The original do-it-yourself travel guide to Europe SM


Electricity in Europe

Travel Voltage Fundamentals

Electrical voltage in Europe is 220. The USA uses 110 volts. Caution!
Essentials about voltage converters, adapter plugs, power strips, battery chargers, hair blowers.



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You will need one or more of these plug adapters for your appliances and chargers.
Electrical Plug Adapter USA to Continental Europe
Plug Adapter
USA to Continental Europe
by Samsonite


SIMRAN PLUG ADAPTER - CONVERTS GROUNDED USA PLUGS TO EUROPE PLUG-GERMAN SHUCKO PLUG (VP 11W)
SIMRAN PLUG ADAPTER
Adapts grounded USA plugs to European plug


This is a universal plug adapter for the UK and Ireland.
Samsonite Grounded Adaptor Plug - United Kingdom, Ireland
Samsonite Grounded Adaptor Plug - United Kingdom, Ireland


To use this with American plugs you'll also need the USA to Continental Europe adapter.
Grounded Adapter
Europe to Switzerland


For charging the batteries of more than one gizmo at a time use this 250 volt universal power strip. It comes with a grounded Continental plug so it does not need an adapter plug for Europe. See the next item if you are going to the British Isles.
Universal Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip for AC 220V/240V Countries. Max Load 13A 250V 50/60HZ - 450 Joules. CE Certified
Surge Protector
Power Strip
6 Universal Outlets
220/240 Volt 50/60Hz


To use the surge strip in Britain and Ireland you will need one of these plug adapters. Grounded Adapter - Europe to England UK Britain
Grounded Adapter
Europe to
Britain and Ireland


Only use this if your appliance is not marked 110-240 v and uses less than 50 watts.
Grounded Transformer
USA to Continental Europe
50 Watts, 220v to 110v


This is a stronger transformer rated for 200 watts.
Transformer - 200 Watt Non Grounded Heavy Duty


OK, this is the elephant. If you are moving over and taking your electric saw, planer, drill, etc. I recommend it. Transformer - 1000 Watt Non Grounded Heavy Duty
Transformer - 1000 Watt Non Grounded Heavy Duty


Wear a money belt under your shirt to protect your passport and valuables, especially if you are staying in hostels or dorms.
Victorinox Deluxe Concealed Security Belt
Victorinox Deluxe Concealed Security Belt


This portable combo door stopper and alarm will give you additional security in your hotel room.
GE 50246 Smart Home Door Stop Alarm
GE 50246 Smart Home
Door Stop Alarm

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Amazon.com pays my site a small commission when you click and order an item, if you put it in your shopping cart within 24 hours based on the cookie they set on your computer. If you don't want to make a quick decision just put it in your shopping cart, think it over, and come back later. You benefit when buying here because Amazon.com has a 20% to 30% discount on many items plus a free shipping deal. The third bonus is that there is no sales tax on internet purchases in most states. Delivery is fast even when it is free, and returns are easy if you are not happy with the product.

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Have a good trip in life,
John Bermont

Note: Italicized notations by the author.
Absolutely the best battery for digital cameras which use AA batteries.
Energizer - AA Lithium Batteries - 4 Pack
Energizer
AA Lithium Batteries
4 Pack


Rechargeable batteries will save you money in the long run.
Sony BCG-34HRMF4 Battery Charger with LCD Display and 4 AA Ni-MH Rechargeable Batteries
Sony BCG-34HRMF4 Battery Charger with LCD Display and 4 AA Ni-MH Rechargeable Batteries


Eforcity Universal USB Car Charger Adapter for Palm m500 and many other devices.
Eforcity Universal USB Car Charger Adapter for Palm m500 and many other devices.



Griffin Technology Powerjolt Dual Universal Car Charger


Make sure that your electrical appliances are dual voltage so they will work in Europe.
Conair's Dual-Voltage Ionic Hair Dryer
Vagabond Compact Styler
Conair's Dual-Voltage Ionic Hair Dryer


Conair Flat Iron 2
Conair Flat Iron 2" Ceramic Straightener
Dual Voltage


Remington H-1015 All That Quick Curl Travel Hair Setter
Travel Hair Setter
Dual Voltage
Remington H-1015


SteamFast SF-717 Home-and-Away Mini Steam Iron (dual voltage)
SteamFast SF-717 Home-and-Away Mini Steam Iron (dual voltage)



Braun Series 1 1-150 Men's Shaver
Braun Series 1 150 Men's Shaver with Automatic Worldwide Voltage Adjustment


For light sleepers here is an international "white noise" machine.
Lewis N. Clark Immersion Heater 120/240V
Marsona TSCi-330 White Noise Travel Sound Conditioner For both USA and International Use


Casio Auto Calendar Thermometer Travel Clock #PQ15-1KP
Casio Auto Calendar Thermometer Travel Clock #PQ15-1KP


This will come in very handy once in a while.

Swiss Army
LED Flashlight


This is my book, available at Amazon.com. Critical up-dates are on this web site.
How To Europe The Complete Travelers Handbook by John Bermont
How To Europe
The Complete
Travelers Handbook
by John Bermont


The best travel guide to all of Europe.
Europe on a Shoestring Lonely Planet
Europe on a Shoestring
Lonely Planet


The essential timetable for rail travelers.
European Rail Timetable Summer 2010 Independent Travellers Edition Thomas Cook
European Rail Timetable
Summer 2010
Independent Travellers Edition
Thomas Cook





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Chapter 11 (without photos) of
HOW TO EUROPE
The Complete Travelers Handbook
Internet edition.
A page from enjoy-europe.com with John Bermont



Don't blow their fuses.

THE DIFFERENCE

The voltage throughout Europe is 220. American voltage is only 110. Changing European electricity so that it can be safely used in your appliances and electronic gizmos is a significant nuisance for travelers.

Deciding which electrical equipment and accessories to bring will be a major consideration as you make your packing list. This chapter will get you up to speed. If you have any lingering questions see "Note to Readers" in the last paragraph below. I am happy to answer any email on the subject, and any other travel inquiry if I can.

What is Electricity?

Electricity, in the nearly abstract, is a form of energy consisting of a flow of electrons. The flow can be continuous in one direction (direct current electricity, DC) or it can be reversing on a fixed frequency (alternating current electricity, AC).

Electricity is measured in terms of quantity (amperes, amps, A) and force (voltage, volts, V). The energy used is electrical power (watts, W). In household electrical circuits, power is equal to the product of quantity and force. In other words, volts multiplied by amps equals watts. VxA=W. Instead of mentioning watts, the nameplate on many electrical devices uses the term volt amps, abbreviated VA.

The quantity of electricity available at any outlet is determined by the size of the wires furnishing it. The fuse or circuit breaker at the main electrical panel is designed to limit the flow of electricity according to the size of the wire. When too much electricity passes through a wire it becomes hot. In the extreme case the wire can become so hot that it melts, starts sparking, and sets the place on fire. Before the wire gets that hot the fuse blows or the circuit breaker opens and prevents damage.

The "Hz" you see on electrical appliances indicates the frequency. That is the number of times per second that AC current reverses polarity from positive to negative. It is not an abrupt change. The voltage follows a sine wave, gently rising to a peak and then reversing to a valley. Hz is the abbreviation for Hertz, a German physicist.

I hope this little bit of electrical know-how won't make you dangerous.

Electricity in America

In the United States household electricity is normally supplied by your local power company or municipal utility at 110 or 120 volts at a frequency of 60 Hz. Any device rated between 100 volts and 130 volts works fine. The quantity available in American homes is generally 15 to 20 amps at a single outlet or for the total of all outlets served by a single fused circuit. Thus, one circuit may provide from 1650 to 2400 watts of power. One circuit usually supplies more than one outlet. Many people use a doubler plug or power strip so they can use more lights or appliances from a single outlet. This can cause blown fuses. Instead of fuses, circuit breakers (CBs) are used in most homes built in the last few decades.

Electricity in Europe

The European version of electricity is generally supplied at 220 volts and a frequency of 50 Hz. Officially it is 230 volts plus or minus 10%. Any device rated between 200 volts and 250 volts works fine. Some localities may have 110 volts but I haven't seen this in many years. A frequency of 50 cycles is the standard frequency regardless of the voltage throughout France, Italy, Germany, England, Spain, and the rest of Europe. The quantity available depends on the hotel or home where you are staying. You might be able to use a 1,000 watt hair blower or travel iron. If the lights start to flicker, shut it off immediately. I once blew a fuse in an old French hotel as I was drying my hair with a 600 watt hair blower. It seems that Tim Allen has prompted hair dryer makers to boost the power up to 1,875 watts. Vrooom! Vrooooom! I would expect that this much power would trip a circuit breaker in some homes.

APPLIANCES

To use electrical appliances in Europe, some hardware is needed in order to plug in without electrocuting your machine, and maybe yourself. Since the hotel keeper or desk clerk probably knows less about electricity than you do, don't bother asking if you can plug in your appliances — you may scare the desk clerk. Just make sure to unplug everything after use. Especially do not leave anything plugged in while you are out sightseeing.

In conjunction with this chapter I urge you to read the Electrical Gadgets section of my chapter 6, Your Packing List for Europe: Travel Short List. It has critical information about hair blowers and similar items. There is no need to repeat that information here. Further information can be found in the Household Items section of my chapter 22, Moving to Europe: Travel to the Max as an Expatriate.

Dual Voltage

While it is feasible to transform European electricity from 220 volts to 110 volts for some appliances, it is safer and far simpler to use dual voltage appliances. Some of these have a 110-220 switch while many are "smart" and can use either voltage with no operator settings to make.

You may not be able to get full power out of a dual voltage item. My hair blower would only go up to the 50% setting at 220 volts, but it worked. A reader has told me that her straightening iron cut out at the half way point also. Neither device was damaged. Note that many hotels in Europe, even the two star places, B&Bs, and dorms that I use, normally have a hair blower hard-wired in the room. If you are making advance reservations ask the hotel if it has hair blowers before you pack your own.

Low Wattage Devices

Small 110 volt electrical appliances like radios and razors can normally operate with a 50 watt 220 to 110 volt step down transformer. This is a heavy little package of steel plates and copper wires. If your appliance is marked only 60 Hz, and not 50/60 Hz, you run the risk of burning up something inside even when using a transformer if you use it for an extended period of time.

Laptop Computers, Digital Cameras, Cell Phones, and Similar Devices

These are electronic devices that more and more people are bringing on their trips. I'll use the generic term gizmo here because all of these devices have similar electrical requirements. I carried four gizmos on my last few trips.

These gizmos are usually powered by custom designed rechargeable batteries. Some of them work on AA or AAA batteries. The gizmos with rechargeable batteries come with a little black "brick." The brick is a combination transformer and rectifier especially designed to charge the battery for that particular gizmo. The transformer changes the input voltage to the voltage required by the gizmo's battery and the rectifier changes the electricity from AC to DC. Batteries operate only on DC. See the top of this page for a refresher on AC and DC.

The black bricks always have their electrical specifications embossed or printed on the back side. For example, my Nikon SLR camera brick says "Input: 100-240V~50/60Hz 0.18-0.105A 18-25.2VA." The only part of this that you really need to know is 100-240V~50/60Hz. This tells you that it works on both American (110 volt 60 Hz) and European (220 volt 50 Hz) electricity. The numbers for A tell you how many amps are used and VA (equivalent to watts, W) tells you how much power is consumed. In this case that is in the neighborhood of a 25 watt light bulb. That tells you something else you should be aware of — the brick is going to generate some heat. It won't be much heat but it would be wise to lay the brick out in open air to dissipate the heat and not wrap the brick in a T-shirt where it could get hot.

The bricks for my other three gizmos have similar "Input" statements. The net result is that all I need for powering these gizmos in Europe is a plug adapter for each one. A plug adapter does not change anything electrically. It only changes the prongs on your plugs. For details of the different plugs in use see the section below on plug adapters. Better than having a plug adapter for each gizmo is having a 250 volt power surge strip with a European plug on the cord. See the surge strip in the left column with a Continental plug. If you are going to the UK or Ireland it would be handier to get the surge strip advertised on my UK page at United Kingdom.

Each of these black bricks also has an "Output" statement. These specifications are all different. I can't use one simple brick. I need all four. The output statement of each brick matches the input requirement of its associated gizmo in terms of DC voltage and power, VA.

Be aware that not all bricks are good for 100-240V~50/60Hz. When I bought my Nikon camera I just happened to look closely at the brick before I left the store and it said only 110v~60Hz. The camera store owner looked in another box and found a brick good for 100-240V~50/60Hz. You almost need a microscope to read those electrical specifications.

Higher Power Electric Appliances

Do not bother bringing a plug-in electric clock or clock radio to Europe. These devices, which generally operate on AC motors, will run at only 5/6 of the speed for which they were designed because the speed is determined by the electric frequency. If, for instance, you bring your electric alarm clock and set it at 6 pm when you check into the hotel, it will read only 11 pm when it is midnight, and only 4 am when it is 6 am. You will probably miss breakfast. You need a battery powered travel alarm.

If your electrical device has a transformer in it, you probably should not bring it to Europe. Lower frequencies require thicker transformers. Transformers designed for 60 Hz operation can overheat and sometimes burn up when used in 50 Hz circuits. Make sure that your stereo receiver is rated for both 50 and 60 cycles before moving it to Europe. We used to have a tape deck which apparently suffered untimely death due to 50 Hz burnout.

If your hair blower starts running at a very high speed you have probably plugged in a 110 volt hair dryer. If you leave it running on 220 volts it will burn up in a few seconds and your room will smell putrid for a long time.

TV

If you are relocating to Europe for an extended period, don't bother bringing a TV. Not only because of the differences in electricity, but because the broadcast signals in Europe are different. It won't work. An American TV will have a constant roll, snow, and static. Radios work fine, provided you transform the voltage. See chapter 22, Living in Europe, for more information on television.

DVDs

The producers of DVDs have introduced a "zone" system for all DVDs. There are six geographical zones in the world. The USA is #1, Europe and some other areas are #2, etc. DVD players will only play DVDs manufactured for a specific zone. The reason they do this is to control the sales and make more money. So if you intend to buy a DVD in Europe make sure that it will play in your zone #1 player, but it probably won't. Or buy a zone #2 player while you are in Europe so you can watch those French movies. But check the electrical nameplate for 110/220 volts and 50/60 Hz. Multi-zone DVD players are available in Europe.

EXCEPTIONS AND CAUTIONS

110/220 Volts

Although European electricity is generally 220 volts, there are a few places where you will find 110 volts. On entering a hotel room, inspect a light bulb. It will be marked with the voltage as at home. Then you know. You can also find the voltage stamped on the back of the radio or TV if your room has one or the other. But there are exceptions. On a visit to Stockholm, I found that the hotel room was 220 volts, except for the shaver outlet in the bathroom. It was 110 volts only. It is more common to find both 110 and 220 volts available in bathroom shaver outlets of the better hotels.

Old Wires

There are still a few cheap hotels in Europe warning against the use of any electric appliances in the rooms. Even though some of these places are recommended in popular budget guidebooks, do not stay there. The warning signs in the lobby indicate that the hotel wiring is archaic and that they have had trouble before. Someday some tourist is going to plug in all his electrical machines and fry the wiring. If you are lucky, all you will lose is the lights. About one hotel in Europe goes up in smoke every year or so. See chapter 14, European Hotels, Hostels, B&Bs, Private Homes for more information on safety in hotels.

Direct Current Electricity, DC

DC electricity is produced by batteries. DC is used to power cameras, flashlights, camera flash units, portable radios, portable recorders and CDs, calculators, camcorders, laptop computers, etc.. Each appliance has its own unique requirements for batteries. This is stated in the operating instructions and in the battery housing.

It is reported that some parts of Europe are wired for DC electricity in the homes, though I suspect that this is a legend. I've never seen it. But if you find yourself in one of these areas, do not attempt to use AC electrical appliances.

TRAVELING ELECTRICAL KIT

When bringing electrical appliances to Europe, some or all of the following list must also be carried:
Plug adapters
Power strip
Transformer
Converter (Not recommended. See below.)
Batteries
Rechargeable batteries
Battery charger
Plug Adapters

European electrical outlets come in different sizes and shapes. On the Continent, outlets normally require a plug with two round prongs about 0.19 inch (4.8 mm) in diameter and 0.72 inch (18 to 19 mm) apart. Outlets in some older hotels accept a plug with slightly smaller prongs. The regular plug does not fit.

If you are bringing a laptop computer or other device which has an American three prong grounded plug you will need a grounded plug adapter. The Continental grounded plug has only two prongs on it but it has ground connections on the perimeter of the plug. Newer outlets accept the grounded plug. The standard grounded plug will not fit in the slightly smaller holes of the old hotel outlets. If you run up against that problem, go out to a local department or hardware store and buy an additional adapter when you get there.

Most British and Irish facilities use a three prong plug, with two flat prongs in line and one perpendicular. See the photo of the advertised UK plug adapter in the left column.

Newer facilities in Switzerland have another kind of plug. This one has three round prongs in a triangular pattern. Again, there is an image in the left column.

The Italians have several types of plugs. There is a version with two round prongs and a grounded version with three round prongs in line. These have the narrow prongs, 0.15" diameter.

In Eastern Europe it is more likely that you will find the old style European plug, at least until the time when all those countries adopt and implement EU (European Union) standards. The old style has the two round narrow prongs, 0.15" in diameter.

Plug adapters for the American double flat prongs are virtually impossible to buy in Europe. My recommendation is to buy a Continental plug adapter for each appliance or a 250 volt power strip before departure. Carry an extra plug adapter in case your's get lost or permanently borrowed. See images in the green column on the left and order direct from Amazon.com.

Power Strips

Most Americans have a few power strips in the house. These are commonly used to plug computers, monitors, printers, and other devices into a single wall outlet. Power strips usually have built-in surge protection, power overload protection, and a shut off switch.

My email lately indicates that many travelers pack multiple gizmos that use rechargeable batteries. I do too. See the section above, "Laptop Computers, Digital Cameras, Cell Phones, and Similar Devices." It is nice to be able to charge them all overnight and start every day with your batteries fully loaded. You could have a crisis by mid afternoon otherwise. Typically there is only one wall outlet in your hotel room. In fact, sometimes the only outlets in the room are being used by lamps and the TV and there isn't a spare outlet for your equipment. This is when a power strip comes to the rescue.

A power strip with "universal" outlets is most useful. Then you can unplug a lamp in your room, plug in your power strip, plug the hotel lamp into the power strip, and plug in your American bricks and gizmos. The "universal" outlet accepts everything — American, British, Irish, and all the Continental plugs.

American power strips can physically be connected to a plug adapter and plugged in to any European wall outlet. This results in 240 volts rushing through your American 110 volt power strip. Then you might have sparks and smoke. If you burn down the hotel you are responsible, if you are still alive. I recommend that any power strip you use be rated for 220 volts minimum. There is one in the green Amazon advert column on the left. It has a continental European plug on the cord so you do not need a plug adapter to plug it in. And it has universal outlets. If you are going to Britain or Ireland see the power surge strip advertised on my page for the UK at United Kingdom. It has the correct plug for the islands and universal outlets.

I recommend that you not plug anything other than electronic gizmos and battery chargers into your power strip. The capacity of a power strip is limited. A high power hair blower could pop the circuit breaker. Never plug in anything that is not rated for 240 volts. Get out your magnifying glass and look at the bottom of your gizmos and bricks!

Transformers

A 220 volt to 110 volt transformer is a heavy thing because it is made of solid steel plates and two coils of copper wire. Electricity is introduced into the primary coil and comes out at the secondary coil. The change in voltage equals the ratio of the number of turns in each coil. Thus, a 220-110 volt transformer has half as many turns in the secondary coil as in the primary coil.

A transformer can be used to change European electricity so that it can be used in American specification devices. Transformers come in all sizes. The common travelers transformer is 50 watts and can be used for small electrical devices. Larger transformers can be used for bigger devices. Look at the electrical nameplate on your equipment to find out how much power it requires. That is measured in watts.

If you load a transformer to the max it will get hot and maybe start to humm. Get a bigger transformer if it is too hot to hold your hand on it. If you are going to leave your electrical appliances plugged in for hours and hours get a transformer rated at least twice the required capacity. If you are going to use your appliance for only 10 or 20 minutes you can get by with a transformer rated at the wattage of your appliance.

Converter

A "converter" is an electronic device designed to reduce 220 volts to 110 volts for use on hair dryers, irons, and other high wattage heating devices. If your high wattage equipment doesn't have a dual voltage switch, you might be able to use a converter. It is much lighter and smaller than a transformer of equal capacity, and it is definitely not a transformer (see above). If it is used with something like a 400 watt slide projector, the lamp will burn out in a few seconds. Yup, I know — I did that. I've read that the 1,600 watt converters can also fry a 1,200 watt item.

Further, because of the way that converters work they may toast your equipment no matter what. Alternating current electricity changes from plus to minus as it alternates in a sine wave pattern. The electrons are rushing in one direction and then half way through the wave in 1/120th of a second they suddenly start rushing in the other direction. Converters work by refusing to allow the electrons to reverse direction. The result is that the net voltage is half of the input voltage. The electrical output of a converter is just half of the sine wave. That's how it chops the voltage down to 110. So the output is an on-off single polarity pulse with zero voltage for half of each sine wave. Many normal electrical appliances these days include a chip in the control crcuit. Half a sine wave is OK for a pure heating element but the go-stop-go-stop of a converter can shake the shorts off a silicon chip right now.

I urge you to absolutely avoid using devices called "converters." They are potentially hazardous to your equipment. I receive a couple of emails a month from people who used a converter and were immediately blessed with an amazing light show from the device or their gizmo, followed by blackout in their hotel room.

If you need a hair dryer, iron, or similar item you would be much better off buying a 220-110 volt dual voltage unit. See the appliances in the left hand column on this page.

Batteries

Bring spare batteries for your equipment. If you buy batteries in Europe, do not expect much. Cheap off-brands are widely available, and probably dead on arrival when you get back to your hotel room. Even some Duracell batteries I have bought in Europe were completely dead when I tried to use them a few hours after purchase.

Camera batteries are a special subject. See chapter 12, Photography in Europe for information.

Rechargeable Batteries

Nickel metal hydride, Ni-MH, rechargeable batteries made by Eveready, Sony, Panasonic, and others are expensive but pay for themselves in a hurry, especially in Europe. If you are packing anything that uses AA batteries, rechargeables are worth considering.

Battery charger

If you are using rechargeable batteries, carry a dual voltage charger.

SOURCES

Home Town

Individual plug adapters, transformers, and multi piece kits are sold in some department stores (try the wallet section) and by several electrical specialty companies. Better luggage retailers also carry a selection of electrical devices and other widgets for travelers. Do not be talked into buying a *converter*.

Airports

The duty free shops in international airports carry many electrical appliances. If you didn't have the opportunity to buy what you need before leaving home, browse through the duty free shop before getting on the plane. When you see the prices you'll wish that you had taken care of this earlier.

After you land in Europe you will again see duty free shops in the airport. But you cannot buy anything in a duty free shop when you land. You can only shop duty free on departure.

Over There

American-to-European plug adapters are nearly impossible to find in Europe so you'd better get these before you go. It is possible to buy transformers in Europe, but it may be difficult to find a small one suitable for traveling. They are also very expensive in Europe. If you really need one, shop in stores selling hardware, electrical goods, computers, or electronics.

The Internet

If you do a search for these electrical devices on the internet you will find many manufacturers, models, and vendors. I've saved you some trouble by locating what you need at the Amazon.com store. See the items in my green advertising column at the left. Most of these items can be delivered in a few days direct to your door. Save gas and shop in your shorts.

SUMMARY REFERENCE TABLE

Your device says:  
Voltage Frequency * Watts, Amps Action
110 volts 60 Hz 25 watts or less,
¼ amps or less
Bring a 50 watt transformer with European plug.
110 volts 60 Hz 26 watts or more,
¼ amps or more
Bring a transformer rated at least twice the wattage of your device.
110-220 volts 50/60 Hz 200 watts or less,
2 amps or less.
Bring it with a plug adapter or a 250 volt surge strip.
110-220 volts 50/60 Hz 200 watts or more,
2 amps or more.
Bring it with an individual plug adapter. Do not use a surge strip.
Voltages are approximate.
    110 volts applies to 100 to 125 volts.
    220 volts applies to 200 to 250 volts.
* Motorized devices rated for 60 Hz will run at only 5/6 of their normal speed on the 50 Hz of Europe.


NOTE TO READERS

I welcome questions and comments. If you have any concerns about your trip to Europe that have not been covered well enough in this section please do not hesitate to write and ask. When you write please include as much detail as possible.

ATTENTION. If you are seeking advice on whether or not to use certain electrical gizmos in Europe please send the electrical specifications for your gizmos. This data is on the nameplate of the gizmo or the brick as discussed above.
Include the following information in your email:
INPUT
  -  volts, V or VAC,
  -  frequency, Hz, and
  -  watts, W or volt-amps, VA.
If you do not send this information for your specific devices I can not give you any advice. There are a zillion electrical gizmos on the market. I own five of them. I know NOTHING about your tool or toy. If you do not include the input volts, Hz, and watts of your gizmos my reply will be very simple — a copy of this paragraph.

I do not open attachments. Please include all of your data in the body of your email.

Also, there are about 50 countries in Europe and they're not all the same like Kansas and Nebraska. It will help me answer your questions if you mention the countries and/or cities you plan to visit. I will reply in a day or two. Your privacy is protected. Your email address and contents of your email are secure and confidential.

My email address is johnbermont@enjoy-europe.com. Sometimes email gets lost or squashed by my spam filter. If you have not heard back from me within three days please write again. I answer all.

Don't forget to scroll through the Table of Contents below. The other 29 chapters of HOW TO EUROPE are also available, free to read on line. In addition, the Google search box below can locate specific subjects in any chapter or page on site.

For a check-off punchlist of everything go to The Finale, Packing List and Last Call: What You Need to Travel in Europe, All in One Place.

If you know of someone else who would appreciate reading this web page please send the URL link to him or her. To easily do that, click your "File" tab in the tool bar and scroll down to "Send" or "Send Link." Your friend will thank you, and I thank you.


Who wrote this?

Home and general index.
Table of Contents
HOW TO EUROPE
The Complete Travelers Handbook

All of the text, updated to May 2010, is available on line, FREE. Updated photographs with captions are available on line for those chapters as noted "with illustrations."
The entire book, copyright 2003, can be purchased by clicking Amazon.com.
Chapter 1, with illustrations.
What's It All About?
In Europe, Travel Like a Native


Chapter 2
On Budget in Europe
Travel Costs


Chapter 3
Passport and Visas for Europe
Identity and Travel Documents


Chapter 4
Flying to Europe
Travel Starts at the Airport


Chapter 5
What to Wear in Europe
Travel Clothes for all Occasions


Chapter 6
Your Packing List for Europe
A Short List of Travel Accessories


Chapter 7
Luggage for Europe
Travel Light, Travel Light, Travel Light


Chapter 8
Cash, ATMs, Credit Cards, Personal Checks
Travel with Each in Europe


Chapter 9
Your Travel Diary of Europe
Notes Supplement Your Photos


Chapter 10
Guide Books, Maps, Dictionaries
Travel in Europe with a Good Guide Book


Chapter 11
Electricity in Europe
Travel Voltage Fundamentals


Chapter 12, with illustrations.
Photography in Europe
Travel with Your Camera


Chapter 13
Bring a Smile
Travel Europe in Good Attitude


Chapter 14
European Hotels, Hostels, B&Bs, Private Homes
Sleep Options for Travel in Europe


Chapter 15
Eating Your Way through Europe
Travel on Your Belly


Chapter 16
Getting Around Town in Europe
Travel by Bus, Streetcar, Subway, Taxi, Bike, and Shoe


Chapter 17, part 1,
with illustrations.
Trains in Europe
Travel Europe by Train, Bus, and Ferry


Chapter 17, part 2,
with illustrations.
Trains in Europe
European rail details


Chapter 17, part 3,
with illustrations.
Night Trains in Europe
Travel Europe by Train, Bus, and Ferry


Chapter 17, part 4,
with illustrations.
European Bus and Ship Services
Travel Europe by Train, Bus, and Ferry


Chapter 18
Driving in Europe
Travel by Car, Van, or Motorcycle


Chapter 19, part 1
Telephoning to, from, and within Europe
Codes, 10-10, telephone cards, cellular phones, PTT


Chapter 19, part 2
Sending Mail to & from Europe
Air Mail, Priority, PTT, Poste Restante, Amex


Chapter 19, part 3
Internet and Email in Europe
Cyber Cafes, Keyboards, Password, Your Laptop


Chapter 19, part 4
Telegrams
Wiring Cash and Keeping in Touch


Chapter 20
Health and Safety in Europe
Travel in Confidence but with Caution


Chapter 21
Working in Europe
Travel for Free


Chapter 22, part 1
Moving to Europe
Travel to the Max as an Expatriate


Chapter 22, part 2
Living in Europe
Travel to the Max as an Expatriate


Chapter 23, with illustrations.
Shopping in Europe
Buy Your Souvenirs, Gifts, and Necessities


Chapter 24
Shipping Your Treasures Home from Europe
Travelers Have a Number of Options


Chapter 25
Passing Customs in Europe
Know the Rules When Crossing Borders


Chapter 26
Languages, Numbers, Alphabets
Encounter The Tower of Babel in Europe


Chapter 27
The Metric System in Europe
Traveling with Grams, Meters, Liters, and Celsius


Chapter 28
Time and Dates in Europe
Travel in a Different Time Zone


Chapter 29
The Weather in Europe
Travel with Your Umbrella


Chapter 30
Melding with Europe
Travel Is Interesting and Entertaining




The Finale
Packing List and Last Call
What You Need to Travel in Europe,
All in One Place
Learn the basic infrastructure:

Prime Travel Data
Elementary Travel Information for Europe
Austria
Belgium
Czech Republic
Denmark
Finland

France
Germany
Greece
Ireland
Italy
Luxembourg
Netherlands
Norway
Portugal
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
United Kingdom

Utilize John Bermont's exclusive:

TRAVELERS YELLOW PAGES
A Directory of Links to Products, Services, and Information
Airlines to Europe
National Tourist Offices
City Tourist Offices
City Information and Tours
Country Information and Tours
Luggage and Backpacks
Discount Air Travel
Villas and Homes for Rent
Hostels in Europe
Hotels in Europe
Auto Rental in Europe
Rail Services of Europe
Eclectic Travel Sites
Internet Search Engines
Photography
Guide Books for Europe
Educational Programs
Newsletters from Europe
Personal Travel Pages
Personal Trip Planning

Get open hours, costs, locations, and more:

Travelers Portfolio
Essential Visitors Information for the Top Sights of Europe
       Amsterdam       
Anne Frank Huis
Rijksmuseum
Van Gogh Museum
       London       
British Museum
Buckingham Palace
National Gallery
Natural History Museum
Palace of Westminster
St. Paul's Cathedral
Tower of London
Westminster Abbey
       Paris coming soon       
Arc de Triomphe
Tour Eiffel
Hôtel des Invalides
Musée de l'Armée
Opera
Montmarte
Cathédrale Notre Dame
Musée d'Orsay
Musée du Louvre

Exchange rates, weather, maps:

Up-To-The-Minute
Be informed before you go.
       Money Exchange
Currency exchange rates, including the euro, British pound, Swiss Frank.
       Weather in Europe
Current European weather conditions and forecasts. Good luck.
    Maps and Time Zones
Free online maps of Europe. Guide to setting your watch ahead.

Captioned photos from Europe

PhotoLog
Pictures of what we do in Europe.
       Queen's Day
Holland hosts a great one-day party, annually on April 30. Here is the action in Haarlem and Amsterdam.
       Keukenhof
A beautiful huge tulip garden blooms during middle spring. We made a leisurely bike ride from Haarlem.
       Bull Flight
My daughter Stephanie enters the ring and encounters a baby bull in Spain, then flies for her life!

Didn't find what you need yet?
Google It !!
 

Links to other quality web sites:

Domestic AC power plugs and sockets - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This article covers plugs and sockets intended for common domestic use worldwide.
Electricity around the world
This is a site about international standards in the field of electricity.
World Electric Guide
This is a guide to some important issues when deciding to use your electrical appliances in another country.

Copyright
Internet edition
© 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2002, 2001 James J. Broad
© 1987, 1986, 1984, Murphy & Broad Publishing Co.
All rights reserved. Tous droits réservés.
This is copyrighted material. Do not reproduce, copy, plagiarize, store, modify, extract,
transmit, or purloin any part of this publication in any nation in any form or by any means
or for any purpose whatsoever without permission in writing.

Webmasters:
You may link the URL http://www.enjoy-europe.com/hte/chap11/electric.htm freely. Please do. When you link please send the URL for your linking page and a crosslink will be installed in one of the categories of the TRAVELERS YELLOW PAGES to your site if it has significant content for travelers in Europe.

Travelers:
You may print one copy of this chapter for your personal use. To order the complete book with all of the captioned photographs see the next section below.

Permissions:
If you want to copy any of this material to your web site, book, article, or term paper please ask first. Note that plagiarism includes paraphrasing text and even copying ideas. Everything on this page is original. Students, professors, journalists, and writers are outed almost every day, caught stealing the works of others and presenting it as their own work. Then they make excuses when caught. Then they are thrown out of school or fired, or they run for Vice President when they get away with it. At least one other travel writer has plagiarized heavily from my work, claiming and getting credit for writing a few dozen books every year. Some of his books have included my work for years on end, without credit. For honorable people, permissions are freely granted so you don't need to steal and lie. Just say where you found the information and ideas. For permissions contact: publisher@enjoy-europe.com.

Privacy Policy:
No personal information is collected when you visit this site. To read the complete privacy policy go to Privacy Policy.

Site Map:
To see everything on this site in one compact listing go to Site Map


Buy it here:

The original
do-it-yourself
travel guide to
Europe.
SM


470 pages
7" x 10" softcover
345 b/w photos
Last Call checklists
and detailed index
© 2003
ISBN 0-940792-69-9
$28.50


Order from
Amazon.com

The cover of How To Europe shows the interior of Centraal Station in Antwerp, Belgium.

Read more about it at:
HOW TO EUROPE
The Complete Travelers Handbook
2010 — Our 28th Anniversary!


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FLAGS of EUROPE

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