When preparing your trip to Paris, do not forget to pack the right adaptors for your small appliances. Otherwise you will get yourself into trouble.

A higher voltage

Electrical power in France"?and more generally in Europe"?comes out of the electrical sockets at 230-240 volts. Voltage in America is 110 volts. If your electric shaver is not rated to operate at between 110 and 240 volts, it will burn quickly when you plug it into a French socket.

Before you bring your electric shaver or CD player with you, verify which voltage they support. If they are equipped with transformers "?small devices which convert a 110-volt current into a 9- or 12-volt current, also called converters"? check the voltage characteristics of the transformers. The voltage band should be clearly stated on their labels. If the labels state '110 Volts', that's not enough. You will burn both the converter and the appliance when plugging them into a power socket overseas.

Pack only appliances operating at between 110 and 240 volts, or at 9-12 volts when (and only when) they use transformers rated to accept the European 230-240 volts.

Transformers designed for laptop computers are typically rated to operate with 100-240 volt current. Check yours beforehand. If it is only rated for 110 volts, go to the nearest Radio Shack store with your laptop, and buy a suitable multi-voltage transformer.

Check the battery charger of your digital camera and cell phone too. Some battery chargers can operate at 240 volts, some cannot. Read the labels on your charger and on the transformer that may come with it.

Plug differences

The electrodes (terminals) on a US plug are flat. The electrodes on a French plug are cylindrical. French wall outlets only accept these cylindrical plugs.

This means you won't be able to plug your flat American plug into a regular French outlet.

Buy yourself a cheap adaptor. They come in various shapes and forms. The more sophisticated allow you to plug your devices anywhere in the world.

You should be able to find inexpensive ones at your local hardware store. Call before you drive there, not all stores carry these items. You can also find travel adaptors at the airport.

Adaptors are not transformers

Adaptors are simple devices which allow your US-model plug to be connected to a French or European-model outlet.

Converters and transformers modify the characteristics of the current which powers your appliance.

Do not mistake one for the other. The converter is heavier because there is a metal coil in it. The adaptor is usually light because it's all plastic with bits of metal.

Sometimes, converters also double as adaptors "? in which case the shape of the male terminals will match the shape of the socket female terminals.

Hairdryers

Hairdryers usually suck in a large amount of power. If yours does not operate at between 110 and 240 volts, you will have to buy a bulky transformer.

I advise you not to pack this appliance, but simply call the hotel to check whether they provide blow-dryers in the rooms.

(Special thanks to Vincent Ramelli for his help with this article)