Basic Q about digi camera chargers abroad

[Dillydipper]

In general, do the camera battery chargers that come with digital cameras nowadays work in other countries, with an adapter plug?

(Specifically, my new camera is a Panasonic DMC-TZ3, the charger is a DE-A45 with North American plug, bought for USA, which my wife is taking to France.)

I would think there's something of a voltage-incompatibility issue somewhere, but I don't see anything about such a problem after doing a few searches.

Anybody else take an American-use charger to Europe without problem?

[Metralla]

Anybody else take an American-use charger to Europe without problem?
Sure. Not for a digital camera, but for my laptop. It has a transformer that's "self-adjusting" on an input between 100v and 240, 50Hz to 60Hz. It has a weird C5 connector, so rather than use an adaptor I just have a few different cords with the appropriate plug - Euro, Australia, UK.

[His Masters Vice]

In general, do the camera battery chargers that come with digital cameras nowadays work in other countries, with an adapter plug?

Yes, several American friends have been able to use their camera battery chargers in Australia (which uses 240V) after finding a suitable adaptor plug.

It should say something on the charger about the voltages it will accept. Something like 100 - 240V, 50/60Hz . If so, then you're good to go. Most of this stuff is made in China anyway and so they just make one kind of adaptor that will work anywhere, rather than specifically tailoring the electronics for different regions...

Incidentally if for some reason your charger only works on 110V you can buy a Panasonic charger for your camera for just over $20 that definitely works everywhere:

http://www.bestbatt.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=BBS007CHG