Converters and Adapters
The Bosnian and Herzegovinan electrical system is
different from the American system.
It runs on the European system of 220 volts,
while ours runs on 110 volts. What does that mean?
You need a converter!
Here is a pic of an international all in one world travel converter.
I've seen them being sold at my local pharmacy and they can range from $12.00- to around $35.00
This is the one I usually travel with, though I've recently seen newer
one's with surge protection and a USB plug.
It does a fine job with with my cell phone and ipad...
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Here's some great advice from one of the
travel experts about this:
Electric Europe: Adapters and Converters
By Rick Steves
Europe's electrical system is different from ours in two ways: the voltage of the current and the shape of the plug. American appliances run on 110 volts, while European appliances are 220 volts. Newer travel accessories and electronic gadgets are "dual voltage," which means they work on both American and European current. If you see a range of voltages printed on the item or its plug (such as "110–220"), you're OK in Europe.
Some older appliances have a voltage switch marked 110 (US) and 220 (Europe) — switch it to 220 as you pack. A few old, cheap American appliances aren't equipped to deal with the voltage difference at all, and they could be damaged or destroyed if plugged directly into a European wall outlet.
In these cases, you'll need to buy a separate, bulky converter (about $30). With so many dual-voltage gadgets available, I haven't traveled with a separate converter in years.
Still not sure? Travel stores offer useful advice on plugs and adapters (such as Magellan's "Electrical Connection Wizard").
Once you've dealt with the voltage, you'll have to consider the plug. A small adapter allows American-style plugs (two flat prongs) to fit into British or Irish outlets (which take three rectangular prongs) or continental European outlets (which take two round prongs).
I bring both continental and British adapters (handy for long layovers at Heathrow Airport). Secure your adapter to your device's plug with electrical or duct tape;
otherwise it can easily get left behind in the outlet (hotels or bed and breakfasts
sometimes have a box of abandoned adapters — ask).
Many sockets in Europe are recessed into the wall; your adapter should be small
enough so that the prongs seat properly in the socket. If, for some reason,
your adapter doesn't work in your hotel, just ask at the desk for assistance;
hotels with unusual sockets will invariably have the right adapter to loan you.
Some budget hotel rooms have only one electrical outlet, occupied by the lamp.
Hardware stores in Europe sell cheap three-way plug adapters that let you keep
the lamp on and your camera battery and smartphone charged.
As you're packing, try to go light with your electronic gear — you want to experience
Europe, not interface with it. Of course, some mobile devices are great tools
for making your trip easier or better. As the lines separating smartphones, tablets,
media players, cameras, GPS devices, and ereaders continue to blur, think creatively
about how you might pare down the number of gadgets you bring on the road.
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..and this article goes into
much more depth...
Electricity Guide for Travelers
from the REI website
Are you preparing to travel internationally and want to take items that require
electricity? In most cases, you’ll need only an adapter plug; in some cases, a voltage converter or transformer, too.This article (and accompanying charts) will help you power up with
confidence.
Shop REI's selection of adapters and converters. What Devices Are You Bringing?
Electrical devices use heating elements or mechanical motors. Many are rated for dual-voltage,
and may be automatic or manual. Examples:Hair dryer, Electric shaver or toothbrush.
Irons (for clothes or hair) Coffee maker or water heater. Electronic devices use chips,
circuits or electronic motors. Most are rated formulti-voltages.
Examples:Laptop, notebook, tablet, e-reader, Smartphone, cellphone, MP3 player, CameraBattery chargers (for devices with rechargeable batteries)
Both types of devices are likely to need an adapter plug to work in 220V foreign outlets.
Our adapter plug chart below lists the most common ones. Some devices of either type,
however, are single-voltage rated and may require a voltage converter or a transformer
in addition to an adapter plug. How do you know? First, read the device's power supply label.
How to Read a Power Supply Label.
The label on your device will indicate if a
voltage converter or transformer is necessary. This may be: a) affixed directly
to the back of the device; b) on the AC transformer box of the power supply lead;
or c) molded into the plastic on the plug. It is often in very small print.The INPUT line
contains the key information—whether the voltage (V) is single, dual or multi.
To continue reading you can just go to their website...