I am planning on taking my hair dryer to France in July.  I know that
the electrical current is different from in the U.S., and I understand
that I need both an adapter and a transformer to use an electrical
appliance there, even though I don't really know what each does.

My questions:

1. What exactly do I need?  
2. Where can I order the right stuff?  I'd prefer a recommendation and
not just a link.
3. Would it be easier and cheaper just to leave the whole works at
home and buy a hair dryer in France?  If the cost would be less than
the equipment I'd need in order to use my own, I could toss it at the
end of my trip and still come out ahead.

For bonus points:  How easily could I do number 3?  In the U.S, I can
just walk into any drugstore and pick up an inexpensive hairdryer for,
say, $15.  Is that something a person can do in a small town in the
French countryside?  I'd be inclined to think not, but in reality I
have no idea at all.  How about in an airport or in a large town, and
would a drugstore be the place or some other kind of store?  I don't
want to take a big gamble here.  We're talking hair, girls.  Very
important.

Thank you,
Apteryx

---

Clarification of Question by apteryx-ga on 22 May 2004 15:35 PDT

Hey there, Bobbie7, nice to hear from you!

I didn't realize that it was a matter as simple as finding a
dual-voltage unit.  I think that's going to be my solution, all right
(provided that I decide not to take anything else pluggable).

At any rate, you have supplied the information I was looking for, with
your usual speed and thoroughness.  Please go ahead and post your
answer.

Apteryx

Hi Apteryx,

I?m glad that my suggestions were satisfactory for you.

Here is some additional information

?If you plan to bring an electric hair-dryer or other electrical
devices, buy travel-sized, dual-voltage models and the appropriate
socket adapters. Adaptors are available at most luggage shops and at
Radio ShackŪ. If you don't have dual-voltage appliances, you will need
a converter in addition to the socket adapters, and we do not
recommend it ? even if you get it right, chances are you'll cause a
power outage in the hotel.?
http://www.puppentour.com/tips04.htm

?The voltage in France, Belgium, Germany and Austria is 210/220V. Hair
dryers will be provided in most of our hotels; however, if you plan on
bringing your own appliances such as hair dryers, curling irons or
battery chargers, please make sure your appliance is 110/220V
(compatible). Some appliances will need to be manually switched from
110V to 220V on the back or bottom of the appliance. The wall sockets
in Europe are also different. Adapter Kits (U.S. to European
countries) may be purchased at most Radio Shack retail stores,
electronics stores, travel stores or online at Teleadapt USA?
http://www.alpventures.com/tips.html#anchor4

?The electrical current in France is 220 volts, 50 cycles alternating
current (AC); wall outlets take wall outlets take continental-type
plugs, with two round prongs.

To use U.S.-purchased electric-powered equipment, bring a converter
and adapter. If your appliances are dual-voltage, you'll need only an
adapter. Don't use 110-volt outlets marked for shavers only for
high-wattage appliances such as blow-dryers.?
http://www.fodors.com/features/stt/onbusiness/france.cfm?page=Electricity&file=electricity


Here's an interesting article.
http://experts.about.com/q/2750/2189516.htm


I am posting my original comments below for your convenience.

---------------------------------------------------------------


I think the most convenient solution for you would be to buy a dual
voltage travel hair dryer. They aren?t expensive and you would just
have to buy a wall outlet plug adapter in order to use them abroad.

Here are a few dual voltage hair dryers.

Dual Voltage (110V & 220V)
Price: $ 15.00 
http://appliances.safeshopper.com/63/1091.htm?851


1875 Watt Dual VoltageTravel Dryer $29.95
http://store.yahoo.com/electrical-supplies/dualvoltage4.html


CONAIR 127R Travel and Home Hair Dryer $16.88
http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.process?RestartFlow=t&Merchant_Id=1&Product_Code=AIR+127R&JRSource=google.datafeed.AIR+127R


Here some more dual voltage hair dryers 
http://froogle.google.com/froogle?q=dual+hair+dryer+&btnG=Search+Froogle


Adapters

Here is a listing of over 220 countries and territories. To the right
of each country name you will see the voltage(s) and frequency most
commonly found in that country. When you click on a country it will
link you to a page that lists the foreign wall outlet plug adapters
you might need when traveling overseas
http://traveloasis.com/electrical.html


These are the suggested wall outlet plug adapters for France
http://traveloasis.com/grounadwa910.html

Ungrounded Wall Outlet Plug Adapter  $2.98
http://traveloasis.com/adapter6.html

Wall Outlet Plug Adapters WA- 9
$6.99
http://traveloasis.com/wa9grounplug.html

Wall Outlet Plug Adapters WA- 9 & #6
Buy both for $8.99
http://traveloasis.com/grounadwa910.html


To change the voltage in a country with a higher voltage than your
appliance is designed for, you will need either a a step down
converter.

TA-1875 0-1875 Watt Step Down DUAL WATTAGE Voltage Converter
$24.98
Typical appliances that could be used at the 26-1875 setting are: hair dryers
http://traveloasis.com/hil01watcon.html

50-1875 Watt Step Down Voltage Converter 
$12.98
http://traveloasis.com/50watstepdow.html


Search criteria:
Personal knowledge as I always travel with a dual voltage hair dryer.

I hope you have a great time in France this summer!

Best regards,
Bobbier7

Thanks, Bobbie7, that's just what I needed.  I won't be in a hotel
most of the time, so I do have to bring my own stuff.  The
dual-voltage travel unit sounds like the right solution.

As always, I appreciate your help.
Apteryx

Hi Apteryx,

I think the most convenient solution for you would be to buy a dual
voltage travel hair dryer. They aren?t expensive and you would just
have to buy a wall outlet plug adapter in order to use them abroad.

Here are a few dual voltage hair dryers.

Dual Voltage (110V & 220V)
Price: $ 15.00 
http://appliances.safeshopper.com/63/1091.htm?851


1875 Watt Dual VoltageTravel Dryer $29.95
http://store.yahoo.com/electrical-supplies/dualvoltage4.html


CONAIR 127R Travel and Home Hair Dryer $16.88
http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.process?RestartFlow=t&Merchant_Id=1&Product_Code=AIR+127R&JRSource=google.datafeed.AIR+127R


Here some more dual voltage hair dryers 
http://froogle.google.com/froogle?q=dual+hair+dryer+&btnG=Search+Froogle


Adapters

Here is a listing of over 220 countries and territories. To the right
of each country name you will see the voltage(s) and frequency most
commonly found in that country. When you click on a country it will
link you to a page that lists the foreign wall outlet plug adapters
you might need when traveling overseas
http://traveloasis.com/electrical.html


These are the suggested wall outlet plug adapters for France
http://traveloasis.com/grounadwa910.html

Ungrounded Wall Outlet Plug Adapter  $2.98
http://traveloasis.com/adapter6.html

Wall Outlet Plug Adapters WA- 9
$6.99
http://traveloasis.com/wa9grounplug.html

Wall Outlet Plug Adapters WA- 9 & #6
Buy both for $8.99
http://traveloasis.com/grounadwa910.html


How does this sound?

Thanks,
Bobbie7

If you want to use your own hair dryer:
	
To change the voltage in a country with a higher voltage than your
appliance is designed for, you will need either a a step down
converter.

TA-1875 0-1875 Watt Step Down DUAL WATTAGE Voltage Converter
$24.98
Typical appliances that could be used at the 26-1875 setting are: hair dryers
http://traveloasis.com/hil01watcon.html

50-1875 Watt Step Down Voltage Converter 
$12.98
http://traveloasis.com/50watstepdow.html