 Calgarey Penn |
Battery charging in Japan Hi everyone, I will soon be traveling to Japan for an extended stay (4-6 weeks) and will be traveling throughout the country. I will be taking my digital gear with me (olympus E-Volt 500)and am not sure if I can safely charge my camera battery with the current available in Japan. This is an issue for my computer also, since I plan to take my laptop with me for downloading images. Am I making too much of this, or is there something I shoul purchase to avoid damage to batteries? Thanks very much. Calgarey
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Alan N. Marcus |
Hi Calgarey, When traveling abroad I try to take with me electrical appliances that operate on both 220V 50 Hz (much of the world) and 110V 60 Hz. USA – Canada – Mexico – Central America Most battery charges and many appliances will do just fine on both. Read the labels, if designed for dual voltage, the labels clearly state this. As I recall Japan has both 220 and 110 volt systems depending on the area. Don’t attempt to operate a 110 volt device on a 220 volt system unless you have a proper converter. Best tip I can give: While you will have no problem plugging in Japan, I recall the receptacle and plug set is the same as US, you need to find out about the voltage. A good tip is to read the labels on the light bulbs; in the table lamps they have the voltage written in a way you can read. Many foreign hotels will have one outlet supplying 110 volts for the convenience of their patrons. Take with you a short extension cord ending in three female outlets. Take with you an old-fashioned adapter that screws into a lamp socket. You know the kind that allows plugging in an extension cord. Many rooms are short on outlets, so this adapter will serve you well. Most lamps are the same (standard Edison Base). Also take with you an adapter kit purchased from a travel store or Radio Shack. Have a safe and happy trip. Alan Marcus
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Nobu Nagase |
The voltage in Japan is 100 volt with 50 htz in the eastern region and 60 htz in the western region. This is slightly lower than that of U.S. but from my experience, I never had any problem using the adapters for the cameras, battery chargers, and cell phones. I also brought back a portable phone from Japan to U.S. and used with no problem. (I do not know of anyone who had problems in Japan, but if there are any, I, for one, like to know.) The wall plug is two pronged and has no three pronged outlet like the ones on some of the U.S. plugs. So, if your adapters and chargers are three pronged you will need a converter. You can buy one at the airport but you will be anxious to get out of the airport when you get there and you may forget or not have the time to do that. It may be better to get one before you leave home. (Also, it's true that that some major hotels may have 220V outlet to accomodate foreign visitors from European countries.)
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A C |
One of our BP members recently moved to Japan from China. Her name is Susan. You might want to get in touch with her. Tell her I sent you.
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Nobu Nagase |
Now, that brings up an interesting question. Calgarey, where are you coming from, China, US/Canada area, European, or else? I have no idea what they use in China.
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Calgarey Penn |
Nobi, Yes, I will be coming from the United States. All of my gear was purchased here in the US, so it sounds like I should be OK. Thanks much to all who have responded to my question(s). Calgarey
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