What's it like living and studying in Spain?

Studying abroad in Spain -- what adapters/converters do I need?

• I'll be living with a host family in Spain during fall semester. I know I need to buy an adapter for my laptop, as well as an adapter and a voltage converter for my hairdryer. Can you tell me specifically what adapters and converters I need to buy? I heard that I also will have to buy extenders for my adapters, as the prongs in Spain are changing yet again. True?

• Answer:

  Don't take anything that needs a voltage converter. Also, appliances like hairdryers usually don't work properly via a converter. Just buy the items in Spain - it will cost about the same as buying a voltage converter and will work better. Luggage shops in the USA sometimes sell hairdryers that are dual voltage and all you need is an adapter. However, travel hairdryers are usually small. Also check: www.travelsmith.com As far as I know, outlets in Spain use the standard Continental European 2-round-prong plug. Outlets are often recessed, but all of the adapers I have ever bought were designed for a recessed outlet.. Regarding your laptop, check at stores like BestBuy and CompUSA for a multi-adapter that is also a surge protector. It costs more than a straight adapter but not cooking your power supply is worth it. Whatever adapter(s) you get, make sure they fit your USA plugs (try them on the plugs - don't just buy some adapters and toss them in your suitcase). For example, laptops almost always require an adapter that accepts a USA 3-prong plug. Hope you have a good trip!