Going to Asia, have a couple questions

[GrantMeThePower]

I'm going to both Tokyo and Bangkok and I'm wondering a couple things that i wondered if some of you might have answers/opionons about:

1. I want a digital camera- should I buy one here before i go or get one in Japan? Why?

2. What do i need in terms of power adaptors for my laptop/electric razor?

Thanks! It should be a ton o fun- one of my friends lives in Tokyo so we're gonna hang out until my business meetings start.

 

[andylawcc]

I can't answer 1) but for 2), most hotel will provide adaptors and/or 110 voltage outlets to fit your needs. Most laptop charger and cell phone charger will run on both voltages (US's 110v and Asia's 220v). I can't be certain about electric razors though.

 

[isekii]

I think it depends on what type of digicam you want.

If you want something super compact, I'd probably say purchase one over in Japan. But if you want some DSLR or something, I doubt it matters where you purchase it.

 

[uhohs]

the camera would probably be cheaper here, get one from a hot deals site/forum. heh.

 

[GrantMeThePower]

Originally posted by: isekii
I think it depends on what type of digicam you want.

If you want something super compact, I'd probably say purchase one over in Japan. But if you want some DSLR or something, I doubt it matters where you purchase it.

Good point, i should have specified. I already have a Dslr (rebel) so i'm looking for an ultracompact as a handy one.

 

[Azndude2190]

LOL

...bangkok

 

[MajorMullet]

Japan has a much larger selection of compact cameras, so you may want to wait until you get there, though you can get electronics cheaper here through Dell or Amazon deals.

Japan uses the same wall plugs that we do here in the US, so you should be good on that. I'm not sure about Bangkok.

 

[GrantMeThePower]

I tried looking up nikon.co.jp, fujifilm.co.jp and sony.co.jp and i didn't see any cameras listed that aren't sold here too. What happened to all the talk of them being a year ahead of us in electronics?

Also- does anyone know for sure about Thailand plugs and stuff?

Thanks!

 

[Koing]

I was in Tokyo last year. Lots of fun.

I don't know about the states but they were cheaper compared to UK £ prices.

You will notice a lot less fat people about.

Koing

 

[kmrivers]

1. Small digicams are more expensive in Japan, at least in Kyoto. You may be able to find a good deal though. Maybe look for a Yodobashi camera. There was one in Osaka, i am not sure about Tokyo.


2. Japan uses the same plugs. Although, if you have devices with a ground you may be screwed unless you get a power strip while there.

Thailand seems to use some other plug type. http://www.international-electrical-supplies.com/thailand-plug-adapters.html


That site has some adapters. I will dig a bit further. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_plugs that may be of some assistance.

 

[zoiks]

I've been to Tokyo at least 10 times. You CAN get cameras cheaper there but you will NOT be covered under any warranty.
Go to www.kakaku.com and translate it into English using Google. You can check out the current prices at Akihabara for the latest cameras on this site.
Be sure to jot the name down of the store.

 

[GrantMeThePower]

Thanks so much guys!! Thanks especially for the links kmrivers and zoiks

 

[Ranger X]

Originally posted by: Koing
You will notice a lot less fat people about.

That goes without saying. If you order food in Japan, you'll know why people are so skinny there. The portions you get are maybe less than half the portions you get in the States and people do a lot of walking there.

In the States, people drive everywhere, pork up, and blame the ones providing the food for their obesity.

EDIT: BTW I wasn't too impressed with Bangkok. It's way too touristy and the souvenirs are overpriced because of all the stupid westerners overpaying for them. They automatically think, "Wow, this is cheap compared to where I'm from. I won't even bother bargaining and just buy it at full price!"

 

[andylawcc]

Originally posted by: GrantMeThePower

Also- does anyone know for sure about Thailand plugs and stuff?

Thanks!

yes, thailand definitely has a different kind of plug. you can either rely on the hotel where you stay to provide you with one (either they have US plug pre-installed in each room or lend you an adaptor), or get yourself one here in the States. Again, you will need both a voltage converter AND a plug adaptor. (For your laptop, however, you will not need a convertor since the charger doesn't care what voltage it is). Confusing enough?

 

[theGlove]

if you play your cards right, you won't have time for digi cam touristy picture taking....