Chile Forum

Okay, to preface this question I will admit to my absolute ignorance on anything related to technology. I am looking to purchase the converters (or whatever they may be called, basically, the stuff I'll need to run my electronics in Chile). The vast majority of my electronics read that they can handle up to 240V (for these I'll need only a an adapter?) http://www.voltageconverters.com/plug_adapters.html. Will the adapter listed here work, model GS-9? And if I understand correctly (very likely that I do not) what these adapters do is simply allow the appliance to conform to the chilean outlet, not altering the power at all, yes?

Secondly, my girlfriend has a few simple things (hair dryer, etc) that do not handle up to 240V, for these I will need to buy a _________? Any suggestions on one that will work well with something simple like a hair dryer, perhaps other small electronics?

I was not joking when I prefaced this with my ignorance to technology, so any responses, please use simple language. Just pretend you're responding to a ten-year old, that will ensure that I understand. Thanks for y'alls patience.

Follow-up question, am I helping myself out any by purchasing these here in the States before I leave? Or could I just as easily (and cheaply) purchase them when I arrive in Viña?

jalundberg wrote:Follow-up question, am I helping myself out any by purchasing these here in the States before I leave? Or could I just as easily (and cheaply) purchase them when I arrive in Viña?

Buy EVERYTHING that you possibly can in the States....

Everything is more expensive here, and the traveling and the agravation to get it since you don´t know thw city will make whatever price you pay in the States, a bargain..

If appliances and electronics work up to 240V the adapters will suffice, some of them will do it automatically some you need to move a switch to the 220 position (computers) and that will take care of that,now the hair dryers are a different story , because you will need an ¨"upconverter" capable to handle the demand of voltage that the Hair dryer needs to work...

Without knowing this I can´t sugest which one to buy

[quote="zulu789"]now the hair dryers are a different story , because you will need an ¨"upconverter" capable to handle the demand of voltage that the Hair dryer needs to work...

Without knowing this I can´t sugest which one to buy[/quote]

So I will need to check the voltage requirements for the appliances that do not handle up to 220V and buy an "upconverter" that falls within the range of the appliances?

Yep....Mostly little things (battery chargers ,hair clippers) will do fine with a 50 watts Voltage Converter.
MOREWATTS WILL NEED A HIGHER LEVEL CONVERTER...

Something like that to be on the safe side....
http://shop1.frys.com/product/1769535?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

Or this thingamayiggy, that covers all

http://shop1.frys.com/product/5446259?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

Watch for key word being "some hair dryers"

Okay, I see. Thanks for all the info, I think I'm starting to understand what I'll need. The only electronics I'll be bringing down will be an ipod, a BAND WORD internet tablet, a laptop (all handle up to 240V), electric hair clippers (120V 60Hz, 9 Watts) and a few other simple household appliances. So I'll pick up a dozen or so adapters, and then I'll need a simple voltage converter for the other appliances. Any suggestions on a voltage converter?

Oops, sorry, missed zulu's post there. Okay, so with a handful of the adapters from Frys and the converter (I think I'll go with the "on the safe side" option) I should be able to run the electronics I listed above? Sorry for the constant questioning, but like I said, I have no knowledge in this realm and don't want to make a mistake.

Plug adapters can be bought cheaply in Chile at any large supermarket. The problem I've had with some of the ones I've bought in the States is the quality. Many seem to lose or have from the start bad gripping ability on the flat blades of the 110-120V US electronics. Avoid all plug adapter and voltage converter RadioShack products at all cost!! Franzus/TravelSmart products seems to be well made and have served me well.

Don't know if I'd trust a 110/120V surge strip connected to a 220/240V line. Power strips with surge protection can be bought cheaply here in Chile and most are made to accommodate both US and Chile plugs. I bought mine at WEI <www.wei.cl> in Santiago Centro with a cash discount (ask, and you shall receive).

Regarding the hairdryer, life will be infinitely easier if you buy an auto switching dual voltage one in the States. It will not be hard to eventually "forget" during one rushed or sleepy or hungover morning to use the voltage converter and blow out the hairdryer. In my seven years, I admit I've done the Alzheimer's/space case job on an ink jet printer, a scanner and a battery charger.

EEUU, are you suggesting that I purchase the adapters upon arrival in Chile? Any good locations in Viña you can suggest?

TRANSFORMERS (power converters) buy in the States. Go with Franzus. NY store, mail order house <www.jr.com> has a good selection of Franzus products at decent or discounted prices.

Plug adapters, surge and power strips can be bought in Chile. Any Sodimac location will be OK to find what you need.

great, thanks for the information. much appreciated.

Okay, good. That's the voltage converter I was looking at as well. I just better make sure I don't overuse the converter, it says that it is not to be used for more than 15 minutes at a time.