That means you don't need any voltage converter. Things like hair dryers and curling irons are a mixed bag--some are dual voltage some aren't--again it should be marked on the appliance or its cord or in the instruction book somewhere. [Updated: December 29, 2016. Originally Posted: October 2011.] There is no doubt that electronics play a huge part in our lives and electronics have become an essential part of travel. Between smartphones, tablets, digital cameras, laptops, and video cameras the choice of what electronics to bring on your backpacking trip can get overwhelming. This guide will help clear up questions about how to safely use electronics in Europe and show you how to get the most out of your gadgets.:::::::::::: European Electronics Basics Ther are two main difference between North American and European electronics — the voltage and the shape of the electrical plugs. Let’s start with the voltage. America uses 110 volts and Europe uses a more powerful 220 volts. What does this mean? These days, not much because essentially all high-end electronics (laptops, smartphones, tablets, cameras/camera battery chargers, etc.) are designed to operate perfectly safely on anything from 100V-240V. HOWEVER, more low-end electronics are not rated for a higher voltage so they will fry if you plug them into a European outlet. This includes things like hair dryers, curling irons, hair straighteners, some electric shavers, etc. A good rule of thumb is that anything that heats up (i.e. Hair dryer) or has a motor will be damaged if you plug it in. How to Check The Voltage of Your Electronics Your electronics will display the voltage in which your device operates. It will be printed near the plug or on the power brick. Left – This is the power brick on my Macbook. Is says “ Input: AC 100-240V” — which means it will work on any voltage between 100-240V. Europe runs on 220V this device will work perfectly fine. Right – This device (electric shaver) is rated 120V so it wouldn’t work in Europe. Voltage Converter: You can buy a voltage converter that converts 220V to 110V but they are usually expensive, bulky, and heavy. The converters are also known to malfunction and fry your electronics anyways. Special Note About Dual Voltage Appliances: You can buy a dual voltage hair dryer/hair straighteners that allow you to switch between two voltage settings, but they usually don’t work well. Often you’ll only get 50% of the power (i.e. It will take 25 minutes to dry your hair). It is better to just buy a cheap new hairdryer in Europe. European Plug Adapters: North America and Europe use different plug configurations (The UK has their own too). You will need a plug adapter to be able to plug your electronics into European outlets. These adapters will NOT have any impact on voltage — they simply change the plug style so you can physically plug in your devices to an electrical socket. Are cheap so it doesn’t hurt to pick two or three up before your trip. WiFi In Europe Free WiFi isn’t nearly as prevalent in Europe as it is in the US but more and more places are offering free WiFI. Most hostels and some hotels offer free wifi to their guests. There are a number of cafes that offer it for free. I believe you can get the internet at any McDonald’s or Starbucks if you buy something. Basically, WiFi isn’t impossible to find but don’t expect to find it at a moment’s notice. Digital Cameras For Europe I’ve created a more in-depth guide to Castles, architecture, stunning countryside, monuments, art, and beautiful people — there so many amazing things to take pictures of in Europe. I think a camera is one of the most important things you’ll bring with you. My photographs are my most cherished “souvenirs” from my travels. Here are a few things you’ll want to think about when choosing a camera for your European journey. Smartphones The smartphone has completely changed the way people travel. The things these devices can do are pretty amazing. You don’t even have to plan your trip ahead of time anymore. You can simply arrive at a new city and find great things to see within minutes (actually, it’s not that easy but it makes things easier). There are already many great apps available and this industry is still in its infancy. More Reading [] Smartphone benefits include: • Never Get Lost: Use GPS and/or GoogleMaps to guide you to your destination. This is huge. European cities are extremely complex and it’s really quite difficult to find a specific location. Most of the time you’re only given an address so finding it on a map can be a challenge. No longer will you have to waste tons of time trying to find something. • Subway Maps: Maps of every subway system can be downloaded so you won’t have to worry about getting on the wrong train. Also get live outage updates. However, a paper map is always nice to have. • Restaurant Recommendations: Finding a place to eat is often a great cause of stress — especially when you’re on a budget. I use services like Yelp and it’s rarely let me down. • Audio Tour Guides: There are many high-quality audio tour guides of most major European cities. This allows you to learn about the cities on your own time. • Museum Tour Guides: Learn about the history of your favorite works of art at many famous museums without all that pesky reading.
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