Most American-made electrical appliances work at 110 volts. Austria operates at 220-250 volts and Bulgaria operates at 230 volts (the difference is not significant). Their systems are designed for 50 cycles-per-second (Hz) electricity; US uses 60 Hz.
| A voltage converter will convert the electricity coming out of the wall to whatever is needed. You probably do not need this. All you need is an adapter so that you can plug in you battery charger or dual voltage appliance. |
Adapters
An adapter will allow you only to plug your appliance into the type of outlet found in Europe. It will not change the electrical voltage.
Note that the typical battery chargers for cameras and camcorders will take in any voltage and frequency. The charger transforms the electricity to what the battery needs. This is usually noted on the charger; you will see something like "AC in ~ 100-240 Volts 50/60 Hz".
The adapter used in Central/Eastern Europe has two round prongs.
Voltage Converters
You can buy voltage converters that will change 110-volt
appliances to 230/240-volt; however, there are different types of converters for
different types of appliances. Small electronics, razors and non-heating
appliances will need a 50-watt converter. Heating appliances such as dryers,
irons, coffee makers and other high-powered electrical appliances need a
1600-watt converter. You can also purchase combination converters for both
types. Check the label on your electrical appliance to find its wattage. Note
that most hotels have appliances such as irons and hair dryers either in the
room or available.
To further complicate matters, some electronics are designed for 60
cycles-per-second electricity and cannot tolerate the 50 cycles-per-second
electricity found in Europe. Even if you have the right
converter, you run the risk of blowing a fuse in your hotel or burning out your
electrical appliances. If you're taking your computer with you, read the manual
carefully regarding what converters, if any, are necessary. Many of the newer
laptops don't need converters, just local plug adapters.
If you must take some electrical appliances abroad with you, your best bet is to
buy travel-size dual-voltage appliances that can run on both 110 and 220
currents. Make sure the switch is on the proper voltage for the country you are
in before using the appliance. You will also need to carry adapter plugs with
you to fit the outlets in Europe.