Australia 220V Electrical travel question

BB · April 4th, 2007, 11:11 AM

My wife and I are heading to Australia in a few weeks. I plan on taking my laptop and a few small appliances.

I know the voltage is different from the USA to Australia. So, what sort of adaptors and/or voltage converters do I need to make sure things don't fry?

Thank you in advance!

Big John · April 4th, 2007, 11:30 AM

These folks look like they can help, they have the plug and the step down transformer ....

/Travel adapters

Jelly · April 4th, 2007, 12:19 PM

Your laptop should be auto-voltage regulating, in other words it will regulate itself to use whatever voltage is available from 110 to 220, so you don't need a transformer for that. Look on the back of it near where you plug the power pack into it or directly on the power pack itself, it should have those numbers somewhere, like AC ~100V-240V

Now what kind of adapter you need to get the plug to fit into the wall, that's a different story. And other electrical things like shavers and so forth, don't work like that.

SMPTE · April 4th, 2007, 07:25 PM

The Aussies use a mixture of plugs that look like this \ / and the old british monster three prong, and occassionally you'll see a contiental two prong (round).

It's all going to be 220-240V 50Hz, check the devices you take with you to make shore they auto switch. Most laptops etc. do just because it's actually more expensive to run two lines for the two different voltages.

You can get a small travel pack of adaptors in the airport or Frys or Radidio Shack for not too much.

PeteMac · April 5th, 2007, 01:20 AM

Actually, Aus is all 240v / 50hz and ALL the plugs (except maybe in hotels and such, where international sockets may also be available) are a 3 prong device looking something like this:

/ . \
.. l

There are electronics stores everywhere that can sell you the correct adapters.

Good luck with your trip, and enjoy our fair shores!

(BTW; which part of Aus will you be in? )

BB · April 5th, 2007, 01:49 AM

Thanks for the info guys....I greatly appreciate it.

PeteMac, I'll be in your neck of the woods! Beautiful Melbourne! Not looking forward to the flight as my back is in baaad shape, but sure looking forward to fulfilling a life long dream of visiting Australia.

April 4th, 2007, 11:11 AM	#1 (permalink)
BB Friend of Leo's Join Date: May 2003 Location: Pacific NW Age: 53 Posts: 3,191	Australia 220V Electrical travel question My wife and I are heading to Australia in a few weeks. I plan on taking my laptop and a few small appliances. I know the voltage is different from the USA to Australia. So, what sort of adaptors and/or voltage converters do I need to make sure things don't fry? Thank you in advance!

April 4th, 2007, 11:30 AM	#2 (permalink)
Big John Friend of Leo's Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Suffolk UK Posts: 4,879 36 Photos	These folks look like they can help, they have the plug and the step down transformer .... /Travel adapters __________________ If you are going to be a bear, be a grizzly !!

April 4th, 2007, 12:19 PM	#3 (permalink)
Jelly Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Germany Posts: 1,423 10 Photos	Your laptop should be auto-voltage regulating, in other words it will regulate itself to use whatever voltage is available from 110 to 220, so you don't need a transformer for that. Look on the back of it near where you plug the power pack into it or directly on the power pack itself, it should have those numbers somewhere, like AC ~100V-240V Now what kind of adapter you need to get the plug to fit into the wall, that's a different story. And other electrical things like shavers and so forth, don't work like that. __________________ "I got on a bus and I went to Fresno because I thought Merle Haggard lived there."

April 4th, 2007, 07:25 PM	#4 (permalink)
SMPTE Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Minneeeesoooottta Posts: 1,209	The Aussies use a mixture of plugs that look like this \ / and the old british monster three prong, and occassionally you'll see a contiental two prong (round). It's all going to be 220-240V 50Hz, check the devices you take with you to make shore they auto switch. Most laptops etc. do just because it's actually more expensive to run two lines for the two different voltages. You can get a small travel pack of adaptors in the airport or Frys or Radidio Shack for not too much. __________________ '52RI, HW1 Texas Tele, EJ Strat, MIJ JM, Epi Casino (AlnicoV), Gibson '61 RI SG, Steinberger, Squier PBass (heavily modded)

April 5th, 2007, 01:20 AM	#5 (permalink)
PeteMac Tele-Meister Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Melbourne, Australia Age: 46 Posts: 477 10 Photos	Actually, Aus is all 240v / 50hz and ALL the plugs (except maybe in hotels and such, where international sockets may also be available) are a 3 prong device looking something like this: / . \ .. l There are electronics stores everywhere that can sell you the correct adapters. Good luck with your trip, and enjoy our fair shores! (BTW; which part of Aus will you be in? ) __________________ Life is short; play loud! www.myspace.com/theskinnersband www.myspace.com/longyardband

April 5th, 2007, 01:49 AM	#6 (permalink)
BB Friend of Leo's Join Date: May 2003 Location: Pacific NW Age: 53 Posts: 3,191	Thanks for the info guys....I greatly appreciate it. PeteMac, I'll be in your neck of the woods! Beautiful Melbourne! Not looking forward to the flight as my back is in baaad shape, but sure looking forward to fulfilling a life long dream of visiting Australia.