Voltage varies from country to country and is mostly 220, 50-cycle alternating current in Europe. Before leaving home, purchase an international adapter so your two or three-prong plug will connect to the various local electrical supply outlets (check that it is sufficiently powerful for your appliance). Adapter kits that cover the entire range of plugs can be purchased at better electrical supply stores. In order to be compatible with French hotel plug points, make sure that your adapter either has a round hole in the centre lower half for grounding, or that it is cut off directly under the two prongs. In North America voltage is mostly 110 volts and 60 cycles, so you will need an adaptor plug and power converter (if your appliance does not have a dual voltage function). IMPORTANT: For safety reasons, most hotels have very sensitive triggers to surges in electricity. Therefore please try to keep to a minimum the number of appliances used independently in your hotel room, as even seemingly basic items could overload the system and cause a black-out. The use of travel irons or curling irons is discouraged; if you wish to use these items, please contact your hotel reception for advice. Bathroom sockets are usually for razors only. |