Germany is a beautiful country with a rich culture and many interesting things to see and do. If you're planning an extended visit to Germany and will be living there for awhile, it's important to take note of what you'll be bringing along on your travels. If your list includes any electronic devices or appliances other than a cell phone or laptop, you're going to need a voltage converter to ensure your electronics can be used safely and efficiently.
A voltage converter is a device that converts electrical voltage, either up or down. Since different areas of the world utilize different electrical voltages, electronics from foreign countries are not always compatible. In the case of Germany, you'll need to know that the standard voltage is 220 volts. This means that the wall outlet delivers 220 volts of electricity. Electronics from North America (which are manufactured for 120 volts) are not compatible with Germany's higher voltage. Attempting to use a 120 volt hair dryer for example, could result in a damaged item, a fire, and even dangerous electrical shock. However, there's no need to worry about that because a voltage converter is a safe and effective solution to using foreign electronics in any country.
The voltage converter plugs directly into the electrical outlet and internally converts the electricity from 220 volts down to 120 volts, creating a safe voltage for your electronics. The face of the converter has its own electrical outlets and that's where you'll plug your devices in to be used with the properly converted voltage. This specific type of converter is called a step-down converter because it's actually stepping the voltage down from 220 to 120 volts. There are a variety of types and sizes of voltage converters for Germany, and the one that will best suit your needs is a converter capable of handling sufficient wattage for your electronics or appliances. The wattages available vary from 50 watts up to 25,000 watts. The higher the wattage capability, the higher the price. However, the price doesn't increase drastically.
To determine the wattage that you'll need to check the wattage of your appliances. This can usually be found on the manufacturers label, a instruction manual, or the devices electrical cord. If you have a device like a coffee maker that uses 900 watts, you'll need to purchase a converter with an absolutely minimum of 900 watt capacity. In fact, due to voltage fluctuations and to ensure proper function, it's always recommended to purchase a converter for double the wattage of your device(s). A 1500 watt step-down voltage converter would be a great purchase for a 800 watt North American coffee maker being used in Germany. Since you're dealing with electricity, it's always better to be safe rather than sorry. Aiming for double the necessary wattage is practically a must.
One other thing to note is that most electrical outlets vary from country to country. You'll need to be sure to have the proper plug adapter for Germany so that your converter can be plugged in! If you can't plug it in, you can't use it and then you can't use your electronics. The good news is that anyone who sells voltage converters also sells foreign plug adapters.
Now that you know what you're up against, you can make an informed purchase of a voltage converter for Germany. Remember that you'll need a step-down model with sufficient voltage for your devices. To see a variety of voltage converters for Germany and purchase your own, check out our selection
here. Enjoy your travels in Germany!
So what do you do when you're planning to move, retire, or temporarily relocate to Germany? Well, that depends. Generally, you'll need to arrange for airline tickets, hotels and any activities you plan to pursue - but what about your electronics and applicances? Many people venture overseas to foreign countries each year without considering how - or if - they'll be able to use their electronics at their destination.
Most cellular phone and laptop computer manufacturers design their chargers for use anywhere in the world, however, other household electronics and appliances are not designed for international use. It's important to check the label or voltage information for your electronics before you travel and see what voltage they're rated for. Most devices like electric razors, curling irons and hair dryers are usually only designed for use in the country in which they are sold. In other words, they're not compatible with the electrical voltage used in other countries and will require a voltage transformer for use in Germany. If you think you'll need a voltage converter for Germany, continue reading.
What is a Voltage Transformer for Germany?
Voltage transformers perform a simple but very important task - they transform the voltage up or down (depending on the type of transformer) so you can safely use your electronics in foreign countries. For anyone in a country using 120 volts who plans on visiting Germany, a step-down transformer is required in order to use electronics. The step-down voltage transformer cuts the standard 220 volts used in Germany down to 120 volts, meeting the voltage that your electronics were designed for and allowing you to use them without worry.
What Size Voltage Transformer Do I Need for Germany?
The size of the transformer depends on the number of watts your device uses. Most cell phones and electric razors use a rather low wattage. People who only plan to travel with these types of personal electronics will usually be fine using a travel voltage transformer. If you plan to bring your laptop, hair dryer, radio, Blu-ray Player or anything similar that uses a higher wattage, you'll need to purchase a step-up voltage transformer that has a wattage which is equivalent (or higher) than the wattage used by your device. For example, to use a curling iron rated at 800 watts, you will need a minimum of 800 watt set-up voltage transformer. It's recommended to use a transformer rated for double the wattage of your devices to protect against power surges or voltage fluctuations.
Buying a Voltage Transformer for Germany
For more information on purchasing a voltage transformer for Germany, visit our Voltage Transformer Buying Guide. It will expelling everything you need to know about choosing the proper transformer for your specific needs. You can also learn about foreign plug adapters to ensure you have the proper plug to fit the electrical outlets in Germany and other parts of Europe.
As specialists in international travel and foreign relocation, 220 Electronics has over 35 years of experience in dealing with electronics and voltage transformers. We also sell a variety of voltage transformers in all sizes, from 50 volts to 25,00 volts. Be sure to purchase your voltage transformer from a reputable seller and be sure you're purchasing the correct size and type to avoid any complications during your travels! Enjoy your trip to Germany.
