Solving the problem of using Australian electrical devices in Japan

[ambergris]

Has anyone found a solution to the problem of finding an adaptor which will take an Aussie 3 pin plug for use in the Japanese 2 pin sockets?
I note some forum discussion back in 2007, and mention of removing the cover of the third pin hole, but the adaptor type wasn't specified. Would appreciate it if I could find out the adaptor used.
Many thanks!

 

[mannej]

Universal travel plug adaptor. Worked fine. I know qf duty free online has them for around $35
Posted via Mobile Device

 

[ambergris]

Thank you for such a rapid response.
Do you have a brand name for the one sold on Qantas?

 

[Evan]

Or look in the electrical shops and even 100 yen shops in Japan i have a few adapter that accept 3 pin plus to Japan 2 pin style, they are not common but you will find them and should be around 300-350yen each from memory a year ago when i last got one.

 

[v8Statesman]

This is by no means a recommendation in anyway, But I use a $3 power board from K-Mart, bend the earth pin out of the way and straighten the two active and netural pins with pliers. Works a treat.

 

[ambergris]

Apologies- I found the web page, and see that it is the Travel Pac. Is it easy/advisable to remove the cover for the third pin hole?

 

[dajop]

Curiously haven't seen them in Australia, or Japan. But I have in Singapore $1.85 in town ($6 at the airport). I have a couple in my box of adaptors.

 

[Evan]

Thing i do like about the JP 2 pin plugs is they are very compact, you can get 5 way power boards (2 on each side, one on the end) that are very small you can easily carry them.
Not to mention people like linksys make a travel router that fit directly into the wall plug.

 

[ambergris]

Thanks for the prompt and helpful advice!

 

[dede]

I recently stayed at the Shiba Park Hotel in Tokyo and they had adapters for purchase at reception. I fitted a AUS-US adaptor into that one in order to plug in my appliance. It worked quite well.

 

[ambergris]

Thank you- sounds like a simple solution! Any laptop problems with the piggyback arrangement?

 

[dede]

No problems at all - I used the laptop the whole time I was there.

 

[ambergris]

That is excellent- thank you.
I was thinking about purchasing the TravelPac universal adaptor and opening the third pin hole- but feel somewhat reluctant to do so.
Has anyone achieved this and not fried their laptop?

 

[zzyss]

I'm the kind of person that doesn't like tampering with things... I just borrowed mine from the hotel, but if you want, there are some ridiculously cheap ones that you can buy here:

DealExtreme Search: travel power adapter

Usual caveat emptor warnings about the quality of Chinese products but this place has a good track record - I buy things from there semi-regularly.

 

[ambergris]

Thanks for the lead. I'll have a wary look around the site.
Any recommendations for useful travel items?

 

[mannej]

I did not fry any of my electrics in Japan using the Universal Travel Adaptor. My mate also used a similar adaptor, using a Asus Netbook, and never had any problems with it.

Just my 2c worth!

 

[ambergris]

A valuable 2 cents worth! Did you need to uncover the pin hole, or do you have a two pin laptop charger?

 

[mannej]

A valuable 2 cents worth! Did you need to uncover the pin hole, or do you have a two pin laptop charger?

Cheesy can you answer that question for me please?

 

[serfty]

A valuable 2 cents worth! Did you need to uncover the pin hole, or do you have a two pin laptop charger?

It's simply really:

- if you want to use a 3 pin Oz/NZ type plug with these you need to remove the pin hole.

- if your devices do not have the earth pin you do not need to remove this.

FWIW, as posted in the thread referred to, I have removed said hole and have had no issues. Of course in doing so there is no earth protection. Note: there would be NO earth protection in Japanese sockets as they do not have it in any case.

It fully up to you.

 

[ambergris]

Thanks for your response and the wise advice.
I have since out found that the Worldconnect -Switzerland World Travel Adapter has 3 pins in (and out), and will be available in Australia in the near future. I contacted the Australian rep who will advise me when it is ready for release.