user8791: I acquired a HC-06 Bluetooth module, and understand that the voltage on the pins must be 3v3 and therefore requires the use of a voltage divider to lower the Arduino's 5v to 3v3 like this.

But the page where I purchased the product says the following:

interface level 3.3V, you can directly connect a variety of SCM (51, AVR, PIC, ARM, MSP430, etc.), 5V microcontroller can also be directly  connected, it can not pass without MAX232 MAX232!

Does this mean I can connect without using a voltage divider?
What does "it can not pass without MAX232 MAX232!" mean?

user2881: Some chips that run on 3.3v have 5v tolerant inputs. But it doesn't look like the BC417 does (looking at the datasheet). 
So just add the voltage divider.

user8808: About the MAX232, I have a Dwengo (similar to Arduino) and to use the HC06 I have to disconnect the serial port(=RS232) else I short circuit my HC06.
After some googling, MAX232 is simply the name of that chip which is required to convert your TX/RX from your bluetooth module to something usable by Arduino.
Source: http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/MAX232

8791: <p>I acquired a HC-06 Bluetooth module, and understand that the voltage on the pins must be 3v3 and therefore requires the use of a voltage divider to lower the Arduino's 5v to 3v3 <a href="http://cdn.instructables.com/FFM/2LM8/HHS9W6IV/FFM2LM8HHS9W6IV.LARGE.jpg" rel="nofollow noreferrer">like this.</a></p>

<p><a href="https://i.stack.imgur.com/OnBrt.jpg" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.stack.imgur.com/OnBrt.jpg" alt="wiring diagram with 3V3 pullups"></a></p>

<p>But the page where I purchased the product says the following:</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>interface level 3.3V, you can directly connect a variety of SCM (51, AVR, PIC, ARM, MSP430, etc.), 5V microcontroller can also be directly  connected, it can not pass without MAX232 MAX232!</p>
</blockquote>

<p>Does this mean I can connect without using a voltage divider?</p>

<p>What does "it can not pass without MAX232 MAX232!" mean?</p>
 2881: <p>Some chips that run on 3.3v have 5v tolerant inputs. But it doesn't look like the BC417 does (looking at the datasheet). </p>

<p>So just add the voltage divider.</p>
 8808: <p>About the MAX232, I have a Dwengo (similar to Arduino) and to use the HC06 I have to disconnect the serial port(=RS232) else I short circuit my HC06.</p>

<p>After some googling, MAX232 is simply the name of that chip which is required to convert your TX/RX from your bluetooth module to something usable by Arduino.</p>

<p>Source: <a href="http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/MAX232" rel="nofollow">http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/MAX232</a></p>
