Charging iPhone in Europe

Just spent three weeks in Europe with two iPhones (2G and 3G). Used the Apple plug in thing in Germany, Italy, Switzerland, France, and the Netherlands. No problem. Nothing fried. Usually left them plugged in overnight.

Added: I used a simple plug adapter (US to Europe) to the US Apple plug thing.

Message was edited by: AnnEarl

It's printed right on the adapter itself, in the gray area surrounding the prongs - 100-240 V 50/60 Hz. The print is pretty small, though...

I always use a converter/transformer when traveling outside the US/Canada. It takes all of the guess work out of it. The "kit" is not very expensive, but be sure that it has a transformer with it. I will link you to a site that explains how to use the kit. You can find these kits in most baggage/travel sections.

http://www.walkabouttravelgear.com/electg.htm?gclid=CMaMoYvZoJsCFWNM5QodlBOECw

julieda wrote:
I always use a converter/transformer when traveling outside the US/Canada.

Not necessary and not a good idea to use with auto-switching (dual-voltage) power supplies like the ones common for laptops and cell phones, including the iPhone.

I would like to know where you get your information. If a converter/transformer changes the foreign countries' voltage from 220 to 110, how can that cause any problems.........as we use 110 here in the US? Additionally, if the traveller has any other electrical appliances, he/she will be glad they brought along a converter/transformer. I have travelled to Europe many times, and have experienced first hand the "frying" of electrical appliances.

Well, there's really no debate about the not necessary part. The AC power adapters for almost all modern electronic appliances are auto switching, so all that's needed is a proper plug adapter. Personally, I've traveled from the through Europe, Africa, etc., with phone, computer, razor, etc., and never needed a converter.

The 'bad idea' part is more debatable, true. First off, if you don't need it, why use it? Second, quality and condition of the converter are a factor - low quality units (or higher quality ones previously damaged by surges) produce inconsistent voltage fluctuations, which can lead to excess heat in the converter and in the AC adapter connected to it. Also, as noted on the site you link, converters are generally not rated for continuous use. Some of the transformers (at the bottom of the page you link) are rated for that.

You also mention use with 'other appliances' - personally, my wife has 2000 W hair dryers and curling irons, either of which exceeds the capacity of a typical converter. Instead, we typically purchase inexpensive 'local' hair dryer for use while we're there, and give them away when we leave (only if needed - when in nice hotels in Europe, they are provided, but not, for example, in small towns in Rwanda - but there, the problem is not availability of appliances or whether or not you have a converter, it's whether or not there's electricity at all, or even running water 😉 ).

You win! I should have know better that to duel with a fellow Bostonian.

Another good add is a travel extension cord. I used the a Monster Outlets to Go travel cord and with one adapter plugged in two iPhones and an iPod. Here is a example on Amazon of the type of thing.
http://www.amazon.com/Monster-MPOTG300BKEFS-Outlets-Go-Powerstrip/dp/B000ONZTMW/ ref=sr14?ie=UTF8&s=automotive&qid=1245850482&sr=8-4

It says it is rated for 120 volts but seemed to work well enough and not get hot. The draw I had on it was really low.

Don't know about that - our electricity is very different over here.

😉