Travel Electronics to Pack for Paris
Continuing the series on what to pack for Paris, here’s my recommended list of travel electronics that you should make sure you take with you if you’re moving to Paris. The list includes some essentials plus some things that will be expensive or difficult to get in Paris.
Camera, extra battery, and extra memory card
iPod and nano (iPod for flight only, then it stays locked up in the apartment. The nano is taken out and about around Paris. Also, download walking tour podcasts before you leave, and leave the guidebooks at home)
Laptop or netbook and battery/adapter
Laptop lock (I recommend this Kensington laptop lock)
Cell phone , iPhone (use the Wifi), PDA, or Blackberry — something with internet access that will allow you to look up information on the go. You might also look into getting a pay as you go Paris cell phone for local calls.
Skype headset if needed. (I love this foldable headset by Plantronics)
USB Flash drive (to back up photos or in case you need to save a file to it to print somewhere)
USA to France Plug Adapters, or better yet, a Eurosurge that works as a plug adapter, power strip, and surge protector to protect your laptop and electronics
Backup computer connection cords (an ethernet cord in particular, in case the wireless doesn’t work)
Extra batteries for your devices (you can get them in Paris, but they’re expensive)
Chargers for everything
Converters (most electronics nowadays are dual-voltage and don’t require a converter. But check out everything you’re planning to bring)
DVD’s to play on your computer* — but just a few. You won’t be home that much. (*You can’t play U.S. DVDs in France).
To sum up, you basically only need travel chargers and adapters for the electronics you’re bringing with you to Paris from home. Remember to pack as light as you can to leave room for these travel electronics.
