Power Adapter?

[Nikorasu85]

I hope this isn't one of those questions that I just needed to search the forums a little more to find...
^_^ I live in the US, and I am going to Japan soon...
I want to bring my PDA, Digital Camera, and GBA.
But I have no idea if I need some kind of adapter... and it would be unfortunet if after the first day I couldn't take anymore pictures, or write any logs in my PDA.

Do I need to get an adapter, and where can I get one?? =3

 

[Grandpa Frank]

I Think We Covered This Once ??

Pretty sure Radio Shack has what you need, fairly cheap too.

Frank

:?

 

[m477]

The plugs are the same in Japan as the US, so you don't need any sort of adapter. The only difference is that Japan is 100V and US is 110V. I haven't had any problems, but I've heard that people with American hairdryers complain that they run a little slow here. Also, if you buy any Japanese electronics, make sure they can handle 110V or buy a step-down transformer when you get back to the States.

 

[DoctorP]

If you are coming here to stay...

I hope this isn't one of those questions that I just needed to search the forums a little more to find...
^_^ I live in the US, and I am going to Japan soon...
I want to bring my PDA, Digital Camera, and GBA.
But I have no idea if I need some kind of adapter... and it would be unfortunet if after the first day I couldn't take anymore pictures, or write any logs in my PDA.

Do I need to get an adapter, and where can I get one?? =3

Then you will want to buy a step up transformer for any large items you bring from America. Also, the outlets here do not accept polarized plugs. (in America, one plug is larger on one side) If you have these, go and buy an adapter.

Most of your computer equip. is auto switching, but you have to check to make sure. My Hewlett Packard PC works on 100V with no problems, and my kids GBA and Game Boy SP both work fine.

Hope this helps

 

[Nikorasu85]

^___^ ok! Thanks! *heads off to radioshack*

well, I wouldn't chance the the 110 vs 100 thing... I'll just get a transformer ^_^

Thanks all. hehe ^_^\ I honestly didn't think radioshack would have it, but I'll go see.

 

[Grandpa Frank]

Another Place At Some Malls ...

^___^ ok! Thanks! *heads off to radioshack*

well, I wouldn't chance the the 110 vs 100 thing... I'll just get a transformer ^_^

Thanks all. hehe ^_^\ I honestly didn't think radioshack would have it, but I'll go see.

BROOKSTONE sometimes has fancy ones for traveling.

Frank

 

[RockLee]

ARGHHHHHHHHHHH!!! We have 230V here ...can anybody post a pic how the powerplugs look like ???

 

[chinablueyes18]

A good resource on this is magellans.com; it's a store that sells adapters and similar items and explains the difference. Hope that helps. ^_^

 

[Nikorasu85]

This is actually the best one I found for my needs....

believe it or not... Radioshack didn't even know what the prons on a Japanese outlet looked like, let alone that it used 100v... so I just ended up ordering this one ^_^

 

[DoctorP]

nice site, except that you don't need a step down transformer, you need a step up! You are stepping the Japanese 100V up to North American 120V! One very important misprint!

 

[Nikorasu85]

Everything I read about that product is for using an American device in a japanese 100v outlet... its the right adapter... just they phrase it a little odd.

The first thing it says is "The safest and most reliable way to use your North American appliances in Japan."

Although that site is a little confusing...

 

[budd]

"I hope this isn't one of those questions that I just needed to search the forums a little more to find..."

G

Thread 'recharging camera overseas??? help'

9 Mar 2004

What do you do when you take your Japanese Camera which only takes 110V to a country like Australia or NewZealand which uses 220V-240V???
I have an adaptor fir the plugs but not the power???


Help!!!

• GLO
• Replies: 11
• Forum: Japan Practical

 

[DoctorP]

Everything I read about that product is for using an American device in a japanese 100v outlet... its the right adapter... just they phrase it a little odd.

The first thing it says is "The safest and most reliable way to use your North American appliances in Japan."

Although that site is a little confusing...

I posted a reply this morning but for some reason it isn't here. My whole point about the website is that they described the transformer inaccurately. People visiting Japan from America would need a step up transformer to step the 100VAC Japanese voltage up to 120VAC for American appliances. Once again, most small electronics will be ok. I have lived in Japan for 10 years, my rechargable razor, beard trimmer, hair clippers, PC, game boy, alarm clock all work fine. I use transformers for my TV, VCR, DVD player, Amp, microwave...all large ticket items. (also my coffee pot does not use a transformer.) Just as mentioned earlier, some places in Japan use 50hz instead of 60hz for their electricity which will esentially cause motors to run a little slower. Many small electronics are auto switching. Luckily here in Okinawa we use 60hz which is what you use in America. From what I read on the site this adapter may work, but they did a poor job of explaining!

I don't claim to know everything, but I have worked as an electrician for 12 years, and right now I supervise a power plant. I will try to research some other websites later since I hate to be one to point out a problem without providing a solution.

 

[DoctorP]

I've been checking online, and I went back and studied the original link that was given and that would be the correct product for small items. That website does a poor job of explaining their products. That transformer is decsribed inaccuratly on the ordering page. But on the previous page they descibed it as a step up transformer. That would make me a little leary buying a product from someone who really doesn't know what they are selling! :? That is the good thing with stores like Radio Shack or Home Depot. They make sure that you have the appropriate background to be selling the type of equipment that they sell! Sorry if I came off as an A*$, but being in that field of work, I want to make sure that people are getting the correct item!