Posted on 04/27/2019 12:51:28 PM PDT by ak267
I'll be vacationing this year in the Czech Republic and will be taking my Surface Pro 3 tablet and Android phone.
Any recommendations on a EU compatible plug? USB charger ports are a definite plus.
Will the plug also need a converter?
Cost range?
When I travel to France or Italy, I just take a plug converter and an wxtension cord that acts as a cube tap. Everything plugs into that. Look at the fine print on your chargers, they probably work fine on 220V / 50Hz.
More important than power adapters are these tips if you have not already considered them.
1. Medical evacuation insurance (a good policy).
2. Carry cash under your clothes, not to be spent $1,000 in flat new $100 bills. Credit cards do you know good in an emergency.
3. Travel light. If you luggage won’t fit on the seat next to you in a cab, you have over packed.
4. Register with the U.S. consulate to let them know what day you will arrive and depart. Check travel warnings.
Here, this is similar to what I have in my laptop bag:
https://www.amazon.com/Ckitze-Round-White-Europe-Adapter/dp/B01C5TG278
Mori Luggage at the mall used to carry them, if you need it ASAP.
They have 230v but the average 220 v European round-pin plug, with or without the grounding prong, seems to work fine. So buy an adapter with that configuration for your US plugs. But just look it up online (Czech republic plugs).
However, the problem is that there are generally very few outlets.
Buy a 4 or 6 USB port device that you can plug into you European adapter plug. You can get it from amazon.
Or buy a bunch of European USB plugs. Or ask at the front desk to borrow whatever you need. Usually they do that.
For what it’s worth, I visited the Philippines four months ago. Although the Philippines were once a US colony (from 1898 to 1946), I still had to use an adapter; they have the same level of current as Japan and Australia.
You may already know this, but many places won’t take American Express.
Not sure about the Czech republic, but from having traveled to other countries, I’ve always told folks to take washcloths.
Gads, don’t scare the socks off them! It’s not that bad.
I always buy travel insurance when I buy my ticket for a foreign trip, because that means you’ll have some medical coverage abroad. Medicare doesn’t cover it, although some advantage plans do. It also means that, if worse comes to worst, they’ll bring your body back (an expensive process).
As for the luggage, it’s always a good idea to travel light, but the best thing to do is to have essentials in a carry on and then pack lesser used things like heavier clothing, bathing suits, etc. In a bigger bag. Luggage doesn’t get lost that often anymore, but it does happen, and while you usually get it back within a couple of days, you might want your PJs before then!
Also you can always buy stuff...this is not up the Zambezi and they have all the American and European chain stores (and even discount stores!) there. Most people who deal with tourists speak at least some English, and many speak it very well.
And believe me, the US government already knows you’re there...probably because they’re afraid you’re evading taxes or something!
Leave all that crap home......That's what you would have done 20 years ago since you never had it..........
Experience foreign travel for what it is, not a technological accessory.................Sheesh!
However,I've never been to Eastern Europe so....
Give us a report on the Pilsner Urquell brewery, Budvar/Budweiser and other breweries.
“When I travel to France or Italy,”
My family is from Naples and I also do travel to France every 2 years. I have this universal power cord my GF bought from Amazon that never had a problem while in the EU. But, we have power converters we left in the house intentionally bec. there were times when we had Macbooks (overrated) did not work well / charge for some reason..
Let us know how it goes. I’m considering a similar journey.
Beware in Prague for the Money exchange machines they are a rip-off. Other than that enjoy, you’ll love it there.
I can pack everything in a backpack regardless of the trip length. The key is taking clothes that dry quickly, you won’t need to bring so many clothes. I literally wash the clothes when I take a shower and use the excess shampoo as detergent.
For your electronics, you will probably just need a converter plug (round to flat) Check the transformers on the chargers, but generally anything from cell phone through laptop will convert anything from 110 through 240.
For other electrics, you’ll need an converter as well as the adapter plug. Be sure to get a heavy duty model if you are going to take something high wattage like a hair dryer.
I don’t know about the Czech Republic, but in Germany the outlets are round and recessed, so depending on the design of the converter, you sometimes have to pair it with an adapter plug to fit into the outlet. The weight of the converter tends then to pull the adapter out of the socket. A roll of electrical tape can help in those situations. You shouldn’t have that problem with the chargers that just use an adapter plug.
That cheap adapter is all you need for laptop and phone. I purchased them cheap on Amazon and carry several when I travel Europe.
I spent several weeks in Czech Republic last year and they worked fine.
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