Switzerland travel adapter/converter
A traveler named Kellyn is preparing for a trip to Switzerland and seeks advice on the type of travel adapter or converter needed for their electronics. They are unsure if the adapter they purchased will work and want to confirm if they need a Swiss version before their flight in a week.
- You can buy travel adapters at convenience stores like Kiosk in Zürich and at electronics stores like InterDiscount or MediaMarkt if needed.
- Most modern phone and laptop chargers can operate on European voltage (220V), so you generally won't need a voltage converter unless you have high-wattage devices like hair dryers.
- Check the labels on your devices; if they say 'INPUT: 100-240V, 50/60 Hz', they can be used in Switzerland without issue.
AI-generated summary-
Does Switzerland have a certain type of travel adapter/converter I need to get? Which is the best kind for Switzerland?
Thanks,
kellyn
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Hi Kellyn-
Please check this link. There is a section on electrical stuff:
http://www.myswissalps.com/ab outswitzerland/practic al
Slowpoke
Hej,
To add to what Slowpoke has said, you can purchase a travel adapter converter on eBay for very little. The one below (see attachment) sells for US$0.99 with free shipping.
Keep in mind that there is a very small difference between the European plug and the Swiss one. Usually there is no problem but one time I bought an electric toaster in France and I had to buy a small plug so that it would work in a Swiss socket.
Attachments:
Now I’m a little concerned. I bought an adapter and spent $25.00. Now I see that Switzerland has its own type of adapter? The one I bought has several different adapters and the one that says Europe only has two prongs. Should I get one of the Swiss version? And will that allow me to plug in my phone and laptop? I leave in a week, so… thanks!
Hi. I don’t think you will have any problems with the two plug adapter. The third prong is the ground. I am guessing that you are from the USA (with “Gator” in your handle). You might find the following information of use: http://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/us/switzer land/ If you are not from the USA, at the top of the page there is a place where you can change where you are coming from. Bottom line, if you don’t get everything straightened out before you leave home, you can always go to a store that specializes in things electrical, including computers and mobile phones, such as InterDiscount or MediaMarkt or Fust, and they will be able to help.
Hello kellyn,
This topic get a fair bit of coverage at http://www.myswissalps.com/fo rum/topic/power-adapter.
Hello Kellyn and Frederick.
Wow. I just read that old thread and it put me on overload. Too technical for me. My advice remains the same. If when you get to Switzerland you find what you have already purchased does the trick, then that’s fine. End of problem. If not, get yourself to one of the three stores I mentioned above (or any other electronics you happen to find) and they will get you sorted out.
That sounds like the best idea. I’m thinking I’ll be okay with two adapters to choose from! : )
They sell adapters at the convenience store ( “Kiosk”) in Zürich main station near the exit for the Bahnhofstrasse and the drugstore ( der Apotheker).
I always get mine from Magellan before I travel. They are usually cheaper. Last I looked, they had stopped selling the really cheap simple ones, but they are stilla useful source.
In Europe, the 2-pronged plugs with round prongs have rounded casings. In Switzerland, the casings are hexagonal where they enter the receptacle.
Often, the European style will work in Switzerland. Best bet, however, is to confirm that the casing around the prongs is hexagonal. True for 3-prong (grounded) plugs and receptacles, also.
Slowpoke
Thanks! I’m flying into Geneva – maybe there’s something there? Not sure what you mean by “casings”. Here’s a link to the one I just ordered: http://www.amazon.com/gp/prod uct/B001ISSFIW/ref=od_ aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
It should work but could be tricky in some outlets due to the shape / casing as Slowpoke notes.
See attached
Attachments:
I checked the Amazon link.
If it says Swiss, it should work.
The price is right, and it will handle both 2 prong and 3 prong.
Perhaps they made the casing slightly smaller to fit inside the Swiss hexagonal sockets. The sockets are recessed, not even with the wall/plate as in the USA.
I’ve noticed that in the past few years there have been some changes in the adapter designs and shapes. In the UK in 2015, my 7 or 8 yr old adapters did not work in any way.
Slowpoke
Thanks, everyone, this has been very helpful. The adapters I bought at Best Buy said they do NOT convert voltage. Will the other one take care of that?
<<“Thanks, everyone, this has been very helpful. The adapters I bought at
Best Buy said they do NOT convert voltage. Will the other one take care
of that?”>>
No.
Why do you need to do that?
Slowpoke
Here’s where I found the information: http://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/us/switzer land/
I guess I’ll check with Apple about my iPhone and laptop.
In general, laptops and mobile phone chargers will operate on European current- approx 220 V, 50 Hertz or USA current – 110-115 volts, 60 Hertz.
If you look at the fine print on the labels or the specs in the manual, it will tell you.
I do not use a voltage converter (transformer ) with my HP or ASUS laptops or my MS Surface tablet. Nor with my Motorola or Samsung mobile or smartphones.
My daughter did not need a voltage converter for her Apple gear when she came to Switzerland with me.
If you take a high wattage something that draws a heavy current, such a a hair dryer, you’ll need a fairly hefty converter., in addition to the adapter that lets you plug into the eletricity supply.
We bought a small European hair drier at a Migros or COOP store and carry that when we go to Switzerland. Simplest solution.
Are there any other electrical device that you will use?
These are the critical ones….motors in prticular can be trublesome.
Here are two relevant quotes from the link you provided:
<<“Be especially careful with moving, rotating and time related appliances like clocks, shavers and electric fan heaters.”>>
and:
<<“To be sure, check the label on the appliance. Some appliances never need
a converter. If the label states ‘INPUT: 100-240V, 50/60 Hz’ the
appliance can be used in all countries in the world. This is common for
chargers of tablets/laptops, photo cameras, cell phones, toothbrushes,
etc.”>>
That is why I asked “Why do you need to do that?”
Slowpoke
No, the only things I’ll need to charge are my phone and laptop. Having little to no hair, the hair dryer isn’t an issue! : ) That was very helpful information, though, so thanks again!
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