The first time visiting a foreign country is always quite puzzling. Between the unfamiliar currency and the electrical outlet converters, the foreign customs and the jet lag leaving you in a fog, the first day in a foreign country can leave you quite in a daze.

Before I left for Europe I was told I needed an electrical “converter” and an “adapter.” So off to Menards I went in search of these items. Well, of course there were a million to choose from! I bought what I though would work and off to France I went.

When I arrived at my first hotel in Avignon, France, I was totally clueless about all things electrical. It was a very modern hotel and this didn’t help any. Who knew you had to put your key card in the slot by the door and leave it there for the lights to work!

The converter and adapter worked for my curling iron (though it got pretty darn hot!), but not for my computer and other electronic devices. I was saved by the very nice, English-speaking hotel desk clerk. She set me up with what was needed to get things plugged in.

I’m finding things fairly similar here in French Polynesia. The key card went into the slot by the door for the lights. I have successfully remembered to take it with me each time I leave the room.  My computer needed a converter, but my phone charger and curling iron did not. The money here is harder to figure out – 1 USD = 80 Pacific Franks. A little harder to do the math!