Good points, Wayne. Can 3rd party batteries not be charged in the Canon charger? Since the Canon charger outputs a constant DC voltage, it's pretty stable (AC to DC conversion is a great way to smooth out power, the UPS units that deliver stable power to some of my instruments do so by converting that power - usually 220V 30A - to DC, then back to AC).


But having a surge suppressor is definitely a great idea - I think the battery would actually be ok, but preserved at the expense of the charger in the event of a surge, meaning no more recharges if it gets fried by a surge - and a very sad traveller!


In my pre-Canon days, I've taken chargers for Li-ion batteries (for cameras, camcorders, and laptops) to some places where the power was very unreliable - Belize, where the whole country would sometimes lose power for hours, remote areas of Guatemala, Tanzania, and Rwanda where power was from generators for a couple of hours a day only, and power was more reliable that potable water...but I never had an issue with the electronics on the trips.


Still, better safe than sorry - so I think I'll be taking a surge suppressor on my next overseas trip, as you suggest - thanks!


--John