Its a silly q, but can you safely charge a camera in bonaire? Surprisingly I can't seem to find a distinct answer - some sites say its no big deal, some sites say you dont even need a converter, others suggest a transformer (though in some cases I think the author has things confused). I hear that pretty much everything fluctuates at 117 and 50hz... basically, what should I bring to play it safe?

Power is generally 127/50. Plugs are US style.
So best suggestion is to ask if the dive shop or hotel has a place to charge your camera batteries that is safer. This usually involves a transformer to bring the voltage down to about 107-110 which is much less likely to burn out your battery charger.

Check your charger, many now are rated for 50/60 hz and 110-220VAC. It should be listed somewhere on it. If it is, then you don't have a problem. I used my Olympus charger in March and had no problems.

Thanks! Olympus C5050z for those wondering. Wish I had a direct ph # to captain don's. Maduro isn't much help.

We've used the chargers at Captain Don's for both our Sony and our Olympus C5050z, no problems. It doesn't hurt to be careful though - we'd always unplug the chargers when we were done with them.

If you need Don's number:

type www.google.com
enter bonaire captain Don and you get:
http://www.habitatdiveresorts.com/bonaire/
There you will find yr numbers

I recharge my camera batteries at the Photo Shop at Capt. Don's. I also found out from Michael at Chat n Browse that my laptop could be plugged in for DVD viewing (kids!) in my cottage. Something about 50/60 hz and 110-220VAC (as Hermann said above) and I didn't have any problems.
Direct line to Capt. Don's front desk -
011 599 717 8280
or fax - 011 599 717 8240

I've charged sony still and camcorder, AA charger, plugged in my laptop and used a power module for Diskman all on Bonaire and never had a problem with any of them. They're all 50/60 hz and 110-220VAC, so I guess that must be the ticket

cheeseit (sans mullet)

I charge my camera and laptop at Buddy Dive but I would always suggest bringing along a good surge protector.

I took my Olympus NiMh batteries and the 4-pack Olympus wall charger with me and had no problems at all. The Oly charger is rated 50/60Hz, 110-220V. Plugged into the wall socket at Sand$ without damage to charger or batteries.

Enjoy your trip !

Craig

Yup checked, both laptop and oly are 50/60, 100-240 looks like I'm good to go. 6 days to takeoff and counting!

Cosimo,
Oh I'm jealous....say hi to Jenny, Chris, Jonathan, Sherman and Netto (Dive Masters) and Max (at the bar) from Linda (Megan's Mom) in Colorado. Look for our Aspen Diver's shirt hanging in the bar area. Have a great time!

Lee, you need the proper surge protector.

51 hours to takeoff.. All packed. Need a second set of nimh bats, but other than that I'm am r-e-a-d-y to get the !#@!#@!@ out of chicago. First vacation in 13 months!