Calling all Techies ... re: Travel Adapter with USB ports?

[g4grace]

Am I on the right track with this choice of adaptor? I am soo technically challenged.

http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00WWH8BRS/?tag=santiagodec0b-20

 

[TinaPEI]

I bought this one: http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00F877VES/?tag=santiagodec0b-20

I haven't walked the camino, and I'm actually thinking it may be heavy, but I'll be able to share with others so I won't be hogging the outlets.

 

[shubertj]

Am I on the right track with this choice of adaptor? I am soo technically challenged.

http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00WWH8BRS/?tag=santiagodec0b-20

That picture looks like a UK plug this is all you need to convert to USA plug to everywhere in Europe except the UK. The electric current is 220 volt so if you have things like a hairdryer or curling iron it will need an additional converter to downgrade the voltage to 110. All electrical things like a computers, smart phone, laptop can be charged at 110 or 220 volt.

 

[alipilgrim]

Oh no, both way too much. Your electronics don't need an "convertor" which changes the power levels, they'll do that automatically (assuming it is for electronics that you need this). All you need is the bit on the end (a plug adaptor) to change the prongs over to fit into the two round European outlets. A basic one will do, or if you have multiple electronics, or to share the outlet, try something like this: http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00HK8Z956/?tag=santiagodec0b-20

 

[C clearly]

You only need the small adapter with round pins, such as @shubertj showed in the picture. You can plug in whatever USB charger you use at home (bring duct tape to attach them together, as it is easy to pull one out without the other, and leave it behind). Or, you could buy a European USB charger in Spain and use your regular USB cable.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

Am I on the right track with this choice of adaptor? I am soo technically challenged.

http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00WWH8BRS/?tag=santiagodec0b-20

What are you hoping to plug? If only phone, tablet, anything USB, all you need is a European multi USB plug.

 

[CathyJ]

I am only wanting to charge my iPhone and a Garmin wristband which both have USB cables. I have ordered the one below, f anyone thinks it is a bad choice please let me know so I can explore something else. Thanks
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/15193067...49&var=451112414819&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

 

[fraluchi]

Depending upon from where you live and bought your iPhone, you should have a charger with some pins on one side and a USB on the other. This charger should be able to plug into an adapter which fits Spanish outlets. You can buy such adapter at most hardware stores in Spain, and a simple one costs less than 1 Euro.

 

[Seabird]

This is what I bought, a two-USB outlet. Has a US plug (to use over here too), so I will also use a simple converter plug like shown above.
I looked at those multi-plug gizmos, seemed over complicated.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B013US9FFY/?tag=casaivar02-20

 

[Kanga]

It is easy to buy a plug in Europe. USB outputs are universal so there is no need to use a converter from your own plug. Your albergue mates will love you if you can find one with two or more usb outlets - some albergues have a shortage of power points. I bought one with two USB outlets from a small store off the Plaza Mayor in Burgos for about 4 euros. They are available pretty much everywhere - I've even seen them in supermarkets (although the multiple outlet ones are less common).

 

[sabbott]

Here's the one I have, figured I could share the ports as I'm just charging my iphone:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HVKR92Y/?tag=casaivar02-20

 

[Anemone del Camino]

I am only wanting to charge my iPhone and a Garmin wristband which both have USB cables. I have ordered the one below, f anyone thinks it is a bad choice please let me know so I can explore something else. Thanks
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/151930677286?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&var=451112414819&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

This is perfect!

 

[traveler]

I am only wanting to charge my iPhone and a Garmin wristband which both have USB cables. I have ordered the one below, f anyone thinks it is a bad choice please let me know so I can explore something else. Thanks
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/151930677286?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&var=451112414819&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

It will work fine. It is relatively light and has two 2.5 amp usb plugs - which is pretty nice. The lighter, cheaper ones often provide less current and take much longer to charge your devices.

 

[momof34man]

Here's the one I have, figured I could share the ports as I'm just charging my iphone:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HVKR92Y/?tag=casaivar02-20

I got this one too for the same reasons - sharing.

 

[marbuck]

If you are going through Paris you can buy one almost anywhere for a couple of euro. Mine burnt out in a small village about 12 days out of Le Puy. The replacement cost me 20 euro. Its called supply and demand.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

I am in the market for a multi USB cable kit similar to this for this Camino as the differnt individual cables are a pain to carry. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0121G8BO2/?tag=casaivar02-20

 

[g4grace]

Thanks for your help. I appreciate it much. Live in Canada and having trouble finding a good quality plug that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. Think I will go with this one as suggested by Alipilgrim. Wish I could have found one with a built in usb, but perhaps simpler to bring the one that came with my iPhone.

http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00HK8Z956/?tag=santiagodec0b-20

 

[GreatDane]

Here's the one I have, figured I could share the ports as I'm just charging my iphone:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HVKR92Y/?tag=casaivar02-20

I carried this type (not this exact one) so I could be a good scout and share USB charging ports and found the problem being all the electrical outlets were always filled. No where to plug it in... So I bought a multiple outlet at a China Bazaar and shared that instead.

 

[Hope0925]

Here's the one I have, figured I could share the ports as I'm just charging my iphone:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HVKR92Y/?tag=casaivar02-20

This one looks great, but as is the case with many great things, does not ship to Canada! Are they readily available in stores on your side of the border? If so, it would be worth the trip. I'd be crossing into New York, probably.

 

[jirit]

Thanks for your help. I appreciate it much. Live in Canada and having trouble finding a good quality plug that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. Think I will go with this one as suggested by Alipilgrim. Wish I could have found one with a built in usb, but perhaps simpler to bring the one that came with my iPhone.

http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00HK8Z956/?tag=santiagodec0b-20

EDITED

Most electronic devices have a built in universal power adapter which means they can work anywhere.

What you need is a simple plug adapter, ideally a couple in case you leave one in the wall socket which I have done leaving first thing in the morning
(get white since they are easier to see)
You can buy these at your local dollar store for next to nothing. I always carry a few plug adapters

With respect to adapters with USB, make sure the rating is for 10 or 12 Watt (the white Apple adapter that comes with your iPhone is ideal).

http://www.apple.com/ca/shop/questi...ug-durability-compatibility/QU29YUP4TTYK4UDX2

Many of the 3rd party combo plug/power kit units are only rated at 5 Watt for the USB which in some cases you can charge your iPhone (slowly) but not your iPad.

 

[jirit]

Another little tip

If you take the white square 12 amp power adapter and you leave behind all your european plug adapters you can buy an Apple EU plug adapter that will insert into the white adapter itself. Most Spanish Apple shops should be able to sell you one

 

[sabbott]

This one looks great, but as is the case with many great things, does not ship to Canada! Are they readily available in stores on your side of the border? If so, it would be worth the trip. I'd be crossing into New York, probably.

I bought it from Amazon, not sure if they ship to you. Maybe from the product's website?

 

[g4grace]

Another little tip

If you take the white square 12 amp power adapter and you leave behind all your european plug adapters you can buy an Apple EU plug adapter that will insert into the white adapter itself. Most Spanish Apple shops should be able to sell you one

Thank you so much for your tips ...

 

[jmcarp]

Here's the one I have, figured I could share the ports as I'm just charging my iphone:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HVKR92Y/?tag=casaivar02-20

That looks very nice, and the fact that others may plug into the spare USB ports that you aren't using will help you make friends at the albergues. Of course it could help you make enemies, too, if you unplug and stow it away when your phone or other devices are charged and theirs are left unplugged with an incomplete charge.

 

[Sixwheeler]

Either buy in Europe or go to Amazon.fr and search 'chargers usb' and take your choice. Coming from France it will have European two pin. Anker do a nice one with two USB ports which are 'intelligent' so charge at the appropriate rate for each device. You shouldn't need more than two ports at once or one for you and one to share.
Ultreïa

 

[Hope0925]

I bought it from Amazon, not sure if they ship to you. Maybe from the product's website?

Amazon.com had it on sale for $19.99 but they don't ship that item to Canada. Amazon.ca wanted $149! Finally found one on eBay for $45
USD.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

Thanks for your help. I appreciate it much. Live in Canada and having trouble finding a good quality plug that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. Think I will go with this one as suggested by Alipilgrim. Wish I could have found one with a built in usb, but perhaps simpler to bring the one that came with my iPhone.

http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00HK8Z956/?tag=santiagodec0b-20

What are you planning to use this with? Surely not your hair dryer . Do you really need a standard plug?

 

[g4grace]

What are you planning to use this with? Surely not your hair dryer . Do you really need a standard plug?

I'm not at all gadget-savvy. I just want to be able to charge my iPhone 5 and perhaps (undecided) a mini tablet.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

I'm not at all gadget-savvy. I just want to be able to charge my iPhone 5 and perhaps (undecided) a mini tablet.

Then just buy a European multi UNB plug, not a regular conveter plug. Try one of these: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QTE09SY/?tag=casaivar02-20
Lots of different models at all sorts of prices. No need to buy the plug converter and then the USB.

 

[jirit]

I'm not at all gadget-savvy. I just want to be able to charge my iPhone 5 and perhaps (undecided) a mini tablet.

If that is all you need to charge, then take one white 12 Watt USB power adapter that comes with the iPhone or iPad mini and a couple of European style ( two round prongs ), the latter you can buy for a couple of bucks at the local dollar store.

The iPhone or iPad mini will charge up quickly so you rotate each evening which device to charge using the one adapter.

The extra plug adapter is just in case you leave one accidently behind.

 

[GRR]

I got this one. It's light and has 4 USB ports. Worked fine, and other people could plug in.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HVKR92Y/?tag=casaivar02-20

 

[Susan Peacock]

I got this one. It's light and has 4 USB ports. Worked fine, and other people could plug in.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HVKR92Y/?tag=casaivar02-20

I used this also and it was awesome..... Especially if all the outlets were taken and I could get someone to plug their phone into my adaptor along with mine.

 

[fraluchi]

I know, whilst on pilgrimage across Spain their isn't always enough sun, I still like to use a solar power supply. Actually, the gadgets produce under good light, not necessarily full sun. For $ 22 it saves struggling with other pilgrims for attachment in an albergue which has Murphy's law outlets.
The link is an example, not publicity for this particular solar charger.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B016ZELVCA/?tag=casaivar02-20

 

[Maxie]

Cant find the actual charger that I use but this one is similar http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B011DUBESW/?tag=casaivar-21
The one I have will charge in an overcast sky. In bright sun its just like mains charging. Problem with the small units is the surface area is to small unless using in bright sunlight.

This is closer to the one that I use , not the exact one though.http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B012DBPZ8U/?tag=casaivar-21

 

[MaidinBham]

Thanks for your help. I appreciate it much. Live in Canada and having trouble finding a good quality plug that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. Think I will go with this one as suggested by Alipilgrim. Wish I could have found one with a built in usb, but perhaps simpler to bring the one that came with my iPhone.

http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00HK8Z956/?tag=santiagodec0b-20

This one looks a lot better than your ebay find! These things are often built cheaply, I used one in the UK recently and it broke. I purchased replacement plug charger with usb port at local UK shop for cheap.
If you decide to buy dual usb charger I really like this one, but then you would still need EU adapter. It has Output: DC 5v/4.8A(each 2.4A max) EACH usb port is 2.4A, the ebay one was not, contrary to other responses. I have been using it for a while, it is well built, doesn't get hot, and charges my devices really fast. It's weird - so hard to search for these things!

http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00OQ1I2C2/?tag=santiagodec0b-20

Janice

 

[fraluchi]

Hold it: this ravpower, as far as I can see from the picture, still has a two pin plug which will not fit in Spain unless you buy an additional adapter in a local hardware store (40 cents, btw).

 

[Anemone del Camino]

Hold it: this ravpower, as far as I can see from the picture, still has a two pin plug which will not fit in Spain unless you buy an additional adapter in a local hardware store (40 cents, btw).

That's what is said in the text...

 

[MaidinBham]

Thanks for your help. I appreciate it much. Live in Canada and having trouble finding a good quality plug that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. Think I will go with this one as suggested by Alipilgrim. Wish I could have found one with a built in usb, but perhaps simpler to bring the one that came with my iPhone.

http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00HK8Z956/?tag=santiagodec0b-20

This one looks good - dont buy too cheap you may regret it. If decide to get dual usb charger, instead of iPhone plug then look at RavPower as I mentioned above, each usb has has 2.4A for total 4.8A. It will charge fast and safely. You can use it at home. (who doesn't need more usb chargers!) In many albergues there were lines to use electrical outlets! You can charge two devices at once at 2.4A and get out of the line faster. If you take iPad AND iPhone you will need higher Output, unless you want to spend hours charging your devices. It weighs 80 grams , prongs fold flat.
Buen Camino
Janice

 

[Marc Hamel]

You only need the small adapter with round pins, such as @shubertj showed in the picture. You can plug in whatever USB charger you use at home (bring duct tape to attach them together, as it is easy to pull one out without the other, and leave it behind). Or, you could buy a European USB charger in Spain and use your regular USB cable.

So, I'm walking in September and if I understand you correctly, I can use the high speed Samsung charger I use at home for my S6 edge+ and only need to buy the plug adapter and not a separate charger?

 

[MaidinBham]

So, I'm walking in September and if I understand you correctly, I can use the high speed Samsung charger I use at home for my S6 edge+ and only need to buy the plug adapter and not a separate charger?

Yes, just bring your fast charger and USB cable and buy EU plug type C, such as this one:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007YL84VA/?tag=casaivar02-20

Some folks buy plug and USB combined, but if you do that, check the specs on plug and make sure it matches the specs are on your Samsung usb plug, otherwise it will not be a fast charger.

Janice

 

[mabhera]

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HVKR92Y/?tag=casaivar02-20
This is the one I'm planning to take. Love that it has a few extra spaces to share . Also I'm planning to take a 15 feet usb cable and my electronics all charge with this.

 

[TinaPEI]

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HVKR92Y/?tag=casaivar02-20
This is the one I'm planning to take. Love that it has a few extra spaces to share . Also I'm planning to take a 15 feet usb cable and my electronics all charge with this.

I looked for that one too, but didn't find it. I bought something similar, hope it works! I noticed once I bought it that the chargers are each different. Oh well. Since it's the second one I bought, I'm not going to bother looking for something else!