidgelux:

Thanks for your reply! I actually never thought of contating my laptop manufacturer, but I will do that. And the people at the travel store can probably make a recommendation, too. Yes, my laptop has my life on it, so I'll be very careful

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» Richard Mudhar - Techie Question

In response to Techie Question posted by lorihenry:

Look at the power supply of your laptop. It will show the voltage range on the back. In Europe we use 230V nominal voltage at 50Hz (older labels will show 240VAC in the UK and 220V elsewhere but this has been harmonised) You supply should say something like my HP supply -

Input 100-240V 50-60Hz

and then you will simply need an adaptor for the plug, which are commonly available in the shop at European airports (the range is wider than I have seen and US airports for some reason)

If your supply says something like 100-130V then it is US only and you would need a step-down converter which is heavier and more expensive, and should have a rating to match or exceed that of your laptop (about 80W in general)

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