International power semi-emergency

[Medea's Child]

My mother is in Paris at the moment. She carefully found a connector to swap European current to something her American laptop can handle.

Housekeeping has since removed said wonderful implement.

The question is how I can get her another one. Any ideas? I'm trying to find a version of Radio Shack I could direct her to. Or maybe order something online and ship it fast.

Any suggustions from the Teeming Millions?

[Bear_Nenno]

I don't get it? Why doesn't she call the housekeepers and get it back?

[Spiny Norman]

Ok, Paris is fair-sized, so there should be a chance.

If all else fails: Airport stores should carry stuff like that. I know, the airport is out of the way - but it can't be slower than having one shipped. Worth a try, I suppose.

Apart from that, I'd say get in touch with the American expat community - IIRC, there's a magazine called "Paris Passion" (no, not that kind of magazine) that's targeted towards English-speaking people in Paris. I'd guess it could provide pointers.

S. Norman

[Medea's Child]

I don't know.

Uopn further discussion its not even a current problem. Her laptop can handle the power, it just can't mechanically fit into the outlet. The fix is a $6 plug converter that I can't seem to find an online place that will ship to her.

She's going to ask one of her people to try to find one for her.

[Medea's Child]

oooh! Airport stores! Good idea!

[Crusoe]

Airports (especially somewhere like Paris CDG) will definitely have adaptors somewhere. Also try general electrical chains. In the UK you can pick up adaptors at any electrical store, large chemist or luggage store. I'm assuming Paris won't be too different. Camping stores and large youth hostels may also do them (although that's less likely).

[Crusoe]

Large hotels often give them to guests, too. When I needed a UK/US adaptor in Chicago, the hotel had a stock of them for guests to use.

[douglips]

Originally posted by mattk
Large hotels often give them to guests, too. When I needed a UK/US adaptor in Chicago, the hotel had a stock of them for guests to use.
If that's the case, the hotel may have assumed the thing was theres and grabbed it. You may just be able to get one/it just by asking.

[Medea's Child]

Thanks everyone!