GPS Question

[AmericaninFrance]

We will be spending the summer in the Lyon area for my husband's job. I have purchased a Garmin GPS w/ additional European software package to bring with us. How can I re-charge in Europe? Will the charger that the GPS comes with work in the cars over in Europe/France? If not what type of charger should I purchase when we get to France? Any additional GPS advice would be appreciated!!! Thanks.

[Fatbrit]

European cars are generally wired 12v, negative earth -- same as US ones!

[Bevdeforges]

Don't know about the Garmin ones, but my Tom Tom charges off the connection to my computer with a standard UPS connection. If it's any comfort, I have carried my GPS back and forth between France and the US several times now (with the cord that plugs into the car's cigarette lighter) and have had no difficulties whatsoever. The kicker is that you have to remove the GPS from your hand luggage as a "computer" when you go through security at the airport, but other than that, no biggie.
Cheers,
Bev

[minesthechevy]

You 'should' have no problem using a US-sourced car accessory in Europe, but there are two standards for the actual plug that goes into the dashboard socket; this means that sometimes you don't get a clean constant and stable connection between the plug and the socket. However, they are so commonly available that you will have no problem sourcing the one you need - if you need it.

[Michael66]

Hi, my tom tom charges from cig lighter in the car, you should be ok?

[AmericaninFrance]

Originally Posted by Fatbrit

European cars are generally wired 12v, negative earth -- same as US ones!

Thanks for the reply! Your information was very helpful.

[AmericaninFrance]

Originally Posted by Bevdeforges

Don't know about the Garmin ones, but my Tom Tom charges off the connection to my computer with a standard UPS connection. If it's any comfort, I have carried my GPS back and forth between France and the US several times now (with the cord that plugs into the car's cigarette lighter) and have had no difficulties whatsoever. The kicker is that you have to remove the GPS from your hand luggage as a "computer" when you go through security at the airport, but other than that, no biggie.
Cheers,
Bev

Thanks for the information, Bev. I was not aware of the GPS/airport security "kicker", but I will keep it in mind.

I do have an additional question regarding computers. I am going to bring over my HP laptop. I am concerned about the need to purchase a power cord? Do you have any idea where it can be purchased in France (carrefour, specific electronics store, etc?). Any input will be greatly appreciated!

[minesthechevy]

HP is a very common make here, if a little overpriced; well, actually, a lot overpriced, but that's typical of electronics in France. Even a good 'high-street' shop or supermarket should have one in stock, or will be able to get one.

Make sure your laptop can cope with rather more volts than it's used to, though......

[Bevdeforges]

Originally Posted by AmericaninFrance

Thanks for the information, Bev. I was not aware of the GPS/airport security "kicker", but I will keep it in mind.

I do have an additional question regarding computers. I am going to bring over my HP laptop. I am concerned about the need to purchase a power cord? Do you have any idea where it can be purchased in France (carrefour, specific electronics store, etc?). Any input will be greatly appreciated!

Every HP laptop I've dealt with (and our business sells the things) has the charger rated for both 110V and 240-250V so you're fine on the charger side of things. (Do check the "brick" part of the charger just to be sure.)

You don't actually have to purchase a power cord. I've functioned for a long time with just a plug adapter for my computer (i.e. when I take it to the US). The power cord is a more practical option, though, especially for the long term. Any store that sells HP laptops should have the cords - that includes Carrefour and Auchan, FNAC, Darty, etc.
Cheers,
Bev

[AmericaninFrance]

Originally Posted by Bevdeforges

Every HP laptop I've dealt with (and our business sells the things) has the charger rated for both 110V and 240-250V so you're fine on the charger side of things. (Do check the "brick" part of the charger just to be sure.)

You don't actually have to purchase a power cord. I've functioned for a long time with just a plug adapter for my computer (i.e. when I take it to the US). The power cord is a more practical option, though, especially for the long term. Any store that sells HP laptops should have the cords - that includes Carrefour and Auchan, FNAC, Darty, etc.
Cheers,
Bev

Thank you very much for the information Bev. I will check the local Carrefour for the mentioned power cord.

Cindy