Voltage converter for Australia?

Question

I'm going to be traveling to Australia on vacation and need help figuring out what kind of voltage converter I need. I know that I can't just use a simple plug adapter, because my stuff will be a different voltage. When I went to Europe I just used a simple plug adapter and my hair straightener blew out... I can't seem to find any information on this online as to a good one to purchase. I found one on Amazon but people were saying that it can't handle certain items, like hair straighteners and hair dryers. So my question is.... can someone suggest a good voltage converter for me to take to Australia that will be able to handle a laptop, my hair straightener/curler, hair dryer, and phone charger (not simultaneously)? I'd really appreciate it!
Thanks!

Answer 1

Your laptop, phone charger and other electronic devices will almost certainly be dual voltage and you'll be able to use them in Australia with just a simple plug adapter.



Your straightener, hair dryer and other high power appliances will need a step down power converter/transformer but a good one that will reliably protect your appliances will be very bulky and expensive. You need to check the power draw on each appliance and make sure you get a converter that is rated for higher than the highest power appliance. I'm not suggesting you buy the brands on the following website, but the site has some very useful info on how to select the right converter.

http://performanceshop.com.au/step-down-transformers.html?gclid=CMfAs7SgmbYCFcVZpQodwXEADg



If you'll be visiting Australia for more than a few weeks, you should seriously consider buying new appliances here. If you'll only be here for a short time and will be staying in hotels, you'll find that most will have a 120v outlet in the bathroom - you could make that part of your requirements when selecting somewhere to stay.

Answer 2

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Australia runs on 240 volts; but more importantly, 50hzs. A stepper transformer to convert from 110 volts is heavy and expensive (the power point converters only change the plug fitting, not the voltage). It would be cheaper (and a lot lighter) to buy a portable iron and hair drier when you arrive. Better; you may not need one, if you are going to stay in a motel. Most rooms have a drier and iron; or you can borrow one from the front desk. The worst case (in backpackers and trailer parks) is that you may have to hire one for a couple of dollars. Better still; have a close look at your iron/drier. They may be dual voltage (with a small switch), or have a built in voltage converter. You can tell from the specification label on the item - if it says '110 - 220 volts'; you're OK. (Nearly all late model computer power supply and mobile phone chargers are now like this). But you will still need a plug converter which as another answerer noted; you can pick up at an airport, travel centre or even a pharmacy (drugstore).

Answer 3

I'm afraid tentofield has misled you slightly.



It is not just a question of voltage. I have here a transformer that drops 240 V down to 115 V. It weighs just over four pounds. The output is 0.35 amperes at 115 V. AC. That means it can handle 115 times 0.35 or 40.25 watts. That would be plenty to run your laptop or phone charger but there is no way it could handle a hair dryer. It might be able to handle a hair straightener, a small one that draws 35 W or less. This is a transformer, a simple but heavy device made of iron slats and two copper coils. To run a hair dryer would need a much bigger and heavier transformer, possibly weighing 25 pounds or more.



Now if you look carefully at your phone charger, it may have a label that says it is suitable for 100 to 240 V. The output is 5 volts DC. Mine has that label. Your laptop charger may be similar, but check the label or any book that came with the phone or laptop. If they have this label, all you need is a plug & socket adapter. The difference is that the internal circuits are intended only to produce a very small direct current and a transformer is not needed for that, just a few small diodes and a voltage regulator.



You will find that most medium to higher priced hotels and motels in Australia have hair driers wired in or available from reception. So don't bring your own.



.

Answer 4

Best Voltage Converter

Answer 5

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RE:

Voltage converter for Australia?

I'm going to be traveling to Australia on vacation and need help figuring out what kind of voltage converter I need. I know that I can't just use a simple plug adapter, because my stuff will be a different voltage. When I went to Europe I just used a simple plug adapter and my hair...

Answer 6

Buy a new dryer and hair iron for Australia—this will save you a lot of grief. Most travel converters don't have anywhere near the capacity required for dryers and hair irons, and those that do are huge, extremely heavy, and much more expensive than the gadgets you want to plug into them.



Chargers and adapters for electronic gadgets usually don't need any converters, all you need is an adapter that fits on the plug to make it fit in the wall. Check these gadgets: if they say "110-240 VAC 50/60 Hz" or something similar, all you need is the plug adapter.

Answer 7

As Brigalow has indicated, most Hotels supply hair driers in the rooms, so there is no need to bring yours. If you must use your own, buy one when you get here, they are much cheaper than in the States. As some have also said, check your other electronics, as most have chargers that are good for 240 V. You can also get plug converters from our major supermarket chain, Woolworths/Safeways to handle all overseas type plugs. I usually use a power board with 4 switched outlets when I travel, that lets me use or charge up to 4 appliances at one time.

Answer 8

Check your appliances for input voltage capabilities. If they say 120/240v 50/60 hz then all you need is a simple adapter for changing the plug end and no transformation is needed. It is worth purchasing universal equipment when travelling to other countries as it usually doesn't cost more for the upgrade.

Answer 9

Easier solution to your problem would be--

If you can afford a holiday here, save your luggage space and bring more stuff like clothing with you and leave your appliances at home as you can buy very good quality hair dryers/straighteners here for very cheap prices. Gives you more luggage space. Plus, no mucking around carrying leads and transformers. Buy a reasonable one here from any dept store 10-20 bucks . Plug in , no worries, no --where's that lead,or that adaptor and cords going everywhere.

For the convenience and low cost? I know what I'd do.

Answer 10

Australian power, like that in Europe, is 240v 50 hertz while power in the USA is 110v 60hertz. You need to change the power from Australian to US or you will burn out your equipment - as you have discovered. A plug adaptor will not do the job. You can buy a converter in Australia at any electronics shop such as Dick Smiths, Tandy or J B HiFi. You should be able to buy one in electronics shops in the USA. Just make sure you get one that will change the power from Australian to US. You will probably need a plug adaptor as well