Using electronics in Japan

Usual pre-trip questions...

Other than Plug converters, I've heard some issues with getting stuff to work in Japan, lap top chargers, iphone, camera battery chargers etc.

I've got an empower converter which I'm in two minds about lugging about, as unlikely to need on the flight. Would this be worth taking?

Any advise?

NH

Hi there,

I've worked in Japan quite a bit and have never had any issue with getting anything electrical to work - that is just the usual stuff, laptop, phone charger etc.

I would take an empower for the flight - it is 12 hours and my laptop won't last that long!

It is worth noting that the empower on the plane won't charge your laptop battery - just hold it at the level it was when you last used it.

But in Japan - as long as you have the correct converters - you will be fine.

Hi there,
But in Japan - as long as you have the correct converters - you will be fine.

Thanks Rich,

Assume you mean by the above, just the right "pinned" plug to attach to the wall... ?|

NH

Hi there,
But in Japan - as long as you have the correct converters - you will be fine.

Thanks Rich,

Assume you mean by the above, just the right "pinned" plug to attach to the wall... ?|

NH

Sorry - yes I do - power adapter would have been a better phrase!

Hey NH
I've never had any issues in Japan with my laptop/phone etc. I just used a standard travel adaptor for my laptop which worked just fine. I also used the US power cable I have for my iPhone/iPod as Japan uses the same style plug as the USA.

You'll be fine in both Tokyo/Kyoto with just a standard travel adaptor.

[mitchja]

You also need a 3G mobile phone as GSM (2G) mobile handsets do not work in Japan. As you mention an iPhone, that will work fine (as long as it's not the 1st gen. iPhone)

You also need a 3G mobile phone as GSM (2G) mobile handsets do not work in Japan. As you mention an iPhone, that will work fine (as long as it's not the 1st gen. iPhone)

Thats lucky, as just upgraded by iphone 2G to a 4

To be honest that was one of the reasons.... :w

If we bought any electronics, would they work back in the UK?

Yes they almost all do work back in the UK as long as they are 110 - 220v on the plug, charger, adapter.
I screwed up once though by buying a very sexy Sony MP3 player with radio in it too but the frequency was off so couldn't use the radio.
If you go to one of the big electronics stores in Akihabara, they have a hold floor of stuff for use abroad and Sony have special Overseas Models which they sell so they all work fine abroad.

If we bought any electronics, would they work back in the UK?

It depends on what you mean.

I bought my macbook there (as at the time the exchange rate was very favourable - it's not so good now) and all I had to do was buy a new power cable when I got back to the UK. (They also changed the keyboard in the shop to a Western one for no extra charge)

Things like laptops, camera's PlayStations etc will all work, as long as you can get the right power cable when you get back, or don't mind having an adaptor on the plug.

The other thing to bear in mind is to check the instruction book also comes in English!

For electronics head to Akihabra. However there is no Apple store in Akihabra - they are in Ginza or Shibuya.