This summer, I'm taking a river cuise from Amsterdam to Vienna. I'd
like to use a battery recharger for my digital camera and CD player.
The boat will be either the River Countess or the River Duchess
(virtually identical).

The description of the boats states the on-board voltage is 220V. My
question deals with the type of socket they use. A friend who has
taken the cruise before tells me the electrical socket is two round
holes in a round, recessed socket.

I've looked at voltage converters locally and most of them include a
two-prong plug, but they're enclosed in a "rounded-square" holder. I'm
concerned that the extra material at each end may prevent it from
entering the recessed socket.

Do I need the round plug or will the one I mentioned work? Can you
recommend a good converter to do what I need?

Thanks!

---

Request for Question Clarification by scriptor-ga on 15 Feb 2006 10:23 PST

Dear dickl,

Although I have no recommendations for a good converter, I can help
you concerning the plug/socket issue since I'm German.

The plug/socket type you described is commonly known as "Schuko", and
it's now the standard type in continental Europe. Just make sure that
the converter you choose explicitly fits Schuko outlets, and there
should be no problems.

Regards,
Scriptor

Here is a scheme of a typical Schuko

http://kropla.com/images/plug_f.gif

You can use "flat" or round types.