Adapting American electronics to Portugal

Hi,
You need a step down 220/240 volts transformer will cost you from $30 and up .
The AC voltage in Portugal is 230 Volts AC, 50 Hertz, in the US the Voltage is 120 Volts AC, 60 Hertz.
You can use a Step Up Down Power Converter Transformer 220/240 volts down to 110/120 volts but, I would not recommend it for appliances like Microwaves fridges etc.
You may not need a 220-240 AC step down transformer for your Smart TV, Desktop and Laptop!.
Most small consumer electronics do work on both 120 AC & 240 AC just look for a label in the of your smart TV or laptop power adapter it may say “100-240 Volts AC”

Thank you expatiane! Now all I need to do is find where the label is. If that is so, will I still need an adapter? Sorry, my knowledge of electronics is meager.

It would be must simpler to sell the goods and buy new when in Europe. You will also save a lot of money in the end. You buy an external hard drive for the computer and transfer all important documents, files etc onto it.

Hello,

most modern smartphone, tablet, laptop and PC power supplies are  universal, which accept input of 100-240 AC voltage and 50-60 Hz frequency. They can be used all over the world without step up or down transformers. Have a look at the labels of your laptop and PC power supplies. They should look something like this:



Older PC power supplies have a physical red switch between 110 and 240 volts, so make sure to flip the switch to 240v before plugging it in the mains socket and power up PC.


Also, it is advisible to use EU extension lead instead of US lead with US-EU adapter at the end. The most common laptop and PC power leads are :

https://www.castroelectronica.pt/produc … schuko-18mhttps://www.castroelectronica.pt/produc … olar-25mts

Regarding TV and microwave,  those most likely will operate only at 110v ang 60Hz. You should take a gander at the labels and/or consult user manuals. If they display 100-240 AC  operating voltage and 50-60 Hz frequency then you’re in luck. Otherwise, the next best bet is to acquire step up 110v to 240v transformer, such as:

https://www.castroelectronica.pt/produc … 00va--wellhttps://www.castroelectronica.pt/produc … 0va--kemot

One transformer could supply enough power for TV and microwave. So, if your microwave maximum wattage is 700 watts and TV 200W, then transformer with 1000w will suffice. If combined power of TV and microwave exceed 1kW, then aim for 1600w  step up transformer. Also, 1600w converted has only one US socket and two EU sockets, then for the second appliance you would need an adapter.

https://www.castroelectronica.pt/produc … s--preto-1

I have added a picture of my microwave, which only accepts 230v and 50Hz.
https://imgur.com/YVJTtoy

Good luck

"One transformer could supply enough power for TV and microwave. So, if your microwave maximum wattage is 700 watts and TV 200W, then transformer with 1000w will suffice. "

Is it a US habit to operate the microwave and the TV in the same room? Or would you lay a cable between rooms? 

Hi jkmet,
If you can list or send me the model number of your devices, I will verify and check the compatibility for you.

Agreed with earlier posts.  "most modern smartphone, tablet, laptop and PC power supplies are  universal, which accept input of 100-240 AC voltage and 50-60 Hz frequency. They can be used all over the world without step up or down transformers. Have a look at the labels of your laptop and PC power supplies. "

My iPhone, MacBook Pro, Samsung phone, etc. all support 100-240, 50-60 Hz.

Therefore, all you need is something like these items on Amazon.com.  This allows me plug in my power strip and charge multiple items either using the device's power adapter or using a USB cable connected to the power strip.  This power strip is NOT power converter.    The power strip must support 100-240 AC voltage and 50-60 Hz frequency.

If a device only supports 110V you damage the device.

1. Type F adapter for US plug - example on amazon.com

2. I use a power strip plugged into the adapter for all of my devices which need charging.   example on amazon.com

I have used adapters and a power strip like this all over the world.

Interesting note, both my wife and I have observed that the devices seem to charge slower here in Portugal than in the US. ??