Do I NEED a power adapter/converter to use US appliances in Japan?
I will be taking a laptop, Nintendo DS Lite, charger for my camera battery and want to know if I need the same kind of adapter/converter I need when I go to Europe. THANKS! People have already answered yes to this question, but I only see 220/240 volt converters to 110/120 volts. US is 120 volts, Japan is 110 volts, so I am still not convinced I need a converter. Nobody seems to sell one specifically for US/Japan.
Other - Electronics - 4 Answers
People's Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
Answer 1 :
Yep. Definately.
Answer 2 :
yes. and even if you don't think you do, it would be a good idea to get one cuz you don't want to be stuck over there with nothing to do.
Answer 3 :
You'll need a voltage converter, and a plug adapter. You can get both at a radioshack.
Answer 4 :
Do some basic research before you go. Find out what type of current they use (example: Germany uses 220-240 volts at 50 Hz, where the US uses 110-120 volts at 60 Hz). As far as laptop and other small devices, see if you can find a "dual voltage" power supply for each device, or you may already have one. Look on the bottom of each power supply to see if it shows a voltage range between 110-240 volts. If that is the case, all you may need is a cheap adapter that will allow your cord to plug into their outlet. Some devices may have a switch that you much flip between 110 and 220. (Don't forget to switch back on return). They make transformers, and they are rated in watts (300 watts, 600 watts, 1200 watts, etc). If you plug a hair dryer in a 300 watt transformer, you will not like the smell of your hair, the room, or your tastebuds for the next few minutes while the transformer blows up and burns out. So, if you need one, use a transformer large enough to meet your needs. For electric razors, they usually make a fairly cheap device that plugs into their outlet and has a 110 outlet on the front. I would not use them for anything other than an electric razor. If you have to use transformers, these devices are very heavy and cost a bit too. The larger ones also hum and produce heat. Final word of advice, stick to battery operated clocks, as if you put your 60 hz clock radio in a 50 hz outlet, even with a transformer, the clock uses the frequency of the electricity to determine "time". This means, you lose about 10 minutes each hour
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