Ameriican Electronics/Appliances in Europe and on Cruise Ships - Travel Tip

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American Electronics/Appliances in Europe - Including Cruise Ships

Travel Tip

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American and European electronics differ with the type of voltage and plugs they use.  Going to a foreign country can render our electronics or small appliances useless.

The use of electrical adapters does make our life easier as we travel, but even with these adapters our small appliances are at risk of burning out or tripping circuit breakers in the hotel you are visiting.

Cell phones require special chips that can adapt to the type of radio signal used by the cellular companies in the country(ies) you are visiting.  It is wise for you to visit your local cell phone service provider to determine whether your cell phone can be utilized in the country you are visiting.  In most cases, you must not only change your chip in your phone, but you must also pay for a special phone plan.  You may also be required to enter a special number or pin before dialing the number you wish to reach.  Many cell phone companies offer phones that you can rent for travel abroad.

Cruise ships offer a limited number of electrical outlets for both American and European electronics/appliances.  Offering at least one outlet for each type of plug.  A suggestion for those of us who like to cruise is to bring an extension cord with a couple outlets on it.  This will enable you to plug in your alarm clock and your curling iron at the same time.  There is also a plug meant for razors only in the restroom.  Most cruise lines offer complimentary use of a hair dryer in the staterooms.  Many cruise lines are beginning to offer phones in the staterooms that have a clock display with the ship's time.  There is always wake-up service if you need to get up at a certain time, or a battery operated travel clock.  Trust me, you don't know what time of the day or night it is when you are in an inside stateroom.

It is always wise to check with your travel agent, cruise line, or hotel to determine what services and electrical outlets are available to you before you travel abroad.  There is nothing more frustrating than to find out that what you brought with you not only took up much needed space in our suitcase, but to find out you can't use it.